Fresh rail chaos for Avanti passengers as more weekend strike action planned
Fresh rail chaos for Avanti passengers as more weekend strike action planned
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Rail passengers are bracing for a weekend of travel turmoil as train managers at Avanti West Coast announce another strike in an ongoing dispute over rest day working. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) confirmed that its members will stage a walkout on Sunday, leading to "significant" disruptions across the network. Adding to the disruption, engineering works will halt trains between Rugby and Stafford via Nuneaton on both Saturday and Sunday, forcing some Avanti services to be rerouted and extending travel times.
Avanti has urged customers to avoid travelling on Sunday, cautioning that a reduced service will operate within limited hours. Travellers can expect just one train per hour from London Euston to Birmingham and Manchester, and a service every two hours to Liverpool and Glasgow. Services will commence after 8am with the last departure from Euston around 5pm, leaving no Avanti West Coast trains for North Wales, Blackpool, and Edinburgh. Moreover, rail replacement buses will be provided between Coventry and Nuneaton due to the planned works.
With a trimmed timetable, shorter operating hours, and football matches scheduled along the West Coast Main Line, trains that do run are anticipated to be exceptionally crowded. Avanti has advised those who must travel to plan carefully, anticipate delays, and verify the timing of their last train home. Avanti West Coast has issued a travel alert for passengers, as strike action by the RMT union is set to cause significant disruptions.
Kathryn O'Brien, the customer experience director at Avanti West Coast, said: "We're disappointed by the RMT calling strike action when our customers may be working, visiting family and friends, or enjoying days out. As a result, they will face significantly disrupted journeys.". She also extended her gratitude to customers for their patience and understanding during this period, noting that there will be a reduced service affected by planned engineering work. She advised those with tickets for Sunday to consider travelling on alternative dates or to claim a full fee-free refund. Despite the disruption, she affirmed, "We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.".
