Passengers reminded to only travel by train if necessary on Saturday due to 24-hour strike by Aslef

Train services will be severely disrupted on Saturday 26 November due to a walkout by drivers at eleven train companies.

Passengers should only travel by train if necessary and should check their journey in advance, and expect some disruption on Sunday with a reduced timetable in operation.

Passengers can choose to either use their ticket on another day, or will be able to claim a refund.

The rail industry is reminding passengers that a further train driver strike called by the leadership of train drivers’ union Aslef will lead to a significantly reduced rail service across the country on Saturday 26 November.

Passengers are urged to plan ahead and check before they travel throughout the whole weekend. Trains that are running will start later on Saturday morning and finish much earlier than usual – with services typically running between 7:30am and 6:30pm on the day of the strike.

Passengers traveling to England v South Africa at Twickenham and to Cardiff for the Autumn International match Wales v Australia on Saturday 26 November are advised to check with their train operator for travel updates as many trains across the network will be affected.

Passengers are advised if they’re travelling the morning of Sunday 27th to check with their operator and consider starting their journey later as there is likely to be some disruption as workers return to their duties.

Passengers with a season ticket that is monthly or longer or who have an activated days’ worth of travel on a flexi season ticket who choose not to travel on 26 November, can claim compensation for these days through the delay repay scheme. Passengers who need to travel on the 26th and already have purchased their tickets, should check with the train company in advance of their journey for advice if their journey is affected.

If your local operator is impacted by industrial action, you should check journey planners on National Rail Enquiries or operator websites to find alternative route options.

Daniel Mann, Director of Industry Operations at the Rail Delivery Group, said: ”The strike by Aslef brings more uncertainty for passengers and businesses by disrupting their weekend plans.

“While we will do all that we can to minimise disruption, if you are going to travel on the routes affected, please plan ahead and check the latest travel advice on national rail enquiries. Passengers with advance, off-peak or anytime tickets affected by the strike can use their ticket either on the day before the date on the ticket, or up to and including Tuesday 29 November. Passengers can also change their tickets to travel on an alternate date or get a refund if their train is cancelled or rescheduled.”