South Western Railway (SWR) has today published its weekday strike timetable, providing customers with details of the services they can expect during the RMT strike action in December.
SWR plans to run around more than half of its weekday service, providing longer trains to maximise capacity and more staff trained to help keep our trains running during the strike.
SWR has previously announced the promise that they will keep a guard on every train in a safety critical role to help customers, meaning the action by the RMT is unnecessary. All that SWR is asking is that guards work with them to provide a modern, efficient train services that customers need and want.
While the RMT Union has informed SWR that they will not be striking on 12 December, owing to the prolonged nature of the strike it will not be possible to provide trains and crews in the correct locations to operate a normal timetable. As a result, there will also be an amended timetable on that day.
A South Western Railway spokesperson said:
"We know this strike will make travelling more difficult and services will be busier than normal. We share your frustration and want you to know we’re doing everything possible to keep customers moving during this unnecessary RMT strike action.
“We plan to run more than half of our normal Monday-Friday services and will provide longer trains in order to increase capacity wherever possible. Customers can expect a similar number of peak services to previous strikes. However, they should be aware that last services will be earlier than normal.
“We encourage customers to check our website southwesternrailway.com/strike for the latest travel information.
“Our train planners are now working hard on the weekend and festive period timetables. Details will be updated on our website and via @SW_Help.”