More train strikes are set to cause chaos across Scotland in the coming days and weeks as workers continue industrial action.
Thousands of members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will walk out on three dates across March and one in April as conflict over pay and conditions continues. Service will also likely be impacted on nights before and mornings after each strike. It comes as RMT refused to put the latest pay offer to members, with the long running issues creating more travel disruption across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
And disruption is likely to cause even more chaos this time round, with some of the upcoming four strike dates clashing with school Easter holiday days for most councils across Scotland.
Schools across Scotland will end term on March 31, meaning families using train services for days out of trips away could see their journey impacted or even cancelled. It is best to check with your individual council as term days may vary slightly.
But when are the strike days and what services will be impacted? Here is everything you need to know.
When are the next scheduled train strikes in Scotland?
Members of the RMT will walk out for four days in the coming days and weeks.
Walk outs are scheduled for:
- March 16
- March 18
- March 30
- April 1
What services will be affected by upcoming rail strikes?
A total of 14 train companies will take part in the upcoming strike dates.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train operators, expects there to be around 50 per cent of services on strike days disrupted. However, the disruption will vary from area to area, with some areas having no trains available during strikes.
Operators impacted will only run services from 7.30am until 6.30pm during the industrial action.
As things can vary depending on date and location, it is best to check train schedules ahead before setting off on your journey. It may also be helpful to find an alternative if cancellations impact your journey across the strike days.
Which train companies are taking part in the upcoming RMT strikes?
According to The Independent, train firms contracted by the Department for Transport will take part in walk outs.
This includes the following operators:
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- LNER
- TransPennine Express
- c2c
- Greater Anglia
- GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)
- Southeastern
- South Western Railway
- Chiltern Railways
- Northern Trains
- West Midlands Trains
Other operators are set to offer usual service during the upcoming four days of industrial action - including ScotRail.
However, trains operated by companies not taking part in strikes will likely book up quick and be more crowded that usual as other services are reduced.
