Rail passengers face further disruption this weekend as a train operator cancels some of its services due to staff sickness. TransPennine Express (TPE) has urged customers across the North to avoid non-essential journeys.
TPE said high levels of staff sickness meant it would only be running a reduced number of services on Saturday and Sunday. Customers planning to travel to an event over the weekend are asked to seek alternative transport.
The impending disruption comes after TPE's services were hit by strikes over job cuts, pay and working conditions last week. Around 40,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union walked out on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, causing disruption for millions of passengers.
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TPE said just 10pc of its services operated during the strike days. Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director for TransPennine Express said: “Unfortunately, high levels of staff sickness mean we will be running a reduced number of services this weekend.
“We know this is frustrating news for our customers, and we are sorry for the impact it will have on people’s plans."
TPE said bikes would also be banned from services this weekend. Passengers are advised to check the TPE website and allow extra time for journeys.
