Industrial action by RMT will take place on the 18th and 20th of August and will bring significant disruption for rail passengers across the UK

TransPennine Express has urged rail customers to only travel if absolutely necessary as the rail operator can only operate a small number of its regular services over the strike days. The days following the strike will also experience disruption as a reduced train plan will be in operation with start times later than usual and finish times earlier than usual.

Those who need to travel between the 18th and 21st of August are being strongly advised to find alternative travel solutions as further disruption such as last-minute delays and service cancellations are extremely likely.

Customers heading to major events such as York’s Ebor Festival are also advised to find alternative travel methods for getting both to and from the event.

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director for TransPennine Express said: “This week’s strike action by RMT will once again have a big impact on rail customers right across our network, and we will only be able to operate a small number of trains across certain routes.

“The days after each strike will also be affected and so anyone planning rail travel between 18-21 August should seek alternative means and only make journeys if they are absolutely essential.

“We also know that lots of people normally rely on our trains to travel to big events, such as the popular Ebor Festival at York racecourse. Sadly, this time around, we won’t be able to support people heading to this year’s event and we are urging people to plan accordingly and find an alternative way to get to and from the races.”

For customers who have no option but to travel during strike days TransPennine Express will operate an extremely reduced timetable over four routes:

• Newcastle to Edinburgh
• Sheffield to Cleethorpes
• Manchester Airport to Preston
• Manchester Piccadilly to York

TransPennine Express is strongly urging those who need to travel to check their plans ahead very carefully, allowing plenty of extra time as trains which are operating are expected to be extremely busy alongside the likely potential for further disruption.

To find out more about the effect of the strike action including altered timetables, please visit: http://tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/strike-action

The majority of TransPennine Express’s managed stations will be closed for both the 18th and the 20th of August. The following stations will be completely closed and will have no services calling on strike days:

• Yarm
• Scarborough
• Seamer
• Malton
• Selby
• Brough
• Hull (the bus station will remain open)

No rail replacement services will be available.

From the 18th to the 21st of August, no bikes will be allowed onboard TransPennine Express services.