RAIL passengers across Sussex have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel with severe disruption expected from a nationwide strike next week.
RMT members of Network Rail and other train operators are taking part in industrial action on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday next week, which is set to cause thousands of train services across the country to be cancelled.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern Rail, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services, has warned there will be very few trains operating each day from the start of the industrial action until Sunday, June 26, with crowding expected on services.
There will be no service on many lines on strike days - including the Gatwick Express service, with late starts and early finishes throughout next week.
Although RMT members at GTR voted only for action short of a strike, the operator depends on Network Rail signallers and engineers to keep its trains moving, and its services connect with many lines and stations managed by other operators whose staff are taking industrial action.
Chief operating officer for GTR Angie Doll said: “We’re sorry to say that people should only travel by rail between June 21 and 26 if absolutely necessary due to strike action by RMT members at Network Rail and other train companies.
“Unfortunately, there will be very few train services and some routes will be closed altogether on strike days.
“Services will start much later than normal and finish early. All this may lead to very busy trains and possible delays. Passengers should plan ahead and think about travelling at another time.
“Strikes are terrible for passengers, especially as the country is starting to recover from the pandemic and return to rail. We urge the RMT to work with Network Rail and train operators to find a swift solution.”
GTR has been in touch with schools, colleges and hospitals to notify them of the impact of the RMT strike action.
Mark Killick, Network Rail route director, said: “We’re so sorry for the disruption next week and we know how difficult this will be for our customers so soon after the pandemic. We’ve trained 250 staff so we can keep some of the busiest lines open, focusing our resources on the routes that can keep the largest numbers of customers and freight moving and serving vital locations such as hospitals.
“That said, we will not compromise on safety and the strike does mean that large parts of the network will be closed.
“We are continuing to work with unions to find a solution and will keep doing so. But we also have to be honest and accept that we have to change the way we work, to reflect the changes in society and travel patterns post-pandemic.”
How will my journey be affected next week?
Across strike days, a skeleton service of only 25 per cent of normal services will operate, with a greatly reduced operation based on an amended Sunday timetable in effect each day following a strike.
Crowds and delays are expected throughout and train operators will not be providing alternative options, such as replacement buses and ticket acceptance with other rail and bus operators.
From Tuesday, trains will start later and finish earlier, leaving and returning to depots from 7.15am to 6.45pm on strike days and from 7.15am to around 11pm each day after a strike.
First and last train times will vary considerably along each route, with the last train to Brighton from London being in late afternoon.
On strike days, only two trains will operate per hour between London Victoria and Brighton and between London Bridge and Brighton.
Two trains will run between Brighton and Hove only on days when industrial action is taking place.
No Gatwick Express services will be in operation on strike days.
Train services from Brighton and Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Portsmouth, Seaford and Eastbourne will not operate on June 21, 23 and 25,
On Wednesday, June 22 and Friday, June 24, services will be severely disrupted with an amended Sunday service in operation. On Sunday, June 26, no trains will operate before 7.15am, but a regular Sunday service will run after this time.
Train times for Southern and Thameslink services from June 21 to 26 will be available online from tomorrow and Saturday.
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