Train strikes prompts operator to issue "Do Not Travel" guidance

TRAIN operator Northern has issued “Do Not Travel” guidance for its customers across the north of England next week.

The strikes by members of National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers and Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen will bring services to a halt from next Tuesday to Saturday (January 3 to 7).

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “This is a most regrettable start to 2023 and we can only apologise to our customers whose return to work from the holidays will be disrupted by the action by the RMT and ASLEF.

“For many, Monday, January 9, will be their first experience of our new timetable, which went live in December and includes an additional 3,000 services a week across our network.

“As such, we’re encouraging everyone to use the new ‘Check My Timetable’ feature on our website to see the changes specific to their local station.”

The industrial action taking place includes two 48-hour walkouts by the RMT on January 3 and 4 and January 6 to 8, and ASLEF members staging a one-day strike on January 5.