September and October 2023 Train and Tube Strikes: Find Out Dates and Services Impacted

Train Station Ticket Office Closures

In a major development reported by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), railway station ticket offices across the country are set to be closed down and staff will be reassigned to platform and concourse duties. This move aims to optimize operations and enhance the passenger experience. However, ticket office services will continue to be available at the busiest stations.

Passengers can expect to find posters displayed in stations, providing information about the potential closures. The final decision on which offices will close rests with the Government, following a consultation process. While the timeline for the first closures remains uncertain, it is anticipated that the closure program will span three years.

The Reasons Behind Aslef’s Strike

Members of the train drivers’ union Aslef are engaging in industrial action as part of their ongoing effort to secure a pay raise. In addition to their concerns about compensation, the union has criticized the government for not meeting with their negotiating team, which includes general secretary Mick Whelan, assistant general secretary Simon Weller, and executive committee president Dave Calfe.

According to Mr. Whelan, the last meeting with representatives from the employers (the Rail Delivery Group) took place in April, pursuant to the Rail Industry Recovery Group’s post-pandemic framework. He highlighted the lack of engagement from key stakeholders, stating, “Do you remember Where’s Wally? Well, what we want to know is Where’s Harper? We last saw the Secretary of State for Transport in December. We last saw Huw Merriman, the Rail Minister, in January. And we last saw the train companies in April. Since then, nothing. Nada. Zilch. Not a letter, not an email, not a text message, not a phone call, not a WhatsApp. Not a word!”