New Year Rail Conflict - No change there!

The Southern Rail dispute which I've been writing about since April 2016 continues, despite the drivers union Aslef accepting a 28.5% pay increase over 5 years. Indeed, the conductors union RMT, continues to campaign for safety on railways, even though the drivers' belief in safety suddenly dissolved when offered the above what most of us will get pay rise! Anyway, there is a strike this Monday the 8th of January 2018, but on the company website, it appears to show that Hastings services will run as per the rewritten time-table, though people living in Brighton may have problems. As usual, take the advice carefully, I won't be using Southern this Monday, South Eastern if necessary. In addition, there is industrial action by RMT throughout the country!

By the way, money given to Govia Thamelink, who own the Southern franchise, and the South Eastern franchise by the way, is going to France as they are 35% owned by the French company Keolis; which means that taxpayers' money pumped into Southern by the Government to beat British trade unions into accepting driver-only trains, is going to help fund rail services in France, just saying...

Oh yes, and when the Govia Thameslink franchise comes up for renewal in 2021, the franchise is to be broken up, that'll help Southern, no doubt!

Southern Railway: Industrial Action Today...

There is RMT (conductors) industrial action today, in addition to the ongoing 'work to rule' being carried out by Aslef (drivers). Probably best to travel by South Eastern if heading for London, though, should you wish to check up on planned railway services from Southern, you can refer to their website, good luck!

Oh dear! More industrial action for Southern passengers to survive!

If I'm not talking about South Eastern, I'm talking about Southern Railway... I'm now (un)happy to announce that RMT on Southern, and on Merseyrail and Arriva Rail int' frozen North, are going on strike on Tuesday the 30th of May 2017, Southern and the RMT have not come to a reasonable conclusion, why am I not surprised?!?

Meanwhile, a South Eastern Railway Consultation

Whilst Southern Railway still remain in negotiation with the RMT, the Department for Transport (DfT) is asking passengers of South Eastern Railway their views on the next franchise of that rail service. Incidentally, South Eastern are bringing in a further price increase from the 21st of May 2017, that is a 3.4% increase to fares, or at least 10p.

If you wish to add your opinions to the DfT  franchise public consultation, which closes at 11.45pm on the 23rd of May 2017, go to their website.

More Rail Chaos for Hastings

Southern Railway is again a non-roller today, tomorrow, and on Friday 13th, due to the Aslef strke; see their website for alternative advice, and there's always South Eastern!

Southern Rail Update, not just Industrial Action to come...

Well, since the public holidays a Saturday service has been running on Southern Rail, but today, Thursday 29th, there will be no service between Ashford and Brighton. Friday will see a full Saturday service (hopefully) and Saturday, well, it's best to re-look at their website for details nearer the time.

The RMT (conductors) will be on strike 1st and 2nd January, so expect to catch a bus from Hastings, or use South Eastern or alternative services instead (see website).

Also, remember that Aslef (drivers) are not working overtime...

Southern Rail - Guess What, Again?!?

Well, don't expect to see one of these in Hastings today and tomorrow, as it's the RMT's turn to strike in which, I believe to be, the brought forward Christmas strike, oh yes, and Aslef, the drivers, are still working to rule, as in, not working overtime (apparently, there are not enough drivers working for Southern to maintain services, consequently the need for drivers to work overtime to maintain timetables!).

But contingency plans have become much more elaborate at last, with travelling to London allowed with Southern tickets on South Eastern from Hastings railway station, and buses picking up and dropping off customers at stops along the Brighton/Ashford line; see the Southern website for more details of alternative travel.

Southern's Intransigence is Intransient!

The industrial action continues from midnight tonight until midnight on Wednesday, don't expect peace before the end of the year, thanks to Government interference (see my blog of 6 August)! So, travelling from Hastings is going to be much easier on South Eastern for a couple of days, indeed, even on a non-strike day, travelling on Southern can be farcical, noting that no-one knew what was going on at Bexhill yesterday, and my return to Hastings on a bus that should have been retired years ago...

Though even Southern have accepted they made one mistake, see BBC website, if only because this tactic resulted in a torrent of criticism!

More Southern Rail Industrial Action.

South Eastern trains should be running as usual, however, Southern's service was disrupted again yesterday, as it will be today; see their website for up to date news.

Southern Rail Strike Trundles on, as Lies Continue...

Although guards from Southern Railway are on strike this week, please ignore recent announcements on local television, Hastings Railway Station is NOT closed! South Eastern trains service appears to be running close to normal (website), although much busier, and with the customary work on the lines and replacement buses!

But the Transport Secretary now has dismissed calls that the Government should get involved in the industrial conflict, however, they already have got involved! See my recent blog. Now, if that isn't Government interference, please tell me what it is!

Please drop your political battle Mr Secretary, we want a decent rail service!

Railway travel delayed because of sunshine!

So, you thought trains you travel on, coming back to Hastings from London, have trouble with wet leaves on the line, or ice, but now South Eastern are complaining about sunshine, which will obviously delay your service... See BBC website.  

Just supply the drivers with quality shades!