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Train passengers face travel woe Passengers hit by railway strike
(about 3 hours later)
Thousands of rail passengers in the midlands are being forced to change their travel plans because of another strike by conductors on Central Trains. Thousands of rail passengers in the Midlands are being forced to change their travel plans because of another strike by conductors on Central Trains.
The 48 hour walkout over bonus pay and rotas, began at midnight and continues throughout New Years Day. The 48-hour walkout over bonus pay and rotas began at midnight and continues throughout New Year's Day.
However, the rail firm said it had made plans to run a limited service. However, there is a reduced service running in some areas.
The worst affected routes are in the West and East Midlands, but lines to Norwich, Cardiff, Cleethorpes and Manchester are also affected.The worst affected routes are in the West and East Midlands, but lines to Norwich, Cardiff, Cleethorpes and Manchester are also affected.
Tickets bought for travel on Central Trains can be used on Virgin Trains, One Railways, Midland Metro and Local Bus services during the strike period.
STRIKE DAY SERVICES Both Days Lichfield-RedditchStourbridge - Birmingham Snow Hill - ShirleyDerby-NottinghamDerby-CreweNottingham - LincolnNottingham - SheffieldCambridge to Stansted Airport New Year's Day only Stourbridge Town - Stourbridge JunctionWolverhampton - BirminghamNottingham - WorksopSTRIKE DAY SERVICES Both Days Lichfield-RedditchStourbridge - Birmingham Snow Hill - ShirleyDerby-NottinghamDerby-CreweNottingham - LincolnNottingham - SheffieldCambridge to Stansted Airport New Year's Day only Stourbridge Town - Stourbridge JunctionWolverhampton - BirminghamNottingham - Worksop
The Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said it expected solid support from 550 of its members and that very few services would actually run over the two-day period. An earlier strike last week on Christmas Eve closed the entire Central network. They are also valid on Tuesday 2 January 2007 when full services are expected to resume.
The Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said it expected solid support from 550 of its members and very few services would actually run over the two-day period. An earlier strike last week on Christmas Eve closed the entire Central network.
Central Trains bosses have accused the RMT of rejecting a plan that would have allowed services to run as normal.Central Trains bosses have accused the RMT of rejecting a plan that would have allowed services to run as normal.
It said senior conductors would have earned about £600 each if they had worked the three strike days.It said senior conductors would have earned about £600 each if they had worked the three strike days.
Many routes closed
Andy Thomas, Central Trains' operations director, said they would be operating services on popular routes where there were limited alternatives.Andy Thomas, Central Trains' operations director, said they would be operating services on popular routes where there were limited alternatives.
"I am pleased that we are able to provide a good level of service to passengers on both of the strike days over New Year," he said."I am pleased that we are able to provide a good level of service to passengers on both of the strike days over New Year," he said.
"We have worked hard to plan services which will help local people to complete their travel plans.""We have worked hard to plan services which will help local people to complete their travel plans."
NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRIES 08457 484950NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRIES 08457 484950
However, much of the network is shut off, with cross country services from the east of England hit hard.However, much of the network is shut off, with cross country services from the east of England hit hard.
There are no plans to run any trains in Leicestershire, Shropshire and Warwickshire, with many other local routes closed.There are no plans to run any trains in Leicestershire, Shropshire and Warwickshire, with many other local routes closed.
Passengers are being urged to contact national rail enquiries on 08457 484950 or check the Central Trains website before travelling. Passengers are being urged to contact national rail inquiries on 08457 484950 or check the Central Trains website before travelling.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow had earlier said the rail firm had "turned down the opportunity to put in place a plan that would have allowed services to run".RMT general secretary Bob Crow had earlier said the rail firm had "turned down the opportunity to put in place a plan that would have allowed services to run".