Rail passengers should only travel if necessary during the next three days of strikes.
That’s the message today from Network Rail. It says there will be extremely limited services on the East Coast Main Line during the national walkouts by the RMT union, on Saturday 5, Monday 7 and Wednesday 9 November.
On Saturday 5 November, no trains will run between Peterborough and Doncaster, and an extremely limited service is planned to run between Doncaster and Edinburgh and Doncaster and Leeds.
“Where possible, specially-trained and fully-qualified back up staff will step up to keep vital services running for passengers who need them,” Network Rail says.
On Monday 7 and Wednesday 9 November, limited services will run along the full East Coast Main Line – between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh – between 7.30am and 6.30pm.
The impact will be felt from Saturday 5 until Thursday 10 November, with trains likely to start later or finish earlier than usual on the days following the strikes.
Those who really need to travel should check National Rail Enquiries or their train operator’s website for the latest updates, plan ahead and know their last train home.
Paul Rutter, East Coast route director for Network Rail, said: “It’s really disappointing that, once again, we’re only able to offer passengers a very limited train service during the three days of national strike action.
“I’m sorry for the impact this will have on people’s plans and would encourage anybody who really needs to travel by train to plan ahead, know their last train home, and to expect some significant disruption.”
Engineering work to renew and refresh track, repair drainage through a major tunnel, and upgrade vital equipment between Peterborough and Doncaster will still go ahead on 5 and 6 November to offer passengers a more reliable, on-time railway when services return to normal.
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