Rail strikes beginning tomorrow are expected to disrupt travel to and from Reading until October 8.

Trade Unions at Great Western Railway (GWR) and Network Rail are among those taking industrial action on Saturday, October 1, Wednesday 5, Thursday 6, Friday 7 and Saturday 8.

On these days train services will be “severely disrupted” and some parts of the GWR network will have no train service at all, according to the train operator.

The strike action will affect travel to this Sunday’s London Marathon.

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Delegates travelling to the Conservative Party conference this weekend will be among those affected by the disruption.

On strike days an extremely limited service will operate between 0730 and 1830, first trains will start later, and the last trains will leave much earlier.

Where GWR is able to run services, they are expected to be extremely busy and bus replacement services are not able to be provided.

Online journey planners have been updated with the latest timetable information.

Passengers are advised to find alternative ways to travel on these days. Only travel by train if absolutely necessary, said GWR.

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Customers who have already purchased tickets for strike days can claim a full refund or amend their ticket; those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more.

Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.

GWR is allowing people with tickets for travel on alternative days as follows:

  • Tickets for travel on 1 October are valid for travel on 30 September, 2, 3, and 4 October.  Tickets for travel on 2 October are valid for travel on 2, 3, and 4 October.
  • Tickets for travel on 5 October are valid for travel on 4, 6, and 7 October.
  • Tickets for travel on 6 October are valid for travel on 4, 5, 6, and 7 October.
  • Tickets for travel on 7 October are valid for travel on 4, 5, 6, and 7 October.
  • Tickets for travel on 8 October will be valid for travel on 7, 9, 10, 11 October.