Avanti Strikes Disrupt West Coast Train Services Every Sunday Until May

Avanti strikes will cause significant travel disruption on the west coast mainline every Sunday. The strikes, scheduled from 12 January to 25 May, stem from disputes over rest-day pay. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has confirmed that train managers will strike weekly until the issue is resolved. Negotiations between Avanti and the RMT are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached.

Avanti Strikes: Key Travel Information and Affected Routes

During strike days, Avanti will operate a reduced timetable, severely limiting service availability. Only four trains per hour will depart from London Euston, connecting to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston.

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Routes to north Wales, Blackpool, and Edinburgh will not operate on 12 and 19 January. Services between Glasgow and Carlisle will run on a limited basis, with replacement buses from Carlisle to Preston due to engineering work.

Avanti encourages passengers to travel on non-strike days, offering refunds or ticket flexibility. Passengers should check schedules and plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

How Passengers Can Minimize Disruption During Avanti Strikes?

Passengers impacted by Avanti strikes are advised to monitor updates through the company’s website and social media channels. The reduced timetable means planning ahead is crucial for minimizing travel delays.

Refunds and rebooking options are available for ticket holders, providing flexibility during this prolonged period of disruption. Passengers traveling long distances should confirm availability before departing for stations.

Avanti’s recent performance has drawn criticism, with 7.8% of its trains canceled last year. The ongoing strikes have further compounded issues for the company and its passengers.

Kathryn O’Brien, Avanti’s customer experience director, stated: “We’re disappointed by the RMT’s decision to strike, as it affects passengers traveling for work or leisure. We appreciate everyone’s patience.”

The RMT union remains firm, claiming that Avanti’s management has ignored workers’ concerns. An RMT spokesperson emphasized that strikes are their only option after rejecting Avanti’s recent proposals.

Avanti strikes are expected to affect thousands of passengers every weekend until May. Travelers should explore alternative options and remain informed to minimize disruptions during this challenging period.

Source: www.theguardian.com

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