UK train strikes – Stations EMPTY ahead of FA Cup final as fans face road dash to get to get to Wembley for Utd v City

TRAIN stations across Britain resemble ghost towns today, as strikes bring the country to a standstill on one of the busiest weekends for sport and entertainment.

Tens of thousands of Manchester United and City fans were forced onto busses and cars in the early hours as they scrambled to get to Wembley for the FA Cup final.

EPAManchester Piccadilly station was a ghost town this morning as train drivers walked out[/caption]

PAManchester City fans leave East Didsbury Metrolink Park & Ride in Manchester by coach to travel to Wembley Stadium[/caption]

PATens of thousands of Manchester United and City fans were forced onto busses and cars in the early hours[/caption]

And racegoers heading to the Epsom Derby in Surrey have faced similar misery, as they find alternative routes to the races.

Around 90,000 supporters are expected at Wembley for the first all-Manchester final in FA Cup history, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm so not to clash with the Epsom Derby 90 minutes earlier.

The strikes also threaten to plunge Beyoncé’s concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into carnage as tens of thousands of pop fans take to the roads to make it to her Renaissance tour date.

Saturday’s disruption will also hit those attending the England vs Ireland test match at Lord’s.

Carriages were pictured stacked up at depots this morning as train drivers from the Aslef union walked out in a row over pay and conditions.

The Rail Delivery Group said only around 40 percent of trains will run, with regional variations meaning there would be no services running whatsoever in some areas.

Picket lines will be mounted outside train stations across the country on Saturday, with drivers at 15 companies in England going on strike.

The strike follows a previous walkout by train drivers on Wednesday and by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) on Friday.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan has told the PA news agency there is “no waning in enthusiasm” from train drivers to continue taking industrial action.

He said: “We are determined to get a resolution and remain in this for the long haul.”

The RDG said the strikes were causing “disappointment and frustration” for tens of thousands of people.

They added: “It will inconvenience families who have been looking forward and have planned their half-term holidays.

“It will also further burden our people who have already lost thousands of pounds at a time of financial strain.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “These strikes have been coordinated by union leaders to disrupt passengers in a week which will see major events such as the first-ever all-Manchester FA Cup final, the Epsom Derby and a number of concerts and festivals across the UK.”

PAFans in Manchester pile onto busses to head to Wembley[/caption]

EPAAround 90,000 supporters are expected at Wembley for the first all-Manchester final in FA Cup history[/caption]

EPAThe Rail Delivery Group said only around 40 percent of trains will run, with regional variations meaning there would be no services running whatsoever in some areas[/caption]

AlamyCarriages were stacked up at depots this morning as train drivers from the Aslef union walked out in a row over pay and conditions[/caption]