NORTHERN Rail will run about 300 extra rail replacement bus services during a planned strike by RMT members on Monday.

Earlier this week the operator said it expected to run about 40 per cent of its normal train timetable during the 24 hours of strike action and it would be using more than 100 trained managers to carry out conductor duties.

The RMT, which is in dispute over guarantees it is seeking over the future role of conductors, responded by accusing Northern of running a “scab timetable”.

Northern said the buses would operate in some areas that will be without rail services.

Meanwhile, Arriva, Northern’s parent company, has confirmed that valid rail tickets will be also accepted on all of its bus services in the region.

Sharon Keith, regional director for Northern, said: “ “Our aim is to deliver a public transport service for as many people as possible on Monday as we know Northern plays a key role in keeping the north of England moving.

“We expect all services, rail and bus, to be extremely busy and ask for customers’ patience.

“We would also ask customers to take time to consider whether journeys are necessary and, if they are, to plan carefully.”

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said Northern was “winging it” with a high-risk, scab timetable for its trains.

He said: "The company's intransigence has forced our hand and given us to option but to announce industrial action.

"The union remains available for genuine and meaningful talks."

Full details of rail and rail replacement timetables are available at northernrailway.co.uk/industrialaction.

For details of extra Arriva bus services visit Arrivabus.co.uk/northeast-services.