Bedfordians have been warned of a significantly reduced rail service this coming weekend (5 and 6 November) and the following Monday and Wednesday due to a combination of planned engineering works and industrial action.
Engineering works will close the line between London and Luton on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November, with East Midlands Railway (EMR) running a significantly reduced service on Saturday 5, Monday 7 and Wednesday 9 November due to industrial action by members of the RMT and TSSA unions.
EMR advised customers to travel only if absolutely necessary on days affected by strikes and that anyone who did travel should ensure they check the time of their last return train.
Engineering works
Network Rail is also closing lines between London and Luton on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November to undertake vital engineering works.
On these days, all EMR Intercity services will terminate at Luton and Rail Replacement Buses will connect passengers to and from Hitchin where passengers can access Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) services to and from London. However, these GTR services will likely be extremely busy.
Will Rogers, managing director for EMR, said: “As a result of the industrial action from members of the RMT and TSSA Unions our services will be significantly reduced on 5,7 and 9 November.
“Weekend services will also be affected by Network Rail’s engineering works between Luton and London.
“We are advising customers to plan ahead and only travel by rail if absolutely necessary on strike days. Customers are also strongly advised to check when the time of their last train is before setting off and understand how the strike action affects their whole journey.
