Operator Northern is asking passengers to check before travelling as the operator continues to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Northern is running a reduced service and has cancelled trains on a number of routes after an increase in on-train staff were told to self-isolate.

With England playing in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday, Northern says it is expecting trains to be busier on Sunday night and is asking passengers not to wait until the last train home.

A reduced service will be in operation on the Liverpool to Manchester Airport line as well as between Liverpool and Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Piccadilly and Hadfield / Crewe as well as between Manchester Victoria and Clitheroe.

However, three services have been withdrawn, with no service between Blackpool and Carlisle (DalesRail), Liverpool and Manchester Airport or Liverpool Lime Street to Blackpool North (Rail Replacement Bus service in operation between Wigan North Western and Liverpool Lime Street).

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “Last weekend was difficult because of the impact of coronavirus, and the situation has not improved this week. The decision to change our train plan has not been taken lightly and, in doing so, we have had to balance the demand for services with our realistic ability to provide a reliable and punctual service for our customers. We have opted to reduce frequency so we can maintain a service on most of our routes and keep customers on the move”

Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions at the Rail Delivery Group said: “Companies are working hard to keep passengers safely on the move as restrictions ease and more people travel to work or to see friends and family. As cases increase more rail employees could be pinged by the NHS contact tracing app and be asked to self-isolate. While train companies are doing everything they can to minimise any disruption, there may be an impact on services so we are asking people to check before they travel using app alerts which were upgraded during the pandemic as part of our safer travel pledge.”

Chris added: “Of course, many people will want to support England and will be travelling to pubs and bars to watch the match.

“With kick off at 8pm with reduced number of services and possible short notice cancellations, that only leaves a handful of trains on our key routes after the match to get people home and we’re asking our customers to plan ahead and to use all available services or alternative methods of travel. We’ll have buses on standby in many places to assist, but customers can help by staggering their journeys and not all waiting for the last train home.”

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