COMMUTERS have hit out at train line bosses for cutting services and forcing key workers into “dangerously crowded trains”.

Greater Anglia announced a temporary reduction in train services in response to the pandemic - and workers say it’s not good enough.

Commuter Bob Cox, 41, of Southchurch, said it has become impossible to socially distance.

He said: “In the last few weeks the trains are packed and much shorter too.

“It seems they have changed the timetable and also made the trains dangerously over capacity.

“It’s one thing to make changes, but this is not the way to go. It’s now almost like it was pre pandemic and we’re being wedged into cattle class.

“We’re still paying our fees and charges and I can’t see prices being cut or changed, but we’re feeling so unsafe.

“As trains are so reduced, the social distancing has become almost impossible due to the lack of space. On some trains there’s barely a free seat, no one can even hope to social distance, it’s a disgrace.”

It comes after similar issues on the c2c train line and bosses said services were cut due to “lack of demand”. After pressure from commuters, MPs and councillors the firm made a U-turn.

A spokesman for Greater Anglia said: “Greater Anglia is asking rail passengers to check before they travel as the train company is temporarily reducing its timetable.

“The company will continue to run services so that essential travellers can still get to work or medical appointments – with about 72 per cent of usual services still running.

“The move is in response to lower passenger numbers due to Covid-19 restrictions and has been taken in consultation with the Government, which is currently funding the railway.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “Government advice at the moment is to stay at home and to only travel for essential reasons, such as work, medical appointments and other legally permissible reasons.

“Our passenger numbers are significantly lower, so it makes sense to reduce the number of services that we run.”

A Greater Anglia spokesman added: “We are doing all we can to ensure people can travel safely with us during the pandemic.

“We are monitoring all our services every day. As a result of this monitoring, we have made some changes to our timetable – adding extra carriages to some trains and an additional evening service on the Southend Victoria line.

“Customers should use the full length of the train and the platform to allow adequate space for social distancing. We welcome any feedback about our services and encourage customers to contact us direct.

“We are currently seeing between 10-15 per cent of customers travelling with us, compared to pre-Covid levels. Government advice at the moment is to stay at home and to only travel for essential reasons such as work, medical appointments and other legally permissible reasons.”