New rail timetables will come into force for rail users across the UK on Sunday 20 May 2018 and, in the North of England, the changes will be some of the biggest seen for decades.
Barry White, the Chief Executive of Transport for the North, said today: “We are aware that hundreds of thousands of rail users in the North will see changes in their train times from this Sunday onwards and we want to make sure no-one is caught by surprise.
“Our advice is to check with the train operating companies before travelling. Commuters, in particular, should check their train times before travelling in next week as most will see changes to their usual travel times.”
Barry went on to say, “Transport for the North are disappointed that infrastructure work has been further delayed, meaning we are not seeing the uplift in services that we originally expected. This delay has meant timetable planning and operational challenges for both Northern and TransPennine Express, and we have been working closely with the rail industry to overcome these challenges.”
Transport for the North is committed to improving transport in the North of England for the benefit of those who live in the North. We will keep the May 2018 timetable changes under close review and are pressing for Network Rail to complete the delayed electrification on the Bolton corridor by December 2018 to enable timetable improvements.
As part of the Great North Rail Project’s multi-billion package of improvements, work will continue to deliver improved rail travel for customers across the North by 2020, through new and improved trains, and better services, stations and tracks.
To find out more about the changes that may affect you, visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk.