In line with other train operators, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) train services will be severely disrupted this coming weekend because of strikes and industrial action by members of the ASLEF and RMT unions.

This Friday, 1 September, because of industrial action by the ASLEF union, there will be no train services on nearly all Southern, Thameslink, and Great Northern routes.

There will be a very limited shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, but these trains will be very busy and will not stop at any other stations.

Where possible, passengers should not attempt to travel to or from Gatwick by train if they have an alternative transport option. If they do need to travel by train, they should leave plenty of extra time for their journey.

On Saturday, 2 September, the RMT union is holding a strike and ASLEF is banning overtime. That will result in very limited services across the network, and some locations will have no services at all.

The first trains of the day will depart later than normal and the last trains much earlier, and they are likely to be particularly busy. Once the last trains have departed, there will be no alternative transport available.

Passengers should expect longer waiting times for those services that do run, and they will be busier than normal. Some stations may also have queuing systems in place at stations.

Because of the industrial action on Saturday, 2 September, there may be delays or cancellations to services before 9 am on the following day, Sunday, 3 September.

Details of services this weekend can be found on Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express websites., and train times have also been updated on journey planners such as National Rail Enquiries.

Jenny Saunders, GTR s Customer Service Director, said: “We’re really sorry for the inconvenience this industrial action is causing to our customers. If trains are running on your route, they are likely to be busier than normal, with longer waiting times.

“First and last trains will be particularly busy, so please travel later and return earlier if you can. Please plan all your journeys carefully in advance, and check again before you set off.

“We strongly advise you to make sure you know the times of your last trains including any connections to make sure you can get home before services finish.