Rail passengers across the country are bracing themselves for another wave of travel disruption as strikes loom large in the ongoing disputes over pay between train operators and the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT). With strikes scheduled for Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – the same day as the FA Cup final at Wembley – it’s crucial for commuters and travelers alike to understand how these strikes will affect their chosen train operator. Here, we provide a breakdown of each operator’s plans for the strike days, helping you stay informed and make necessary adjustments to your travel arrangements.
- Avanti West Coast:
- Wednesday: No trains will be in service.
- Friday: The impact on routes is still being assessed. Please check for updates.
- Saturday: No trains will be running.
- c2c:
- Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: There will be no major impact, but all services will run to/from London Fenchurch Street and will not call at London Liverpool Street or Stratford.
- Caledonian Sleeper:
- Wednesday and Friday: All Caledonian Sleeper services will operate as usual.
- Saturday: The Caledonian Sleeper does not operate on Saturday nights.
- Chiltern Railways:
- Wednesday: No trains will be running.
- Friday: A very limited service will be available, encouraging only essential travel.
- Saturday: No trains will be in operation. Services running on other days will be limited to one train per hour between London Marylebone and each of Banbury, Oxford, and Aylesbury via Amersham, from approximately 8 am to 10 pm.
- CrossCountry:
- Wednesday: No trains will be running.
- Friday: There will be a limited service.
- Saturday: No trains will be operating.
- East Midlands Railway (EMR):
- Wednesday: No trains will be in service.
- Friday: Expect a “significantly reduced” service.
- Saturday: No trains will be running. EMR services on other days will operate between 7:30 am and 6:30 pm.
- Elizabeth Line:
- Wednesday: The usual timetable will be followed.
- Friday: Before 7 am and after 7 pm, there will be no service between Maidenhead and Reading. From 11:30 pm, there will be no service between Brentwood and Shenfield due to strike action.
- Saturday: Trains will not stop between Paddington and Reading, or Greenford, Windsor, Marlow, and Henley branch services. A very limited service will operate between Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads, with non-stop service between Paddington and Reading. Elizabeth Line trains will operate as normal.
- Gatwick Express:
- Wednesday: No trains will be in operation.
- Friday: A limited service will be available. However, Gatwick Express services will not be running. Southern and Thameslink will serve Gatwick Airport.
- Saturday: No trains will be running.
- Grand Central:
- Wednesday: Strike action will not affect services, but there will be an amended timetable due to planned engineering works.
- Friday: Some services will be affected, and passengers are urged to check the updated timetable.
- Saturday: The usual timetable will be followed.
- Great Northern:
- Wednesday: No trains will be running.
- Friday: A limited service will be available.
- Saturday: No trains will be in operation.
The above information provides an overview of the plans and services for selected train operators during the strike period. However, please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and it is essential to consult the specific operator’s website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your intended journey.
Continued disruptions due to strikes can be frustrating for passengers, and it’s advisable to plan your travel accordingly, exploring alternative routes or modes of transportation if possible. Additionally, staying informed through official channels and checking for updates from the train operators will help you navigate the strike period more smoothly.
Remember, strike actions can impact services beyond the strike days, leading to residual delays and alterations. Stay patient, keep informed, and consider alternative travel arrangements if necessary.
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