The vast majority of train services operated by Chiltern Railways on Saturday 10 and Saturday 17 October are unaffected, despite industrial action being announced on both days by members of the RMT union.
Over 93% of services will run as usual on both Saturdays, and the normal number of trains will run into and out of London Marylebone.
The following four long distance services will run for only part of their journeys:
- The 6.44am service from Stourbridge Junction to London Marylebone will start at Banbury
- The 8.19am service from Stourbridge Junction to London Marylebone will start at Birmingham Moor Street
- The 6.02pm service from London Marylebone to Stourbridge Junction will terminate at Birmingham Moor Street
- The 7.32pm service from London Marylebone to Stourbridge Junction will terminate at Banbury
There will be no Chiltern services between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa on both days.
Tony Baxter, Interim Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said:
“We’re disappointed that RMT members have voted in favour of industrial action over how we intend to run services on the first stage of East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes.
“Industrial action has been announced by the RMT on 10 and 17 October, we expect to operate the vast majority of our services limiting the impact on customers. We will confirm timetables for these days shortly.
“Every East West Rail service will have two people on board — the Driver, and a colleague looking after passengers: checking tickets, helping people who need assistance, and on hand to assist with any issues.
“We have run most of our trains with the Driver in control of the doors for decades, safely and as approved by the independent rail regulator. It also means over 100 new permanent jobs at Chiltern, and no changes to the roles of existing colleagues.
“We remain committed to working with the RMT to resolve this, and urge them to work with us so passengers can start benefiting from this new railway as soon as possible.”
On Saturday 10 October, many trains to and from London Marylebone will also call at Wembley Stadium, to help customers get to the multi-show Girlguiding Big Gig at Wembley Arena.
Train timetables for both days have been uploaded to journey planners and more information on the industrial action is available here.
Image credit: Chiltern Railways
