Great Western Railway is warning that strike action will disrupt many of its services today (Wednesday, May 8) with some trains not running at all.

Strike action by the Aslef union is affecting several train operators including GWR, which runs many services in and out of the south-west.

Many parts of GWR's network will have no service at all, and trains that are running will be operating only for a limited period during the day.

GWR is not operating any long-distance services or direct trains between London Paddington and Reading – this is because of engineering work.

Between 0700 and around 1900 the following routes have a very limited service:

•    Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple
•    Exeter St Davids and Exmouth (calling at Exeter Central, Digby and Topsham only)
•    Reading and Oxford
•    Reading and Basingstoke
•    Reading and Redhill (peak time only)
•    Reading and Newbury
•    Westbury and Swindon (peak time only)
•    Cardiff and Bristol
•    Penzance/St Erth and St Ives (09:30 to 12:30 and 15:30 to 19:00)
•    Plymouth and Gunnislake

Further disruption on the rail network is expected until Saturday, May 11, because of industrial action. This is likely to cause some short-notice alterations and cancellations, especially at the weekend or late at night.   

On the days after strikes, services could also be affected by a limited number of short-notice cancellations and alterations. 

Travellers are advised to check both outward and return journeys before setting off.  
Where trains can run, they are expected to be extremely busy, and bus replacement services cannot be provided.   

Customers who purchased tickets but do not travel 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 for strike days will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services. Tickets for Tuesday 7 May to Thursday 9 May can be used up to and including Monday 13 May.