Train services between London and Manchester are being reduced in the run-up to Christmas as the rail firm expects December staff shortages.
Avanti West Coast says it is removing "a small number of services" between December 9 and New Year's Eve to allow it to "run a more reliable service" and minimise last-minute cancellations.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has slammed the decision, calling it a "kick in the teeth", which will reduce visitors to the region over the festive period.
The BBC reported one in five trains on the popular London to Manchester route will be scrapped, including nearly 20 services every Saturday, but Avanti West Coast would not confirm this or comment on exact numbers.
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: "From December 9 to December 31, we will be removing a small number of services from our timetable, to enable us to run a more reliable service for our customers, and minimise unplanned, short-notice cancellations.
"This is a temporary measure and we’re sorry for any inconvenience to our customers."
Avanti said the changes have been put in place to reduce the risk of short-notice cancellations, as it expects staffing shortages in December due to factors including annual leave and ongoing industrial disputes.
The "planned removals" will also affect services to north Wales and the West Midlands. Tickets had not yet gone on sale for the services that have been removed.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, slammed the decision to cut services, saying in a statement to the Guardian: "This decision will see a significant reduction in levels of service between Manchester and London in the crucial period running up to Christmas, impacting on visitor numbers to the city and making it harder for people to get home to see their family," Mr Burnham said
“This is no way to run a railway and our city-region deserves so much better. It is one kick in the teeth after another.”
Avanti said it has removed peak restrictions over the Christmas period, from December 22 to January 7, in a bid to help spread demand.
Ahead of December 9, Avanti has also cancelled a number of Saturday services between London and Manchester.
A spokesperson apologised for the ongoing cancellations, which they acknowledged are "not good enough".
"We have been seeing some short-notice cancellations on our network and would like to apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused," said the spokesperson.
"We know this is not good enough and are working hard to make sure we can minimise these cancellations. These service changes are a result of resourcing challenges where we have seen a shortage of train crew due to historic leave agreements and ongoing industrial disputes."
