People across Greater Manchester getting a train being urged to check before they travel
There's expected to be some disruption as Northern have introduced an amended timetable
People jumping on a train across Greater Manchester are being urged to check before they travel.
There's expected to be some disruption as Northern have introduced an amended timetable - and some trains are also finishing earlier and starting later than usual on certain days.
From Sunday, 22nd December, Northern will introduce an amended timetable in the North West due to conductor availability. This timetable is designed to provide more certainty about the services that will run and reduce short-notice cancellations.
On New Years Eve, people are being told to expect disruption with trains finishing earlier.
There's a usual service throughout the day however trains will finish earlier than usual (around 20:00), so check before travelling and don’t rely on last trains of the day.
On New Years Day, trains will start later.
Northern Rail have the following advice:
"If you're planning to take the train over the Christmas and New Year period, please plan ahead and check before you travel.
"There will likely be changes to train services across the rail network over the holiday season.
"Also, be aware of any changes to the regular train schedule during the Christmas period. It’s worth considering that Northern has a winter timetable.
"Travelling light makes navigating through busy stations and boarding trains much easier, especially during peak travel times during the festive period.
"If you're bringing gifts, consider packing them in a way that makes them easy to carry and store, as luggage racks will likely fill up quickly.
"Give yourself extra time to reach the train station, considering potential traffic, weather conditions, or any unexpected delays. Arriving early, grab a coffee and get to your platform without having to rush!
"Christmas is a popular time for travel, so train stations and carriages may be busier than usual. Try to be patient, follow station and train crew instructions, and consider travelling during off-peak hours using off-peak tickets if you prefer a more relaxed journey.
"Stay informed about any disruptions, delays, or changes to your journey by checking for updates on our websites or by using our dedicated app.
"Winter weather often means that trains can be quite warm to cater for all passengers. Dress appropriately for the weather, as you may need to wait on platforms or walk between train stations, but consider easy-to-remove clothing so that you can be comfortable on the train too.
"If your journey involves multiple trains or connections, make sure you plan for sufficient time between services to account for any delays or for travelling around busy stations."