TransPennine Express is preparing its services in advance of RMT strikes.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) has announced strike action by its TPE conductors on four consecutive Sundays, from 00:01 – 23:59 on 13, 20, and 27 February and 6 March.
Accordingly, TransPennine Express has put together an amended timetable for 13 February, which will see a “significant” reduction in available services.
Although the timetable includes some core services on these days, the train operator is telling its customers to not travel and to plan journeys for either side of the strike dates.
The limited services will run on:
- Manchester – York via Huddersfield and Leeds
- York – Scarborough
- Edinburgh – Carlisle
- Manchester Piccadilly – Sheffield
- Doncaster – Cleethorpes
It said those who do travel should check services “up to the last minute” using their website. Extra time should be given as it is expected services will be a lot busier.
Customer experience director for TransPennine Express, Kathryn O’Brien said: “We are disappointed that RMT has chosen to disrupt people’s journeys at a time when the rail industry – alongside much of the nation – continues to feel the impact of the pandemic.
“We are doing all we can to keep our customers moving under difficult circumstances, but we simply will not be able to operate a timetable that provides a regular service. We will continue to review our strike response timetables and will seek to provide additional services where possible.
“Our advice to our customers is clear. This Sunday, do not travel unless you have to. If your journey is vital, plan and check carefully before travelling and allow plenty of extra time. Those trains we are running are likely to be far busier than normal.”
To help customers get where they need to be on Sunday, TPE has arranged ticket acceptance with several other train operators. TPE tickets will be accepted on Northern, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains, LNER and Transport for Wales services. Some exclusions will apply and full details are available online.
