EMR to run significantly reduced services on Sunday and Monday due to RMT strike action
East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, will run a significantly reduced timetable to and from London on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August due to strike action by the RMT union.
Customers are being advised to travel only if their journey is essential on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August and to check their entire journey, including first and last trains, before setting out.
Disruption will be compounded on Sunday by the closure of the East Coast Main Line between London King’s Cross and Peterborough while Network Rail carries out work as part of its digital signalling upgrade.
As a result, East Midlands Railway services to and from London St Pancras are expected to be extremely busy. Increased demand will coincide with a reduced EMR service due to strike action.
Sheffield and Nottingham stations are also expected to be particularly busy, with queuing systems in place for some services.
EMR has acknowledged the significant disruption this will cause over the August Bank Holiday, particularly following three Saturdays of RMT strike action earlier in the month.
The operator said it continues to hold constructive discussions with the RMT and has met with the union six times in an effort to resolve the issues behind the dispute. EMR is also working closely with Hitachi Rail to ensure employees’ concerns are properly addressed.
Advice for passengers
- Queuing systems will be in place for EMR services at London St Pancras and Sheffield.
- Passengers may be unable to board their intended service or find a seat.
- Customers should allow additional time at the station and consider travelling on a weekday where possible.
- Services between Sheffield, Nottingham and London St Pancras are expected to be extremely busy, with standing room only on some trains.
- Customers who have not yet purchased tickets should consider travelling on Saturday or Tuesday.
- Passengers who would normally travel with LNER should follow the alternative travel arrangements provided rather than travelling on EMR services.
Alternative arrangements for LNER passengers
LNER passengers travelling to or from London should:
- Travel on Thameslink services to or from Bedford.
- Change at Bedford for the dedicated rail replacement bus service to or from Peterborough.
- Continue their journey from Peterborough on an LNER service.
Members of the RMT union will also take strike action on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September. EMR is assessing the likely effect on its services and will publish any timetable changes as soon as they are confirmed.
As a result of the August Bank Holiday strike action, the planned Intercity timetable uplift will now take place on Tuesday 1 September. Further information is available on the EMR reduced timetable page.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We recognise how frustrating this disruption will be for customers, particularly following the three Saturdays affected by RMT strike action earlier this month, and we are very sorry for the impact this will have on August Bank Holiday plans.
“We continue to have constructive discussions with the RMT and have met with the union six times as we work towards resolving the issues at the heart of this dispute.
“We strongly advise customers to only travel to or from London if their journey is essential on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August, and to check their full journey, including first and last trains, before setting out.
“Services will be significantly reduced and are expected to be extremely busy, with queuing systems in place at London St Pancras and Sheffield and the possibility of standing room only.
“Customers should allow extra time to make their journey and consider travelling on Saturday or Tuesday where possible. Customers who normally travel to London via LNER should use the alternative travel arrangements provided.
“We will continue to provide the latest information through our website, stations and social media.”
Service details
Sunday 30 August
Customers are advised to travel only if their journey is essential. EMR services will begin at approximately 8am and finish before 7pm.
EMR Intercity
- One train per hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras.
- One train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras.
EMR Connect
- One train per hour between Corby and London St Pancras.
No EMR rail replacement bus services will be provided.
As part of the East Coast Digital Programme, Network Rail will carry out essential engineering work on the East Coast Main Line, affecting services to and from London King’s Cross.
LNER trains will start and terminate at Peterborough. Rail replacement buses will operate between Peterborough and Bedford, where passengers can connect with Thameslink services to and from London St Pancras.
Customers should check their entire journey before travelling.
Monday 31 August
Customers are advised to travel only if their journey is essential. EMR services will begin at approximately 8am and finish before 7pm.
EMR Intercity
- One train per hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras.
- One train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras.
EMR Connect
- One train per hour between Corby and London St Pancras.
No rail replacement bus services will be provided. Customers should check their entire journey before travelling.
Wednesday 16 September
EMR is assessing the effect of the industrial action on its services. Any timetable changes will be published as soon as they are confirmed.
Thursday 17 September
EMR is assessing the effect of the industrial action on its services. Any timetable changes will be published as soon as they are confirmed.
Passengers should continue to check the EMR strike information page, station notices and social media for the latest travel advice.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Appeal to find people affected by social media supermarket scams Have you been affected by social media ads offering fake supermarket offers? read more | |
| Accessing NHS services over the August bank holiday Residents across Derby and Derbyshire are being encouraged to plan ahead for the August bank holiday and make sure they know how read more | |
| Appeal launched to find rightful owner of suspected stolen motorbike Officers are trying to find the rightful owner of a motorbike that is suspected to have been stolen. read more | |
| Chair Appointed To Lead Nature Recovery In Derby And Derbyshire Plans to protect and prioritise nature recovery in Derby and Derbyshire have taken a step forward with the appointmen read more | |
| RMT union to strike on dates in August and September The RMT union has announced strike action on Sunday 30 August, Monday 31 August, Wednesday 16 September and Thursday 17 Septembe read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
