Avanti West Coast confirms revised timetable for latest strike action

• Avanti West Coast to operate reduced timetable during RMT strikes on 20 and 22 July
• Less frequent service and shorter hours of operation could result in busy trains
• Customers advised to check before they travel and expect longer journeys due to planned upgrade work

Avanti West Coast is advising customers to check before they travel during the latest strike action by RMT this week. 

On Thursday 20 and Saturday 22 July, the intercity operator will be running a significantly reduced timetable in response to strike action by the RMT which is coordinated across train companies.

Avanti West Coast will operate one train per hour from London Euston to Manchester, Preston, and Liverpool, with a limited service to Glasgow. Trains to Liverpool will travel via the West Midlands, including calls at Coventry, Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton, due to planned upgrade work by Network Rail between Rugby and Stafford.

On both days these trains will operate during limited hours, with the first train of the day departing Euston after 7am and the last train of the day from Euston departing shortly after 5pm. The major upgrade work will also mean services to some destinations will have longer journey times, as trains are diverted.

The significantly reduced timetable means North Wales, Shrewsbury, Chester, Blackpool and Edinburgh will have no Avanti West Coast services. Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield will also not be served by Avanti West Coast due to operational reasons.

With fewer services running and a considerably reduced operation, trains could be busy, and customers are strongly advised to plan ahead, make a reservation, check before they travel, and be aware of their last train home.

Customers with tickets for 20 or 22 July (purchased before 22 June) can claim a full fee-free refund from their point of purchase. Alternatively, tickets dated 20 or 22 July can be used the day before or up to and including 25 July.

Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re sorry our customers will face further disruption to their journeys when RMT members go on strike in a week that sees the start of the school holidays, as well as The Open Championship at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club and the fourth test match in The Ashes at Old Trafford.

“With planned upgrade work taking place during this latest action, we’ll be operating a reduced timetable, so all our customers should plan ahead, check before they travel and be aware of their last train home. We’d like to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding during this time.

“Any customers with tickets for 20 or 22 July can make their journey on alternative days or claim a full refund.”

Further strike action by the RMT later this month will impact Avanti West Coast services on Saturday 29 July.

ENDS