Manchester's commuters face disruptions as trains go on strike

Passengers are being advised to plan ahead and expect disruption today as staff on Northern rail services hold a one-day strike.

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

All public transport and Greater Manchester’s roads are expected to be busier, especially at peak morning and evening times, with key commuter routes forecast to face the most pressure as people affected by the strike make alternative arrangements.

Commuters are even being told to work from home where possible such is the extent of the expected disruptions.

Transport for Greater Manchester, which is helping to co-ordinate the region’s response, is urging people to plan ahead and consider carefully their travel arrangements.

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

TfGM’s John Fryer, said: “We are taking action to minimise the disruption to the transport network but we know there will still be problems.

“Commuters can play their part to minimise these and our advice is simple: plan ahead, be prepared, and think about all your travel choices."

As well as working with other transport authorities across the North, TfGM has taken action locally to help people who have to travel on the day of the strike.

Anyone seeking advice is told to check the TFGM website for details of disruptions.

• TFGM