South Western Railway strike: Late night trains axed as reduced timetable across network detailed

South Western Railway has published the revised festive period timetable
PA
Bronwen Weatherby26 November 2019

A rail strike timetable has been published showing train services across the entire network will be affected by industrial action this festive period.

The reduced timetable includes December 12, the day of the UK General Election.

The 27-day walkout by train staff due to start next Monday is expected to be the worst London has ever seen and will cause travel chaos around the capital during December.

However "more than half of the normal weekday timetable is planned to run" between December 2 and 20, said South Western Railway.

Due to the disruption, the rail provider has urged people to check the modified timetable before travelling.

It has revealed all late-night services will end earlier than normal, at around 11pm.

Off-peak services could be reduced and on some routes, replacement buses will be provided.

Queueing may be introduced at a number of London's busiest stations, such as Waterloo.

SWR said it will provide longer trains to increase capacity where possible but, carriages will be busier than normal.

A team of contingency guards have been called in by the operator to keep services running but, SWR will prioritise capacity during peak periods.

Passengers face reduced services and very busy carriages
NIGEL HOWARD ©

They said people should expect the same level of peak services as in previous strikes.

Although the Rail, Maritime and Transport ​(RMT) Union have said they will not be protesting on December 12, the date of the upcoming general election normal services will not resume, SWR warns.

SWR say: "Owing to the prolonged nature of the strike it will not be possible to provide trains and crews in the correct locations to operate a normal timetable. As a result, there will also be an amended timetable on that day."

Union members are planning the walkout over a long-running dispute over guards on trains.

However, the rail provider called the strike "unnecessary" because it has promised to keep a guard on every train during the action period.

Adding, it shares the "frustration" of those who will be affected by the strike.

A SWR spokesperson said: "We know this strike will make travelling more difficult and services will be busier than normal. We share your frustration and want you to know we’re doing everything possible to keep customers moving during this unnecessary RMT strike action.

“We plan to run more than half of our normal Monday-Friday services and will provide longer trains in order to increase capacity wherever possible. Customers can expect a similar number of peak services to previous strikes. However, they should be aware that last services will be earlier than normal.

“We encourage customers to check our website southwesternrailway.com/strike for the latest travel information.

“Our train planners are now working hard on the weekend and festive period timetables. Details will be updated on our website and via @SW_Help.”

The week of Christmas itself is likely to have a different timetable with services finishing earlier, and as is always the case no trains run on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. A plan for this time will be published early next week.

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