RMT strikes to cause severe disruption to TransPennine Express services this week

Rail operator TransPennine Express (TPE) will be operating a small percentage of its usual services on the strike days, with a reduced train plan also in place on the days following each strike date which means services are set to start later and finish earlier than usual.

Anyone travelling between 18-21 August is strongly advised to seek alternative travel, with further disruption including last minute delays and cancellations likely.

Those travelling to major events over this time period, such as York’s Ebor Festival, should seek alternative ways of getting to and from the event. 

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director for TransPennine Express, said: “This week’s strike action by RMT will once again have a big impact on rail customers right across our network, and we will only be able to operate a small number of trains across certain routes.  

“The days after each strike will also be affected and so anyone planning rail travel between 18-21 August should seek alternative means and only make journeys if they are absolutely essential.

“We also know that lots of people normally rely on our trains to travel to big events, such as the popular Ebor Festival at York racecourse. Sadly, this time around, we won’t be able to support people heading to this year’s event and we are urging people to plan accordingly and find an alternative way to get to and from the races.”

For those that absolutely have to travel on strike days, TPE will be running a reduced timetable on four routes, Newcastle – Edinburgh, Sheffield – Cleethorpes, Manchester Airport – Preston and Manchester Piccadilly – York.

TPE is strongly recommending that anyone travelling checks their journey very carefully and allows plenty of extra time as any trains that do run will be very busy, and further disruption is possible.

The latest information on the impact of the strikes including amended timetables can be found at tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/strike-action. 

Most of the train company’s managed stations will be closed on both the 18 and 20 August with no rail or replacement services available.

Bikes will not be permitted onboard TPE services between 18-21 August 2022.