A map has been released of the rail lines that will remain open during Thursday’s (June 23) rail strike, which is expected to cause ongoing issues for passengers travelling across the train network.
Already this week, a day of strike action on Tuesday (June 21) ground some stations and routes to a halt – with some commuters turning to buses and cars as a bid to avoid travelling by train.
Around 40,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail and 13 train operators are involved in the industrial action.
Read more: Darlington business owners' shock over £1,640 water bill
It’s expected that one in five trains are expected to run tomorrow, which will see some lines closed and others severely disrupted.
The RMT will meet with NR and the train companies on Wednesday in another attempt to break the deadlock.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the turnout at picket lines on Tuesday was “fantastic” and had exceeded expectations in the union’s campaign for job security, defending conditions and a decent pay rise.
*Purple denotes open lines, while grey shows closed routes.
He said: “Our members will continue the campaign and have shown outstanding unity in the pursuit of a settlement to this dispute.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “These are desperately needed reforms that modernise the railway and put it on a sustainable footing for passengers and taxpayers.
“Unions have shut down big parts of the rail network, hitting local businesses and unfairly cutting people off from hospitals, schools, and work.
Ahead of the second day of rail strikes, Network Rail has revealed a map of the rail routes that will be open tomorrow.
On the graphic, the East Coast Mainline is expected to be open, which will see around 38 per cent of LNER’s usual trains running, which are likely to be very busy.
The last train from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh is at 2pm, while the final service to Leeds will depart at 3.05pm.
The last train from Edinburgh to London is at 12.30pm, with the final departure from Leeds at 3.45pm.
Meanwhile, Northern services will not be operating on most routes, with a “very limited” number of trains on the few running lines, including those from Leeds.
The only other line open across the North East is the one between Darlington and Saltburn, via Middlesbrough, running with Transpennine Express.
However, most services will see a “significant reduction” of trains.
Yarm station will be completely closed with no services calling there on strike days.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here