Passengers are facing severe disruption on railways today after train drivers across 11 companies walked out.
Train operators warned of 'significantly reduced' services across the country and urged passengers to travel only if necessary as members of Aslef walk out today.
The majority of intercity trains from London to Scotland and Wales have been disrupted and Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway, Heathrow Express, Northern and Southeastern are not not running any services.
Further travel disruption is also affecting 3,000 London bus drivers who will strike next month.
Union Unite said 2,000 members working for Metroline and 950 Abellio workers will take seven days of industrial action between December 1 and 17 over pay disputes.
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)Abellio bus services are also affected today in west and south London. The Circle line, meanwhile, has been suspended over staff shortages triggered by the national rail strike.
Railway services still operating will begin later today and end earlier than usual, Services will run only between 7.30am and 6.30pm.
Rugby fans headed to Twickenham for the England v South Africa game and Cardiff for Wales v Australia fixture should check with their train operator for updates.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said talks to resolve the dispute had been "incredibly slow".
Image:
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)Most drivers he said are are paid on average £59,000-a-year and have had no increase since before the covid-19 pandemic.
He said: "We don't want to be in this position, but no-one is listening to us.
"Our members did not receive a pay rise during the pandemic and we are being told that train companies can't afford more than a 2% rise.
Image:
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)"Only the Government can take the shackles off the employers. We are in this for the long haul – and our members want us to go harder and faster."
Mr Whelan will meet Transport Secretary Mark Harper next week to talk about the dispute.
Daniel Mann, director of industry operations at the Rail Delivery Group, said: "The strike by Aslef brings more uncertainty for passengers and businesses by disrupting their weekend plans.
Image:
Getty Images)"Passengers with advance, off-peak or anytime tickets affected by the strike can use their ticket either on the day before the date on the ticket, or up to and including Tuesday 29 November.
He also said passengers can change tickets for on an alternate date or seek a refund if their train is cancelled or rescheduled.
A series of strikes by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, whose General Secretary is Mick Lynch, will also happen at Network Rail and 14 train firms over jobs, pay and conditions.
Image:
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)More than 40,000 members will strike on December 13, 14, 16 and 17 and on January 3, 4, 6 and 7.
Around 3,000 bus drivers will disrupt trave next month in the busy run-up to Christmas.
Metroline workers across north and west London, meanwhile will strike on December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 15 and 16.
Industrial action over three days will be co-ordinated with Abellio bus drivers London, who are involved in separate industrial dispute over pay.
Abellio workers, themselves, will take action on December 9, 10, 16 and 17.
