TRADE unions have announced strikes and industrial action at a number of train companies, including GWR, and Network Rail on two Saturdays, October 1 and 8, plus Wednesday, October 5.

The trade unions had suspended all strike action following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the period of official mourning as a mark of respect.

On these strike days Devon’s train services will be severely disrupted and some parts of the GWR network will have no train service at all. Train services on the days following the industrial action will also be disrupted.

On strike days an extremely limited service will operate between 7.30am and 6.30pm, and the last trains will leave much earlier.

A spokesperson for Great Western Railways said: ‘Where we are able to run services, they are expected to be extremely busy and we are not able to provide bus replacement services.

‘Online journey planners will be updated with the latest timetable information as soon as possible.

‘Passengers are advised to find alternative ways to travel on these days. Only travel by train if absolutely necessary. The majority of train services will not operate and there will be no services on many routes.

‘Customers who have already purchased tickets for strike days can claim a full refund or amend their ticket; those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more. Season ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.

‘To help customers, GWR is allowing people with tickets for travel on alternative days as follows:

Tickets for travel on 1 October are valid for travel on 30 September, 2, 3, and 4 October.

Tickets for travel on 2 October are valid for travel on 2, 3, and 4 October.

Tickets for travel on 5 October are valid for travel on 4, 6, and 7 October

‘GWR will operate as many trains as possible during the strike action, however the following travel advice is in place over the strike period:

Friday 30 September

Trains will run as planned with some minor changes to late-night services. Please check before you travel. The Night Riviera will not operate.

Saturday October 1 – Strike Day: An extremely limited service will operate. Services will start at 07:30 and all journeys must be completed before 18:30.

‘Rail services will only operate on the following routes, between: Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington; Reading and Didcot; Reading and Basingstoke

There are NO other train services on the GWR network.

‘Avoid travelling and seek alternative ways to make your journey. If you are intending to travel on these routes, please only do so if absolutely necessary. Trains that are operating will be extremely busy.

Sunday, October 2: Trains will start later than usual with some morning services cancelled. A limited and reduced timetable will operate on long-distance services.

Trains which are running will be extremely busy and if you can travel on Monday 3 or Tuesday 4 October please do so, tickets will be valid. The Night Riviera is operating.

Monday, October 3: A full timetable in operation.

Tuesday , October 4: Trains will run as planned with some minor changes to late-night services. Please check before you travel. The Night Riviera will not operate.

Wednesday 5 October – Strike Day: An extremely limited service will operate. Services will start at 07:30 and all journeys must be completed before 18:30.

Rail services will only operate on the following routes, between: Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington; Reading and Oxford; Reading and Basingstoke

There are NO other train services on the GWR network.

‘Avoid travelling and seek alternative ways to make your journey. If you are intending to travel on these routes, please only do so if absolutely necessary. Trains that are operating will be extremely busy.’

Thursday, October 6: Trains will start later than usual with some morning services cancelled.

‘A normal timetable will resume thereafter, but we anticipate short-notice cancellations. Please check before you travel. The Night Riviera service resumes operation.’