RAIL passengers across Warrington and the wider North West could benefit from more reliable Sunday train services following a groundbreaking agreement between Northern and the RMT union.
The agreement is set to bring an end to the longest-running industrial dispute on the railway and pave the way for the restoration of hundreds of additional Sunday services over the coming months.
Northern says it will begin restoring between 60 and 80 additional Sunday train services across the North West in the coming weeks, giving passengers more opportunities to travel for work, shopping, leisure and days out.
The services will be reintroduced gradually, with priority given to routes which have had no Sunday services for more than two years.
Northern is aiming to restore around 230 Sunday trains by May next year, with improvements also planned to support major events, including Christmas markets.
The agreement follows constructive discussions between Northern and the RMT and is being described as a significant turning point for the railway, its employees and the communities it serves.
Tricia Williams, Managing Director of Northern, said: “This is a genuinely groundbreaking agreement and a hugely positive moment for our customers, our colleagues and the railway across the North of England.
“Bringing an end to the longest-running trade dispute on the railway gives us the opportunity to look forward and, importantly, start delivering the improvements our customers have been waiting for.
“We want people to have confidence that they can travel by train on a Sunday, whether they are going to work, visiting friends and family, heading into a city centre or enjoying a day out.
“This agreement gives us the foundation to build a more reliable, modern railway that works seven days a week.
“We know how frustrating the lack of Sunday services has been for many communities. We are committed to bringing services back as quickly as we can, taking a phased approach over the coming months and prioritising those routes and journeys where the impact has been greatest.
“I would also like to recognise the constructive work with the RMT in reaching this agreement. It demonstrates what can be achieved through working together, and gives us a real opportunity to move forward.”
Northern says the phased restoration will ensure the additional services can be delivered reliably and sustainably, with further details to be shared with passengers as plans progress.
The agreement provides a platform for the operator to continue modernising its railway and improve services for communities across the North of England.
Northern is the UK’s second-largest train operator, running around 2,650 services every day and serving more than 500 stations across the North of England.
The restoration of Sunday services will be particularly welcome news for passengers who have faced reduced weekend travel options, although the precise timetable changes for individual routes are still to be confirmed.
