AS the country continues to manage the coronavirus outbreak, many public transport services are set to change.

At present, there are no restrictions in place, however the Government is asking the general public to reduce this where possible.

Train users are advised to check before travelling, as some Northern and other operator’s services may be cancelled or amended.

The sale of tickets on board trains has been suspended, and customers should buy before travelling from stations, ticket machines, online via northernrailway.co.uk or through the mobile app.

In an email distributed to customers, Northern said: “During this difficult time, we’re committed to supporting all our customers and ensuring that if they do need to make that essential journey, it is as safe as it can possibly be.

“There are no restrictions on rail travel, although the Government is advising that, if possible, you should avoid non-essential public transport use, try to avoid rush hour, vary your usual travel times to prevent crowding and, if possible, work from home.

“We have a robust plan in place for cleaning our trains, including the removal of litter throughout the day and ensuring all surfaces are cleaned on a regular basis.

“On-board our trains and at stations, where facilities exist, there is soap and water available in our toilets for customers to follow NHS advice to wash their hands for 20 seconds.

“We will continue to do all we can and hope you will also continue to play your part when travelling on Northern services.”

On buses, emergency timetables will be introduced on many Arriva North West services from Monday.

Details still being finalised, but will be made available soon here.

An Arriva spokesman said: “We will still be operating our key routes to ensure customers can continue to access critical services, and we are continuing to tailor our service changes in line with ongoing advice from the government and public health bodies.

“For now, the current government advice is that people can continue to use buses and other forms of public transport as they go about their lives.

“The health and wellbeing of our customers and employees remains our primary concern.

“We already have extensive cleaning regimes in place that maintain high levels of hygiene and we are enhancing them to concentrate on specific touch-points on both our vehicles and our premises.

“We will continue to engage with the advice from the government and public health bodies and introduce any additional measures that are recommended or required.”

Chesire West and Chester Council has lifted timing restrictions on travel for concessionary bus pass holders before 9.30am to support vulnerable members of the community in getting food and essential supplies during early morning protected shopping hours.

This change will also start from Monday and applies to bus travel only within the borough.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, said: “Running reduced services will help protect the welfare of front-line transport staff essential for day-to-day operations.

“It will mean that bus services continue to operate over a prolonged period with fewer workers, who like so many others are to be commended for putting the needs of the country first, and whose safety remains front of mind.

“These are not decisions taken lightly and reflect a decrease in passenger demand as people stop all unnecessary travel and decrease non-essential social contact in line with government advice to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“If you have to travel, please check the time of your bus before setting out, and where possible, please buy tickets online or use contactless payments to help stop the spread of the virus.

“Where this is not possible please wash your hands before and after travelling.”

Cheshire Cat services are said to be 'largely unchanged' and will mainly operate as normal.

Daily updates on D&G services can be found at dgbus.co.uk/covid19.html.