Industrial Action | Great Western Railway

Travel update

Several unions representing members across train operating companies and Network Rail have a mandate for strike action.

The RMT trades union has announced two 24-hour strikes on 30 March and 1 April.

During the strike periods, a revised timetable will operate across several train operators, including GWR. Some parts of the rail network will have no service at all; where trains are able to run, services will start later and finish earlier.

We are working hard to operate as many trains as we can, and online journey planners will be updated with the latest timetable information as soon as possible.

Please keep checking this page which will be updated when more information becomes available.

If you currently have a ticket for a strike day, details of where trains will be operating on those days will be posted on this page.

Customers who have already purchased tickets for strike days can claim a full refund or amend their ticket; those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more.

To help customers, tickets will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services as follows:

Tickets for Thursday 16 and Saturday 18 March can be used on the day before or up to and including Tuesday 21 March
Tickets for Thursday 30 March and Saturday 1 April can be used on the day before or up to and including Tuesday 4 April

Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.

Unions taking action

Thursday 30 March and Saturday 1 April

Strike action: RMT at GWR and a number of other train companies

Frequently asked questions

Why have there been strikes?

The RMT and Aslef unions balloted members at Network Rail and train operating companies to vote for strike action in a dispute over pay and terms and conditions.
When will the rail strike end?

Negotiations continue to take place on a national basis with the RMT and Aslef unions. This web page will be continually updated when strike dates are announced by any of the unions involved.
Will I be able to get a full refund on my tickets if I did not travel?

Yes, please visit the original point of sale to claim your full refund. If you purchased from GWR, please visit our Refunds and compensation page.

Our Refund policy will remain in place and we will update this page with more information as the current situation changes.
I have a season ticket, can I get a refund for the days I don’t travel due to the strike?

You can claim compensation through our Delay Repay scheme for days where you are unable to use your season ticket due to strike action.
Can I use my ticket to travel on another day if I cannot travel?

Yes, we put ticket easements in place allowing people with tickets valid for strike days to travel on the day before and for a period after the strike action. Exact details will be updated on this web page.

Alternatively you can claim a refund from the company who originally sold you your ticket.
I have a Flexi Season ticket, can I claim a refund?

Please feel free to use the remaining days' worth of travel on alternative days that fall within the ticket validity; or if you are unable to do so you'll be able to surrender the Flexi Season for a refund on any unused days' travel. Please see above for details of how to claim compensation for season tickets.
Will rail tickets be valid on local bus services?

Unfortunately, you will need to claim a refund on your rail ticket and purchase a separate bus ticket.
Can I use an off-peak ticket to travel on any train?

No, peak time restrictions remain in place throughout the week.
Can I book passenger assistance to travel?

Passenger assistance is still available from stations where trains are operating, and we strongly recommend booking assistance in advance.

Find out more about Passenger Assist.
Can I buy a ticket on strike days?

While we have restricted the sale of Advance tickets throughout a strike period, customers who have already purchased an Advance ticket for travel on strike days are able to travel either on the day before, and for a period after the strike action. Exact details will be updated on this web page.

Ticket vending machines at stations may also be turned off on strike days at stations where trains are not able to operate, and people wishing to purchase tickets can do so online; using the GWR app, or at staffed stations.

If you hold an Advance purchase ticket for travel on non-strike days and your train is cancelled, you can travel on another service as close as possible to your booked time. Or if you choose not to travel you can claim a refund.