Avanti West Coast has told its customers to only travel if “absolutely necessary” next week due to industrial action. The train operator warned passengers that its services will be “significantly disrupted” by RMT and ASLEF strikes.
RMT members across train operators and Network Rail will be walking out in two 48-hour strikes from January 3 - 4 and January 6-7. Avanti West Coast warned customers that they cannot travel at all on Thursday, January 5, as no trains will be running due to a planned walkout by the train driver’s union, ASLEF.
On 3, 4, 6 and 7 January during RMT industrial action, Avanti West Coast will run one train per hour between Euston and each of Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston with a limited service to Glasgow as part of its contingency plans. These trains will operate during limited hours – with the first train of the day departing Euston at 08.30am and the last train of the day from Euston departing mid-afternoon.
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The greatly reduced timetable will mean North Wales, Shrewsbury, Blackpool, and Edinburgh have no Avanti West Coast services on the strike days. Due to the different signalling system in use on some parts of the West Coast Main Line, the intercity operator is unable to stop trains at Stoke-on-Trent, Macclesfield, Stockport, as well as Runcorn on 3, 4, 6 and 7 January and these stations will not be open. Avanti West Coast will also not serve Wilmslow due to operational reasons.
Customers are being urged to only travel if necessary as trains are expected to be busy on strike days. People are advised to plan ahead, expect disruption and check the details of their last train home.
Those who planned to travel on January 5 are urged to claim a refund, seek alternative transport or rearrange journeys for another date. Customers with tickets for 3, 4, 6 and 7 January (purchased before 22 November) or 5 January (purchased before 20 December) can claim a full refund from their point of purchase.
Alternatively, tickets dated 3 to 7 January can be used the day before the date on the ticket or up to and including 10 January. The train operator is advising customers to make their journeys on 8 to 10 January.
Barry Milsom, Executive Director of Operations and Safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “While our customers should be making journeys with us to return to work or school after the Christmas break, they’re facing nearly a whole week of disruption due to more strike action by RMT and ASLEF. The start of the New Year sees journeys impacted once again and I would like to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding.
“Two 48-hour walkouts by the RMT means we’re operating a significantly reduced timetable on 3, 4, 6 and 7 January, so customers should only travel if absolutely necessary on these days. On 5 January we will have no services due to ASLEF’s strike, and we’re telling customers not to travel. Any customers with tickets for 3 to 7 January are strongly advised to make their journey on alternative days or claim a full refund.
“We all need to be working together for the long-term benefit of our people and customers. So, we will continue our industry reform talks with the RMT and ASLEF so we can develop a railway fit for the 21st century.”
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The union remains available for talks to resolve this dispute.
“But until the Government gives the rail industry a mandate to come to a negotiated settlement on job security, pay and condition of work, our industrial campaign will continue into the new year, if necessary.”
Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, said: "The train companies say their hands have been tied by the government. While the government – which does not employ us – says it’s up to the companies to negotiate with us.
"We are always happy to negotiate – we never refuse to sit down at the table and talk – but these companies have offered us nothing. And that is unacceptable.’
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