Strikes affecting Lancaster trains called off but reduced timetable will still run

Friday, 17 January 2025 09:09

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Strikes due to affect trains at Lancaster on the next two Sundays have been called off but rail services will still be reduced.

Industrial action by Avanti West Coast train managers, scheduled for January 19 and 26, will now not take place.

But the rail company said that due to the short notice, it wasn't possible to fully restore their timetable on those dates.

"We’re pleased that the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union) has called off its strike action for Avanti West Coast on Sundays 19 and 26 January," said an Avanti West Coast spokesperson.

"Due to the short notice, it’s not possible to fully restore our timetable for 19 January, so a reduced service will still run. We’re working hard to run as many additional trains as possible, so please check before you travel on the day itself.

"On 26 January, we’ll now run our planned timetable – though this is still reduced due to engineering work.

"You can still claim a refund or travel flexibly for both cancelled strike dates."

Avanti runs West Coast Main Line services between London and Glasgow and Edinburgh, which travel through Lancaster railway station.

Further strike action is still planned on Sundays until May 25, as below, as train managers are in a dispute over rest day working.

Here is an Avanti West Coast dateline for the next few Sundays.

"This suspension reflects our goodwill and commitment to finding a resolution to this rest day working dispute," a RMT spokesperson said.

"We are responding to overtures from Avanti and hope meaningful progress towards a negotiated settlement can be made during these talks."

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