RAIL passengers are being urged to check their journeys as Great Western Railway timetable changes come into force this Sunday.

The summer timetable starts on May 18 with seasonal changes are being made to reflect the increase in leisure journeys over summer and includes increasing services for connections to Gatwick to support international travel to and from the UK.

Mark Hopwood, GWR Managing Director, said: ‘These changes form the first part of GWR’s long-held ambition to better match train timetables with flight arrivals and departures.

'There will be two additional weekday services at 2059 and 2201 from Gatwick to Reading, helping to provide more direct trains for later evening flights.’

A third service, the 2022 train from Reading to Shalford, is also extended to Gatwick Airport.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick, added: ‘As we continue to grow as an airport, it is pivotal that we continue to work with partners such as Great Western Railway to invest in boosting sustainable transport options for our passengers and local communities.

‘GWR’s additional later services to Reading will further support an already vital service, providing even better connectivity and sustainable options for passengers and staff travelling to and from London Gatwick.’

With a significant remodelling of CrossCountry train’s timetable, there will also be some changes to GWR’s service between Cardiff and Penzance. GWR will operate Penzance to Exeter direct and Exeter to Cardiff (Taunton to Cardiff on Sundays).

CrossCountry maintains direct services to Taunton, Bristol and beyond.