Rail users to face further strike action

Rail commuters are set to be hit by further industrial action which is expected to cause disruption to services operated by TransPennine Express (TPE) and Northern.

Strikes by RMT affecting a number of train operators have been announced for November 5, 7 and 9.

Only a very small number of TPE services will be in operation across a single route during these days.

On these dates, the rail operator will only be running trains between Huddersfield and York and anyone planning travel on this route should do so only if their journey is absolutely necessary.

However, the rail union TSSA has called off its forthcomingstrike sat Network Rail in order to facilitate the progress of ongoing ‘constructive, intensive and detailed discussions’ aimed at improving the current offer.

Adam Fairclough, head of customer experience delivery at TPE, said: “We are saddened by the announcement that there will be further strike action which will once again cause disruption to customers across the UK.

“This action will cause severe disruption to TPE services, and we will only be able to run an extremely limited service between Huddersfield and York on the strike dates.”

Northern is advising its customers not to travel on November 5, 7 and 9 and urges customers to ‘check before you travel’ on Sunday 6, Tuesday 8 and Thursday November 10.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “We apologise again for the significant disruption this action by the RMT will cause to our customers.

"We all want to see an end to this dispute and hope that discussions between the industry and trade unions will lead to a resolution soon.”