VERY few commuters will be pleased to hear their usual train service has been replaced by a bus.
Bus replacement services go to the same destinations as the train would have done, but usually takes longer as it isn't running on a direct track.
What is a rail replacement bus?
A rail replacement bus is a temporary service which acts as a replacement for a regular train service.
This is usually done at weekends, and is necessary when necessary engineering works are taking place.
All rail replacement services will display the destination, train company name and will say "rail replacement" on the front.
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Due to the buses being smaller than trains, certain items allowed on trains are not allowed on a rail replacement service, including non-folding bikes
Where do rail replacement buses stop?
Bus replacement services will stop outside the train stations that the train it is replacing would have stopped at.
Railway staff will be available to assist customers at stations which are ordinarily staffed.
Bus services will stop close to the station at a marked meeting point if it isn't possible to get closer, for example, if the train station is only accessible down a narrow road.
Journeys take longer than they would on a train, so the timetables are altered to accommodate this.
Is a rail replacement bus free?
No, as the bus is a substitute for a regular train service, to use the bus, you will require a valid rail ticket.
If the service you are using is located in an Oyster card zone, this may be accepted as it is what you were intending to pay the train fare with.
Are there bus replacements during a rail strike?
In most circumstances, rail replacement services will not be provided by rail companies to compensate for industrial action.
This is due to a number of different reasons, such as the train companies would not be able to provide a bus service large enough to accommodate the demand.
Trains can have over 10 carriages, all of which with adequate seating and standing areas.
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