Travel warning to fans ahead of Man City vs Bournemouth to ‘seek alternative transport’

Football fans have been warned about looming train strikes which could affect their travel plans for Premier League fixtures on Saturday (13 August).

People are being advised not to travel by train on Saturday when members of the train drivers’ union Aslef will be taking industrial action, affecting nine train operators.

Avanti West Coast is among those saying they will not be running any services or offering rail replacement buses - which could impact fans travelling to Manchester for Manchester City’s game against Bournemouth at the Etihad at 3pm on Saturday.

Customers with tickets for 13 August can claim a full refund from their point of purchase. Alternatively, customers with tickets dated 13 August can use those tickets to travel either the day before, or up to and including 16 August.

Managing director of Avanti West Coast, Phil Whittingham, said: “Our route will be severely impacted on 13 August. As a result, we’re telling customers not to travel and instead make their journeys on another date or claim a full refund. I would like to reiterate my thanks to our customers for being patient and understanding as our services face further disruption.”

Saturday’s Aslef strikes will also affect Arriva Rail London, Crosscountry, Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express), Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, London Overground, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains services.

Further strike action by the RMT and TSSA is also planned for 18 and 20 August.