New contracts have been given to train operators at Great Western Railway and Southeastern. 

Department for Transport said it will help those who still need to travel and give certainty for staff.

GWR, owned by FirstGroup, has been given a three-year deal.

And Southeastern, owned by Govia, has been awarded a new two-year contract.

DoT said the new contracts will lead to increased capacity at peak times, additional frontline staff and more trials of fare innovations.

Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “These are unprecedented times and the rail network is central to our national resilience.

"The deals announced today guarantee vital services in the short term and tangible improvements in the long term.”

Southeastern and GWR’s existing agreements were due to end on Tuesday.