XC 12 August 2023

[185]

Just thought it would be worth a mention staying ahead of potential problems later tonight. Crosscountry have cancelled the last two three Birmingham Manchester trains of the night (+8pm) 9pm & 10pm. Their customer services staff spoke to their control and stated its 'coz of a strike'. I would like to say hi to these drivers on the picket line, however I think we all know there is no strike, only an overtime ban leading to service reductions at short notice.

XC said passengers should contact "Avanti West Coast" at New Street and "the station" would pay for any taxis
.. a mistake obviously but surely they should be arranging road transport (NOW) to cover their last train of the night at 10pm? - or are they delivering that Grand Central sparkle (pass the buck, not our problem) to their routes too?

Im not sure if the trains were p-coded or cancelled today, but a passenger claims there were showing earlier.

Edit: they've just pulled the 8pm train too

 

[td97]

9pm

Terminated at Stockport and not even late enough for delay repay using the connecting Northern service.
Presumably the driver would have run out of hours if it had continued to Piccadilly.

 

[185]

At least for the northbound trains XC redeemed themselves and sorted it with buses picking up the fifty or so stragglers.