Rail bosses are warning the public that there will be more setbacks to services as industrial action takes place on 18 and 20 August.
The South
Network Rail says the rail industry in the South is working hard to keep a limited number of trains running despite strike action, but passengers are being warned that some parts of the region will have no rail services at all.
It adds “hundreds of specially-trained and fully qualified back-up staff will again step in during the walkout to keep vital services running for those who need them in the south.”
Network Rail Southern region managing director John Halsall said: “I’m so sorry for our passengers, who just want to catch a train to work, to the beach or to see their families and friends. Like them, I hope we can reach a resolution on this dispute. I want our people to get a pay rise but it needs to be affordable and funded internally from reform and changes to working practices, rather than demanding more from fare payers or taxpayers.
“There are very few trains running on strike days, with very late starts and early finishes so I would advise people to avoid travelling if they can. If the only people who travel are those who absolutely have to, it means our contingency staff can focus their efforts on keeping them moving.
“We’re really worried about seeing people stranded in London in particular, as last trains to places on the coasts will be very early indeed – some even before 5pm. So you can help us by planning ahead and checking your trains, but please only venture out if you absolutely have to.
“Thank you to everyone, this has been so difficult for you and I can only apologise on behalf of everyone on the railway. Thank you for your patience and to our contingency staff for what they’re about to do for us and passengers this week.”
Repeated coordinated strike action by the RMT and TSSA unions will create severe disruption for passengers with only about a fifth of services running on around just half of the network across the country on Thursday 18 and Saturday 20 August. Passengers are asked to only travel by train if it is absolutely necessary, allow extra time and check when their last train will depart.
Passengers are also advised that there is likely to be some disruption in the early morning of the day after each strike – Friday 19 August and Sunday 21 August – as workers return to duties.
There will also be disruption on Friday 19 August owing to a strike on London Underground and Overground trains, along with some London buses on both 19 and 20 August.
The 24-hour walkouts will affect all operators in the region: South Western Railway, Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink, London Overground, Cross Country and Great Western Railway.
Steve Montgomery, Chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “The leadership of RMT and TSSA are imposing yet more uncertainty for passengers and businesses by disrupting passengers’ travel plans.
“While we will do all that we can to minimise the impact and to get people where they need to be, passengers should only travel by rail if absolutely necessary and be aware that services may start later the morning after strikes. If you’re not able to travel on 18 or 20 August, you can use your ticket either the day before or up to and including 23 August, otherwise you will be able to change your ticket or claim a refund.
“The railway is too important to this country to allow it to decline, but with passenger revenue still 20% below 2019 levels, securing a bright future means we have to change and move with the times. Only then can we fund the pay rise we want to give our people, while delivering the more reliable Sunday services and improved punctuality our passengers deserve.”
Eastern
Rail passengers travelling on the East Coast Main Line should plan ahead and only travel by train if it’s absolutely necessary this Thursday (18 Aug) and Saturday (20 Aug). With rail unions calling national industrial action, train services will be limited and only run between 07:30 and 18:30.
It says trained staff will keep vital services running for those who need them. But with less than half of usual services planned to run between London and Edinburgh via Peterborough, York and Newcastle, passengers are asked to only travel by train if they must.
Trains are set to start later and finish much earlier than usual, between 7:30 and 18.30, with the last long distance services leaving in the early afternoon. Those who really need to travel should allow extra time and check their last train times.
Sarah Reid, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast Route said: “Passengers travelling on the East Coast Main Line will again face a limited train service due to the ongoing industrial action on Thursday and Saturday.
“I’d urge those who absolutely need to travel by train to plan ahead, check their journey and expect severe disruption. I can only apologise for the impact that this will have on people’s plans.”
Passengers should also expect disruption on the morning of Friday 19 August and Sunday 21 August with a later start to services as railway workers return to their duties.
