Where does Southern Rail cover, why is the firm in crisis, when is the next strike and how can you claim a refund?
The drivers' union ASLEF has rejected Southern's deal to resolve long-running dispute over the role of train guards
STRIKING Southern Rail workers will leave hundreds of thousands of passengers facing severe disruption in February.
ASLEF members are set to walk out on 22 February for 24 hours leaving commuters in the lurch.
It comes members rejected a deal to end a long-running dispute over the role of train guards.
Where does Southern Rail cover?
Southern Rail manages 156 stations including London Victoria and London Bridge along 414 miles of track.
It is part of a franchise that stretches from Cambridge to Southampton, via Brighton.
The company has a fleet of around 300 new or refurbished trains, running 2,242 weekday services with around 165 million passenger journeys every year.
Why is Southern Rail in crisis?
The drivers' union ASLEF has accused Southern Rail of putting "profit before passenger safety" after plans to introduce driver-only trains.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, said it is not safe to have trains running without guards on board following the recent terrorist attacks across Europe.
It is difficult to negotiate with people who are not prepared to be flexible.
Mick Whelan
He said: "The company has not been prepared to move – it is simply going through the motions, turning up at ACAS, as it did yesterday, and telling us that it intends to impose DOO.
"We remain committed to a negotiated settlement, as was reached with ScotRail, but it is difficult to negotiate with people who are not prepared to be flexible.
"We still believe a deal can be done but we are, at the moment, a long way from that position.
"It is time for the company to come up with a genuine offer rather than carry on posturing."
Are Southern Rail workers on strike today?
Not yet. Workers are set to walk out on Wednesday 22 February for 24 hours.
The disruption comes as Aslef members rejected a deal to end a long-running dispute with the operator over the role of train guards.
Strike action is changeable. Check for the latest.
How can you claim a refund?
Commuters who face cancelled and severely delayed trains can apply for a refund in any ticket office within 28 days of the journey.
On its website, Southern states you can apply for a refund if:
- "The train you intended to use is cancelled, delayed or your reservation will not be honoured, you decide not to travel and at that time you return the unused ticket to any ticket office, we will, where possible, provide you with an immediate full refund."
- "Even if trains are running well, if you decide not to use a ticket you have bought, you can apply for a refund from the people you bought it from (ticket office, website or travel agent). This should be done within 28 days of expiry of the ticket. You will be refunded as soon as possible. Please be aware that a £10 administration fee per ticket will normally be charged in these circumstances. Please note, Southern and non-Southern Advance tickets are non-refundable, except in the event of a delay or cancellation."
Further details on Southern's refund policy can be found .
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