A RAIL operator that runs many services in and out of Reading’s railway station is warning that services will still be disrupted this weekend despite the RMT union calling off the strikes.
Earlier today, it was announced that the union will no longer strike on Saturday, November 5, Monday, November 7, and Wednesday, November 9.
But it is too late for the Great Western Railway to adjust its planned timetables for the next few days, so the advice remains to only travel is absolutely necessary on Saturday and Monday.
Train services will be severely disrupted and some parts of the GWR network will have no service at all. Where trains are running, an extremely limited service will operate, starting from 7.30am, and all journeys having to be completed before 6.30pm, with last trains departing before this time.
This affects rugby fans attending tomorrow’s Wales vs New Zealand Autumn International in Cardiff, as there are no scheduled services after the match.
GWR says where trains are able to run, they are expected to be extremely busy and the firm is not able to provide bus replacement services.
Online journey planners will be updated with the latest timetable information as soon as possible.
A reduced timetable will be in operation, and it hoped that a more normal service can be resumed on Wednesday.
GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “It is positive that talks with the RMT trade union appear to be showing some progress and we’re hopeful that today’s news brings us a step closer to finding a resolution to this long-running dispute.
“Unfortunately, with less than 12 hours’ notice before the strike was due to start, it is too late to restore normal timetables and spare customers from disruption tomorrow and the early part of next week.
“Our advice remains to only travel by rail if necessary.”
GWR says customers who have already purchased tickets for tomorrow, Monday or Wednesday 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.
To help customers, tickets will be valid for travel on alternative days as follows:
Tickets for travel on 5 November are valid for travel on 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 November
Tickets for travel on 6 November are valid for travel on 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 November
Tickets for travel on 7 November are valid for travel on 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 November
Tickets for travel on 9 November are valid for travel on 8, 9, 10 and 11 November
For further travel advice, visit: www.GWR.com/strike
