THE two mainline train operators in Wiltshire have both urged commuters not to travel by rail unless “absolutely necessary” next Saturday and Sunday (October 1 and 2) due to the planned RMT and TSSA industrial action.
Staff at Network Rail and members of the RMT and the TSSA unions are set to take strike action on Saturday, causing severe disruption.
Great Western Railway and South Western Railway both say customers should expect severe disruption on the network and, if they must travel on either of those days, should seek to do so by other means.
GWR said: “Trade unions have announced industrial action at a number of train companies, including GWR, and Network Rail on Saturday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 5.
“On strike days an extremely limited service will operate between 07:30 and 18:30, and the last trains will leave much earlier.
“Where we are able to run services, they are expected to be extremely busy and we are not able to provide bus replacement services. Online journey planners will be updated with the latest timetable information as soon as possible.
“Passengers are advised to find alternative ways to travel on these days. Only travel by train if absolutely necessary. The majority of train services will not operate and there will be no services on many routes.
“Customers who have already purchased tickets for strike days can claim a full refund or amend their ticket; those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more. Season ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.”
SWR’s Performance and Planning Director, Steve Tyler, said: “I’m sorry that due to strike action we must urge our customers to only travel if absolutely necessary on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2. Those needing to travel should seek to do so by other means.
“Large parts of our network will be closed on the strike day and there will be a late start up on the morning after. Those who must travel are urged to carefully check the times of first and last trains and avoid them if possible as they are likely to be very busy.
“We are grateful to our customers for their continued cooperation, patience, and understanding as the rail industry works to bring this damaging nationwide strike action to an end.”
Customers are urged to check the SWR website for latest information here and for GWR services here.
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