Delays, disruption and dear prices - there aren't many glowing reviews for the railway services from passengers in Manchester. But the experiences of TransPennine Express customers have been among the most frustrating in recent months.
The train operating company, owned by FirstGroup, is being relieved of its duties later this month. A Government Operator of Last Resort (OLR) will take over the franchise on May 28, effectively nationalising services on more than a dozen routes across northern England and parts of Scotland.
It follows 'continuous cancellations' in recent months, with hundreds of services being axed on the night before they were due to run. John Booth and Sue Rourke arrived at Manchester Victoria from Blackburn at lunchtime, hours after the Government's announcement.
