Southeastern to run “extremely limited” service on 8 April

Southeastern has warned that, due to strike action by the ASLEF union, it will be providing an “extremely limited service” on Monday 8 April. As a result, it is advising customers not to travel that day.

In addition, strikes on neighbouring operators and the London Underground mean that travel in and around London will be extremely difficult.

Trains that are running are expected to be very busy, there will be long queues outside stations, and services will be starting later and finishing much earlier than usual.

Southeastern services will run on the following lines only:

Dartford to London via Bexleyheath.
Dartford to London via Sidcup.
Highspeed between Ashford International and London St Pancras International.
Between Orpington and Charing Cross.

All other lines will be closed, and no replacement bus services will be provided. Online journey planners are up to date with detailed travel information.

Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s Operations & Safety Director, said: “We are only able to run an extremely limited service during this ASLEF strike action and our advice to customers is do not travel.

“There is likely to be long queues at the small number of stations that are open, which will lead to extended journey times for those who are travelling. In addition, services that are running will start later in the morning and finish much earlier in the evening.

“There is also strike action taking place across other operators, and on London Underground, so anyone who absolutely must travel should check their entire journey well in advance.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience that this strike action will cause but we will be running a full service on all other days.”

For more information, including guidance and advice on refunds and compensation customers can check Southeasternrailway.co.uk/strike-action. 

Strike action will be taking place at other operators on the following dates:

• Friday 5 April – Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, East Midlands Railway and West Midland Trains.
• Saturday 6 April – Chiltern, GWR, LNER and Northern Trains.
• Monday 8 April – c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern/Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway (SWR) main line/depot drivers and SWR Island line.
• ASLEF also announced an overtime ban from Thursday 4 April to Saturday 6 April, and from Monday 8 April to Tuesday 9 April.

Southeastern expects to run their full service during this time, except for Monday 8 April, which is the strike day on their part of the network.

Strike action by ASLEF on the London Underground is scheduled to take place on Monday 8 April and Saturday 4 May.

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