Rail passengers are being warned not to board trains if they feel unwell as extreme heat hits the UK, with temperatures expected to reach 34C in Greater Manchester on Thursday. TransPennine Express and Northern have both issued travel warnings and safety guidance due to the hot weather.
Reduced timetables and disruption warnings
Northern is operating a reduced timetable because of the heat and has warned that services could be disrupted, with longer journey times expected. TransPennine Express confirmed there are no planned changes to its timetable, but warned there could be short-notice changes, service alterations or cancellations due to the weather.
All passengers are urged to check their service before they travel.
Safety advice for passengers
Both rail firms have issued safety guidance for those travelling today, including bringing water to stay hydrated, informing staff if feeling unwell, and waiting in shaded areas.
In a post on X, the TransPennine Express Customer Assist page said: “Please carry water with you while travelling on the network and wait for your train in the shade or a station waiting room if available. If you feel unwell at the station, please speak to staff for help and avoid boarding the train. If you start to feel unwell on a train, please speak to one of our onboard team.”
Northern also advised passengers to travel earlier to avoid the busiest services. In an update on its website, the operator said: “If you feel unwell, please do not board the train and speak to a member of station staff, the conductor when the next train stops, or use a help point. If you start to feel ill on board, avoid using the emergency alarm between stations – it’s better to wait until the train is at a platform where help can reach you more quickly and safely.”
Ticket acceptance and alternative travel
Until Friday August 14, ticket acceptance is in place between Northern and TransPennine Express. Customers with a ticket for a cancelled Northern service can travel on an alternative TransPennine Express service, and vice versa.
Passengers who cannot travel on their planned train due to a cancellation can also use East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, London Northwestern or LNER services to reach their destination within two hours either side of the cancelled service time.
On Thursday August 13, Northern customers can use their tickets on CrossCountry services between Leeds and Sheffield and between Doncaster and York if their planned train is affected. Passengers with tickets for Northern trains on affected routes on Thursday August 13 who cannot travel due to the extreme weather can use their tickets on Friday August 14 and Saturday August 15 instead.
