A RAIL group has thanked people for staying off trains.

Transport for the North thanked Northerners for not using the train on the first day of revised timetables.

Last week the organisation’s members said 'crystal clear messaging' was needed to ensure the public understood the importance of helping to keep trains clear for those who really need them.

Network Rail and train operators reported very similar levels of usage to last week, the group said.

David Hoggarth, Transport for the North’s strategic rail director, said: “Last week, along with many others, we appealed to the public to only use rail travel for essential purposes – and even then, if no other alternative transport was available.

“What’s been really encouraging is that people appear to have taken on board the advice. This makes it safer for those using and operating the services."