Southern, Thameslink & Great Northern 'Not On Strike' Details

[Jan Mayen]

Southern have put up a strike message, noting that they aren't actually on strike:

Southern - Industrial action

www.southernrailway.com

Industrial action
Last updated: 14 June

Nationwide rail strikes have been called by the RMT union at Network Rail and by other train operators to take place on Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 June. Although our colleagues are not on strike, this national action will severely affect all journeys on Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Northern between Tuesday 21 June and Sunday 26 June. We’re really sorry if this affects your journey plans.

Between Tuesday 21 June and Sunday 26 June inclusive, please only travel if your journey is absolutely necessary, and expect disruption.

As this Industrial Action is affecting the whole country, we will be unable to provide alternatives such as replacement buses and ticket acceptance with other local rail and bus operators. We recognise that it will be very difficult to travel and our advice, regrettably, is to travel only if your journey is absolutely necessary.

Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 June
Many stations and routes will be closed. Trains will only be able to run during limited hours and will finish in the late afternoon. This means, if you do have to travel, you should carefully check the first and last train for your station. Expect these trains to be very busy.

Please be aware that Transport for London are also expecting Tube strikes on Tuesday 21 June. Visit the Transport for London website for more information.

We anticipate National Rail journey planners for these days will be updated on Friday 17 June.

Wednesday 22 and Friday 24 June
Services will also be severely disrupted and we will run an amended Sunday service, no trains will start running before 0715. This will allow us to run a more reliable and consistent service throughout the day.

We anticipate journey planners for these days will be updated on Saturday 18 June.

Sunday 26 June
Details for the service we plan to run will be updated shortly.

Check again before any necessary journeys before travelling as there may also be changes on the day to the planned service. Ensure you have checked when your last train departs as there will be no alternatives once services end.
We will be adding further detail to the service which we plan to run on these days, as well as some FAQs for our customers to this page tomorrow.

 

[infobleep]

I'm hoping they will be providing maps and summery information in due course. Others seem to be able to do so.

 

[James H]

 

[Minstral25]

Some interesting choices made.

Why go to Tattenham and not Caterham - as majority of passengers are on Caterham route. Why go to Epsom Downs (outskirts of town and close to Tattenham Corner) and not Epsom (in centre of town).

 

[Silver Cobra]

Similar to the thread regarding Southern's plans for train services next week, here are Thameslink and Great Northern's plans:

Thameslink - Industrial action

www.thameslinkrailway.com

Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 June​

​

Services between St Pancras International and Bedford​

St Pancras International and Bedford​

Two trains per hour will run between St Pancras International and Bedford, calling at St Pancras International, West Hampstead Thameslink, St Albans City, Harpenden, Luton Airport Parkway, Luton, Leagrave, Harlington, Flitwick and Bedford only.

St Pancras International and Luton​

Two trains per hour will run between St Pancras International and Luton, calling at St Pancras International, Kentish Town, West Hampstead Thameslink, Cricklewood, Hendon, Mill Hill Broadway, Elstree & Borehamwood, Radlett, St Albans City, Harpenden, Luton Airport Parkway, Luton.

​

Services between King’s Cross and Peterborough / Cambridge / Ely​

King’s Cross and Ely​

One train per hour will run between King’s Cross and Ely, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Potters Bar, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn North, Knebworth, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Baldock, Ashwell & Morden, Royston, Meldreth, Shepreth, Foxton, Cambridge, Cambridge North, Waterbeach, Ely only.

Cambridge and Ely​

In addition to the above, one train per hour will run between Cambridge and Ely, calling at Cambridge, Cambridge North, Waterbeach and Ely only.

King’s Cross and Cambridge​

One train per hour will run between King’s Cross and Cambridge, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Baldock, Ashwell & Morden, Royston and Cambridge only.

King’s Cross and Peterborough​

Two trains per hour will run between King’s Cross and Peterborough, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Stevenage, Hitchin, Arlesey, Biggleswade, St Neots, Huntingdon and Peterborough only.

King’s Cross and Welwyn Garden City​

Two trains per hour will run between King’s Cross and Welwyn Garden City, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Harringay, Hornsey, Alexandra Palace, New Southgate, Oakleigh Park, New Barnet, Hadley Wood, Potters Bar, Brookmans Park, Welham Green, Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City only.

King’s Cross and Stevenage via Hertford North​

Two trains per hour will run between King’s Cross and Stevenage, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Harringay, Hornsey, Alexandra Palace, Bowes Park, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, Grange Park, Enfield Chase, Gordon Hill, Crews Hill, Cuffley, Bayford, Hertford North, Watton-at-Stone and Stevenage only.

Wednesday 22 and Friday 24 June​

Services will also be severely disrupted and we will run an amended Sunday service, no trains will start running before 0715 and this means the first train may reach your station much later than this. This will allow us to run a more reliable and consistent service throughout the day.

We anticipate journey planners for these days will be updated on Saturday 18 June.

Sunday 26 June​

No trains will run before 0715, however after that our regular Sunday service will run. These changes will be available in Journey Planners on Saturday 25 June.

Check again before any necessary journeys prior to travelling as there may also be changes on the day to the planned service. Ensure you have checked when your last train departs as there will be no alternatives once services end.


For more information there are FAQs at the bottom of this page and the National Rail Enquiries FAQs can be found here.

I'm quite impressed to see that for the Peterborough route they are planning to still run two services per hour, and that the only station not being served on the industrial action days on this route is Sandy; services will call at all other stations normally served on the Sunday timetable. I was expecting that Arlesey would also have no service alongside Sandy at the least, but thankfully it will still have some service.

 

[JonathanH]

Some interesting choices made.

Why go to Tattenham and not Caterham - as majority of passengers are on Caterham route. Why go to Epsom Downs (outskirts of town and close to Tattenham Corner) and not Epsom (in centre of town).

The signalling requirement is almost certainly easier on the Epsom Downs and Tattenham branches relative to running to Epsom and Caterham.

For a start, I don't think there is a level crossing on the Tattenham branch. Epsom Downs is presumably easier to signal than going to Epsom as it reduces a movement at Sutton. Is Epsom under different control?

 

[Geoff_K]

Will be interested to see which of the Kings Cross to St Neots trains are Thameslink - if any. I'm assuming the St Pancras to Bedford trains will all be Thameslink though.

 

[OliverH68]

Some interesting choices made.

Why go to Tattenham and not Caterham - as majority of passengers are on Caterham route. Why go to Epsom Downs (outskirts of town and close to Tattenham Corner) and not Epsom (in centre of town).

Caterham is well served by the 407 bus from Purley which basically runs parallel to the railway on the main road, whereas the Tattenham branch only has a bus as far as Woodmansterne.

 

[transportphoto]

Will be interested to see which of the Kings Cross to St Neots trains are Thameslink - if any. I'm assuming the St Pancras to Bedford trains will all be Thameslink though.

I’d be half inclined to speculate that the use of Class 700s will be prioritised given the additional capacity they bring.

 

[DanNCL]

I wonder why Sandy can't be served when everywhere else between Kings Cross and Peterborough can?

 

[Robski_]

I wonder why Sandy can't be served when everywhere else between Kings Cross and Peterborough can?

Looks like an error, Sandy isn't greyed out on the pdf map.

 

[Saint66]

No details on the last trains apart from ‘late afternoon’ yet - I presume it’s lines closing from 6:30 as it seems to be on most strike timetables I’ve seen.

 

[mmh]

Who's the important person who lives in Hove?

 

[Geoff_K]

I’d be half inclined to speculate that the use of Class 700s will be prioritised given the additional capacity they bring.

Don't need to travel to St Neots until the 14th or 15th July, returning on the 17th or 18th, so I'm hoping not to be affected. I have a coach booked to Bedford on the 14th & a lift to St Neots the next day, but would prefer to go to Bedford or St Neots by train, and Thameslink is my preferred option.

 

[transportphoto]

Don't need to travel to St Neots until the 14th or 15th July, returning on the 17th or 18th, so I'm hoping not to be affected. I have a coach booked to Bedford on the 14th & a lift to St Neots the next day, but would prefer to go to Bedford or St Neots by train, and Thameslink is my preferred option.

It is worth remembering that Thameslink and Great Northern are all one company.

 

[JonathanH]

Who's the important person who lives in Hove?

I don't think there needs to be one. It is just another service that Southern say they are running.

the Tattenham branch only has a bus as far as Woodmansterne

There are plenty of places that don't have a bus. While the 407 does parallel the railway to Caterham, it doesn't mean there is capacity on it. The 166 reaches Chipstead, then takes a different route to Banstead and Epsom but isn't far away from the Tattenham branch.

 

[Geoff_K]

It is worth remembering that Thameslink and Great Northern are all one company.

Sorry, what I meant is that I would prefer to travel by Thameslink due to not being committed to a particular train by ticket/seat reservation.

 

[Peregrine 4903]

The signalling requirement is almost certainly easier on the Epsom Downs and Tattenham branches relative to running to Epsom and Caterham.

For a start, I don't think there is a level crossing on the Tattenham branch. Epsom Downs is presumably easier to signal than going to Epsom as it reduces a movement at Sutton. Is Epsom under different control?

Epsom is controlled by Wimbledon.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

The signalling requirement is almost certainly easier on the Epsom Downs and Tattenham branches relative to running to Epsom and Caterham.

For a start, I don't think there is a level crossing on the Tattenham branch. Epsom Downs is presumably easier to signal than going to Epsom as it reduces a movement at Sutton. Is Epsom under different control?

There is a gate box at Whyteleafe Sth for the barriers there and the ones at Whyeleafe is more than likely the reason.

 

[Hadders]

I wonder why Sandy can't be served when everywhere else between Kings Cross and Peterborough can?

Nothing for Welwyn North or Knebworth. I wonder if one of the hourly Peterborough trains will be a semi-fast, calling Finsbury Park, Potters Bar, Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn North, Knebworth, Stevenage and then stations to Peterborough?

Sorry, what I meant is that I would prefer to travel by Thameslink due to not being committed to a particular train by ticket/seat reservation.

All trains that call at St Neots are operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and there are no Advance fares on seat reservations on any of them.

 

[JonathanH]

All trains that call at St Neots are operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and there are no Advance fares on seat reservations on any of them.

All Thameslink trains that stop at St Neots and run through the core have counted place reservations now.

There are advance fares routed Thameslink only from St Neots to Gatwick Airport (and stations beyond). Not convinced they are good value.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

No through Thameslink trains but wasn't really expecting that and probably sensible given they are running a reduced service.

Also a Sunday service all week isn't great and how long before that becomes the new timetable.

 

[Hadders]

All Thameslink trains that stop at St Neots and run through the core have counted place reservations now.

There are advance fares routed Thameslink only from St Neots to Gatwick Airport (and stations beyond). Not convinced they are good value.

The counted reservations have been available for a year or so but GTR's website doesn't actually make them available (other sites do though). I asked GTR what the point of these reservations was and I was told it was so that I'd be 'guaranteed a place on the train!' Not sure how that works at St Pancras during the evening peak!

I didn't realise there were Advance fares in the database for Thameslink services north of the river. This really isn't a good idea on a line with a frequent turn up and go style service.

 

[Robski_]

First class is declassified on all GTR services on strike days.

We expect the trains that are running to be extremely busy, so First Class areas will be declassified on Industrial Action days for customer safety and comfort. If you have a First Class ticket you can apply for compensation here.

Nothing for Welwyn North or Knebworth. I wonder if one of the hourly Peterborough trains will be a semi-fast, calling Finsbury Park, Potters Bar, Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn North, Knebworth, Stevenage and then stations to Peterborough?

Both will be served by the 1tph Kings Cross - Ely service (same calling pattern as the Kings Cross - Cambridge stopper, extended to Ely), as on the Thameslink website. Sandy will be served by the Peterborough trains, which are fast from Finsbury Park to Stevenage.

 

[Silver Cobra]

Also a Sunday service all week isn't great and how long before that becomes the new timetable.

The Peterborough route thankfully gets it's normal Mon-Sat 2tph rather than the Sunday 1tph.

 

[bicbasher]

Norwood Junction appears to get a half decent service on strike days with Victoria via Crystal Palace, Thameslink stoppers from Gatwick and Three Bridges to London Bridge and presumably at least 2tph on London Overground to Highbury & Islington.

 

[philjo]

Nothing for Welwyn North or Knebworth. I wonder if one of the hourly Peterborough trains will be a semi-fast, calling Finsbury Park, Potters Bar, Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn North, Knebworth, Stevenage and then stations to Peterborough?

The stopping pattern on the Thameslink website indicates that the hourly Kings Cross to Ely stopping service will call at Welwyn North and Knebworth plus the Cambridgeshire villages.

Services between King’s Cross and Peterborough / Cambridge / Ely​

King’s Cross and Ely​

One train per hour will run between King’s Cross and Ely, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Potters Bar, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn North, Knebworth, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Baldock, Ashwell & Morden, Royston, Meldreth, Shepreth, Foxton, Cambridge, Cambridge North, Waterbeach, Ely only.

Cambridge and Ely​

In addition to the above, one train per hour will run between Cambridge and Ely, calling at Cambridge, Cambridge North, Waterbeach and Ely only.

King’s Cross and Cambridge​

One train per hour will run between King’s Cross and Cambridge, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Baldock, Ashwell & Morden, Royston and Cambridge only.

King’s Cross and Peterborough​

Two trains per hour will run between King’s Cross and Peterborough, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Stevenage, Hitchin, Arlesey, Biggleswade, Sandy, St Neots, Huntingdon and Peterborough only.

King’s Cross and Welwyn Garden City​

Two trains per hour will run between King’s Cross and Welwyn Garden City, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Harringay, Hornsey, Alexandra Palace, New Southgate, Oakleigh Park, New Barnet, Hadley Wood, Potters Bar, Brookmans Park, Welham Green, Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City only.

King’s Cross and Stevenage via Hertford North​

Two trains per hour will run between King’s Cross and Stevenage, calling at King’s Cross, Finsbury Park, Harringay, Hornsey, Alexandra Palace, Bowes Park, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, Grange Park, Enfield Chase, Gordon Hill, Crews Hill, Cuffley, Bayford, Hertford North, Watton-at-Stone and Stevenage only.

 

[Class 466]

Bar one 8 car 387 circuit, every GTR ECML services will be 700/717.

 

[philjo]

Thameslink website now updated with last trains for strike days.
Timings are also showing in RTT.

Last trains from London on 21, 23 and 25 June 2022​

These services are expected to be extremely busy and may be subject to disruption. If you must travel, we advise you to travel on earlier services.

From London King's Cross to:

• Cambridge - 17:32
• Cambridge (stopping service) - 17:28
• Ely - 15:27
• Peterborough - 17:16
• Stevenage via Hertford North - 17:51
• Welwyn Garden City (stopping service) - 18:05

From London St Pancras to:

• Bedford - 17:48
• Luton (stopping service) - 17:34

From London Bridge to:

• Brighton - 17:35
• Gatwick Airport - 18:05
• Tattenham Corner - 18:02

From London Victoria to:

• Brighton - 17:50
• Epsom Downs - 17:00
• Norwood Junction (via Crystal Palace) - 18:06
• Sutton via Mitcham Junction - 17:11
• Sutton via Selhurst and West Croydon - 17:30

 

[Class 466]

VIC - BTN will all be 12 car 387 or 377
BTN - HOV will be a single 387/2
LBG - TAT will be 8 car 377
VIC - SUO will be 10 car 377
VIC - EPD will be 8 car 377
VIC - WCY will be 8 car 377