Industrial action affecting Northern trains Saturday 19 and Saturday 26 January

Industrial action is likely to cause significant disruption to rail services provided by operator Northern on Saturdays in January says Transport for Greater Manchester.

A number of Northern services are expected to not run and any that do operate will be working to a limited timetable likely to end by 5pm.

The strike runs between 00:01 and 23:59 on Saturday 19 January and Saturday 26 January.

Around half of Northern services are not expected to run and any that do operate, will be working to a revised timetable and will be extremely busy, make sure you check and allow extra time for your journey.

Other rail routes will be busier as passengers seek alternative services to make their journeys.

Expect all public transport and roads to be busier than usual on the day of the strike, with the potential for journey times to be longer.

• Plan ahead now if you use Northern services:
• Re-time – can you travel at a different time or on a different day?
• Re-mode – how else could you make your journey?
• Consider the time you start/ finish work. Can you leave earlier to avoid travelling at peak times?
• There are numerous park and ride sites across Greater Manchester offering 100 or more spaces for public transport services.

Bus services, including Free Bus, are not affected by the industrial action and may be a good option for the day.

Metrolink trams are not affected by the industrial action and may be a good alternative for the day. Tram lines along the same corridor as affected rail services are expected to be busier than usual. Ticket machines will be much busier than usual. You can buy a ticket on the day from the ticket machines on all stop platforms or on your smartphone via the get me there app.

Metrolink’s Park and Ride facilities may be busier earlier than usual as train and bus passengers make alternative arrangements. Roads are expected to be busier than usual.

Key Greater Manchester routes will be most affected with an increased risk of congestion, adding to journey times.

What you can do:

Allow more time for your journey.

• Consider travelling at a different time.
• Consider a different mode of transport – can you make your journey other than by car?
• Can you car share and help reduce the overall number of vehicles on the road?
• If you are using your car because your train has been affected by the strikes, consider car-sharing with colleagues, neighbours or friends.
• Car parks and Park and Ride facilities are a good option for car drivers looking to come into the city centre.
• If you are using your car because your train journey has been affected by the strike, remember you might need change for car parking fees.
• If you are cycling key commuter routes will be most affected with an increased risk of congestion, adding to journey times, because of extra traffic on the roads.
• Allow more time for your journey.
• Be aware that drivers may be following routes they are not familiar with.
• Help minimise the impact on your journey.