Train operator Great Western Railway is warning customers travelling to Christmas markets and major sporting events this Saturday (November 27) to avoid taking the train.
Strike action by the train drivers’ union Aslef at 12 train companies, including GWR, means only an extremely reduced service will operate on a limited number of routes. Where trains are operating, they will start later and finish earlier and the disruption will continue into Sunday November 27.
This means no trains will serve Bath Spa for the opening Saturday of the famous Christmas market, and there will be no trains into or out of Cardiff for Wales’ Autumn International against Australia.
Fans heading to Twickenham as England take on South Africa, for Exeter Chiefs’ Premiership Rugby Cup clash with Bath, and to Newbury for the Coral Gold Cup Day, are also being warned that there will be no GWR trains available and they will need to seek alternative ways to travel.
Customers who have already purchased tickets for strike days can claim a full refund or amend their ticket; those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to delay repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more. Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.
To help customers, tickets will be valid for travel on alternative days as follows:
Tickets for travel on Saturday 26 November are valid for travel on 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 November
Tickets for travel on Sunday 27 November are valid for travel on 28 and 29 November
Bath Christmas Market: Aslef strike action means no Great Western Railway services serving Bath Spa.The market organisers expect roads in the city to be extra busy on the day, so plan your journey, allow time to travel and if you are coming by car use one of the three Park and Ride sites where staff will be on hand to help.
City centre car parks will also be very busy and will fill up quickly.
Wales vs Australia – 1515 kick-off- Aslef strike action means no GWR services in to or out of Wales. Supporters attending the Wales vs Australia Autumn International at the Principality Stadium should find alternative ways to travel.
Transport for Wales is unaffected. For more information visit tfw.wales/industrial-action
England vs South Africa – 1730 kick-off No GWR services are scheduled to run after the match. Rugby fans attending Twickenham should make alternative travel arrangements.
South Western Railway is unaffected and will operate its normal services between Reading and Twickenham.
Exeter Chiefs vs Bath – 1500 kick-off
Aslef strike action means no GWR services will operate in Devon and Cornwall.
Fans attending Exeter Chiefs’ Premiership Rugby Cup fixture with Bath are advised to find alternative ways to travel and more information is available at exeterchiefs.co.uk
Newbury Racecourse – Coral Gold Cup Day – From 1000
No GWR services will operate to Newbury Racecourse.
Racegoers should find alternative ways to travel.
On Sunday 27 November trains will continue to be disrupted. There will be some short-notice alterations and cancellations and a later start to services in the morning. Trains that are operating will be extremely busy. Please check before you travel.
For the latest information and to check your journey visit GWR.com/strike