Train strikes are taking place this weekend and are expected to impact services in Wales. Avanti West Coast workers that are members of RMT union are going on strike every Sunday until May 25.
This means that services will run at a reduced timetable on strike days. Customers are urged not to travel on these days if possible and they are able to claim a full refund.
With less services and shorter hours of operation, those trains that are running are expected to be busier. Avanti West Coast operates in north Wales, and the reduced services will mean the region will not be serviced by the train operator at all on strike days.
Kathryn O’Brien, Executive Director of Customer Experience at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re disappointed by the RMT calling strike action for an extended period when our customers may be working, visiting family and friends, or enjoying days out. As a result, they will face significantly disrupted journeys during this time. I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.
“On the strike days we’ll have a reduced service, so customers with tickets for those days are strongly advised to travel on alternative dates or claim a full fee-free refund. We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.”
Changes to services
According to Avanti West Coast, on Sunday 12 January, Avanti West Coast will run one train per hour between Euston and each of Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston. A limited service will operate between Glasgow and Carlisle. In addition, rail replacement buses will run between Carlisle and Preston due to planned engineering work.
These trains will operate during limited hours – with the first train of the day departing Euston after 8am and the last train of the day from Euston departing before 5pm.
The significantly reduced timetable will mean North Wales, Blackpool and Edinburgh, Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield will have no Avanti West Coast services. Lancaster and destinations in the Lake District (Oxenholme and Penrith) will not be served by Avanti West Coast on 12 January due to planned engineering work.
If you are a customer with an existing ticket for January 12, you can travel any time from Saturday, January 11 up to and including Tuesday January 14. Alternatively you can claim a full, fee-free refund.
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