Passengers in Edinburgh brace for a chaotic weekend as Avanti West Coast halts all train services due to strike action
Edinburgh: This weekend is shaping up to be a real mess for train travelers. Avanti West Coast is pulling all its services due to a big strike.
The strike kicks off on Sunday, January 12, and it’s all about some disputes over working conditions. So, if you were planning to catch a train, you’re out of luck.
It’s not just Edinburgh that’s affected. Other cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow will also see reduced services or even cancellations. It’s going to be a tough time for many.
Avanti’s website has a clear message: no trains will be running to places like North Wales, Blackpool, and, of course, Edinburgh. They’re also dealing with some engineering work in the Lake District.
For those who still need to travel, there will be one train an hour from London Euston to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston. But expect those trains to be packed!
Kathryn O’Brien from Avanti West Coast expressed disappointment over the strike, saying it’s going to disrupt a lot of people’s plans. She urged travelers to consider rescheduling or to claim a refund if they can’t make it.
In other news, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch has announced his retirement after nearly three years. He’s been a key figure in the union and has fought hard for workers’ rights.
He reflected on his time, saying it was a privilege to serve and that the union has stood strong against challenges in the rail industry. It’s a bittersweet moment for him and the members.
