There is disruption across Oxfordshire’s rail network today – despite planned strikes being called off.

Members of the RMT union had planned walk-outs on November 5, 7 and 9 as part of its continuing dispute with Network Rail and individual rail companies over pay and conditions.

But the days of action were called off, with the RMT saying it would start a ‘period of intensive negotiations’ with employers.

The union’s decision came too late to change the temporary timetable of skeleton services today (Saturday), the rail company's said.

And today’s disruption – with a fifth of normal services expected to run - is forecast to continue on Monday, the second planned strike day.

In Oxford, rail services are still running during the day – with three services an hour to London Paddington.

The last train to Paddington leaves at 5.36pm, according to timetables.

There are no direct trains to London Marylebone from Oxford, although services are running from Oxford Parkway.

Chiltern Railways, which runs the Oxford – Bicester – Marylebone line, said its customers should ‘only travel if absolutely essential’.

Earlier this week, the RMT said it had secured ‘unconditional’ talks with Network Rail and the promise of a pay offer from the train operating companies.

But it said the dispute remains ‘very much live’ and was continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action, with the result due on November 15.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "The threat of strike action and our strongly-supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.”

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail's chief negotiator, welcomed the announcement but said it had come too late to reinstate services on Saturday.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward