- Sunday, May 19, 2024
On strike days, most operators will suspend train operations, affecting some cross-border services to Wales and Scotland later in the week, said one report.
By: Twinkle Roy
RAILWAY commuters in south-east England, including those who are travelling in and out of London, were set to experience major travel disruption on Tuesday (7) as train drivers began a three-days rolling strike at national rail operators.
According to a report by The Guardian, as part of an ongoing pay dispute, drivers affiliated with the Aslef union are staging 24-hour strikes at each English operator from Tuesday to Thursday (9). Simultaneously, they are observing a week-long nationwide overtime ban initiated on Monday (6).
Rail travelers were urged to verify their travel plans in advance, as the overtime ban is resulting in added disruptions and reduced schedules in several areas across the country, where operators rely on voluntary shifts to maintain certain services. On strike days, most operators will suspend train operations, affecting some cross-border services to Wales and Scotland later in the week, the report added.
Read: Tata Steel ‘disappointed’ as its UK plant workers vote for strike action
Tuesday’s strike will predominantly impact commuters traveling into the capital since it will result in the suspension of all services on c2c, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express. Only a few trains will operate on select routes managed by Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, and South Western.
Train operators have advised people to avoid traveling unless it is absolutely essential. BusinessLDN, which represents firms in the capital, said the impact of the strikes would be “felt even more acutely by many owing to a shorter working week” after the Monday bank holiday, The Guardian report added.
Read: UK rail services hit as train drivers go on strike
Wednesday’s action is expected to disrupt many long-distance train services, affecting routes extending to Wales and Scotland, as well as services in the Midlands. Drivers will strike for a day at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, and West Midlands Trains.
With the exception of Great Western Railway (GWR), none of these operators intend to operate any trains, and GWR will only run an extremely limited service. Additionally, drivers will strike at Heathrow Express, resulting in a reduction of its schedule by half, although Elizabeth line trains to the airport will remain operational.
Thursday will see significant disruptions in the north, with no trains running on Northern or TransPennine Express services. LNER, which operates routes between London, the north-east of England, and Scotland, will operate a limited service.
