There has been “anger” from commuters using a Watford train line after confirmation that services will be cancelled for another six days.
London Northwestern Railway( LNR) confirmed this morning (April 15) that all Abbey Line trains will be replaced by buses between Monday, May 6, and Saturday, May 11, except for May 8 when no service will run at all.
The route, which connects Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey, faced nine-day cancellations when the ASLEF union took strike action in late January, early February, and December.
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The train drivers union will be taking full strike action on May 8 and an overtime ban will be in place on all other days.
On most LNR lines, no trains can run when there is a strike but a reduced service will keep operating during an overtime ban.
The Bletchley to Bedford service is the only other LNR route replaced by buses during the whole period.
Abfly member Kevin Ambrose explained that commuters who have contacted the commuter group are now feeling “a mixture of anger and resignation” over the issues.
He said regular cancellations, even beyond industrial action, have left users feeling “cynical” about LNR “excuses”.
“We’ve been pushing LNR to at least run services during the peak times not just for commuters but schools as well, which rely on the service,” Mr Ambrose added, highlighting that other services still running shows the Abbey Line could too.
“They choose to give priority to what you might call the main line not the Abbey Line.”
A LNR spokesperson said: “It is extremely disappointing that industrial action is continuing to impact journeys on the Abbey Line, and we share the frustration of our passengers.
“Unfortunately, due to the significant impact of the ASLEF action, no train services will be able to operate on the route between May 6 and 11 inclusive.
“Advice for passengers regarding alternative travel options during this period is available on our website, along with the latest refund and ticketing information.”
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