Train operators have joined calls for passengers not to travel unless they have to as strike action continues over the weekend.
Services to and from Lichfield stations are among those set to be disrupted by a third day of industrial action tomorrow (25th June).
No Avanti West Coast services will call at Lichfield Trent Valley tomorrow, while London Northwestern will run a “severely restricted” timetable on the route.
Jonny Wiseman, London Northwestern Railway customer experience director, said:
“A very limited service will be running on Saturday due to this week’s industrial action.
“We strongly urge passengers to find alternate modes of transport and only travel if their journey is essential.
“We thank all passengers for their patience and understanding whilst we have been operating a reduced service this week.”
Jonny Wiseman, London Northwestern Railway
Warnings have already been issued that some routes will also face knock-on delays on Sunday too.
Phil Whittingham, managing director of Avanti West Coast, said:
“Weekends have seen very strong growth in passenger numbers over recent months and we’re concerned that many who travel at weekends will be less frequent rail users and may not realise the huge impact industrial action will have.
“We’ll be running a significantly reduced timetable on Saturday as result of the strike.
“The reduced timetable will also have a significant impact on Sunday. We’re strongly advising customers to only travel if absolutely necessary and instead make their journeys on alternative days or claim a full refund.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their patience as we try to keep the network moving.
“No one wins in the event of a strike. Staff lose pay, the industry loses vital revenue making it harder to afford pay increases, and customers and businesses are disrupted.
“We urge the RMT’s leadership to work with us to ensure a fair deal for our people and for the taxpayer while securing the long-term future of the railways.”
Phil Whittingham, Avanti West Coast
On the Cross City Line, only two West Midlands Railway trains an hour will be in operation.
