Train operator fears week of disruption

RAIL PASSENGERS in South Yorkshire have been warned that they face disruption to journeys this week as drivers and conductors are being forced to self-isolate.

Train operator Northern has urged all rail users in South Yorkshire to “check carefully” before travel from today.

The warning comes as the rail operator yesterday asked customers not to travel on routes between Leeds and Sheffield via Dearne, Sheffield and York, and Doncaster and Leeds.

On Friday, Northern announced a number of cancellations on routes in and out of Sheffield after many conductors and drivers were either diagnosed with Covid-19 or asked to self-isolate following Track and Trace notifications.

Chris Jackson, the regional director at Northern, said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly – we’ve had to balance the demand for services with our realistic ability to provide a reliable and punctual service for our customers.”

For the week ahead, a spokesman from Northern said the train operator is still “assessing the impact” of the need for many of its staff to selfisolate.

The spokesman for Northern added: “At the moment we do not anticipate having to cancel any services in advance.

“However, the situation is changing all the time so customers should be aware that short notice cancellations and amendments to the timetable are possible anywhere across the network.

“Our message remains the same – check carefully before travel (via our website or National Rail Enquiries) and allow extra time for journeys.”