Rail passengers are set for a day of disruption and cancellations as staff at three UK franchises take industrial action.
The RMT union is holding its 30th day of strike action against Southern in a long-running dispute over the use of driver-only-operated (DOO) trains. There is also 24-hour industrial action by employees at both Northern and Merseyrail.
Southern said that “most services will operate to the normal timetable” including a full service between Victoria and Gatwick Airport/Brighton. Although trains between Clapham Junction and Watford Junction/Milton Keynes will not run
Northern and Merseyrail staff are also striking on Monday (March 13) in their own disputes over the role of guards on trains.
Northern said it would only 40 per cent of its normal schedule as it concentrates on maintaining services on its busier routes. The franchise is also organising 300 rail replacement bus services.
“We expect these services will be extremely busy, especially those between Leeds and Manchester. Please give yourself extra time to travel and consider whether your journey is necessary,” said the train operator.
Merseyrail is planning to run a reduced service with trains operating every 30 minutes instead of the usual 15 minutes on “most” lines, although there will be no services on the Ellesmere Port, Hunts Cross and Kirkby lines. There will also be a break in service with no trains running between 11:00 and 14:00.
“The RMT union, who represent many Merseyrail guards, has voted for strike action as the new fleet will be driver-controlled operation,” said the rail operator.