The Aslef union has announced strike action that will affect GWR; Cross Country; Chiltern Railways and other train operators on Wednesday 8 May.
In addition, there could be further disruption from Monday 6 to Saturday 11 May due to industrial action short of a strike which is likely to cause some short-notice alterations or cancellations across the rail network.
A rolling programme of strike action by the union is also due to take place affecting other rail operators between these dates.
If you are travelling during this period, you should check both outward and return journeys before travelling.
On Wednesday 8 May, a reduced, revised timetable will operate across several train operators, including GWR. Many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all and trains that are running will only be operating for a limited period during the day.
The days before and after strikes, services could also be affected by a limited number of short-notice cancellations and alterations.
Online journey planners are being updated and details will be published below.
If you intend to travel where trains are running, please check before you travel. Trains that are operating will be busier than usual because we will not be able to offer the normal service frequency. Other train operators are also affected by this action, so onward travel could also be affected.
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 for strike days will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services. Further details will to be provided soon.
Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.
Our Refund policy remains in place. If you hold a return ticket, you can claim a refund of your unused full fare, even if only one leg of your journey is affected.
Dates of industrial action
Action short of a strike across several train operating companies
- Monday 6 to Saturday 11 May
Strike action affecting train operating companies
- Tuesday 7 May: c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line
- Wednesday 8 May: Avanti; Chiltern Railways; CrossCountry; East Midlands Railway; GWR, and West Midlands Trains
- Thursday 9 May: LNER, Northern Trains, and TransPennine Trains .