Several train lines are expected to be severely disrupted after action ‘short of a strike’ was announced by transport union, TSSA. 

The service operator, TPE is urging customers to avoid travel unless their journey is absolutely necessary as there will only be a handful of services on each date. 

A reduced service will also be in place for the days following each strike date, and trains will start later and finish earlier than normal. 

The severe impact on services will also affect Rangers and Liverpool fans as they make their way to the UEFA Champions League clash on October 4. 

There will be no train services back to Glasgow after the game, potentially stranding thousands of fans. 

This disruption is also expected to impact travel for Manchester City and Copenhagen fans ahead of their match.

READ MORE: 40,000 rail workers to walk out in fresh strike action

READ MORE: Strike by rail workers set to cripple services

In a statement, Kathryn O’Brien, Customer and Operations Director for TPE said: “The upcoming industrial action by the rail unions will cause severe disruption to services right across the country, and because of this, we will only be able to operate a handful of services for customers on selected routes, with the days following the strikes also affected. 

“We are strongly recommending customers avoid travel unless their journey is absolutely essential on 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 and 9 October and seek alternative transport instead.” 

What train lines are affected by the RMT and TSSA strike action? 

Glasgow Times: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Member of staff at King's Cross Railway Station in LondonKirsty O'Connor/PA Member of staff at King's Cross Railway Station in London (Image: Kirsty O'Connor/PA)

PTE operates dozens of services throughout Northern England and Southern Scotland, including links between cities like Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle. 

The strike action will force these lines into a reduced service.

The operator has also announced that the following express stations will have no rail service between October 1 and 8: 

  • Middlesbrough  
  • Yarm 
  • Thirsk 
  • Thornaby 
  • Northallerton 
  • Scarborough 
  • Seamer 
  • Malton 
  • Selby 
  • Brough 
  • Hull (bus interchange remains open) 

When are the train strikes? 

Strike action is set to begin on Saturday, October 1, with further action planned for Wednesday, October 5 and another by RMT and TSSA taking place on Saturday, October 8. 

A reduction in service will also be in place the days following the announced strike dates.

Why are TSSA and RMT striking? 

The unions are carrying out strike action in opposition to compulsory redundancies, and to demand a pay rise which accounts for inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.