Rail users urged to plan carefully ahead of Rugby League Grand Final
TransPennine Express (TPE) is urging Rugby League fans to plan ahead for journeys home after the Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday 24 September.
Operational challenges, such as high sickness levels and training backlog, mean TPE may need to make short-notice alterations to services with the changes likely to impact those planning travel after the final which kicks off at 6pm.
With other train operators also experiencing difficulties, fans from St Helens and Leeds are also being asked to consider alternative methods of transport as trains that do run – from either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria – will be extremely busy.
Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director for TransPennine Express, said: “We are doing all we can, as a company and an industry, to try to ensure people can enjoy the whole experience of the Grand Final, but are asking customers to consider alternative travel and to carefully check their trains in advance.
“All services are likely to be busy that evening and customers are also advised to allow extra time for journeys in case of possible disruption.”
Anyone travelling to and from the Grand Final by rail on Saturday should check trains before setting off via the TPE website (tpexpress.co.uk) or National Rail Enquiries (nationalrail.co.uk).