Scottish rail passengers are facing potential disruptions as train managers at Avanti West Coast are preparing for strikes on New Year’s Eve and January 2. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members are striking over rest day working issues, prompting Avanti to advise customers to consider alternative travel arrangements as a “significantly reduced” timetable will be in effect on the strike days. Services are expected to be limited, with trains likely to run at reduced frequencies and operating hours, leading to potential overcrowding on available services.
Avanti outlined that on December 31, there will be one train per hour between London Euston and Birmingham, Manchester, and Preston, with a limited service to Glasgow. Additionally, there will be one train every other hour between Liverpool and Crewe. On January 2, one train per hour will operate between Euston and Wolverhampton (via Birmingham), Crewe, and Manchester. The service between Glasgow and Preston will also be limited, with trains running during restricted hours between 8 am and before 5 pm.
The reduced timetables mean that areas such as North Wales, Blackpool, and Edinburgh will have no Avanti West Coast services on strike days. Moreover, specific locations like Macclesfield on December 31 and Warrington Bank Quay or Wigan North Western on January 2 will not have Avanti services operating. Passengers who opt to travel are advised to plan ahead, expect disruptions, and check for the last available train for their journey.
Kathryn O’Brien, the executive director of customer experience at Avanti West Coast, expressed disappointment over the strike action and highlighted the significantly disrupted journeys customers will face. She thanked passengers for their patience and urged those travelling on strike days to either reschedule their trips or claim a full refund. The RMT union members have rejected Avanti’s offers, leading to planned strikes on Sundays from January 12 to May 25, 2025.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch stated that the dispute arose from Avanti ignoring train managers’ concerns and presenting unacceptable offers, calling for a revised proposal to avoid further strike actions in 2025. Avanti West Coast remains open to resolving the dispute through negotiations with the union. Passengers are advised to stay updated on the situation and plan their travel accordingly to minimise inconveniences.
In summary, Scottish rail passengers should be prepared for possible disruptions due to upcoming strikes by Avanti West Coast workers. The reduced timetables and limited services during the strike days may impact travel plans, prompting passengers to consider alternative travel dates or claim refunds. The ongoing dispute between Avanti and the RMT union highlights the importance of effective communication and resolution to ensure smooth operations and minimal disruptions for passengers.