Train operator to run reduced Manchester timetable due to Covid staff absence

TransPennine Express says it will reduce services from Monday 10 January 2022, due to Covid-19 impacting on the number of workers available.
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Train operator TransPennine Express has asked rail passengers to check journeys before travelling as it will be running a reduced timetable from Monday.

The new schedule will mean changes to services across all TPE routes and will see services reduced in a move that the operator says will ‘provide a greater level of certainty for customers.’

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TPE said the change was necessary as Covid-19 has led to high numbers of staff off work and because of ongoing industrial disputes.

The Manchester services affected include:

  • Edinburgh Waverley – Manchester Airport, a service every two hours in each direction
  • Glasgow Central – Manchester Airport, three services per day in each direction
  • Redcar Central – Manchester Airport, a service every hour in each direction
  • Hull – Manchester Piccadilly, a service every hour in each direction
  • Scarborough – Manchester Victoria/Liverpool Lime Street hourly services will be replaced with a Scarborough – York hourly service, with additional peak time extensions to/from Leeds
  • Leeds – Huddersfield and Huddersfield - Manchester stopper services will continue to operate hourly
  • Cleethorpes/Sheffield – Manchester Piccadilly/Airport will operate hourly in the AM and PM peaks and every two hours in the off-peak period.

What’s been said?

Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said: “While we are disappointed to be making these changes and reducing services, our priority is keeping people moving and providing a greater level of certainty for our customers.

“We are sorry for any disruption this may cause to journeys and call on our customers to allow additional time for travel and to check carefully –for any changes to train times.

“We will continue to regularly review these changes in line with the current situation.”

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Northern and Avanti have also faced challenges with staffing levels over the last few weeks due to Covid, and GM Mayor Andy Burnham said this week that about 13% of Metrolink staff were off ill in the latest figures.

How do I check my journey?

More information on the changes can be viewed at TPE’s website here.

For live journey updates, see National Rail’s website here.