Sussex train strikes: Everything you need to know including dates when no services will run

Due to strike action by the ASLEF union, there will be no train service in any location on Wednesday, May 31 or Saturday, June 3. Services will also be impacted until around 7am on Sunday, June 4 following the strike.

On Thursday, June 1, there will be knock-on disruption from the previous day’s strike and operators have been notified of a ban on overtime by ASLEF. To help customers plan with fewer short notice alterations, an amended timetable with fewer services will run. There will be a late start to services in some locations and first trains are likely to be very busy. Passengers may have to queue and may not be able to board their preferred service. Allowing extra time to travel is recommended.

On Friday, June 2, due to strike action by the RMT union, services will be limited across the network, with a later start, an early shut down and no service in some locations [see service map].

People planning to travel to the Derby Festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse on both Friday, June 2 – Ladies Day – and Saturday, June 3 – Derby Day – are advised there will be no train services in the area and they will need to make alternative travel plans.

Gatwick Express will not run between May 31 and June 3, but the airport will continue to be served by Southern and Thameslink on the days train services are operating.

Online journey planners are now updated for May 31 and June 1, with remaining dates due to appear from May 27. Passengers are advised to check their journeys in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Jenny Saunders, customer services director, GTR said: “We’re sorry that this period of industrial action is again likely to disrupt travel and people’s plans, especially during half term week and for events such as the Derby Festival where no rail services will be available on either Friday or Saturday.

“We urge passengers to check before they travel for the latest information, particularly as on some days there will be no train services at all and there may be later start-ups, busier services and early finishes on the other days.”

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: “We understand the impact of these strikes on individuals and businesses alike, and we can only apologise for this unnecessary and damaging disruption. While we are doing all we can to keep trains running, unfortunately there will be reduced train services between Wednesday, May 31 and Saturday, June 3, so our advice is to check before you travel.”

Meanwhile, Gatwick confirmed no trains will be running to or from the airport on strike days.

A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: “Due to industrial action, there will be no train service to or from Gatwick Airport on Wednesday, May 31 and Saturday, June 3.

“There will also be a severely limited train service to and from Gatwick Airport on Friday, June 2.

“Key messaging can be found here.

“We strongly advise passengers travelling to and from Gatwick Airport to use other transport options on these days where possible and allow extra time to reach the airport. We also advise passengers to book alternative transport in advance, as taxi services at the airport will be extremely busy.

“Passengers should check the National Rail Enquiries website for the latest train times, the day before travel. Further information on alternative means of transport can be found on the Gatwick Airport website.”