Reports on some of the problems in the North-West following the introduction of a new set of rail timetables on May 20th. The root cause of the disruption has been a shortage of drivers trained to operate over the revised infrastructure. This has seen trains terminated part-way through their journeys as drivers reach the limit of their knowledge. Other problems have been caused by the delayed electrification programme on the Preston-Blackpool line and a dispute with drivers' union ASLEF over rest-day working, which would allow it to move ahead more quickly with the necessary training.
Railway Gazette International, July 2018. p.21.