GWR has warned travellers there will be a limited train service this weekend as strike action combines with planned engineering work

The rail company is reminding customers that major disruption to rail services continues this weekend as strike action and planned engineering work limits the number of trains able to operate.

On Saturday 7 January, industrial action continues, as well as planned engineering work, and only an extremely limited service will run. Customers are advised to avoid travelling, and to seek alternative ways to make journeys.

A very limited service will operate, with no direct trains between London Paddington and Bristol, and between London Paddington and south Wales.

Services will only operate on the following routes from 0730 and journeys must be completed by 1830:

London Paddington and Oxford

London Paddington and Didcot Parkway 

London Paddington and Reading

Slough and Windsor

Maidenhead and Marlow

Twyford and Henley-on-Thames

Reading and Basingstoke

Didcot and Oxford

Cardiff Central and Westbury calling most stations

Bristol and Plymouth

On Sunday 8 January, there will be a reduced level of service throughout the day, trains will start later and there could be short-notice cancellations and alterations.

Where trains can run, they are expected to be extremely busy and those travelling are advised to check their journey beforehand.

Due to the planned engineering work, no trains will run between Didcot Parkway and Bristol Parkway or Bath Spa.

Trains between London and Bristol or South Wales will use a different route – not stopping at Didcot Parkway, Swindon or Chippenham

Shuttle trains will run between Swindon and Cheltenham Spa

Buses will replace trains for stations between Reading and Bath Spa, and between Didcot Parkway and Bristol Parkway

Other train operators are also affected by this action, so onward travel could also be affected.  

Where trains are able to operate, they are expected to be extremely busy.  

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.  

To help customers, tickets will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services as follows: 

Tickets for 6, 7 January can be used the day before, or up to and including Tuesday 10 January

Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme. 

For more detailed information, including when journey planners will be updated with the latest train times, please visit www.gwr.com/strike.