Northern and the RMT union have reached a landmark agreement to end what the operator describes as the longest-running industrial dispute on the railway, paving the way for the restoration of hundreds of Sunday train services across the North West.
The agreement will allow Northern to begin reinstating between 60 and 80 additional Sunday services over the coming weeks, with approximately 230 trains expected to return to the timetable by May 2027.
The operator says the deal represents a significant step towards establishing a more reliable seven-day railway, addressing longstanding disruption that has affected passengers and communities across the region.
Sunday services to return in phases
Northern will introduce additional Sunday trains incrementally, prioritising routes that have been without Sunday services for more than two years.
The initial restoration will also focus on supporting major seasonal events, including Christmas markets, when demand for weekend rail travel is expected to increase.
The phased approach is intended to ensure that services can be reintroduced reliably, providing passengers with greater confidence when planning journeys.
For communities affected by reduced Sunday timetables, the changes could improve access to employment, shopping, leisure activities and connections with other parts of the rail network.
The agreement follows negotiations between Northern and the RMT, bringing an end to a longstanding dispute that has constrained the operator’s ability to provide consistent Sunday services.
Major step towards a seven-day railway
Tricia Williams, Managing Director of Northern, said: “This is a genuinely groundbreaking agreement and a hugely positive moment for our customers, our colleagues and the railway across the North of England.
“Bringing an end to the longest-running trade dispute on the railway gives us the opportunity to look forward and, importantly, start delivering the improvements our customers have been waiting for.
“We want people to have confidence that they can travel by train on a Sunday, whether they are going to work, visiting friends and family, heading into a city centre or enjoying a day out. This agreement gives us the foundation to build a more reliable, modern railway that works seven days a week.
“We know how frustrating the lack of Sunday services has been for many communities. We are committed to bringing services back as quickly as we can, taking a phased approach over the coming months and prioritising those routes and journeys where the impact has been greatest.
“I would also like to recognise the constructive work with the RMT in reaching this agreement. It demonstrates what can be achieved through working together, and gives us a real opportunity to move forward.”
Restoring passenger confidence
The agreement is an important operational development for Northern, which runs approximately 2,650 services each day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
Reliable Sunday services are particularly important for passengers working outside traditional weekday hours, as well as communities dependent on rail connections for access to regional centres.
The restoration programme could also support local economies by improving access to retail, hospitality and leisure destinations during weekends.
Northern has confirmed that further details of the additional services will be shared as implementation progresses.
While the agreement provides the basis for restoring Sunday operations, the operator will need to demonstrate that the revised arrangements can deliver consistent services as the timetable expands.
With the first additional trains expected over the coming weeks, the agreement marks a significant turning point for Northern and its passengers, potentially ending years of uncertainty surrounding Sunday rail travel across the North West.
