Avanti West Coast issues travel advice for upcoming ASLEF strike action

• Customers told not to travel on 3 February, as no Avanti West Coast services will operate due to strike action
• Avanti West Coast timetable also amended on 2 and 4 February
• Customers encouraged to check before they travel as strike action will also affect other train companies between 30 January and 5 February

Avanti West Coast has issued travel advice ahead of the latest strike action which will significantly disrupt services on its west coast route.

On Saturday 3 February, there will be no Avanti West Coast services because of industrial action being undertaken by members of the train drivers’ union, ASLEF and customers are being urged not to travel.

With strike action affecting West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway’s services on the same day, customers are encouraged to either claim a refund, seek alternative transport, or rearrange their travel for an alternative date.

Avanti West Coast services will also be impacted on Saturday 2 and Monday 4 February as a result of the strike. Customers due to travel on these dates should check before leaving for the station.

Strike action is also affecting other operators between 30 January and 5 February. Customers who booked tickets on or before 16 January can claim a full, fee-free refund from their point of purchase.

Alternatively, pre-booked tickets dated between Tuesday 30 January and Monday 5 February can be used any time from Monday 29 January up until Wednesday 7 February.

ASLEF members will also withdraw from working any overtime between 29 January and 6 February. Though Avanti West Coast plans to run its normal timetable during this period (apart from the strike day and the days either side), customers should check before they travel, as the impact of the overtime ban will vary across routes and journeys involving multiple train operators may be affected.

Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “Our customers want to be out using our network and it is disappointing that we are once again asking them not to travel on a weekend. We understand their frustration and can only apologise for the disruption to their plans.

“We’d encourage those able to do so, to take advantage of the ticket easement, and change their day of travel. Alternatively, customers are entitled to a full fee-free refund.”

For more information about the impact of the strike action on Avanti West Coast services, visit: https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/strike

ENDS