Avanti West Coast Passengers Face Severe Disruptions Due to Strikes and Repairs

Avanti West Coast passengers will face severe delays this Sunday as strikes and engineering works disrupt train schedules, potentially impacting weekend travel until June. Passengers should check updates before departure. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Train staff resume industrial action after a two-week suspension meant for negotiations. However, discussions failed to bring a resolution, forcing continued disruption on major intercity routes.

Limited Service and Travel Disruptions for Avanti West Coast Passengers

Britain’s busiest intercity rail line will operate only one hourly train from London Euston. Limited services will run between the capital and Birmingham, Manchester, and Preston.

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A few trains will extend to Glasgow, but no Avanti West Coast services will run to north Wales, Edinburgh, or Blackpool. Passengers should expect significant delays and cancellations.

The first train from London Euston will depart just before 9 a.m. The last scheduled departure from the station is set for approximately 5 p.m.

Engineering works near Crewe will force route diversions, extending journey times. Direct services between London and Liverpool will be unavailable, with only a shuttle between Liverpool and Crewe.

Alternative Travel Options and Refunds for Passengers

Kathryn O’Brien, Avanti West Coast’s customer experience director, addressed the ongoing issues. She acknowledged the impact on passengers traveling for work or personal commitments.

“With strike action and engineering works disrupting travel, we advise passengers to check schedules,” O’Brien said. “We regret the continued industrial action, which affects families and commuters alike.”

The RMT union had initially paused the strikes to allow for negotiations. However, failure to resolve the rest-day working dispute led to renewed industrial action.

If no agreement is reached, Sunday strikes will continue through May, affecting weekend rail services. The RMT remains open to further discussions to find a settlement.

“We are always available for negotiations to resolve this dispute,” an RMT spokesperson stated. “Until meaningful progress is made, strike action will proceed as scheduled.”

Passengers with pre-booked Sunday tickets can travel between Saturday and Tuesday instead. Alternatively, they can request a full refund if their journey is disrupted.

Travelers using the East Coast Main Line will also experience delays this weekend. Engineering upgrades at London King’s Cross will halt services on Sunday.

Track upgrades, drainage improvements, and overhead power line maintenance will temporarily suspend services. Passengers should check for updates before traveling.

Source: www.theguardian.com

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