Rail passengers are urged not to travel unless necessary during the first week of January as industrial action resumes.
And Avanti West Coast said it will not run any trains at all on Thursday, January 5 as train drivers join in with strike action.
RMT members will carry out two 48-hour strikes during the first week of January, joined by members from train drivers’ union ASLEF on Thursday.
Union members are carrying out industrial action because they are in dispute with rail firms and the Government over pay, job cuts and changes to terms and conditions.
Avanti West Coast said a reduced service will run on Tuesday January 3, Wednesday January 4, Friday January 6 and Saturday January 7.
Avanti West Coast will run one train per hour between Euston and each of Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston with a limited service to Glasgow as part of its contingency plans.
These trains will operate during limited hours – with the first train of the day departing Euston at 8.30am and the last train of the day from Euston departing mid-afternoon.
The greatly reduced timetable will mean North Wales, Shrewsbury, Blackpool, and Edinburgh have no Avanti West Coast services on the strike days.
Customers who do travel should plan ahead, expect disruption, and check the details of their last train home.
During ASLEF’s walkout on January 5, Avanti West Coast said it would be unable to operate any of its services for the whole day and customers are advised to not attempt travel. Customers are told to claim a refund, seek alternative transport, or rearrange journeys for another date.
Barry Milsom, executive director of operations and safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “While our customers should be making journeys with us to return to work or school after the Christmas break, they’re facing nearly a whole week of disruption due to more strike action by RMT and ASLEF.
“The start of the new year sees journeys impacted once again and I would like to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding.
“We all need to be working together for the long-term benefit of our people and customers. So, we will continue our industry reform talks with the RMT and ASLEF so we can develop a railway fit for the 21st century.”
Train operators Northern and TransPennine Express, plus Network Rail, which looks after the rail infrastructure, will also be affected by the strike action.
