ATW striking on 27/12 - Advance tickets?

[trainophile]

I've just found out that there is a proposed ATW train staff strike on Monday 27th Dec. This is the date I've bought tickets for our next trip (Hereford to Southport via Chester). I've already abandoned the one I should have gone on this Monday, because of the weather, and it now looks like the next one is going for a burton too.

So, usual question: If I return my tickets to East Coast (the website I used to purchase them), plus the return ones for 30th Dec, will I be okay for a full refund? Hardly our fault, so we shouldn't be penalised or have to faff around with bus replacements, long detours via alternative routes etc.

Beginning to think I'm jinxed on this. I did hope to see my 95-year-old mum at least once over the holiday period.

 

[yorkie]

Yes, if a train you are booked on is cancelled, and you choose not to travel, you can get a full refund by sending the tickets to the place you bought them. We advise you scan in a copy before sending them in case they get lost in the post.

 

[trainophile]

Thanks Yorkie. So they can't insist we take a different one then? That's good.

 

[Greenback]

What might be a problem is that no one knows as yet whether the train you are booked on will be cancelled or not. You may encounter problems if you want to cash in your ticket now. You may not, but I would either enquire first or wait until more information is available. The strike may yet be called off!

 

[kyrano]

but his train is not cancelled , not running due to a strike , or is it same as cancelled..

 

[Greenback]

If a train is not running then as far as the passenger is concerned it's been cancelled, particularly if they have made a booking on it! The big question is whether the strike will be called off, or if it goes ahead, whether the train, or an equivalent, will actually run.

East Coast may well be happy to refund the tickets at this stage, but I doubt they are obliged to.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Update, the ATW website states that ATW are intending to run a full service on routes other than the Valley Lines on 27 December. Presumably they are confident they have sufficient non RMT drivers to be able to do this?

 

[trainophile]

Oh thanks Greenback. I just asked whether it was definite on the other board (strike thread). Should have checked here first.

Dilemma is whether to book ticket for 28th "while stocks last". I know that wouldn't be refunded come what may, but at least I'd get my journey made.

Guess it's just wait and see.

 

[Greenback]

My personal opinion is that you have a very good chance of being able to complete your journey as planned. You may be unlucky and be delyaed by an hour or so, but let's face it, that can happen any day!

I think the ATW management will have a very good idea of what services they will be able to run using non union drivers and management grades.

 

[trainophile]

My scheduled train is still showing on the ticket booking website(s), so presumably if it wasn't running they wouldn't be allowing further tickets to be purchased for it. I'd say that's a good indication that it will be running.

 

[Greenback]

Good news! There has been no change in the update from ATW, still no trains on the Valleys,e verything else expected to run normally...

 

[trainophile]

Great (well not so great for those wanting to travel on the Valley line ).

All we need now is for the snow to go away.