Rail passengers have been warned to expect disruption to key services across the north due to engineering works. The works - between Manchester, Leeds and York - come amid industrial action by railway workers, who this week announced more strike days around Christmas after the collapse of the latest round of talks.
It spells more travel misery for travellers, who have been urged to check timetables.
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Network Rail says it is working round the clock to upgrade track and reconstruct railway bridges, helping deliver a better and more reliable railway as part of its Transpennine Route Upgrade.
The works means train company TransPennine Express (TPE) is running amended timetables in the run up to Christmas. Passengers who have booked trains during the period are being urged to check train times.
Many late night and early morning services have been affected between Manchester Airport and York. Replacement bus services have been arranged.
Meanwhile TPE is also urging customers across the north to check their journey times because another set of timetable amendments from December 11, particularly concerning travel to Scotland.
Kathryn O’Brien, customer service and operations director at TransPennine Express, said: "Our number one focus is providing the most reliable and punctual service possible for customers, and we continue to prioritise this following the recent disruption which has impacted some of those using our trains.
"In light of the current challenges affecting our services, we have to be realistic and have made some short-term changes to what we originally wanted to deliver. Our priority is delivering a train service people can depend on whether it’s getting them to work, school or an important appointment."
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