COMMUTERS are facing severe disruption as rail workers walk out as part of national action over a pay dispute.

Train companies have urged people not to travel today unless their journey is absolutely necessary and warned that passengers face “severe disruption”.

With strike action crippling the rail network across the country, companies said that replacement bus services or ticket acceptance on other services and bus operators are not available for people travelling by train today.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink services, said very few trains will run - with no Gatwick Express trains in operation. Crowding is expected, particularly on the last trains of the day and with possible delays.

Angie Doll, chief operating officer at GTR, said: “Regrettably, we have to ask people once again to travel only if absolutely necessary on Wednesday, July 27, because of strike action by RMT members. There will be very few train services and some routes will be closed altogether.

“Services will start much later than normal and finish as early as 4.30pm. All this may lead to very busy trains and possible delays. Passengers should plan ahead and think about travelling at another time.

“We are extremely disappointed that passengers across the country now face the anxiety of further rail disruption. Our focus remains on encouraging the RMT to work with the industry to seek a swift resolution.”

Striking signallers at Network Rail have led GTR to focus on providing services on its busiest mainline routes only, with trains to the east and west of Sussex not operating.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said members of the union are “more determined than ever to secure a decent pay rise, job security and good working conditions”.

He said: “Network Rail have not made any improvement on their previous pay offer and the train companies have not offered us anything new.

“In fact, Network Rail have upped the ante, threatening to impose compulsory redundancies and unsafe 50 per cent cuts to maintenance work if we did not withdraw our planned strike action.

“RMT will continue to negotiate in good faith but we will not be bullied or cajoled by anyone.”

Disruption to train routes will continue into tomorrow, with services starting from 7am and operating a Sunday service.

How is my journey affected today?

Southern and Thameslink

Only two trains will run per hour on the following routes:

  • London Victoria and Brighton
  • London Bridge and Brighton
  • London Bridge and Gatwick Airport
  • London Bridge and Three Bridges
  • Brighton and Hove

No trains will operate from Brighton towards Littlehampton, Bognor or Portsmouth, with no services from Brighton to Seaford, Eastbourne or Hastings

Services are expected to be very busy and could face disruption. Passengers are advised to check before they travel, especially to ensure what time the last train of the day is to their destination.

Gatwick Express

No services will operate today. Passengers are advised to use alternative Southern and Thameslink services to get to and from their destination.