Chiltern Railways will operate a significantly reduced timetable on Friday 14 November, with only around 50 per cent of normal services running due to heavy rainfall forecast throughout the day. Weather warnings have been issued, and the limited service will remain in place until the start of operations on Saturday 15 November.

Passengers are advised to expect trains to be much busier than usual, with only one train per hour operating in each direction on the following routes:

• Birmingham Moor Street – London Marylebone

• London Marylebone – Oxford

• London Marylebone – Aylesbury via High Wycombe

• London Marylebone – Aylesbury via Amersham

There will be no Chiltern Railways services north of Birmingham Moor Street or on the Stratford-upon-Avon line during the disruption.

To help passengers, tickets dated Friday 14 November will be valid for travel on Saturday 15, Sunday 16, or Monday 17 November. Customers who choose not to travel can also request a refund from their original point of purchase.

Denise Wetton, Route Director for Network Rail’s Central route, said:

“We are doing everything we can to prepare for the impacts of this extreme weather and are working closely with our train operator partners to keep as many services running as possible. I would urge passengers to check before you travel as the heavy rain could cause some disruption to services.”

Tony Baxter, Operations Director at Chiltern Railways, added:

“Heavy rainfall is expected on our route on Friday (14 November) which can cause flooding, blockages and damage to the railway. To ensure safety and improved reliability of services, there will be a reduced timetable on Friday. Please consider changing your travel plans where possible as your journey may be subject to disruption. A limited service will be in operation with one train per hour on most routes. Customers with tickets to travel on Friday can use them on Saturday, Sunday or Monday instead.”

Passengers are strongly advised to check their journey before travelling and allow extra time due to the likelihood of disruption caused by the severe weather.

Image: Chiltern Railways