Rail passengers warned of Northern timetable changes

Passengers who travel on Northern trains are being warned about changes to timetables this month. 

The rail operator says it will be reintroducing services on some key routes from 16 May to 'give people returning to rail travel more flexibility' and 'help customers get where they need to be'. 

These services include Manchester to Hadfield and Glossop, Manchester to Marple and Sheffield, and Manchester to Buxton. 

Like other rail companies, Northern has been running reduced timetables since the lockdown was imposed in January. 

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said: “We have brought in as many additional services as possible, with the resource we have available, and have prioritised routes and times where there is the most significant demand.

“The timetables we will introduce on 16 May have been designed to provide as many services as possible, at the times our customers need them, without risking punctuality and reliability.

“We want our customers to have confidence in the service we are offering and our plan will give those customers the stability they deserve.”

Northern say that some routes won't see any changes as part of the new timetables and a handful of routes will have a reduction in services. 

The rail operator is urging passengers to plan ahead and, where possible, travel at quieter times of day. 

Mr Jackson added: "We need our customers to work with us and to think carefully about their journeys as we steadily return to a more normal timetable." 

Meanwhile, extra cleaning is being carried out on trains and at stations, while face coverings are mandatory (aside from those with specific exemptions) on all trains and at stations. 

Northern’s new timetables can be found online via the rail company's website or at National Rail Enquiries.