TransPennine Express said it was "extremely sorry" for its service disruption as dozens more trains were cancelled today.
The train operator cancelled over 100 trains yesterday and issued a warning to customers to seek alternative transport. And TransPennine Express confirmed more than 70 trains had been cancelled today, Thursday, December 22 - and 30 others would be running a reduced service.
Kathryn O'Brien, customer service and operations director for the train operator, said yesterday's issues related to a "significant rostering system issue". She added: "We are working hard internally and with our system provider to resolve the situation as soon as possible."
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The train company recently introduced a winter timetable to improve connectivity on some key rail routes in the north. These included direct trains between Hull and Liverpool, as well as the extension of the Cleethorpes service to Lime Street via Warrington.
The line also runs a direct train service between Liverpool and Newcastle. Of the 69 train cancellations listed at the time of writing, 32 involved services to or from Liverpool.
A spokesperson for TransPennine Express today told the ECHO : "We are still investigating what happened yesterday regarding our rostering systems and are working flat-out to try to ensure we do not encounter similar issues again. In the meantime we have introduced a temporary method of working – with additional scrutiny – to deliver as robust a train plan as possible in the circumstances.
"As a result, we are seeing fewer cancellations today, but the knock-on effect of yesterday’s problems and the underlying issues we have faced for several months persist and continue to affect our ability to deliver a full service. We continue to advise customers to check before they travel and to allow additional time for journeys.
"On routes where we are seeing the most significant disruption, we are supporting our customers with ticket acceptance on other operators’ services and, where possible and practicable, with rail replacement buses."
TPE has come under criticism for cancellations on its service. A Guardian investigation from earlier this year found during the October half term TPE cancelled 30% of all its trains. And just last month a total of 294 trains were cancelled in a seven day period to November 25. TPE told the Guardian the cancellations were due to train sickness, intensive crew training, and infrastructure outside the service's control.
Speaking regarding the cancellations the spokesperson added: "We are extremely sorry for the disruption our customers have faced – and continue to face – particularly given the time of year when we know so many rely on our service, and are doing all we can to keep people on the move."
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