Following the announcement of industrial action dates by the RMT union, South Western Railway services will be significantly affected between Tuesday 21st and Saturday 25th June 2022.
SWR is working closely with Network Rail and other train operators to finalise a significantly reduced timetable for those dates, but is warning customers to expect severe disruption on days impacted by industrial action.
Signallers and RMT members taking part
With Network Rail signallers and more than 2,100 SWR RMT members taking industrial action, it is likely that significant parts of the South Western Railway network will be unavailable for travel on those dates.
Where routes are open, it is likely that far fewer trains will run than normal.
This does not affect Island Line, as reported, their RMT members did not meet the legal threshold for industrial action.
Change travel plans
As a result, customers are urged to change their travel dates if they can and, for those who have to travel on those dates, to begin looking for alternative methods of transport.
Teams are also working to update hospitals, schools, airports and businesses across the network on what this will mean for them.
Mann: We’re carefully finalising contingency plans
Claire Mann, Managing Director of South Western Railway, commented,
“I understand that the announcement of upcoming industrial action will worry many of our customers, particularly against the backdrop of significant cost of living pressures.
“We are carefully finalising contingency plans, but I’m afraid this action will mean that many customers will be unable to travel by rail.
“If customers can change their date of travel, or make alternative arrangements, I urge them to begin making those arrangements as soon as possible.
“I appreciate how challenging this may be and would like to thank customers for their patience as the rail industry responds to this unprecedented industrial action.”
SWR will publish details of its reduced timetable when finalised and customers should check the Website for latest updates.
News shared by Toby on behalf of South Western Railway. Ed
Image: citytransportinfo under CC BY 2.0
