Great Western Railway is warning travellers that there will be significant disruption to its rail services on Thursday, December 7 because of industrial action by drivers’ union Aslef. 

Where GWR can run services, a very limited service will operate, with a reduced frequency. It is anticipated that those trains which are running will be extremely busy. Customers are advised to travel before or after Thursday.

GWR will operate a very limited service only on the following routes between Plymouth and Gunnislake, Penzance and St Ives while planned engineering work to the Night Riviera sleeper is cancelled.

If you intend to travel on these routes, please check before you travel. Trains that are operating will be busier than usual because GWR is not able to offer the normal service frequency. It is not possible for a bus replacement service to be operated. 

To help customers, rail tickets for strike days are valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services, as per: tickets from Saturday, December 2 to Friday, December 8 can be used the day before or up to and including Tuesday, December 12.  

Other train operators are also affected by this action, so onward travel will also be affected.  

Industrial action short of a strike will continue up to and including Saturday, December 9 and is likely to cause some short-notice alterations and cancellations.  

The rolling programme of strike action and action short of a strike by the union is also affecting other rail operators too.

Customers who purchased tickets but do not travel can claim a full refund or amend their ticket. Those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more. 

Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme. Our Refund policy remains in place. If you hold a return ticket, you can claim a refund of your unused full fare, even if only one leg of your journey is affected.