Will this week’s train strikes affect my journey?
Great Western Railway issues updated travel advice
Industrial action by members of train driver’s union, Aslef, will see some trains cancelled this week, with full strike action significantly reducing GWR, CrossCountry and Chiltern Railways services on Monday 5 February.
Disruption is expected from Monday 29 January to Tuesday 6 February, resulting in some short-notice alterations or cancellations. Significant disruption is expected on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 February, when many parts of the GWR network will have no train services.
The action is part of a rolling programme of strike action by Aslef and will also affect other train operators this week.
What should I do?
If you are travelling during this period, check both outward and return journeys before travelling.
From Monday 29 January to Saturday 3 February GWR is planning to operate a near normal level of service, however, there will be some, limited short notice changes and cancellations.
On Sunday 4 February, and Monday 5 February there will be significant disruption to services and customers should travel on alternative days. A reduced timetable will operate and many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all. Trains that are running will only be operating for a limited period during the day.
On Tuesday 6 February there will be some changes to the first services of the day including some planned cancellations. Please check before you travel.
Online journey planners are being updated, please check www.gwr.com/strike for the latest information.
If you intend to travel on Sunday 4 and Monday 5, please check before you travel. Trains that are operating will be busier than usual because GWR will not be able to offer the normal service frequency. Other train operators are also affected by strike action, so onward travel could also be affected.
Where GWR can run services, they are expected to be extremely busy and bus replacement services are not able to be provided.
What about my ticket?
Customers who have bought tickets but do not travel 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 for strike days are valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services, as per below:
- Tickets for Tuesday 30 January to Monday 5 February can be used to travel from Monday 29 January up to and including Wednesday 7 February
Contact Information
Notes to editors
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.