Rail disruptions in UK over Christmas
 

Just in case anyone is planning a UK trip this Christmas:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37816576

In particular, note that the Heathrow Express is not running 24-29 December inclusive.

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More details about disruptions: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/servic...ns/149383.aspx

Of course there are never any trains outside of London running on any Xmas or Boxing Day- track workers may not even be working those days?

A third-world rail system after all the constant improvements - band-aids instead of French, German, Spanish and more dedicated new high-speed rail systems even though I guess Brits ride trains more than just about anyone.

There should be no flights between say London and Edinburgh just like there are few between Lyon and Paris due to bullet trains.

Actually more than 95% of the rail system will work according to the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37816576

How's Amtrack nowadays Pal, talking of third world rail systems.;) Actually the railways in the third world are very often better than those of the developed world.

It will be a nuisance for visitors it's true, but it will be a first class pain in the behind for those who don't get a lot of time off over Christmas and have to commute for their work. Think of health care professionals, firefighter,police officers, who can't afford to live in London, but do work there. Also starting the work on Christmas Eve, a Saturday will make it nearly impossible for many to travel home for Christmas, since they almost certainly have to work on the Friday.

All that said the work has to be done, and I guess Christmas is as good a time as any to do it. Let's just hope it isn't a white Christmas which would delay it all.

Amtrak is a 4th-world skeletal train system- distances are too long for most cities for rail to compete with planes and Americans are wed to their cars, alas.

The U.s. even in NE Corrdior is so pitiful for trains- just comparing the UK privatized system to the nationalized and railways of the Continent - NO comparison. Re-nationalize Britain's railways or at least HS lines.