Manchester is bracing itself for a weekend of travel chaos as one firm to be affected by a strike has cancelled services and slashed its timetable.
Avanti West Coast will not have any of its trains in service on Saturday 13 August, due to train drivers’ industrial action, and will operate a reduced timetable on Sunday “until further notice”.
It has advised its customers not to travel during what it said would be a “weekend of misery”.
Services between London Euston and Manchester are expected to be the worst affected by the reduced timetable, with trains whittled down from three per hour to one.
The 24-hour walkout over pay and conditions will also affect CrossCountry, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, London Overground, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains.
Avanti West Coast trains will operate reduced services for the foreseeable future
(Stuart Walker)
Meanwhile, Britons up and down the country will be looking to spend the hot and sunny weekend on day trips or attending events, including a number of Premier League matches in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London.
At Manchester Piccadilly station, passengers and pedestrians spoke to theManchester Evening News (M.E.N) about the upcoming strike action.
Passenger Lin Chisling said: “It is going to be a nightmare and these train companies are still making millions. It is easier for us using the train for pleasure as we can book in advance, but those who need to catch services at certain times will really be hit by this.
“Trains will be packed and the services will become so uncomfortable.”
An Aslef flag on a picket line at a previous strike by the train driver members
(PA Wire)
Sylvia Unczur told M.E.N: “I believe in striking as I am from the old days. I believe people should be able to stand up for their rights and for good working conditions and fair pay.
“You can’t imagine what these workers have been through, but at the same time, this disruption is affecting so many people, especially those who use the trains for work.
“It’s not nice and will cause tension, especially over summer. Fewer trains mean people will be rammed on like sardines and people will struggle to get to where they need to go, but I can see it from both sides.
“My train to Manchester was delayed coming up and the rail system is just a right mess. It needs bringing back into public control.”
Amid the looming travel chaos, London mayor Sadiq Khan and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham have…
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