Due to the national rail strike called by the leadership of the RMT union, train services will be severely disrupted on Wednesday, 27th July.

A coordinated industry contingency plan will be implemented so that around 20% of services running will be running to a very-limited timetable, although in some parts of the country there will be no rail services at all.

During the walkout, thousands of specially trained and fully qualified back-up staff will again step in to keep vital services running. But with only a fifth of services running on around just half of the network, passengers should only attempt to travel by train if absolutely necessary, allow extra time for their journey, and check when their last train will depart.

Trains that do run will start later and finish much earlier than usual, with services limited to between 7.30 am and 6.30 pm. The last services from London to Scotland, for example, leaving in the early afternoon. Although the network will only be open from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm, electricity to the tracks and overhead lines will stay on throughout, as will patrolling by security staff, police, and from the air.

There is also expected to be some disruption on the morning of Thursday, 28th July, with a later start to services as employees return to duties.

Separately, ASLEF has called strike action across seven train operators on Saturday, 30th July that will significantly disrupt some routes. Passengers intending to travel over the weekend should also check their journeys before travelling. The seven operators affected are Arriva Rail London, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern, and West Midlands Trains.

Passengers with an advance, off-peak, or anytime ticket who are affected by the strike on 27th or 30th July, can use their ticket either on the day before the date on the ticket or up to and including Tuesday, 2nd August. They can also change their tickets to travel on an alternative date, or get a refund if their train is cancelled or rescheduled.

Passengers with a season ticket that is monthly or longer, or have an activated days’ worth of travel on a flexi season ticket who choose not to travel on 27th or 30th July, can claim compensation for those days through the delay repay scheme. Further information is on the National Rail website.

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “Despite our best efforts to find a breakthrough, I’m afraid there will be more disruption for passengers this week as the RMT seems hell-bent on continuing their political campaigning, rather than compromising and agreeing a deal for their members.

“I can only apologise for the impact this pointless strike will have on passengers, especially those travelling for holidays or attending events such as the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 semi-final (Wednesday 27th) and the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (Thursday 28th). It is frustrating to yet again ask our passengers to change their plans and only make essential journeys.”

Steve Montgomery, Chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We are incredibly disappointed that the RMT and Aslef leadership are continuing with this action, disrupting the summer plans of millions – including those attending the Commonwealth Games.

“While we will do all that we can to minimise disruption to passengers, our advice is to only travel if it is necessary, and if you are going to travel, please plan ahead. If you’re not able to travel, you can use your ticket either the day before or up to and including 2 August, otherwise you will be able to change your ticket or claim a refund.

“We have a responsibility to bring our railway up to date and give our passengers a more punctual and reliable service so that we’re able to give our staff the pay rise they deserve. But it is wrong to continue asking taxpayers to shoulder more of the burden when they have already contributed £600 per household during the pandemic, or to expect passengers to fund it by paying more for their tickets, when they too are feeling the pinch.

“We ask the RMT and ASLEF’s leadership to continue talking so we can come to a deal that works for our people, our passengers and for taxpayers.”