More train strikes affecting Dorset services this week
Passengers are advised to check before they travel until Sunday (4th June)
Further train strikes starting today (Wednesday 31st May) are expected to bring some disruption to Dorset's rail services.
A nationwide strike by ASLEF union members, in a row over pay and conditions, will affect South Western Railway’s network-wide depot drivers, who bring trains in and out of service.
Then on Friday 2nd June, a nationwide strike by RMT union members will severely reduce the number of trains SWR can run and the hours in which they can operate.
There'll be a 'significantly reduced' service between 7.00am and 7.00pm only and large parts of the network will be closed.
No trains will run through Dorset on that day.
On Saturday (3rd June), another ASLEF walkout will again affect SWR’s network-wide depot drivers - with no services running before 7.30am anyway, due to the previous day's action.
We are being reassured that more train services will run across the network than we've had on previous industrial action days - but passengers are advised to check before the travel for the rest of the week.
Steve Tyler, SWR’s Planning and Performance Director, said:
“I’m sorry to say that due to strike action we will be forced to make changes to our services on Wednesday 31st May, Friday 2nd June and Saturday 3rdd June. We are still working to confirm our services but able to advise customers of what to expect.
“The majority of our network will see a normal service on Wednesday 31 May and Saturday 3 June, but there will be some areas where a reduced service will operate – including suburban routes, and on the West of England Line.
“We’re sorry for the disruption that our customers will experience and we strongly advise they check before they travel.”