GWR warns extremely limited train service due to strikes

Great Western Railway (GWR) commuters are in for another day of disruption as strike action continues, with the company warning of an extremely limited train service on Wednesday, May 8. 

The strike, announced by the Aslef union, will not only affect GWR but also other operators including Chiltern Railways and CrossCountry.

GWR has issued a cautionary notice, stating that no long-distance services will be operational, and several key routes will experience a complete shutdown. 

Passengers travelling between London Paddington and Reading, among other routes, will face significant disruptions as the strike action unfolds.

A revised timetable will be in effect, with only a handful of services running on selected routes between 7am and approximately 7pm.

Among the severely affected routes are those connecting Reading to Oxford, Basingstoke, Redhill, Newbury, Swindon, Cardiff, Bristol, Barnstaple, Exmouth, St Ives, and Gunnislake.

Additionally, due to ongoing engineering works, there will be no GWR trains operating between London Paddington and Reading.

The strike action is part of wider industrial action that could potentially disrupt services from Monday, May 6, to Saturday, May 11. 

Passengers are advised to anticipate short-notice alterations and cancellations, particularly during weekends and late-night travel.

To mitigate inconvenience, GWR is offering full refunds or ticket amendments for passengers who choose not to travel. 

Those who experience delays exceeding 15 minutes may be eligible for Delay Repay compensation.

However, for passengers still intending to travel, GWR advises checking both outward and return journeys for any changes. 

With the limited services expected to be heavily congested, bus replacement services will not be available.

In a gesture to accommodate affected passengers, tickets for strike days will be valid for travel on alternative dates within a specified period. 

Tickets originally intended for May 7 to May 9 can be used from the day before, May 6, up to and including Monday, May 13.