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Wednesday 17 Aug 2022

Rail union strike action: more routes open but significant disruption expected

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

The strike, called by the RMT, TSSA and Unite trade unions, will close most of the rail network in Scotland but more routes in the Central Belt will remain open this time around.

A limited number of train services will run in Scotland as further rail union strike action takes place across Britain’s railway again this week.

Specially trained and fully qualified contingency staff will step in to keep vital services running for those who need them during the walkouts on Thursday 18 August and Saturday 20 August.

The strike has been called by the RMT, TSSA and Unite trade unions, and will close most of the rail network in Scotland.

Despite that, more Central Belt routes will remain operational this time around alongside cross-border services on the East and West Coast mainlines – 379 passenger services in total compared to 189 last time.

Services will only run between 7:30am and 6:30pm and passengers are being asked to plan ahead and only travel by train on strike days if absolutely necessary.

Liam Sumpter, Route Director, Network Rail Scotland, said: “This week’s strikes will once again cause significant disruption and we’re doing everything we can to minimise the impact on passengers, businesses and the wider community.

‘I’m pleased we’ve been able to double the number of services we can offer and connect more stations on strike days.

“Stand-in signallers will be in place to keep the main lines between our two biggest cities, and other critical freight lines in the Central Belt, open on strike days but passengers should remember that most services won’t be running.

“Please check your journey in advance as those services that are operating will finish much earlier in the evening.”

Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central will close much earlier than normal (19:00) on both strike days.

Passengers are also being advised that services will start later than normal on the mornings following the strikes (Friday and Sunday) as workers return to their duties.

Passengers can find more information about their journey by visiting National Rail Enquiries or checking with their individual operator.

If you're unsure who your train operator is, or if you'd like to find out more general information, visit National Rail Enquiries for more details.