Calls have been made to abolish the contact extension for TransPennine Express as service cancellations have 'failed passengers' in the north of England.
In a letter signed by five mayors, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, to Transport Secretary Mark Harper, they said that, with a decision to renew First Group's contract to run the service imminent, a 'fresh start' was needed.
The news comes just days after Burnham called for train services run by TransPennine Express to be brought under public control, with his plea backed by rail bosses.
