Rail operators via Milton Keynes advise of service revisions as UK faces extreme heat

Rail operators on the West Coast Main Line via Milton Keynes have advised train travellers of revisions to service plans with extreme heat in the UK.

A heatwave with temperatures expected to exceed 35 degrees C is currently taking place across much of the UK, with forecasts said to peak at around 38 degrees C on Thursday (25/06). A Met Office red weather warning for extreme heat is in place for the next 2 days.

Avanti West Coast and London North Western Railway have both said that service levels are to be reduced during the heatwave, with both operators also providing guidance.

Long-distance operator Avanti West Coast said, “As a result of these high temperatures, we’re running fewer trains on some of our routes from Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 June and there’s a risk of further disruption on the rail network. Booked to travel this week? We’re offering additional ticket flexibility to help keep you moving safely and as comfortably as possible in the extreme high temperatures.

“We strongly recommend you travel earlier in the day if you can, with cooler temperatures expected before 12:00. Please check our travel advice and ticket options below before you travel.

“Tickets dated Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 or Thursday 25 June can be used at no extra cost (and without changing them) to travel on any earlier Avanti West Coast service on your original travel date or the day before, or alternatively on Friday 26 June – although trains are expected to be busier on this date.

“If you no longer wish to travel, Avanti West Coast tickets dated Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 or Thursday 25 June will be eligible for a full refund from where you bought your ticket.”

As for local operator London Northwestern Railway, they have advised against all but essential travel.

They said, “The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat across our network, with a rare red warning across the Midlands and South-East on Wednesday and Thursday.

“Extreme heat can cause rails to expand and buckle, so when temperatures reach certain thresholds, trains must run more slowly to keep services safe. Details on how hot weather can affect trains can be found on the Network Rail website.

“We are advising essential travel only on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June.

“A reduced service will be in place across the entire LNR network on Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June. Delays and alterations to services are likely to occur.”

Anyone seeking to travel by train in this period is advised to check before travelling.