Further strikes by the RMT and Aslef Unions are causing continued disruption to rail services throughout this week. In response to the repeated disruption South Western Railway imposed a reduced timetable on local services which ran throughout the Christmas period and will continue until 9th January. This included suspension of services on the branch line through Addlestone and Chertsey.
Constituents are rightly concerned with the disruption this is causing - I have been contacted by residents upset that students can't get to school or university, employees cannot commute to work and patients cannot access appointments due to normal rail services not running. I have written to South Western Rail asking them how they determine which services run and why the decision was taken to cancel services through Addlestone and Chertsey for such an extended period.
Effective rail services are vital. I have made clear that I do not support the strike action which is incredibly disruptive and damaging to local residents and businesses. I am deeply disappointed the unions continue to pursue these actions and appear to aim to cause maximum disruption to those who rely on rail services.
As with previous strikes, SWR’s message to customers is to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary. Full information can be found here: https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/industrial-action/strike-day-service-information.
If you do need to travel during this period I would urge you to check the status of local services in advance. Service updates are available on the SWR website here: https://www.journeycheck.com/swr/
