GWR advises travellers to expect disruption this weekend

Great Western Railway (GWR) has warned passengers of significant changes to services this weekend due to ongoing engineering works and expected high demand on certain routes.

No early-morning trains will operate between London Paddington and Reading on Sunday, 1 December, as Network Rail carries out essential upgrades. 

Trains will not run to or from London Paddington until 10.30am. 

Passengers can travel between Reading and Ealing Broadway, where connections to London Underground services will be available.

Once services resume after 10.30 am, the number of trains running between Paddington and Reading will be reduced, with only two of the usual four tracks in operation.

Crew shortages may also cause further cancellations and last-minute changes, particularly affecting routes between London Paddington and Bristol, South Wales, and the West Country.

GWR anticipates busy trains throughout Saturday, 30 November, particularly during late morning and early evening. 

Christmas markets and major sporting events in Exeter, Bath, and Bristol are expected to attract high passenger numbers. 

Key routes likely to be affected include:

• Local services in the Exeter area
• Trains between Cardiff and Bath/Bristol
• Services connecting Swindon, Bath, and Bristol

Travellers are encouraged to plan their journeys outside peak times for a more comfortable experience.

GWR is urging customers to consider delaying travel to Monday, 2 December, if possible, as tickets for Sunday journeys will be valid on that day.

Rachel Geliamassi, GWR Customer Services Director, explained: “The impact weather can have on the smooth running of trains has been only too evident over the past week or so, and work like this is vital to improving the resilience and reliability of train services.

“Due to the engineering work and crew availability, trains on Sunday will, however, be significantly reduced and we would urge people to travel the day after where possible, freeing up space for those who must travel on the Sunday. We have altered tickets to allow people to do so.”

Network Rail Western Route Director, Marcus Jones, added: “These upgrades are essential to our goal of reducing disruption and improving the resilience of this stretch of line into the future.

“I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience. There’s never a good time to close the line, however, we do try to ensure that any disruption takes place when fewer people are using the railway, such as at weekends.”

Travellers are advised to check for updates before heading to the station and consider altering their plans to avoid the busiest periods.