Passengers reminded to check before they travel and prepare for disruption as members of the RMT and ASLEF unions set to strike this week

Passengers are reminded that due to industrial action by ASLEF and the RMT unions, there will be reduced services across the rail network on several dates between Friday 12 May and Saturday 3 June. Those travelling during that period are advised to plan ahead and check first and last train times. 

ASLEF strikes taking place on Friday 12 May, Wednesday 31 May, and Saturday 3 June will affect services on 15 train companies, with trains due to start later and finish much earlier than usual - typically between 7.30am and 6.30pm. It is expected that nationally services will be severely reduced with variations across the network and no services at all in some areas. Strike action by the RMT at 14 train companies on Saturday 13 May will also result in fewer services running, but again there will be wide variations.  

It is likely that evening services on some lines will be affected on the days before each strike, so passengers should also check the last train times on the evenings before strike days and the mornings following strikes.  

ASLEF also has an overtime ban in place at 15 train operating companies between 15 and 20 May inclusive, as well as on 13 May and 1 June that will continue to affect the level of cancellations and the punctuality of some services. This action may particularly affect those travelling in and out of London and passengers are advised to plan their journey in advance.  

Passengers can check for latest updates at www.nationalrail.co.uk/industrialaction  or with their train operator. 

Steve Montgomery, chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said:    

"The upcoming rail strikes called by the ASLEF and RMT leadership will not only affect our passengers' daily commute but will also impact those travelling from outside Liverpool and London to come to Eurovision and the FA Cup final, causing disappointment and frustration for those who have planned to attend. It will also further burden our people who have already lost thousands of pounds at a time of financial strain. 

“We understand the impact of these strikes on individuals and businesses alike, and we can only apologise for this unnecessary and damaging disruption. While we are doing all we can to keep trains running, unfortunately there will be reduced train services across the network between Friday 12 May and Saturday 3 June, so our advice is to check before you travel. Passengers with Advance tickets can be refunded fee-free if the train that the ticket is booked for is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled.”  

Eurovision 

Train companies are doing all they can to make sure people, staff and volunteers travelling for the Eurovision final can get to Liverpool from other parts of the country and tourists flying in from across the world.  

Merseyrail are not impacted by the industrial action and special timetable arrangements are in place to provide a frequent, reliable service throughout the Eurovision Song Contest which is taking place between the 7th and 13th May. Merseyrail services will run into the early hours after the Grand Final on Saturday, May 13. Services will also run until after midnight on the night of the Big Eurovision Welcome on 7 May. Comprehensive travel advice for those visiting the City for this iconic event are available on the Merseyrail website www.merseyrail.org.  

Ticketing and refund information  

Customers with Advance, Anytime or Off-Peak tickets for travel on a strike day can instead use their ticket on an alternative date:  

• Tickets for Friday 12th May or Saturday 13th May can be used on Thursday 11 May or up to and including Tuesday 16 May.  
• Tickets for Wednesday 31st May can be used on the day before the date on the ticket or up to and including Friday 2 June.   
• Tickets for Saturday 3rd June can be used on the day before the date on the ticket or up to and including Tuesday 6 April. 

Passengers with Advance tickets can be refunded fee-free if the train that the ticket is booked for is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled.  

If the Advance ticket is for a train scheduled for a strike day, but it is not cancelled, delayed or rescheduled, and a customer prefers not to travel, they should contact their ticket retailer.  

Customers with 2 x Advance tickets (an outbound and a return), to be used as a return journey, may be able to get a fee-free refund or change of journey for any unused legs/tickets, if either of the legs is scheduled for a strike day. Customers should check with their ticket retailer.  

Season Ticket holders (flexi, monthly or longer) who cannot travel, can claim 100% compensation through Delay Repay for the strike dates of Friday 12th May, Saturday 13th May, Wednesday 31st May, Saturday 3rd June.