Train operator Chiltern Railways has urged customers to only travel if essential throughout the Easter weekend (Friday 7 April – Monday 10 April inclusive).
Engineering works over the Easter weekend will close part of the line between Birmingham New Street and London Euston. Alongside this, urgent safety assessments of a viaduct between Didcot Parkway and Oxford have resulted in a line closure.
This means that Chiltern services will be the sole option for those looking to travel directly between Birmingham/Oxford and London during this time. Services are expected to be extremely busy on all routes.
This week, services between Princes Risborough and Aylesbury have been disrupted due to the flooding of a damaged culvert. There is a risk that this line may be closed again over the weekend, dependent on water levels.
Between 7 April and 10 April, an enhanced timetable will be in operation for most of the day, with additional and lengthened trains between London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street.
Rail replacement buses will be in operation for journeys to/from Kings Sutton and between Amersham and Aylesbury Vale Parkway between Friday 7 April – Monday 10 April inclusive, and to/from Warwick, Lapworth and Hatton on Saturday 8 April and Sunday 9 April.
Despite lengthened trains being in operation, the extent of the disruption on other parts of the rail network means that services are likely to be extremely busy throughout the Easter period on all routes. Owing to this, Chiltern Railways has taken the decision to urge customers to only travel if essential.
Administrative fees for ticket cancellations or advance ticket changes (usually £10) have been waived if customers wish to rearrange travel.
If travelling is a necessity, customers should prepare for busier services and ensure they check their journey ahead of travelling on the Chiltern Railways website or app.Â
Photo credit: Chiltern Railways
