Due to the spread of Omicron and a rise in coronavirus cases, South Western Railway (SWR) has introduced a new temporary timetable.

With staff shortages across SWR also leading to short-notice cancellations, a reduced service will aim to meet the current demand and cater to key workers, students and those who cannot work from home.

This could affect services to and from Dorchester as the Waterloo to Weymouth services will split at Bournemouth.

SWR will continue to monitor its services and the timetable changes will remain under review.

Claire Mann, SWR's managing director, said: "The spread of the Omicron variant has had a significant impact on our railway, with fewer people using the train and staff shortages impacting on our ability to consistently deliver the current timetable.

"Having assessed demand and spoken to our industry colleagues, we believe this new timetable is the most effective means of ensuring our customers receive a reliable service, with short-notice cancellations minimised.

"Journey planners will be updated on a week-by-week basis, with updates taking place towards the end of each week. Customers should check their journey as close to their time of travel as possible."

Customers are advised to check before they travel at southwesternrailway.com

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