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Train timetables could be slashed and weekend timetables introduced for every day as coronavirus fears force passengers off public transport

Public transport services are struggling to deal with the effects of coronavirus
Most Australians are either working from home or avoiding public transport
Melbourne Metro trains reported a decline in usage by about 90 per cent

Public transport services may be forced to run on weekend timetables as they struggle to cope with a decline in passengers due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

With the majority of Australians working from home, usually busy bus, tram and train stations in major cities have been left deserted during peak commuter hours.

In Victoria, the state government is considering slashing the number of services for Melbourne Metro Trains which has seen a decline in usage by about 90 per cent.

Meanwhile in NSW, transport bosses said there have been declines and shifts in travel patterns across all modes of transport.

From March 25, a decline of 65 to 70 per cent has been seen across all modes of transport in the past four weeks.   

'We were expecting this and it is something we have been planning for. It has been great to see the public taking a common sense approach and only using the network for essential travel,' Transport for NSW Secretary Rodd Staples said.

'Transport for NSW remains committed to providing a safe service that essential travellers can rely on in the coming weeks and months, and we are not making any moves to reduce these services at this time.

'We have ramped up our cleaning regime so our network can remain safe for all customers and staff.'