A new alert has been issued to commuters who plan to travel by train over the weekend amid another rail strike.
Reportedly, only a fifth of services will be running while half of the lines will be closed as 40,000 members of the RMT union at Network Rail and 13 train operators walk out for the third day this week. Passengers are being warned by operators to "only travel by train if necessary" and to plan their journey in advance.
It comes after many commuters avoided the rail disruption by working at home on Tuesday and Thursday. Despite this, many travellers over the weekend may be determined to take the train for things such as a day trip or holiday to visit friends or relatives or attend an event, despite the industrial action.
Read more: 'I've been a Northern train guard for nearly 30 years - here's why I'm striking'
In response to the strikes, many seaside resorts will not be operating on Saturday, including Bournemouth, Dorset, Blackpool, Lancashire, Margate, Kent, Llandudno, north Wales, Skegness, and Lincolnshire. Meanwhile, Cornwall will have no trains operating at all.
It will mostly be the main lines that will see the most restricted services across Britain, however, they will still be open between 7.30m and 6.30pm. These disruptions will carry on well into Sunday.
It is believed that around only 60 per cent of trains were expected to run on Friday due to a delayed start of services after signallers and control room staff that worked overnight shifts joined the strike. Despite the ongoing strikes, no resolution to the dispute over pay, jobs and conditions has yet been reached.
Steve Montgomery, who chairs the Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said: “We are very disappointed that the RMT leadership has decided to continue with tomorrow’s strike, and the union leadership has chosen to take action which will severely inconvenience the millions of people who had plans over the weekend.
“While we are doing our best to minimise disruption to passengers, our advice is to only travel if it is necessary, and if you are going to travel, please plan ahead.”
Passengers who have already booked tickets to travel on Saturday have the option of either travelling on Friday, Sunday or Monday with the same ticket or claim a refund. Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines said: “Unfortunately, the RMT’s decision to carry out another day of needless and premature strike action means our passengers will suffer again on Saturday.
"A fraction of trains will run compared to a usual Saturday service, with trains starting later in the morning and finishing much earlier in the evening. I am really sorry to our passengers for the inevitable disruption to their journeys and their weekend.”
He added: “We remain at the table and ready for talks, day or night, and will do everything we can to avoid further disruption for our passengers.”
It has been estimated that the week of strikes has cost the rail industry up to £150 million in lost revenue. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said his union's members are "standing up for all working people trying to get a pay rise and some job security".
He added: "In a modern economy, workers need to be properly rewarded for their work, enjoy good conditions and have the peace of mind that their job will not be taken away from them. (Transport Secretary) Grant Shapps needs to get in the room or get out of the way so we can negotiate with these companies who we have successfully struck dozens of deals with previously.
"What we cannot accept is thousands of railway workers being thrown on the scrapheap after being praised as heroes during Covid. RMT will continue its industrial campaign until a negotiated settlement is reached.”
Read next:
"It’s the only way the workers can be heard" - Mancunian commuters back striking rail workers
What to do if you were planning to travel by train this week as rail strike will go ahead
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