RAIL operator Avanti West Coast has told customers not to attempt travel on April 5, the day of industrial action by train drivers' union ASLEF. 

Avanti, which operates services on the West Coast Main Line, has issued the following advice: 

  • Customers told not to attempt travel on 5 April, as no Avanti West Coast services will operate due to strike action by ASLEF
  • Customers can claim a refund or make their journey on an alternative day
  • ASLEF members withdraw from working overtime on 4, 6, 8, and 9 April as part of industrial action at multiple train companies

With no trains running to and from all destinations across the network during this industrial action, customers are advised to claim a refund, seek alternative transport, or rearrange journeys for another date.

Many destinations on the West Coast Main Line will have no rail connectivity on April 5 and rail replacement services will not be in place either.  

Customers with tickets for April 5 (purchased before March 20) can claim a full fee-free refund from their point of purchase. Alternatively, tickets dated between April 5-8 can be used from Thursday April 4 up to and including Wednesday April 10.

ASLEF members will also carry out action short of a strike, which involves withdrawing from working overtime between April 4-6, and April 8-9.

Customers travelling on these dates are advised to check before they travel, as journeys across train operators and routes may be affected.

Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re sorry our customers will face disruption to their travel plans when ASLEF go on strike this Friday.  

“Anyone with tickets for 5 to 8 April can make their journey on alternative days or claim a full refund. While our advice to all customers making journeys between 4 and 9 April is to check before you travel. We’d like to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding during this industrial action.”