Greater Glasgow ScotRail passengers will see services slashed as Network Rail strikes get underway - affecting the rest of the country.
Services north of the border have been totally slashed with only five central belt routes running today.
Here's everything you need to know;
Who is going on strike?
More than 40,000 workers at Network Rail and 14 train operating companies are walking out. Those on strike include members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RM and The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA).
Why are they walking out?
Disputes between union members and Network Rail are over over jobs, pay, pensions and working conditions.
READ MORE: Lufthansa strike: Glasgow travellers issued warning as ground staff to stage walk out
Which days are the strikes taking place?
The Network Rail strike action will take place over three days in total; July 27, August 18 and August 20. It will also have an impact on the surrounding days with July 26, July 28, August 19 and August 21 also being affected.
On the days following strike action, there will be disruption caused by the reopening of signal boxes at different times across the country. Signal boxes are key pieces of infrastructure located across the rail network that control train movements. Their use is critical to ensure that the railway can operate safely.
Why are ScotRail services affected?
While the dispute is said not to involve ScotRail staff, it will have a knock-on effect on the train operator's ability to provide services as the RMT planned action will involve Network Rail staff in Scotland. Many of the Network Rail staff that are due to take part in the planned industrial action occupy safety-critical roles meaning it won't be possible for ScotRail to run the vast majority of services.
ScotRail therefore warn passengers to expect "significant disruption".
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How will ScotRail services be affected?
As a result of the strikes, customers are being advised that on these three dates there will be a very limited number of services will operate on just five ScotRail routes in the central belt, with no service on all other routes.
The only operating routes are as follows;
Edinburgh – Glasgow via Falkirk High: two trains per hour
Edinburgh – Bathgate: two trains per hour
Glasgow – Hamilton/Larkhall: two trains per hour
Glasgow – Lanark: two trains per hour
Edinburgh – Glasgow via Shotts: one train per hour
In addition, passengers are being urged to travel only if they need to and to consider alternative options where possible. The railway will only be operational between 7:30am and 6:30pm across the three days however final services are said to be departing "well before" 6:30pm with customers being asked to check ScotRail's website before travelling.
What are ScotRail saying?
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “It is very unfortunate to see such widespread disruption across the whole of the Great Britain rail network and we know this will be frustrating for ScotRail customers. Regrettably, this strike action by RMT members of Network Rail means that we will not be able to operate the vast majority of our services during the period of strike action.
"Customers should expect significant disruption to services on strike days, as well as the following day. On the five routes where we are able to operate a very limited service on strike days, we’re advising customers to seek alternative means of transport and to only travel if they really need to.”
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