EMR train users told only travel if ‘absolutely essential’ during strike action on Northamptonshire line
East Midlands Railway (EMR) train users have been told only to travel if ‘absolutely essential’ during a two-day strike action over the bank holiday weekend on the line serving Wellingborough, Kettering and Corby travellers.
Train operator EMR will run significantly reduced services and trains will be incredibly busy to and from London on Sunday (August 30) and Monday (August 31) due to RMT strike action.
It could be ‘standing room only’ as EMR operate a significantly reduced timetable with trains running from approximately 8am and finishing before 7pm.
Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is essential on these dates and to check their full journey, including first and last trains, before travelling.
Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director, at East Midlands Railway, said: “We recognise how frustrating this disruption will be for customers, particularly following the three Saturdays affected by RMT strike action earlier this month, and we are very sorry for the impact this will have on August Bank Holiday plans.
“We continue to have constructive discussions with the RMT and have met with the union six times as we work towards resolving the issues at the heart of this dispute.
"We strongly advise customers to only travel to or from London if their journey is essential on Sunday, August 30 and Monday, August 31, and to check their full journey, including first and last trains, before setting out.
"Services will be significantly reduced and are expected to be extremely busy, with queuing systems in place at London St Pancras and Sheffield and the possibility of standing room only.
"Customers should allow extra time to make their journey and consider travelling on Saturday or Tuesday where possible. Customers who normally travel to London via LNER, should use their rail replacement services.
"We will continue to provide the latest information through our website, stations and social media.”
EMR Intercity will be running one train per hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras, and one train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras.
Just one EMR Connect train will be running each hour between Corby and London St Pancras. No rail replacement bus services will be provided.
Compounding the issue is the fact that this Sunday there will be no LNER trains between London King’s Cross and Peterborough as part of digital signalling upgrades being carried out by Network Rail.
As a result, EMR services to and from London St Pancras are expected to be extremely busy, with increased demand coinciding with a reduced service due to strike action. Sheffield station and Nottingham station will also be very busy and queues to board services will be in place.
Customers affected by the East Coast Main Line closure should not plan to travel with EMR via Sheffield/ Nottingham and London St Pancras.
An EMR spokesman said: “EMR recognises the significant disruption this will cause to customers’ plans over the August Bank Holiday and understands how frustrating this news will be for its customers, particularly following the three Saturdays targeted by RMT strikes earlier this month.
“EMR continues to have constructive discussions with the RMT and has met with the union six times as it works towards resolving the issues at the heart of this dispute. At the same time, EMR is working closely with Hitachi Rail to ensure that concerns are being properly addressed.”
Members of the RMT union will also take strike action on Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17.
As a result of this strike action, the planned Intercity timetable changes will now take place on Tuesday, September 1 – a day later than scheduled.
Further information can be found here https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/reducedtimetable.
Advice for customers during the strike days
– A queuing system will be in place at London St Pancras and Sheffield for EMR services.
– It may not be possible to board your intended service or get a seat
– Customers should allow extra time at the station and consider travelling on a weekday if possible
– EMR trains on routes between Sheffield, Nottingham and London St Pancras are likely to be extremely busy, with the potential for standing room only
– Customers should consider travelling on Saturday or Tuesday if they haven’t bought tickets