Rail passengers should brace for significant travel disruption this weekend as Avanti West Coast train managers stage another strike amid an ongoing dispute over rest day working. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) strike on Sunday will coincide with vital engineering work on key routes, causing delays, diversions, and longer journey times.
Severe Impact on Key Rail Routes
The strike will lead to a limited service schedule, with only one train per hour running between London and Birmingham and Manchester, and just one train every two hours to Liverpool and Glasgow. Services will only operate between 8 AM and 5 PM, with no Avanti trains running to north Wales, Blackpool, or Edinburgh.
Adding to the disruption, planned engineering work between Rugby and Stafford via Nuneaton on Saturday and Sunday will force some Avanti services to be diverted, further extending travel times. Rail replacement buses will operate between Coventry and Nuneaton due to these works.
Avanti West Coast Urges Travelers to Avoid Sunday
Avanti West Coast is advising passengers to travel on alternative days to avoid the strike-related delays. Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Experience Director at Avanti West Coast, expressed disappointment over the strike’s timing, stating:
“We’re disappointed by the RMT calling strike action when our customers may be working, visiting family and friends, or enjoying days out. As a result, they will face significantly disrupted journeys. During this latest strike action, we’ll have a reduced service, which is also impacted by planned engineering work, so customers with tickets for this day are strongly advised to travel on alternative dates or claim a full fee-free refund.”
RMT Continues Negotiations With Avanti
The RMT union acknowledged recent discussions with Avanti West Coast, stating:
“We have had meaningful and helpful discussions with Avanti, and we have agreed to meet again, with the ultimate aim of reaching a negotiated settlement.”
Despite talks, further Sunday strikes are scheduled to continue in the coming months, prolonging uncertainty for travelers.
Busy Weekend Expected With Sporting Events and Reduced Services
The disruption comes on a weekend when major sporting fixtures, including football matches, will go ahead as planned. Reduced train services along the West Coast Main Line mean that stations serving these events are expected to be particularly busy.
Passengers with tickets for Sunday, February 11, can travel on alternative dates between Saturday and Tuesday or request a full refund from their point of purchase.
With more strikes looming, travelers are urged to check schedules in advance and prepare for continued disruptions in the weeks ahead.
