More trains, more seats pledge for London Euston services as more Covid restrictions are relaxed

London Northwestern Railway is promising more seats and more trains to and from London Euston as part of its latest timetable uplift later this month.

The operator, which runs commuter services from Northampton, Milton Keynes and Hertfordshire, is introducing dozens of new and longer services to meet increased demand as Covid-19 restrictions are expected to be relaxed from May 17.

But it admits that even with the extra capacity, social not always be realistic on the busiest services.

Among the changes will be a 50 per cent increase in capacity for more than 30 services on the West Coast Main Line, which will have 12 carriages instead of eight.

Commuters from Northampton will have a choice of ten trains arriving in the capital between 6.25am and 9am.

Another seven services will start from Milton Keynes, Bletchley and Tring all calling at Leighton Buzzard, Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead.

LNR customer experience director, Lawrence Bowman, said: “Our new timetable has been specifically designed to step up capacity on the services and routes which need it most as more restrictions lift.

“We look forward to welcoming our customers back to the railway but we must be realistic that even with this extra capacity, social distancing will not be possible on the busiest services.

“This is why it is important for passengers to plan ahead and travel at quieter times if they can to help maximise the space available.”

Timetables are available to view on www.lnr.uk/timetables now.

Rail services were cut back nationwide as demand plummeted during the various lockdowns with thousands working from home instead of commuting.

Government advice to continue working from home is likely to remain in place once the next raft of rule changes come in later this month.

PM Boris Johnson is looking to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family from May 17.

Most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted — although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal — the Rule of Six will apply indoors.

Pubs and restaurants will be able serve meals and drinks indoors, cinemas and children's play areas will also open for the first time since last year.