Rail-goers in the north have been hit by another raft of cancellations from TransPennine Express with almost 50 trains called off.
The train operator confirmed last night that 48 trains would be cancelled today (30 November) with a further 13 amended services cutting certain stations out of routes. They also advised that further short notice cancellations are likely on the day.
The amount is more than double the 23 cancellations made by TransPennine on Monday (28 November).
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The cancellations come on the same day that Transport Secretary Mark Harper is due to meet with mayors from across the north to discuss the chaotic rail service in the region.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will be one of those meeting with Mr Harper today, and tweeted in response to the cancellations saying: "Mind the gap - between the political promises made to people in the North and the reality of the way we continue to be treated."
Business leaders in the north have also warned Mr Harper about a 'crisis on our rail network', telling the cabinet minister that the cancellations are 'wreaking havoc' on the economy.
It was revealed earlier this month that a loophole has been allowing train operators to avoid reporting cancellations up until 10pm the night before to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), as well as not being included in delay repay schemes.
In response, an ORR spokesperson said: "Services properly cancelled prior to 22:00 the night before the service day are not part of the rail cancellation data. Such changes take place for a wide variety of reasons; this definition remains consistent with historic data.
"We are currently working through a project to quantify relevant changes to service provision, to add context to our future statistical releases."
TransPennine apologised on Monday for recent cancellations, with a spokesperson saying: "While our service delivery is not where we want it to be, there has been a reduction in the number of cancellations we have had to make in recent weeks and providing as reliable a service as possible for customers remains our biggest priority.
"We are sorry to anyone who has been affected by this ongoing disruption. This has been caused by high levels of traincrew sickness, an intensive crew training programme (which includes a training backlog as a direct result of Covid), and infrastructure issues outside of our control, which combined have seen a number of ‘on-the-day’ cancellations or cancellations made the night before.
"To keep customers informed we ensure these cancellations are shown in industry systems and any pre-planned cancellations are shared via our website each evening. Anyone who is affected by their train being cancelled can apply for a refund."
TransPennine reiterated this response when approached for comment about today's 61 cancellations and amendments.
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