Avanti West Coast trains hit by strike action

Avanti West Coast customers are being advised not to travel as strike action by train drivers will mean no services on 1 and 3 February.

The intercity operator will not be able to run any trains on these date as members of the RMT and ASLEF unions take industrial action. Customers are encouraged to claim a refund, seek alternative transport, or rearrange journeys for another date.

On 2 February services are impacted by the industrial action either side and there will be a revised timetable running. Customers travelling on this day are advised to plan their journey in advance using online journey planners and check before they travel.

The action, which has been coordinated between ASLEF and RMT across other train operators, will leave many destinations with no rail connectivity on these days, and there will be no rail replacement services either.

Customers with tickets for 1 to 3 February (purchased before 17 January) can claim a full refund from their point of purchase. Alternatively, tickets for these dates can be used the day before the date on the ticket or up to and including 7 February.

Barry Milsom, Executive Director of Operations and Safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “Yet again our customers will have to a face a disrupted week of rail travel due to further strike action by the RMT and ASLEF unions.

“On 1 and 3 February, we won’t be able to run any trains as a result of this industrial action and our customers are advised not to travel. Services will also be impacted on 2 February with a revised timetable in place, and customers should check before they travel on this date.

“We all need to work with each other to find a solution which will benefit our people and customers. It is essential, that as an industry, we continue to talk with the RMT and ASLEF about industry reform so we can develop together a railway fit for the 21st century.”

For more information about the impact of the strike action on Avanti West Coast’s services and the reduced strike day timetables, customers should visit: https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/plan-your-journey/strike