TransPennine Express customers urged to avoid travel on Sunday March 27 as RMT union strikes

The rail operator is warning the strike will cause disruption to services and says it will only be running a very limited number of trains on the day.

It runs the South TransPennine service from Cleethorpes via Doncaster and Sheffield to Manchester.

Those planning on using TransPennine Express (TPE) services on Sunday are being asked not to travel and, instead, make their journey either side of the strike day.

TPE says anyone who needs to make an essential journey should ensure they are well prepared and plan their journey, with amended timetables due to be published online. Services will be subject to last minute changes and cancellations, so those travelling should allow plenty of extra time and check carefully via National Rail Enquiries before starting their journey.

Bikes will not be permitted on-board TPE services on Sunday, the company has also warned passenges ahead of the strike day.

Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director for TransPennine Express said: “Continued strike action by RMT means we will only be able to operate a very limited service for customers this Sunday and as such, we are recommending people do not travel.

“This will be the seventh strike day of strike action by the rail union, and we are really disappointed that we won’t be able to run a full service for our customers.

“Anyone planning to use our services this weekend is urged to travel either side of the strike day instead.”

TPE has arranged ticket acceptance with several other train companies to support those who are making essential journeys on Sunday.

TPE tickets will be accepted on Northern, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Lumo, LNER (between York and Edinburgh), ScotRail, Hull Trains (between Hull-Brough/Doncaster only) and Transport for Wales services. Ticket acceptance is also in place for FirstBus services in West Yorkshire for customers who may need to use a bus service to complete a rail journey.

Some exclusions will apply thought, and full details are available online.

TRANSPORT: Decision on tunnel between Sheffield and Manchester expected in months