Limited number of trains this weekend as strike action combines with planned engineering work
GWR is reminding customers that major disruption to rail services continues this weekend as strike action and planned engineering work limits the number of trains able to operate.
On Saturday 7 January, industrial action continues, as well as planned engineering work, and only an extremely limited service will run. Customers are advised to avoid travelling, and to seek alternative ways to make journeys.
A very limited service will operate, with no direct trains between London Paddington and Bristol, and between London Paddington and south Wales.
Services will only operate on the following routes from 0730 and journeys must be completed by 1830:
- London Paddington and Oxford
- London Paddington and Didcot Parkway
- London Paddington and Reading
- Slough and Windsor
- Maidenhead and Marlow
- Twyford and Henley-on-Thames
- Reading and Basingstoke
- Didcot and Oxford
- Cardiff Central and Westbury calling most stations
- Bristol and Plymouth
On Sunday 8 January, there will be a reduced level of service throughout the day, trains will start later and there could be short-notice cancellations and alterations.
Where trains can run, they are expected to be extremely busy and those travelling are advised to check their journey beforehand.
Due to the planned engineering work, no trains will run between Didcot Parkway and Bristol Parkway or Bath Spa.
- Trains between London and Bristol or South Wales will use a different route – not stopping at Didcot Parkway, Swindon or Chippenham
- Shuttle trains will run between Swindon and Cheltenham Spa
- Buses will replace trains for stations between Reading and Bath Spa, and between Didcot Parkway and Bristol Parkway
Other train operators are also affected by this action, so onward travel could also be affected.
Where trains are able to operate, they are expected to be extremely busy.
Customers who have already purchased tickets for strike days 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.
To help customers, tickets will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services as follows:
- Tickets for 6, 7 January can be used the day before, or up to and including Tuesday 10 January
Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.
For more detailed information, including when journey planners will be updated with the latest train times, please visit www.gwr.com/strike.
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Notes to editors
Notes to Editors.
- Saturday 7 January (Strike day)
An extremely limited service will operate. Services will start at 07:30 and all journeys must be completed before 18:30. Passengers are advised to find an alternative way to travel. Where services are running, customers should only travel by train if absolutely necessary. - Sunday 8 January
Trains will continue to be disrupted. There will be a reduced level of service throughout the day and some late-night services may be cancelled. Please check before you travel.
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us