Amended timetables in place – rail users must continue to check before they travel

The rail industry has been working hard to reinstate services this week, following the late-notice cancellation of industrial action by the RMT union.

Unfortunately, owing to the short notice of the cancellation, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has advised that there is an amended timetable in place today (Monday) with an early finish, and a later start-up to the normal weekday timetable tomorrow (Tuesday).

The large scale of its network and operation, which includes four train companies - Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern and Thameslink – across 11 counties, presents challenges with logistics, staffing and resourcing. Over 1,500 staff require a change to rosters, 2,100 services need to be reinserted into the timetable, and trains then moved into their starting positions.

Today, Monday 7 November, a limited service remains in place, so customers should only travel by train if their journey is absolutely necessary. Services will finish much earlier than usual; examples of last trains are:

• London Bridge to Redhill: last train at 17:46
• London King’s Cross to Stevenage via Hertford North: last train at 17:51
• London Bridge to Tattenham Corner via Purley: last train at 18:02
• Brighton to Chichester: last train at 18:30
• London King’s Cross to Cambridge: last train at 19:30
• Barnham to Chichester: last train at 19:34

On Tuesday 8 November, a normal weekday timetable will be in place but with a later start-up across the network in the morning. It is essential that customers check before they travel tomorrow morning. Examples of first trains are:

• East Croydon to London Victoria: first train at 07:55
• East Croydon to London Bridge: first train at 07:51
• Horsham to London Victoria via Gatwick: first train at 07:50
• St Albans to London St Pancras: first train at 07:40
• Brighton to London Bridge: first train at 07:23
• Peterborough to London St Pancras: first train at 07:24
• Cambridge to London St Pancras: first train at 07:24
• Bedford to London St Pancras: first train at 07:16
• Welwyn Garden City to Moorgate - 07:16

On Wednesday 9 November, a full weekday train service is planned but customers should continue to check their journeys as there may be some disruption.

On Thursday 10 November there is a strike on London Underground and London Overground so customers are advised to check travel arrangements for the full length of their journey

Angie Doll, Chief Operating Officer of Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “The very short notice provided means that unfortunately we cannot reinstate weekday services until tomorrow, Tuesday, with a much later start-up than normal.

“Services today, Monday, will remain limited, with trains finishing earlier than normal and you should travel only if absolutely necessary.

“Anyone planning to travel by train today, tomorrow or Wednesday is strongly encouraged to check the National Rail website before leaving for the station.

“We recognise this will be frustrating for our customers and apologise for the disruption to their journeys.”

Journey planners are now up to date for Monday 7, Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 November. Customers can check their journey at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

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