Rail passengers planning festive getaways are being urged to check their journeys before setting off, as significant engineering works are set to cause widespread disruption over the Christmas and New Year period.
Amended Timetables and Major Line Upgrades
The train operator Avanti West Coast has issued a direct warning to customers, advising that major upgrades planned by Network Rail will severely impact services on the crucial West Coast Main Line. An amended timetable will be in force while this essential work is carried out.
Network Rail's engineering programme is extensive, with upgrades scheduled for sections of the line between Christmas Day and January 14 inclusive. Consequently, Avanti West Coast will operate an altered service from December 27 right through to January 14.
Key Dates for Passenger Disruption
The disruption will hit at two critical points. Firstly, journeys to and from London Euston will see major changes from December 27 to January 4. Secondly, services running between Scotland and the North West will be affected from January 1 to 14.
Passengers must be prepared for alterations to their usual train services, which could involve changes to trains or the use of a rail replacement bus service. The operator has strongly emphasised the need for travellers to plan ahead and confirm their specific journey is running.
Furthermore, services will finish earlier than usual on both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. They will also start later on December 27 and New Year's Day.
Operator Advice and Travel Tips for Busy Period
Chris Liptrot, Operations Director at Avanti West Coast, stated: 'Over the festive period, we'll be operating an amended timetable, and some journeys will involve a change or rail replacement service due to planned engineering work by Network Rail. If you're making a journey over Christmas and into the New Year, we strongly advise you plan ahead, as well as check before you travel for the latest updates.'
In a move to ease travel pressures, Avanti West Coast has removed peak-time ticket restrictions from December 19 up to and including January 4. This warning comes as millions across the UK prepare to travel to see loved ones, with train travel expected to be exceptionally busy.
Industry data suggests that the Saturday before Christmas has been the busiest rail travel day for the past two years, with the late morning period seeing the highest demand. Conversely, New Year's Day is typically the quietest day for rail journeys.
