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RMT ramping up protest on axing of Northern’s off-peak fares

From Monday 8 September Northern Rail will no longer be accepting off-peak tickets on weekday evenings, and this rail fare change has caused quite a stir.

The changes will mean that off-peak tickets can no longer be used at peak times during weekday evenings on local rail services in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, along the Newcastle – Hexham line and some associated routes.

A few weeks ago, the TOC stated that it had been forced into making the decision by the DfT. According to an internal document for staff, shared with the media by the RMT union, Northern says: “The changes are being made after the DfT asked Northern to look at several options to generate additional revenue as part of its new franchise agreement.”

Now, just before the fare changes come into effect, RMT is launching a new wave of rail protests across the North (However, the likelihood that they will lead to any change in Northern’s decision appears to be scant).

But the union will, anyway, distribute a new postcard, following on from the 10,000 cards collected in opposition to the plans under the franchise consultation, from Monday with the public urged to pressure MPs to sign EDM 174, opposing the Northern and Trans-Pennine Express proposals, and calling for councillors and local authorities to register their opposition.

The cards will be distributed at the following locations: 

HEXHAM
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
7am - 9am - Meet outside Hexham Station

STOCKPORT
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
7.30am - 9.30am - Meet outside Stockport Station 

WIGAN WALLGATE
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
7.30am -9.30am - Meet outside Wigan Wallgate Station 

MANCHESTER VICTORIA
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
7.30am - 9.30am - Meet outside Manchester Victoria Station 

LIVERPOOL LIME STREET
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
7.30am - 9.30am - Meet Outside Liverpool Lime Street Station 

GRIMSBY TOWN STATION
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
8am - 11am - Meet Outside Grimsby Town Station 

STEETON & SILSDEN
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
9.15am - 11am - Meet outside Steeton and Silsden Station 

MANCHESTER PICCADILLY
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
10am - 12noon - Meet at the bottom of the approach entrance to Manchester Piccadilly Station - Nr Cafe Nero.

LEEDS CITY STATION
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
4pm - 6pm - Meet Outside Leeds City Station (WELLINGTON STREET, ENTRANCE)

SHEFFIELD
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
4pm - 6pm - Meet outside Sheffield Station

LANCASTER
MONDAY 8th September 2014 -
4pm - 6pm - Meet outside Lancaster Station

DONCASTER
TUESDAY 9th September 2014 -
7am - 9am - Meet outside Doncaster Station

PRESTON
TUESDAY 9th September 2014 -
7am - 9am - Meet Outside Preston Station (Butler Street Entrance)

GRIMSBY TOWN STATION
SATURDAY 13th September 2014
8am - 11am - Meet outside Grimsby Town Station.

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