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Because of avanti strike on 5th April, need advice on alternatives

Posted by (London, UK) on

Just seen another Q arising from the Avanti strike on 5th April.

I was due to travel back to London on Avanti that day from Crewe to Euston. I would have been starting in Church Stretton and would have travelled from there to Crewe to pick up a Euston service. Had separate tickets.

I think Church Stretton is on the Welsh Marshes line, which I don't think is affected. Is that correct?

My thinking, is that my best option is to use the Welsh Marshes line and go south. Not sure where. or best connections, haven't investigated properly yet. Then pick up a train to Paddington?

Am I getting this right? Or is there a better solution? It seems late to start buying the tickets. I do have a senior railcard.

My other thought, is that I could return to London a day early (which would be a shame, as I would miss a day's holiday) but may be a better solution, but as the day before a strike could be very messy.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Posted by
5866 posts

Correct, neither Transport for Wales or Great Western are on strike that day.

There will be no London services from Crewe as West Midlands/LNWR are also on strike that day.

So take a southbound train on the Marches line down to Newport, change there for Paddington.

The through Advance fare to Paddington is still only £34.75 with railcard tonight.

Just turn your existing tickets in to the place of purchase for a full refund.

No need at all to return a day early.

On GWR from Newport there may be a bit of disruption from the overtime ban, but worst case is that the 1/2 hourly trains from Newport are thinned out to hourly.

Posted by
453 posts

Appreciate your speedy response. I'm not familiar with these train routes, so good to have confirmation that my solution is the best way to go.

Have just gone online and now have ticket to Paddington at the price you advised.

Many thanks.

Posted by
32825 posts

that sounds the best choice to me too since the other choice from Crewe that could have taken you a long way around which is East Midlands Railway towards the Midland Mainline via Derby and thence to St Pancras International.

Only problem - they are on strike that day too.... boo hisssss....

Posted by
453 posts

thanks Nigel, good to have further confirmation. Trying to work out how to travel on unfamiliar routes, with all the current issues, can be bewildering.

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