South Western Railway and GWR amend timetables amid UK heatwave warning
Rare Met Office Red Extreme Heat Warning prompts essential travel advice
South Western Railway (SWR) and Great Western Railway (GWR) are amending their timetables this week as the UK braces for extreme heat following a rare Red Extreme Heat Warning issued by the Met Office.
The warning covers the period from now until Thursday 25th June, with the highest temperatures expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
Both rail operators are advising customers to only travel if necessary on these days.
Amended timetables and travel advice
SWR will operate fewer trains on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, anticipating longer journey times as trains run at reduced speeds.
Customers are encouraged to check travel details on Tuesday and only undertake essential travel on Wednesday and Thursday.
Temporary ticket acceptance on the SWR network allows travel at alternative times to help passengers complete their journeys.
GWR will also run fewer trains during the warmest parts of the day on Wednesday and Thursday due to potential rail expansion and equipment strain on older regional fleets.
Ticket restrictions are eased for Wednesday and Thursday, enabling use on earlier dates, including Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd June, up to Friday 26th June.
Calling patterns on some local services in the Thames Valley will be altered to minimise risks associated with heated track points.
Safety and travel precautions
Both operators advise carrying water to stay hydrated during travel, planning for longer journey times, and checking service details regularly for short notice changes.
Stuart Meek, Chief Operating Officer of South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, emphasised precautions:
“While we’ll be working hard to keep customers moving, the Met Office’s Red Extreme Heat Warning means an amended timetable will be in place with fewer trains on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” Meek said.
“In line with national travel advice, customers should check before travelling on Tuesday and only travel if essential on Wednesday and Thursday.
“We’re sorry for the disruption this extreme heatwave may cause your journey and thank you for your patience as we respond to these record-breaking conditions.”
GWR's Network Rail Performance Director, Daryn McCombe, echoed similar sentiments:
“We want to keep our customers safe during this period of extreme heat, which is why we are taking the precautionary step of amending services at the hottest times of day. We know this is disruptive and we're sorry for the inconvenience it will cause, but customer safety must come first.
“We'd encourage everyone planning to travel on Wednesday and Thursday to travel earlier in the week or later, allow extra time and bring water with them.”
For the latest service information, SWR and GWR customers should check their respective websites before travelling.