Rail passengers brace for chaos this weekend due to strikes and engineering works affecting major routes across the UK
London: This weekend is shaping up to be a real mess for train travelers. There’s a big strike coming, and it’s going to cause some serious travel chaos.
Avanti West Coast staff, part of the RMT union, are set to walk out starting Sunday. They’re unhappy about working on their rest days. Avanti runs trains connecting major cities like London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, and they’re advising folks to travel on different days if they can.
This strike is just the beginning, with walkouts planned every Sunday until late May. On those days, expect a much-reduced train schedule with limited hours and fewer trains running.
On Sunday, for instance, Avanti will only run one train an hour from London Euston to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston. There will also be a limited service between Glasgow and Carlisle, but it’s likely to be packed.
Plus, due to engineering work, rail replacement buses will be running between Carlisle and Preston. The first train of the day will leave Euston after 8 am, and the last one will head out before 5 pm. Unfortunately, places like North Wales, Blackpool, and even Edinburgh won’t have any Avanti services on January 12.
Some areas, like Lancaster and parts of the Lake District, will also be out of service because of the engineering work. Avanti is urging travelers to plan ahead, expect delays, and check their last train home.
Kathryn O’Brien from Avanti expressed disappointment over the extended strike, noting that it will disrupt many customers’ plans. She encouraged anyone with tickets for the strike days to consider traveling on other dates or to get a full refund.
Meanwhile, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch announced his retirement after nearly three years. He reflected on his time leading the union and emphasized the need for new leaders to continue fighting for workers’ rights.
