The dispute between Aslef, the train drivers' union, and 14 train operators across the country is reaching its third year.

The union has announced its first strikes for 2024 and, with no resolution in sight, there is no saying how long disruption will continue.

Train drivers belonging to ASLEF will strike over the course of a week between Tuesday 30 January and Monday 5 February. Thousands of trains are likely to be cancelled on each day, as action takes place region-by-region.

Locally, some Northern services are expected to be very busy on routes shared with other train operators.

Northern services will not run on 31 January, and additional disruption is expected between 29 January and 6 February.

Journey planners are available for Northern services for these dates, but are subject to late notice cancellations - please check on the day of travel for these days affected by 'Action short of strike' by ASLEF. 

You can check the Northern Trail Journey Planner, check Live Trains or check Timetables.

On 3 February, crowding is expected on some Northern routes, due to industrial action taking place elsewhere.

There are no Northern services tomorrow (Wednesday). Photo: Nub News)

The strike action is part of a programme of industrial action impacting train companies and rail users between Monday 29 January and Tuesday 6 February.

This staggered approach by the union aims to create wide-ranging disruption and cancellations across the network - affecting different train operators on different days. 

More information regarding the strikes can be found online.

Meanwhile CrossCountry customers are also being warned of travel disruption due to planned industrial action by the ASLEF union which started yesterday (Monday) and finishes on Tuesday (6th February).

A nine-day overtime ban for CrossCountry drivers belonging to the ASLEF union may mean short-notice changes or cancellations to train services during this period.

On Monday (5th February), no CrossCountry services will operate during a one-day strike by the ASLEF union.

Tomorrow (Wednesday 31st January) planned strike action at other train operators is likely to lead to significantly busier CrossCountry services between Birmingham and Edinburgh via Leeds.

Similarly, planned strikes on Saturday 3 February will affect West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and East Midlands Railway – meaning CrossCountry services between Manchester and Reading via the West Midlands are likely to be very busy.

Planned engineering work will also affect journeys between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton, between Exeter St David's and Bristol Temple Meads, as well as between Leeds, York and Newcastle on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 February. Journeys may take longer than usual and rail replacement buses may be in operation on some routes.

Customers are being advised to only travel if essential and leave more time for their journey. Services on Saturday 3 February are expected to be significantly busier than usual and queueing systems may be in place for customers at some stations.

Mark Goodall, CrossCountry's Service Delivery Director, said: "We're sorry to customers impacted by this latest round of industrial action. While we're working hard to run as many services as possible over these days, there is likely to be significant disruption for people planning to travel – especially on Saturday 3 February.

"I'd ask customers to check their whole journey before setting off, especially if travelling later in the day. Customers can visit the CrossCountry website or National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel information."

Full details of service levels on strike days are available to view here Delay repay, refund and ticket acceptance information are available at the same link.

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