Fresh train-strike warning

TRAVELLERS are being warned to plan ahead as staff on Northern and Merseyrail services hold a new 24-hour strike on Saturday.

Most Northern and Merseyrail services are not expected to run and any that do operate, working to a revised timetable, will be extremely busy.

The 24-hour strike runs between midnight Friday to midnight Saturday. There will be no Northern and Merseyrail trains before 8am or after 7pm.

There are a number of major events taking place across the North West that day, including the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, Manchester City v Hull City, and the World Boxing Organisation title fight between Liam Smith and Liam Williams at Manchester Arena, as well as other local events.

Thousands of people will also be travelling across the region for shopping, entertainment and leisure, so all public transport and Greater Manchester's roads are expected to be busier than usual.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), which is helping to co-ordinate the region's response, is urging people to carefully consider their travel arrangements.

Those attending the Grand National, in particular, are encouraged to plan ahead. Although train services are running to Aintree Racecourse they will be extremely busy, and people are warned not to rely on the last train service of the day to get home.

TfGM is working to support Northern and Merseyrail's customer communications effort and has created a special travel information page on its website - tfgm.com/industrial-action - to help keep Greater Manchester commuters on the move.

John Fryer, TfGM's events and operational co-ordination manager, said: "We are taking action to minimise the disruption to the transport network but we know there will still be problems, especially given the number of events taking place on Saturday.

"To help minimise disruption and ensure a smoother journey, our advice is simple: plan ahead, be prepared, and think about all your travel choices. There are numerous park and ride sites across Greater Manchester offering 100 or more spaces for public transport services, helping people to avoid congestion on the roads.

"Metrolink tram stops provide access to key destinations across Greater Manchester, including Manchester Arena and Etihad Stadium. We also strongly advise that people check the Northern and Merseyrail websites and social media channels for regular updates."

For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.