Avanti West Coast issues travel advice during latest industrial action by ASLEF
Avanti West Coast issues travel advice to customers during industrial action by train drivers' union, ASLEF.
- Customers told not to attempt travel on 5 April, as no Avanti West Coast services will operate due to strike action by ASLEF
- Customers can claim a refund or make their journey on an alternative day
- ASLEF members withdraw from working overtime on 4, 6, 8, and 9 April as part of industrial action at multiple train companies
Avanti West Coast has issued travel advice ahead of the latest industrial action by train drivers’ union ASLEF, which will significantly disrupt services.
On Friday 5 April, members of ASLEF, will go on strike and customers are being told not to attempt travel on this day because Avanti West Coast will be unable to run any services.
With no trains running to and from all destinations across the network during this industrial action, customers are advised to claim a refund, seek alternative transport, or rearrange journeys for another date.
Many destinations on the West Coast Main Line will have no rail connectivity on 5 April and rail replacement services will not be in place either.
Customers with tickets for 5 April (purchased before 20 March) can claim a full fee-free refund from their point of purchase. Alternatively, tickets dated between 5 and 8 April can be used from Thursday 4 April up to and including Wednesday 10 April.
Friday’s walkout follows the start of ASLEF members carrying out action short of a strike, which involves withdrawing from working overtime between Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 April, and from Monday 8 to Tuesday 9 April as part of industrial action at multiple train companies. Customers travelling on these dates are advised to check before they travel, as journeys across train operators and routes may be affected.
Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re sorry our customers will face disruption to their travel plans when ASLEF go on strike this Friday.
“Anyone with tickets for 5 to 8 April can make their journey on alternative days or claim a full refund. While our advice to all customers making journeys between 4 and 9 April is to check before you travel. We’d like to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding during this industrial action.”
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For more information about the impact of the strike action on Avanti West Coast services, visit: https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/strike
About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward.
We’re on a mission to revolutionise train travel. Our refurbed Pendolinos are returning to the rails, with a £117m investment that’s delivering best in class comfort. Rebuilt using sustainable materials wherever possible, including tables made from recycled plastic bottles, our upgraded fleet offers 25,000 brand new seats, free Wi-Fi, onboard recycling and much more.
New Hitachi trains are set to replace our Voyager trains from 2024, leading to a 61% cut in carbon emissions. Quieter and roomier, with more reliable Wi-Fi, wireless charging for electrical devices and a real-time customer information system, the new 23-strong fleet is the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel.
We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.
For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Press Office: 0845 000 3333