Embattled rail franchise Southern Rail is set to reduce its daily schedule of trains by 350 services due to an ongoing industrial dispute.
The RMT union said it had been told by the franchise holder Govia Thameslink Railways (GTR) that there would be an emergency timetable in place from next Monday, July 11.
The union is in dispute with GTR over proposed changes to the role of conductors onboard Southern services, which operate between London and the South Coast.
Southern services have already been affected this year by strike action, as well as a high level of staff illness that has forced the operator to cancel services at the last minute.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash accused GTR of “gross mismanagement” in its running of the franchise.
“The solution of this failing, basket-case franchise is not axing more trains and attacking those trying to hold it together at the sharp end - it is the removal of Govia at the earliest possible point,” added Cash.
A GTR spokesperson said the company would be confirming details of a temporary timetable later this week.
“The timetable recognises that the present level of service has not been acceptable and will aim to give passengers a more predictable service they can plan around,” said the company. “This will be a temporary measure until train crew availability levels return to normal.”
Cash is due to appear before a House of Commons’ transport select committee hearing on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing dispute, alongside GTR’s CEO Charles Horton and chief operating officer Dyan Crowther.