Union RMT returns with further industrial action on Saturday the 26th of August, which will affect Great Western Railway services alongside other rail operators across the country.
GWR is warning anyone planning to travel during the strike action will find that several rail operators, including themselves, will run reduced and revised timetables and are warning customers to check their travel plans. Much of the Great Western Railway network will see no services operating at all and those which are running will see services begin later and finish much earlier than usual.
Passengers making their way to/from the Reading Festival, who are not camping, need to be aware that no late-night train services will be in operation.
Great Western Railway will have almost 50 trains operating each hour serving Reading station during the week, and 30+ services on Bank Holiday Monday. The rail operator is also providing extra late night/early morning services (not during strike action on Saturday 26th August) for those who are not camping.
Services operating on Monday the 28th of August are anticipated to be extremely busy for those heading back from the festival and therefore a queuing system will be in action.
Those attending the festival are reminded to bring only what can be carried in order to make sure there is space available for others who are travelling. GWR is also advising customers to book tickets ahead and to reserve a seat.
GWR Reading Station Manager Kevin King explains:
“We're really looking forward to welcoming people to Reading Station for the world-famous festival. To try to keep everyone as safe as possible, please allow extra time for your journey home as a queuing system will be in operation on Monday and remember that, unfortunately, we are not able to provide any trains home on Saturday evening.”
“To help you board safely and allow space for others, please do not bring excessive amounts of luggage.”
Festival goers who wish to avoid disappointment when arriving at stations should:
- Reserve a seat when booking a ticket via GWR.com or using the GWR app
- Allow extra time even if you have booked a ticket as trains from Reading will be extremely busy
- Waiting will be required with a queueing system in operation at stations to help people board their reserved train
- Remember your Railcard
- Make sure your phone is charged if you have an electronic ticket
Customers who plan to travel by train on Saturday the 26th of August need to check their travel plans ahead of making a journey. Train services which are operating during the strike action will be much busier than usual and running less often than normal. Those travelling also need to be aware that other rail operators are impacted by the strike and that onward journeys could also be affected.
Those who have already purchased tickets and opt not to travel during the strike action can claim a full refund or alter their ticket. For those who do attempt to travel on the 26th of August could be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if a train is delayed by 15 minutes or longer.
Friday the 1st and Saturday the 2nd of September will also see industrial action taking place and due to this, Great Western Railway will support customers by making tickets for strike days valid for use on alternative days on the rail operators services:
- Tickets for Saturday the 26th of August can be used the day before or up to and including Tuesday the 29th of August
- Tickets for Friday, the 1st of September can be used the day before or up to and including Tuesday the 5th of September
- Tickets for Saturday the 2nd of September can be used on Thursday the 31st of August or up to and including Tuesday the 5th of September
Online journey planners already have the details for rail travel affected during the strike actions.
Rail travel on Friday the 25th and Sunday the 27th of August is expected to be at normal levels however, there may be some alterations or cancellations.
