TRAIN commuters were planning their journeys to work today to avoid disruption from the strike by rail staff today.

Northern Rail expected to run more than 40 per cent of its normal timetable while around 300 rail replacement buses would be used.

The RMT Union action relates to the role of on-board staff.

But some commuters have tweeted us to tell us their plans of avoiding delays...

Meanwhile Angela Singleton tweeted us...

MORE TOP STORIES:

 

Commuters at Blackburn station faced longer journeys during the morning commute.

 

Larisa Nagornaya, 60, had travelled from Clitheroe.

She said: “I had to come on the bus and it took much longer. Normally it takes 20 minutes but it took about 40 today.

“I wish them luck and I think they know what they are doing.

“It is inconvienient but lots of things are.”

Another who gave his name as Edward said: “I travel between Blackburn and Manchester regularly.

“I have never had any issues but I think it is better if there are two people on the train.

“It feels safer. There is a lot of knife crime and I don’t know if the second person can do anything about it but it does make it feel safer.

“There must be a good reason for them to do this.”

Elvita Romane, 23, was travelling to Accrington for work.

She said: “I get the train every day and it usually takes 15 minutes.

“I am taking the bus but I should still get to work on time.”

John Barnes was travelling to Clitheroe and then on to Skipton.

“It does not matter to me. As long as I get there in time for my connection I don’t mind taking the bus," he said. 

“I regularly travel on the trains but I’m not bothered one way or the other.

“If they stop running I will find another way.”

Evangelia Sargeant, 25, a charity worker who travels from Todmorden to Blackburn every day, said: “It was fine this morning. It was a bit slower than usual.

“It is annoying but I am in a union so I support them.” 

Routes affected include Blackburn to Manchester and Hebden Bridge, Blackpool to Burnley Central, Burnley to Colne and Clitheroe to Blackburn. Visit www.northernrailway.co.uk/industrialaction.