Bus and train services are about to be cut next week to cope with reduced demand and manage potential staff shortages from the coronavirus outbreak.

Michael Matheson, Transport Secretary, said bus and rail operators are considering revised timetables which will be introduced soon.

First Glasgow, the city's biggest bus operator said new reduced timetables would be coming in from Monday which would be a school holiday service, trying to cover the peak periods and for essential journeys.

Mr Matheson told a Holyrood committee that already there had been a reduction in passengers across the transport network.

More people are working from home, where they can, which is leading to fewer people on buses and trains and many bars restaurants and leisure facilities have closed meaning fewer people travelling.

He said rail passengers were down 30% since Monday and bus firms has reported a 20% drop in passengers using the free bus pass as over people and those with health conditions are told to stay indoors.

Mr Matheson, said: “Measures are having an immediate and direct impact on the transport sector.

He added: “A reduced level of service is being planned by ScotRail.”

On buses he said: “Bus operators are considering timetable changes to manage resilience.

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director for First Bus in Scotland, said: “We recognise the importance buses play in our customers' lives, not least in making sure that those who need to make essential journeys, like health service and emergency workers, can continue to do so. This is a dynamic and fast-moving situation. We are working with Government, local authorities and partners to reassess demand for our services in the light of the latest advice.

"Whilst doing our utmost to maintain services for our customers, we do expect to have to make further changes to our timetables as the situation evolves. We will publish these timetables on our website in the first instance and we would encourage customers to keep a close eye on our website for the very latest information.”

A scotRail spokesman said: “The latest government advice is naturally having an impact on ScotRail, including passenger numbers and how many staff we have available.

“At this stage rail services are operating as normal. We are looking at contingencies and we’ll keep customers updated.”