NO main-line trains in Cornwall as third rail strike in a week gets underway

GWR and Cross Country are among the operators affected, nationwide

Stock image of Great Western Railway train at Bristol Temple Meads
Author: Emma HartPublished 20th Aug 2022
Last updated 20th Aug 2022

The next train to arrive in Cornwall will not be until tomorrow, due to another nationwide rail strike.

Great Western Railway (GWR) and CrossCountry are not running any services in the Duchy on Saturday 20th August, as members of the RMT and TSSA unions walk out in a row over pay, job security and conditions.

GWR says the industrial action will affect Sunday's timetable too, with services starting later.

It states: "Industrial action by the RMT and TSSA unions will severely affect trains across the GWR network this weekend, with services unable to operate across many routes and some key stations closed.

"The action is planned for Saturday 20th August, with Sunday also likely to be affected.

"On Saturday a significantly reduced temporary timetable has been put in place, and some stations including Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth will see no rail services".

GWR's statement added: "Passengers are advised to find alternative ways to travel on these days. Only travel if absolutely necessary.

"On the strike day an extremely limited service will operate between 0700 and 1830, and last trains will leave much earlier. Where trains are able to operate, they will be extremely busy".

How will the latest strike affect Cornwall's trains?

GWR has said it will operate as many trains as possible during the strike action, however the following travel advice is in place over the strike period:

Saturday 20th August:

An extremely limited service will operate and services will start later and finish much earlier than normal.

No rail services will operate on the following routes:

• No trains will operate in/out of Bristol Temple Meads

• Between Bristol Temple Meads to Swindon

• Between Bristol and Gloucester

• Between Bristol and Taunton

• All lines in Cornwall, including all branch lines

• West of Newton Abbot (change at Exeter) towards Plymouth/Cornwall

• All branch lines in Devon (Barnstaple, Exmouth, Paignton, Okehampton)

• South Wales main line (Carmarthen/Swansea–Cardiff Central)

• Berks & Hants line (between Reading–Bruton)

• Wessex main line (Bath Spa–Portsmouth Harbour)

• Heart of Wessex line (Westbury–Weymouth)

• TransWilts line (trains will only operate non-stop between Swindon and Westbury)

• Severn Beach line (Bristol Temple Meads–Severn Beach)

• North Cotswolds line (Hereford/Worcester–Oxford)

• South Cotswolds line (Cheltenham Spa–Swindon)

• Worcester/Gloucester

• Greenford branch line

• North Downs line (Reading–Gatwick Airport)

Please check before you travel.

Sunday 21st August:

GWR says: "Disruption is likely to continue, and services are expected to be very busy. Trains will start later and there will be short notice cancellations. Please check before you travel".

GWR says: "If you can delay your journey, tickets for travel on Sunday are valid up to Tuesday 23rd August".

Information on Great Western Railway journeys, refunds and compensation can be found on its dedicated strike page.

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