We have had an update from Network Rail regarding the planned rail strikes next week. Please see details below:
I’m writing to update you on the impact on services of further industrial action next week. We know it has been a complex picture over the past couple of weeks and hopefully this note and the information on our websites will help to clarify the situation for you and our passengers.
For next week, regrettably, train services will be significantly affected between Wednesday 31 May and Saturday 3 June inclusive. Your support in sharing this briefing will help ensure customers are planning ahead.
On Wednesday 31 May and Saturday 3 June due to strike action by ASLEF, there will be no train service in any location on the GTR network.
On Thursday 1 June, there is knock-on disruption from the strike action the previous day. This is because the Thameslink network in particular uses overnight train movements and drivers preparing trains for the morning service. As these shifts typically commence before midnight they will not take place due to the strike action. As a result there will be a late start to services on some routes, this will mean first trains are likely to be very busy. Customers are being advised to expect to need to queue and that it may not be possible to board their preferred service.
We have also been notified of a ban on overtime for Thursday 1 June. Similar to last week, to help customers plan journeys with fewer short notice alterations, an amended service with fewer services will then run. Customers travelling in peak hours are advised to allow additional time for journeys and are being encouraged to travel later than normal where possible, as this will result in fewer people being unable to board very busy high peak services and lead to a more comfortable journey.
On Friday 2 June due to strike action by the RMT, services will be limited across the network, with a later start, an early shut down and no service in some locations.
For the Epsom Derby on Friday and Saturday, customers are advised that there is no service in the Epsom area on either day. On the Friday, Epsom Downs services will terminate at Sutton. Tattenham Corner services will terminate at Coulsdon Town.
Similar to Thursday,with the impact of the day after strike on train movements, services will also be impacted until approximately 07:00 on Sunday 4 June.
Customers are being asked to plan journeys carefully at www.nationalrail.co.uk. For journeys on Thursday 1 June, journey planners are updated now. For journeys on Friday 2 June, journey planners are expected to be updated from Saturday 27 May. Alterations to early morning services on Sunday 4 June will be shown on Saturday 3 June.
We know next week will be difficult for our customers and are very sorry.