Andy Burnham has vowed to 'restore trust' in train services for 'long-suffering passengers' following the announcement that TransPennine Express would be brought under government control.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced this morning that the train operator's contract has not been renewed or extended, with services to be brought in to the Department for Transport’s Operator of Last Resort (OLR) from May 28. This follows months of widespread cancellations and delays.
The Greater Manchester Mayor, who previously called for a 'fresh start' for the operator alongside other northern mayors, said he was 'glad the Government had listened'. In a tweet posted this morning, Mr Burnham said: "As Mayors, we have spoken up consistently for long-suffering rail passengers in the North. I am glad the Government has listened.
