A TRAIN operator has revealed its ‘skeleton timetable’ for next week ahead of strike action.

Northern is advising customers not to use its services next week because of planned industrial action by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

The operator has now published timetables for the skeleton service it will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Timetables for the six days affected by the strikes can be found at northernrailway.co.uk/travel/strikes

While there will be an uplift in services on days that fall in-between strikes dates, the knock-on effects and fleet displacement implications have forced Northern to advise its customers not to travel by rail next week.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “We have done everything we can to offer people across the north of England a skeleton service – but our advice remains not to travel.

“The timetable we have put in place has been agreed with Network Rail, which has had to consider the requirements of other train operators and freight services on the network.

“We apologise in advance for the disruption and inconvenience that the RMT’s industrial action will cause.

“We continue to be keen to speak to the RMT to find a resolution and avoid any future strikes.”

In short, the skeleton timetable comprises hourly services between 8am and 6pm from Liverpool to Alderley Edge via Chat Moss, Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport

Customers should visit northernrailway.co.uk/travel/strikes for the latest advice and travel information.