Fresh rail misery as Northern announces 170 services axed today - full list of affected services
The train operator said it is "likely" more services will be scrapped, with Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester faring the worst, and Yorkshire also affected.
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Hide AdA spokesman said "many Northern staff have made themselves unavailable for work" on Sunday, July 15.
The World Cup final takes place on Sunday afternoon, though England will not feature after they lost their semi-final to Croatia earlier in the week.
Staff contracts mean they do not have to work Sundays if they provide seven days' notice, the spokesman added.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and his Liverpool counterpart Steve Rotheram recently criticised Northern for causing "extreme chaos" on networks for "far too long".
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Hide AdHundreds of services have been cancelled by the operator and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) since departure schedules were modified in May.
After months of controversy over delays and cancellations, GTR chief executive Charles Horton said he would resign.
The Northern spokesman apologised and said: "Unfortunately we have so far had to cancel more than 170 services across our network and it is likely more will be cancelled as we continue to plan our services."
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Hide AdAnthony Smith, chief executive of watchdog Transport Focus, said it was "helpful" Northern alerted passengers with some notice.
But he added: "The rail company must make sure it does everything it can to minimise inconvenience on the day and to restore services as soon as possible."
Preston to Colne – 16 trains
Blackpool North to Carlisle – 2 trains
Lancaster to Morecambe – 27 trains
Huyton to Wigan North Western – 18 trains
Liverpool South Parkway to Manchester Airport – 19 trains
Manchester Piccadilly to Hazel Grove – 24 trains
Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe – 24 trains
Manchester Piccadilly to Glossop – 17 trains