Get ready for more frustration as strike action disrupts Great Western Railway (GWR) services this week.
The industrial action by Aslef train drivers will result in two days with limited timetables running from Swindon to London or the West, Wednesday, May 31st, and Saturday, 3rd.
The RMT Union has also announced strike action that will affect services on Friday 2 June.
In addition, there will be further disruption on Thursday 1st June due to industrial action short of a strike; this action short of strike is likely to cause some short-notice alterations or cancellations.
Thursday may not witness an actual strike, but last-minute cancellations and timetable alterations are a possibility. On Friday, RMT union members will participate in the strike, leading to a limited timetable for GWR. The company advises passengers to avoid train travel if possible.
GWR’s services on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, will be ‘extremely limited’ and available only between 7:30 am and 6:30 pm.
The strikes coincide with many people’s half-term holidays, and the FA Cup. The Rail Delivery Group, which represents all private train companies, criticised the strikes. A spokesperson said: “The upcoming rail strikes called by the Aslef and RMT leadership will not only affect our passengers’ daily commute, but will also impact those travelling from to the FA Cup final and other events across the country, causing disappointment and frustration for tens of thousands of people.
“It will also inconvenience families who have been looking forward to and have planned their half-term holidays. It will also further burden our people who have already lost thousands of pounds at a time of financial strain.”
For up-to-date information on the strikes visit GWR.
How Great Western Railway Services will be affected by the strikes
| Tuesday 30 May | Non-strike day Normal level of service; some changes to last trains. Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled. |
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| Wednesday 31 May | Strike day Extremely limited service with services starting later and finishing earlier. Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled. |
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| Thursday 1 June | Non-strike day Normal level of service; some changes to last trains. Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled. |
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| Friday 2 June | Strike day Extremely limited service with services starting later and finishing earlier. Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled. |
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| Saturday 3 June | Strike day Extremely limited service with services starting later and finishing earlier. |
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| Sunday 4 June | Non-strike day Normal level of service; some short-notice changes and cancellations expected Night Riviera Sleeper service resumes |
