Are the trains running today? Despite strikes, there is a risk of passenger chaos

RMT members are not on strike today, but yesterday’s strike is having a negative impact on rail transport. Here’s everything you need to know about how trains run today

Thirteen train operators have seen RMT members disembark in a series of train strikes this week.

Yesterday (June 23) rail workers went on their second strike, throwing the transport industry into chaos as services across the country faced cancellations and significant delays.

Dispatchers, control room staff and railway workers join the strike action after last-minute talks failed to resolve a dispute over pay, job cuts and working conditions.

RMT members are taking a break from their strike and are returning to work today (June 24) but rail services are not running as usual.

Here you will find everything you need to know about how rail transport works today.

Are there trains today?

No train strike is planned for today, but the public has been urged to postpone their journeys where possible.

Yesterday’s strikes are likely to have an impact on rail transport today.

Normally there are 20,000 passenger services per day, but on strike days there are said to be only 4,500.

On non-strike days like today, services are expected to continue to be reduced to between 12,000 and 14,000.

Each strike by railway workers lasts 24 hours and strikes by signallers and train control room staff who would normally have worked overnight last night means many trains are delayed from the depots.

This means many services are likely to run later than usual today and early morning services could be cancelled.

Which rail connections are affected today?

Avanti West Coast suspended ticket sales this week, which includes tickets for today and the other days surrounding the strike action. It is also said that train services on its services are expected to be affected in the days following the strike.

All services on the Caledonian Sleeper have been canceled today.

C2C, which provides transport between London and Southend, said it expects “significant disruption” even on the days between strike days.

Transport for London has said disruption is “probable” following strikes on parts of the Tube, the Elizabeth Line and the London Overground.

Southern Railway workers are not on strike, but its services will still face “serious disruption” and it has advised passengers not to travel today unless “absolutely necessary”.

CrossCountry services will start later than normal today; Services have been disrupted because “industrial action is also affecting staff due to night shifts.”

East Midland Railway will operate a reduced service today, with the first morning trains running “significantly later” than usual.

Northern has some services operational today but still advises people not to travel and make “alternative plans”.

ScotRail services are suspended with signal boxes reopening, meaning it may be “early afternoon before many routes can operate normally”.

SouthEastern also has a “severe disruption” warning today.

TransPennine Express has urged customers to “plan carefully” today due to the disruption caused by yesterday’s strikes.

Transport for Wales has advised people to ‘only travel by rail if absolutely necessary’ today and said their services would not start until June 27.

West Midlands Railway has announced it will operate “a very limited service” between 7.30am and 6.30pm today as strikes ensue.

How can I check if my train is running?

13 rail operators are affected by the strikes and the impact of yesterday’s strike would have affected each of them differently.

It is highly recommended that you check if your train is still running today before setting off.

The best way to check if your train is running is to use National Rail’s journey planner.

Alternatively, you can inquire directly with your train provider.

When will the rail strikes end?

The final day of the strike is scheduled for Saturday June 25 – when rail workers stage their third 24-hour industrial strike.

However, like today, Sunday is expected to be disrupted by the effects of Saturday’s strike action and further delays in rail services are likely to occur.

Services should be back to normal on Monday 27th June.

However, RMT members could push for more strike action if negotiations do not go well.