Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is advising passengers that due to industrial action by the ASLEF union, its train services on Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express routes will be severely disrupted.
The industrial action is due to take place on Wednesday, 31st May and Saturday, 3rd June, and on those days there will be no services on any of the company's routes.
Also, following the strike, services will be affected until about 7 am on Sunday, 4th June.
Thursday, 1st June
On Thursday, 1st June, services will be affected by a strike the previous day by members of the RMT union, and the ASLEF union have imposed a ban on overtime on this day.
An amended timetable with fewer services will operate to alleviate any short-notice alterations.
In some locations, services will start later than usual, and the first trains will probably be very busy, with some passengers having to queue and possibly not being able to board their chosen service.
Friday, 2nd June
On Friday, 2nd June, the RMT union plans to take strike action and Govia Thameslink Railway will be severely limited, with a later start, and an early shutdown. Additionally, there will be no service in some locations as shown in the map below. A larger scale map is available online here.
Epsom Derby Festival
Unfortunately, the strike action will affect travel to the Derby Festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse on both Ladies Day, Friday, 2nd June and Derby Day, and Saturday, 3rd June.
Anyone travelling to Epsom on these days must make alternative travel plans as there will be no train services in the area.
Gatwick Express
The Gatwick Express will not run between 3st May and 3rd June, but Southern and Thameslink train services will continue to serve Gatwick Airport on those days when train services are operating.
Online journey planners have been updated to reflect the stoppages on 31st May and 1st June, and the remaining dates will be updated this Saturday, 27th May.
Anyone intending to travel on these days check their journeys in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director, GTR said: “We're sorry that this period of industrial action is again likely to disrupt travel and people's plans, especially during half term week and for events such as the Derby Festival where no rail services will be available on either Friday or Saturday.
“We urge passengers to check before they travel for the latest information, particularly as on some days there will be no train services at all and there may be later start-ups, busier services and early finishes on the other days.”
A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: “We understand the impact of these strikes on individuals and businesses alike, and we can only apologise for this unnecessary and damaging disruption. While we are doing all we can to keep trains running, unfortunately, there will be reduced train services between Wednesday 31 May and Saturday 3 June, so our advice is to check before you travel.”
If anyone wishes to find out information on tickets or compensation during this period, please go to the following websites:
- https://www.southernrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/industrial-action
- https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/industrial-action
- https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/industrial-action
- https://www.gatwickexpress.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/industrial-action
There cannot be many sporting and cultural events left to spoil this year, can they? If you believe the RMT cares for anyone but it’s own members ( not the public) , you need a serious rethink.