Train services run by operator TransPennine Express will be brought under government control due to 'continuous cancellations'.
The decision comes following renewed calls from Greater Manchester and the north for TPE to be stripped of its contract when it expires at the end of May. The Manchester Evening News revealed in February that the train operator cancelled almost a quarter of all its trains in a month, including more than 1,000 the night before they were due to run.
Office of Rail and Road (ORR) data was then published, which revealed the company's cancellation score from March 5-31 was 17.0 per cent when adjusted to include pre-cancellations due to train crew shortages.
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The Cabinet minister has decided not to extend or renew TPE’s contract, bringing services in to the Department for Transport’s Operator of Last Resort from May 28. The FirstGroup-owned operator, which covers an area across northern England and into Scotland, has been badly affected by drivers who are members of the Aslef union no longer volunteering to work paid overtime shifts, reports PA news agency.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "In my time as Transport Secretary, I have been clear that passenger experience must always come first.
"After months of commuters and northern businesses bearing the brunt of continuous cancellations, I’ve made the decision to bring TransPennine Express into Operator of Last Resort.
"This is not a silver bullet and will not instantaneously fix a number of challenges being faced, including Aslef’s actions which are preventing TransPennine Express from being able to run a full service – once again highlighting why it’s so important that the railways move to a seven-day working week.
"We have played our part but Aslef now need to play theirs by calling off strikes and the rest day working ban, putting the very fair and reasonable pay offer to a democratic vote of their members."
Graham Sutherland, chief executive of TransPennine Express owner FirstGroup, said: “We have operated TransPennine Express and its forerunners since 2004, and are very proud to have served the communities across northern England and into Scotland, carrying millions of passengers and introducing new trains, new routes and more seats for our customers.
“Our team have worked extremely hard to improve services, including by recruiting and training more drivers than ever before.
“We have also worked closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for the North on an agreed recovery plan as well as an improved offer on overtime working for our drivers.
“FirstGroup is a leading UK rail operator with a strong and diversified portfolio.
“Today’s decision does not alter our belief in the important role of private rail operators in the delivery of vital, environmentally-friendly transport for customers and communities across the UK.”
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