Rail strikes announced for May are due to affect Great Western Railway train services in Swindon and Wiltshire.

Wiltshire’s rail operator will be affected over five days, with one day of strike action and four days of industrial action short of a strike.

This is likely to cause some short-notice alterations and cancellations, especially at weekends or late at night.

Monday, May 6 – Action short of a strike

A normal level of service will operate throughout the day, but there may be some short-notice alterations and cancellations to services late at night.

The Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled.

Tuesday, May 7 – Action short of a strike

A normal level of service will operate throughout the day, but there may be some short-notice alterations and cancellations to services late at night.

The Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled.

Wednesday, May 8 – Strike Day

An extremely limited service will operate. There will be a reduced operating window; services will start at 07:00 and must be completed by around 19:00. If you intend to travel where trains are operating, please check both outward and return journeys.

A very limited service will run only on the following routes:

Reading and Oxford

Reading and Basingstoke

Reading and Redhill (peak time only)

Reading and Newbury

Westbury and Swindon (peak time only)

Cardiff and Bristol

Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple

Exeter St Davids and Exmouth (calling at Exeter Central, Digby and Topsham only)

Penzance/St Erth and St Ives (09:30 to 12:30 and 15:30 to 19:00)

Thursday, May 9 – Action short of a strike

A normal level of service will operate throughout the day, but there will be some short-notice alterations and cancellations.

The Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled.

Friday, May 10 – Action short of a strike

A normal level of service will operate throughout the day, but there will be some short-notice alterations and cancellations.

The Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled.

Saturday, May 11 – Action short of a strike

A normal level of service will operate throughout the day, but there will be some short-notice alterations and cancellations.

Guildford to Gatwick services cancelled all day. Bus replacement service to operate between Reading and Guildford.

Rail strike dates May 2024: See the planned strike days

A rolling programme of strike action by the union affecting other rail operators is also due to take place between these dates.

GWR advise: “If you are travelling during this period, you should check both outward and return journeys before setting out.”

You can check this page for updated strike information.