UK national rail strike: Virgin Trains backtracks on cancelled services after RMT and TSSA withdraw strike action for May 25 and 26
Virgin Trains has said services will be running as normal this bank holiday Monday, a day after it cancelled all trains in response to a strike called by members of the RMT and TSSA unions.
The strike was called off this afternoon, with both RMT and TSSA unions saying they needed to put Network Rail's revised offer to their members before deciding their next move.
As with other train operators, Virgin is now saying normal services have been reinstated for the 25 and 26 May, after having told customers just yesterday that they would have to make alternative arrangements or travel on the Sunday or Wednesday either side of the strike.
As a result, several commuters are thought to have sought refunds and then found alternative ways to make their journey – which, as it turns out, was a waste of time, and potentially money.
Shortly after the strike was called off, Virgin said it would be releasing an update for people affected, but an hour later nothing had been issued. Calls to Virgin Trains' media team went unanswered.
#VTInfo As a result of planned industrial action being cancelled, the original timetabled services have been reinstated for 25th & 26th May.
— Virgin Trains Ticketing (@VirginTrainsTix) May 21, 2015
#VTInfo Further info for passengers who have already requested refunds and made alternative travel arrangements will be release shortly.
— Virgin Trains Ticketing (@VirginTrainsTix) May 21, 2015
But for those who stuck to their guns and are feeling pretty pleased about the reinstated service there is a word of warning: Virgin Trains West Coast has engineering works so you should still prepare for disruptions to your service…