How to get around in London during the train strikes
Train strikes return in the UK this week as rail workers stage further walkouts.
The industrial action, which began in May, lasted until the beginning of June and affected several railway operators.
Three rail strikes broke out in four days, with Aslef train drivers withdrawing on Saturday 3 June, the day of the FA Cup Final, after earlier strikes on Wednesday 31 May.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) went on strike on Friday 2 June.
The timetable indicates that there may be service disruptions until early Sunday 4 June.
It is advisable to double-check your plans before you leave, especially the first and last train on strike days and your return journey, if any.
For the latest information see live trains site and trip plannerIf you have any questions, contact your local train company.
Which lines are affected?
The following lines are affected accordingly National Rail website.
- Avanti West Coast
- C2C – June 2nd only
- Chiltern Railways
- cross country
- East Midlands Railway
- Great North
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express)
- LNER
- London Northwest Railway
- north runway
- Südwestbahn
- Southeast (Aslef days only)
- Southern (including Gatwick Express)
- thames link
- TransPennine Express
- West Midlands Railway
Public transport on May 31st
Passengers can expect normal connections with the London Overground and Heathrow Express.
During subway and train strikes, buses are a practical substitute to consider. The daily maximum fare for PAYG bus journeys is capped at £4.95. However, expect the services to be busy.
City bikes such as Santander Cycles or Boris Bikes are available across London for those wanting to avoid overcrowded buses during a train or Tube strike.
Black Cabs, Uber and Bolt will also be on hand to help people who need to reach their location.
Eurostar will operate as usual, however connections to and from the train operator’s main hub, London St Pancras International, will be difficult as East Midlands Railway, Southeastern and Thameslink, which serve the station, will be discontinued.
Public transport on June 2nd
Passengers can expect normal connections with the London Overground and Heathrow Express.
London buses will continue to operate as usual but buses are expected to be busy throughout the day.
If you don’t feel like making crowded trips, city bikes such as Santander Cycles or Boris Bikes are available throughout London.
Alternatively, you can take a Black Cab, Uber and Bolt to get to your destination.
Eurostar will operate as usual, however connections to and from the train operator’s main hub, London St Pancras International, will be difficult as East Midlands Railway, Southeastern and Thameslink, which serve the station, will be discontinued.
Public transport on June 3rd
The FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City takes place at Wembley Stadium in north-west London on June 3, which coincides with the drivers’ strike.
Typically, tens of thousands of spectators rode the train to the game. This will also affect Epsom Derby visitors.
Passengers can expect normal connections on the London Overground and Heathrow Express. Due to the big game, however, these connections will be particularly busy. Therefore, it is recommended to look for an alternative method if possible.
London buses operate as usual throughout London, but expect heavy traffic, particularly around Wembley.
Santander Cycles or Boris Bikes are available across London.
Black Cabs, Uber, and Bolt operate as usual and are convenient for those traveling in larger groups.
Eurostar will operate as usual, however connections to and from the train operator’s main hub, London St Pancras International, will be difficult as East Midlands Railway, Southeastern and Thameslink, which serve the station, will be discontinued.
National Express offers direct tickets from Manchester to Wembley Stadium on matchday for a return ticket worth £54.
What if you booked a train ticket for one of the strike days?
If the train for which the ticket was booked is cancelled, delayed or postponed, passengers with Advance, Anytime or Off-Peak tickets can have their ticket refunded without paying a fee.
Rail companies are likely to offer their customers the opportunity to travel on different days that are not strike days.
Season ticket holders who do not use their tickets can submit a “delay repay” request for reimbursement of the strike dates.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/get-around-london-travel-train-strikes-may-june-rmt-aslef-b1082996.html How to get around in London during the train strikes
