Staff shortages cause disruption on South Western Railway

A SWR train idles at Bournemouth Station Credit: PA Images

Passengers are being warned of disruption to South Western Railway (SWR) services today (11/08), as the operator battles a shortage of train crew.

SWR says a number of staff at its Salisbury and Yeovil depots have been asked to self-isolate, meaning services on its West of England line may be revised or cancelled.

This means trains between London Waterloo and Exeter St David's may be disrupted, including trains which terminate at Salisbury.

Passengers are warned that there may be short notice cancellations throughout today and are being urged to check their journey, before they travel.

A SWR train waits for passengers at London Waterloo Credit: PA Images

The operator says it is "seeking extra resources to be available to mitigate this risk" and is cleaning trains and stations more "than ever before".

Tickets will be accepted with neighbouring operator GWR and London underground services on the following routes.

  • Great Western Railway services between Exeter St David's and London Paddington in both directions.

  • London Underground services between London Paddington and London Waterloo in both directions.

Disruption is expected to last until the end of service today.