Passengers planning on travelling through Manchester Piccadilly station during RMT strike action on Saturday 8 October are being warned not to get caught out with trains finishing much earlier than normal.
Only four trains per hour will depart from the station – that’s compared to an average of 30 departures an hour on a non strike day.
Nationally only 20% of trains will be running on around 50% of the railway network.
Manchester Piccadilly’s last trains will leave between 3pm and 5pm with final arrivals by 6.30pm.
The station will close its doors completely at 7pm on Saturday evening.
People are once again being advised to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary because of the continuing staff walkouts by RMT union members.
Passengers who still need to travel should check www.nationalrail.co.uk so they know exactly what to expect.
People can also check with their individual train operators through these links:
- Avanti West Coast’s information page
- Northern’s information page
- TransPennine Express’ information page
- CrossCountry’s information page
- East Midlands Railway’s information page
- Transport for Wales’ information page
Network Rail is trying to give passengers the best service it possibly can but trains will be significantly reduced or not running at all on some routes.
Across the country, thousands of specially-trained and fully qualified back-up staff will again step in during the walkout to keep vital services running for those who need them.
Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “Despite our best efforts to compromise and find a breakthrough in talks, rail unions remain intent on continuing and coordinating their strike action. This means once again many North West routes won’t be served at all, causing misery for millions of rail passengers. With a fraction of the usual workforce available, including signallers who safely move trains around the network there will be a severely limited service during RMT strike action this Saturday.
“I can only apologise for the impact another RMT strike will have on people’s lives. It is frustrating to yet again ask our passengers to change their plans and only make absolutely necessary journeys.”
Passengers should also expect disruption on the morning of Sunday 9 October with a later start to services as employees return to duties.
Alongside the national strikes, industrial action will take place for some train operators on other parts of the rail network today and tomorrow (Thursday 6 & Friday 7 October), and Monday 10 October:
- Thursday 6 and Friday 7 October – strike action affecting East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express
- Monday 10 October – strike action affecting ScotRail.
For specific train operator service information, please visit National Rail or your train operating company.
Photo credit: Network Rail
