Further SWR strikes predicted throughout 2020

The first strike is predicted to start in the middle of February leaving South Western Railway (SWR) two weeks to find alternative routes for commuters.

This comes after the 28-day strike across the South East which has caused disruptions to over 600,000 customers daily commute since December 2. 

The two-year dispute revolves around the issue of guards on South Western trains after the company decided to pass responsibility for closing the train’s doors from guards to drivers.

SWR said this would guarantee that a second crew member would remain onboard, yet union members believe guards could be made redundant if they were not responsible for a safety-critical operation.

Steve Hadly, the senior assistant general secretary at RMT told the Financial Times: “Just because this round of strikes is over we will carry on until we win. We’re not giving up.”

The 2.7 per cent rise is reportedly lower than the 3.1 per cent increase at the start of last year.

Rail Delivery Group (RDG) announced there will be a 2.7 per cent increase in rail fares this morning (January 2), which has left thousands of customers almost £100 out of pocket.

The RDG have reassured customers that this money will be invested back into the rail network in order to improve the railways across the country.

However, Andy McDonaly, Labour's shadow transport secretary, said the increase in rail fare shows passenger are "once again paying more for less under the Tories."

Independent watchdog Transport Focus says that 47 per cent of train journeys are rated as satisfactory value for money by passengers.

To keep up to date with your SWR timetable, visit their website to see the latest developments at https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/timetables.