Returning commuters are set for a boost with Chiltern Railways putting on an extra 2,200 seats every week by lengthening key services.

In recent weeks customer numbers have risen as more commuters return to the office, which has resulted in some key peak time trains becoming busier - especially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

As of October 18, Chiltern Railways is trying to address the extra pressure by adding an extra 247 seats in the Tuesday-Friday morning peak, 548 additional seats each weekday, and in total an additional 2,192 seats every week.

Eleni Jordan, director of commercial and customer strategy at Chiltern Railways, said: “Our very detailed monitoring of customer numbers means that we can lay on more capacity where it matters most.

“We know how important space onboard is for customers returning to the railway, and this enhancement to the peak time service is all about giving our customers the best journey experience possible.

“We will continue to assess where we can optimise the timetable further to support the return of customers to the railway, and play our part in supporting the economic recovery of the communities that we are proud to serve.”

The following changes to train lengths have now been introduced:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday changes

• The 1440 Marylebone - Oxford service is lengthened to a 4-car service (was 3-car)

• The 1815 Marylebone - Kidderminster service is lengthened to a 4-car service (was 3-car)

• The 2233 Marylebone - Birmingham Moor Street service is lengthened to 5-car (was 2-car)

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday changes

• The 0610 Birmingham Moor street - London Marylebone service is lengthened to a 6-car service (was 3-car)

• The 0641 Stourbridge Junction - Marylebone service is lengthened to a 4-car service (was 3)

• The 1255 Birmingham Moor Street - Marylebone service is lengthened to a 4-car service (was 3)

• The 0814 Marylebone - Oxford service is lengthened to a 6-car service (was 3-car)

• The 0938 Oxford - Marylebone service is lengthened to a 6-car service (was 3-car)

• The 1010 Marylebone - Birmingham Moor Street service is lengthened to a 4-car service (was 3)