Press release -
Limited service to remain in place over the weekend and into next week
Guidance remains to travel only if absolutely necessary
As announced by the RMT union this afternoon, national rail strikes have been called off on 5, 7 and 9 November. However, due to the short notice cancellation, unfortunately it is not possible to reinstate the usual timetable for tomorrow or Monday.
The advice remains to travel only if absolutely necessary on 5 and 7 November. A late start-up to services will also remain for Sunday 6 November.
Details for later in the week will be confirmed in due course, but the aim is to run a full service on Wednesday 9 November.
Angie Doll, Chief Operating Officer of Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “While it is good news that national rail strikes have been called off, the very short notice provided means that unfortunately we cannot reinstate services on Saturday 5 or Monday 7 November.
“This means services will remain limited, with a late start-up and early finish time. I’m sorry to say that people should travel by rail only if absolutely necessary on these days.”
Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator, said: “It’s welcome news that the RMT has called off its strikes but the very late notice means that services for tomorrow cannot be reinstated and will remain extremely limited, and while we, and our train company partners, will work without pause over the weekend, there will be limited ability to change the ‘strike timetable’ for Monday.
“Our advice remains to please check before you travel and on Saturday and Monday and only travel by rail if absolutely necessary.”
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “It is positive that the RMT leadership have stepped back from the brink and called off their strike action.
“Unfortunately, the late notice means that while train companies are working hard to reinstate services, they will remain severely disrupted for our passengers tomorrow and into the early part of next week.
“Our advice remains to please check before you travel and on Saturday and Monday only travel by rail if necessary.”
Please refer to this earlier press release, which outlines service details for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
ENDS
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For more information, contact the press office on 0203 750 2031.
Govia Thameslink Railway
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows:
- Thameslink – cross-London services between Bedford/Peterborough/Cambridge and Brighton/Horsham/Littlehampton/East Grinstead, and between Luton/St Albans and Sutton/Wimbledon/Rainham; plus services between London and Sevenoaks
- Great Northern – services between London and Welwyn, Hertford, Peterborough, Cambridge and King’s Lynn
- Southern – services between London and the Sussex coast (Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Bognor Regis, Hastings) and parts of Surrey, Kent and Hampshire (Ashford International, Southampton, Portsmouth)
- Gatwick Express – fast, non-stop direct services between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria
www.southernrailway.com, www.thameslinkrailway.com, www.gatwickexpress.com, www.greatnorthernrail.com
