Rail Strike: EMR confirms impact on services

East Midlands Railway (EMR) will be running a significantly reduced level of service next Wednesday as the RMT Union goes on strike. 

EMR has been working on contingency plans to provide as many services as possible but the opening hours of the railway and the number of services it can operate will be significantly reduced. EMR will run the same timetable as it did on weekday strikes last month. 

Customers are asked to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary. If customers need to travel, they are asked to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journey. This includes the day after the strike, as knock-on effects will impact services on Thursday (28) too.

Since the announcement of the ballot, EMR has been working with colleagues across the railway to ensure they can deliver a robust and reliable service for their customers. As in previous strikes, a significant pool of contingency staff have been trained (to the same safety-critical standards as their permanent colleagues) to ensure a service can continue to operate.  

However, it will not be possible to continue to operate the same level of service as EMR would normally.  

Network Rail is also affected by strike action and therefore its ability to operate the infrastructure is also significantly reduced. This includes maintenance staff who renew and repair the infrastructure as well as colleagues working in control and signalling roles who ensure the safe operation of the railway.  

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said:

"We are disappointed the RMT has again decided to opt for counterproductive strikes rather than working with the industry to find a deal that is acceptable for our people, our passengers and for taxpayers.

“As a result, there will be changes to our normal timetable and some parts of our network will have no train services and other lines will have a reduced level of service. There will also be a smaller impact on the day after the strike.

"I would urge all customers to think carefully about their journeys next week – and make alternative arrangements if possible.” 

Rail Replacement Bus (RRB) services will not be provided where lines are closed as there is not enough capacity to meet demand.  

Summary of EMR services on 27 July

• EMR services will operate between 0730 and 1830 only 

EMR Intercity 

• One Train Per Hour between Nottingham and London 
• One Train Per Hour between Sheffield and London 

EMR Connect 

• One Train Per Hour between Corby and London 

EMR Regional 

• One Train per Hour between Derby and Matlock 
• One Train per Hour between Derby and Nottingham 
• One Train per Hour between Leicester and Nottingham (Stopping Service) 
• One Train per Hour between Nottingham and Sheffield 

All other lines of route will be closed. 

Services on 28 July will also be affected:

• 28 July - services will start after 0700 with some reductions throughout the day

For more information, including timetables, advice on refunds and ticket exchanges and answers to the most asked questions, please visit: www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk