Rail disruption for Maidenhead, Slough and Windsor passengers as strike action continues

Train passengers have been warned to check before they travel ahead of a fresh wave of strike action.

Members of the ASLEF union kick off a rolling programme of one-day walkouts on Friday (April 5) until Monday, April 8.

Drivers at 16 rail companies are walking out in a long-running pay dispute with train companies and the government.

Great Western Railway and South Western Railway have confirmed they will run an "extremely limited service" during this industrial action.

Great Western Railway also warned it won’t operate any direct trains between London Paddington and Reading on Saturday (April 9) due to engineering works.

Many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all and trains that are running will only be operating for a limited period during the day.  

Where trains can run, they are expected to be extremely busy and no replacement bus services will be provided.

Elizabeth line services are not affected by the strikes, but TfL has warned services are likely to be busier than usual.

A six-day overtime ban will also add to the disruption as ASLEF says this will take place from tomorrow (April 4) until April 6, and from April 8 until April 9.

A revised timetable will operate across the South Western Railway network on Friday, Saturday and Tuesday (April 9) due to the overtime ban.

There will be no trains to Windsor & Eton Riverside on Monday (April 8) as strike action means a significantly reduced service will run on a limited number of lines.

South Western Railway’s Performance and Planning Director Steve Tyler said: “Industrial action by the ASLEF union will mean only a significantly reduced service will run on Monday April 8, so we are asking our customers to only travel if their journeys are absolutely necessary. For essential journeys, customers should check journey planners before setting off.

“The overtime ban on Thursday 4, Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Tuesday 9 April will mean that timetables will be revised. We are asking our customers to check before they travel, right up until they set off, as alterations on the day are possible.

“We are very sorry for the disruption that this industrial action will cause our customers and are very thankful for their continued patience.”

Meanwhile, strike action on the London Underground is also due to take place on April 8 and May 4.

On the days after strikes, services could be affected by short-notice cancellations. 

To help customers, tickets for strike days will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services, so tickets for Friday (April 5) to Monday, April 8 can be used until Wednesday, April 10.

Online journey planners for both GWR and SWR services are up to date with detailed travel information.

Customers are advised to only travel if their journeys are necessary and are warned to check both outward and return journeys beforehand.