Great Western Railway: 'Significant disruption' as trains run 'reservation only'
It's because of engineering work between Reading and London Paddington
GWR passengers are being urged today (17 November) to only travel if absolutely necessary - with trains running as reservation only services only - because of major engineering work between Reading and London Paddington.
Bosses at the train firm say they're putting these measures in place 'to keep customers comfortable and minimise overcrowding'.
The major work, tied in with major staff shortages, mean intercity services are either terminating at Reading, or bypassing the station and heading to London Euston.
In their travel update, GWR said: "Due to engineering work between Reading and London Paddington, and crew availability, we expect significant disruption to service this Sunday 17 November.
"The majority of long-distance services will start from or terminate at Reading, where customers will be able to pick up TfL Elizabeth Line trains to Ealing Broadway and then change for London Underground services into central London.
"Those travelling from South Wales, and from Devon and Cornwall, will have one service an hour into London Euston instead. These trains will not stop at Reading.
"To help keep customers comfortable and minimise overcrowding, these trains will be reservation only and must be booked in advance.
"Fewer trains will run on other long-distance routes to/from Reading, and those that do will be very busy. Services may also be cancelled or delayed at short notice.
"Because of the late notice changes, and the complexity of updating timetable systems, journey planners will not show all changes correctly before Sunday morning. We're sorry for the impact this will have on your journey.
"We advise customers to only travel if absolutely necessary and change plans if possible.
"If you have already bought tickets for Sunday 17 November, they will be valid on Saturday 16 or Monday 18 November, or you can claim a full refund at gwr.com/refunds."
You can read more about the disruption on the National Rail website.