GMPTE advises passengers to plan ahead for strike day travel

Passengers in Greater Manchester are advised to expect disruption to public transport during the planned industrial action by railway workers next week.

The RMT union is planning to strike for four days immediately after the Easter break, from Tuesday 6 to Friday 9 April.

This would have a significant impact on rail travel, and demand for buses and trams is likely to be much higher than usual if the strike goes ahead.

The strike would also lead to Metrolink services between Altrincham and Timperley being suspended for the duration of the action, as this section of the track is operated and controlled by Network Rail.

If the strike goes ahead, replacement bus services will run at the same frequency as the trams between Altrincham, Navigation Road and Timperley. A normal tram service will operate from Timperley to Manchester city centre and on all other Metrolink lines.

Paul Lucas, Operational Service Planning Manager for GMPTE, said: “Rail passengers planning to travel between 6 and 9 April should be aware of possible changes to timetables because a significant number of trains are likely to be cancelled, diverted or delayed, with no service operating at all on some rail lines.

“We would advise all passengers to take these possible disruptions into account when planning journeys, to allow for extra time for travel and to check services before setting off by calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk

“We are confident that rail operators will do their best to manage any disruption as effectively as possible, but a significant impact on services will be inevitable.

“Passengers should, however, expect a high level of demand on all forms of public transport, especially at peak times, during the industrial action.”

Rail passengers are advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest service information. Detailed information will be available from early afternoon on Thursday 1 April.

Metrolink passengers can check www.metrolink.co.uk for details of the replacement bus services that will be available if the strike action goes ahead. Staff will also be on hand at the affected stops to support passengers.

Bus users can plan journeys at www.gmpte.com or by calling Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (Calls from landlines cost 10p per minute. Mobile and landline networks may charge additional tariff costs.) Lines are open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm at weekends.