East Coast Main Line passengers urged to only travel if necessary on Thursday and Saturday

Less than half of usual services will run between London and Edinburgh via Peterborough, York and Newcastle from 7:30am until 6:30pm, and passengers should check before they travel, expect disruption and only travel if necessary.

Netowrk Rail has brought in thousands of specially-trained and fully qualified back-up staff to hold the fort during the walkout - which has been called by the RMT, TSSA and Unite unions - to keep vital services running for those who need them.

But with less than half of usual services planned to run between London and Edinburgh, passengers are asked to only travel by train if they must.

Trains are set to start later and finish much earlier than usual, between 7.30am and 6.30pm, with the last long distance services leaving in the early afternoon. Those who really need to travel should allow extra time and check their last train times. 

Sarah Reid, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast Route said: “Passengers travelling on the East Coast Main Line will again face a limited train service due to the ongoing industrial action on Thursday and Saturday.

“I’d urge those who absolutely need to travel by train to plan ahead, check their journey and expect severe disruption. I can only apologise for the impact that this will have on people’s plans.” 

Passengers should also expect disruption on the morning of Friday 19 August and Sunday 21 August with a later start to services as railway workers return to their duties.  

Further information for passengers is available on the National Rail website.