Chiltern Strike on 17 October and What Runs From Marylebone

The Chiltern strike on Saturday 17 October 2026 is expected to leave most journeys unaffected, with the operator planning to run more than 93% of its services as usual. London Marylebone is due to retain its normal number of arrivals and departures, although four long-distance trains will cover shorter routes.

The main changes affect selected services normally starting or finishing at Stourbridge Junction and Chiltern trains between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa. For passengers travelling into London, the important distinction is between a train reaching Marylebone and that train serving every station on its usual route. National Rail confirms that most customers should experience a near-normal service.

Which Trains Change on Saturday 17 October?

Chiltern’s date-specific timetable lists the following alterations. For the two London-bound services, the usual departure time identifies the affected train; the revised departure time applies at its new starting station.

These are partial cancellations: the trains still operate over the remaining sections of their routes. In particular, the 06:44 service does not depart Banbury at 06:44; its published departure from Banbury is 08:09.

There is no blanket requirement for everyone travelling from north of Banbury to change trains. Whether a connection is necessary depends on the particular service and starting station. Equally, passengers leaving Marylebone on one of the two shortened evening trains should check how to complete their journey beyond its revised terminus.

Stratford-upon-Avon Passengers Must Travel via Dorridge

No Chiltern services will run between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa throughout the day. The alternative is to use West Midlands Railway between Stratford-upon-Avon and Dorridge, changing there for Chiltern services. National Rail confirms that Chiltern trains will continue between Dorridge and Leamington Spa, with the alternative route available at no extra cost.

The detailed cancellation list also includes the 22:15 Stratford-upon-Avon–Banbury service. Anyone planning a late return should therefore check the full itinerary before travelling, including the final connection. A daytime alternative should not be assumed to remain available at the same frequency into the evening.

Chiltern says no rail replacement buses will operate. Its ticket acceptance arrangements cover the specified diversion via Dorridge; passengers should not assume their tickets are valid on any alternative operator or route.

Who Is Striking and Why?

The action involves RMT members working as train managers at Chiltern Railways. The union’s notice specifies a stoppage from 00:01 to 23:59 on Saturday 17 October, following the first strike date on Saturday 10 October. It is a train managers’ dispute, rather than an announced walkout by Chiltern’s drivers.

The disagreement concerns staffing arrangements for proposed East West Rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes. RMT says Chiltern has not provided guarantees about the safety-critical responsibilities of the second person on board. General secretary Eddie Dempsey argues that the proposed arrangements threaten both passenger safety and existing train manager roles. These are the union’s stated concerns.

Chiltern disputes that assessment. Interim managing director Tony Baxter says every East West Rail train will carry a driver and another colleague responsible for checking tickets, helping passengers and providing assistance. He says driver-controlled doors have been used safely on most Chiltern trains for decades with regulatory approval, and that the plans