GWR warning of further strike disruption

Thursday, 17 November 2022 00:00

Another round of rail strikes will affect services on Saturday 19, Monday 21, and Saturday 26 November.

The good news for passengers through Salisbury is that these strikes are not affected by South Western Railway services through the station. There will also be some GWR services running on two of the strike days.

GWR will operate as many trains as possible. The following travel advice is in place:

Saturday 19 November

A limited service will operate on parts of the GWR network. In the affected area, services will start at 07:30, and all journeys must be completed before 18:30.

Cardiff and Portsmouth Harbour: after 18:30, trains run between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour

Trains that are operating will be extremely busy. If you are intending to travel on these routes, please check your journey before travelling.

Rugby fans attending the Wales-Georgia Autumn International at the Principality Stadium looking to return towards Bristol and London are advised to do so immediately after the match ends to ensure journeys east towards England.

Sunday 20 November

Trains will continue to be disrupted. There will be a reduced level of service throughout the day, a later start to services in the morning, and some late-night services may be cancelled.

Trains that are operating will be extremely busy. Please check before you travel.

Monday 21 November

A limited service will operate on most parts of the GWR network. In the affected area, services will start at 07:30, and all journeys must be completed before 18:30.

Cardiff and Portsmouth Harbour: after 18:30, trains run between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour

Tuesday 22 November

Trains will start later than usual, with some morning services cancelled. We aim to return to a full timetable as soon as possible, but some short-notice alterations and cancellations may occur. Please check before you travel.

Saturday 26 November

No GWR services will run through Salisbury. South Western Railway services will operate as normal, but you are advised to check before you travel.

GWR state that their Refund and Book with Confidence policies will remain in place. If you hold a return ticket, you can claim a refund of your unused full fare, even if only one leg of your journey is affected.

Unions taking action:

Network Rail staff belonging to the RMT trades union at the Thames Valley Signal Centre (TVSC) have announced their intention to take industrial action on Saturday 19 and Monday 21 November.

The national dispute over pay with a number of unions continue, with the Aslef union announcing further strike action for Saturday 26 November, at a number of train companies, including GWR.