Northern warns passengers to check journeys ahead of May timetable changes

Passengers across the North of England are being advised to check their journeys ahead of a timetable update next month, with Northern confirming a series of targeted changes.

The revisions form part of the national timetable change, which takes place twice a year in May and December. While most Northern services will remain unchanged, the operator says a number of adjustments have been introduced to improve punctuality and respond to customer feedback.

In the North East, new Sunday travel options will allow more direct journeys between Newcastle railway station and Whitby without the need to change trains. Minor timetable tweaks are also being made on other routes in the region.

Across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, Sunday services between Sheffield railway station and Lincoln railway station will now call at all stations along the route, expanding access for local passengers.

Meanwhile, in the North West, smaller adjustments are being introduced on selected routes, again aimed at improving overall reliability.

To help passengers plan ahead, Northern is highlighting a number of tools available to check services and receive updates:

• Northern app: Access real-time updates, purchase tickets, and receive notifications about service alterations
• National Rail Enquiries journey planner: Check for timetable changes, engineering works and plan journeys

Toby Higgins, Head of Business Performance at Northern, said:

"We've listened to feedback from our customers and have focused on improving reliability when the May timetable change takes place. Whilst there won't be widespread changes to times, I'd advise customers to check before they travel as some services will leave a few minutes earlier than they do now to help with overall punctuality."

Image: Northern