Train Passengers across the southwest are being advised to 'only travel if absolutely necessary' and to plan their journeys in advance.

National strike action by the Rail, Maritime, and Transport workers (RMT) union started again yesterday (Tuesday) and will continue for the rest of the week, today (Wednesday 4th), Friday 6th, and Saturday 7th. This will mean a severely reduced service on infrastructure made available by Network Rail. Where services are available, they will be running between 7.15 am and 6.30 pm only.

South Western Railway's managing director, Claire Mann, said:  "I'm sorry that due to the damaging, national strike action by both the RMT and ASLEF unions, a severely reduced service will operate on our network. We must urge our customers to only travel if absolutely necessary between Tuesday, January 3, and Sunday, January 8.

"Large parts of our network will be closed between Tuesday, January 3, and Sunday, January 8. On Sunday, January 8 there will be a late start to services and so we urge our customers to carefully check their journeys, before they travel, using journey planners.

"We share our customers' frustration over this nationwide strike action and the impact it has on our network and services. We are grateful to our customers for their continued cooperation, patience, and understanding as the rail industry works to bring this damaging strike action to an end."

For the latest information on strike action, reduced timetables, and how to exchange pre-booked tickets, visit https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/industrial-action for South Western Railway services