A warning has been issued to rail passengers ahead of TransPennine Express' (TPE) final timetable change. The company's contract to run services in northern England and Scotland is not being renewed, with the franchise being brought under Government control from May 28.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has hailed the move 'a victory' following months of cancellations affecting passengers, although transport secretary Mark Harper warned the decision would not be a 'silver bullet' for improved services overnight. Today (May 15), the operator's final timetable change has been confirmed.
It will be introduced on Sunday, May 21, exactly one week before TPE's services are brought into the Department for Transport's Operator of Last Resort. Ahead of the new timetable being introduced, TPE is warning passengers to check in advance if they will be affected by the changes.
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TPE says there will be no major changes to its services when the next timetable is introduced, but some minor timing amendments may result in changes to train times for some customers. This includes changes to a number of services between Manchester Piccadilly and parts of Yorkshire.
Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director at TransPennine Express, said: “Our number one focus is providing the most reliable and punctual service possible for customers, and we continue to prioritise this following the recent disruption which has impacted some of those using our trains.
"Our priority is delivering a train service people can depend on whether it’s getting them to work, school or an important appointment.”
Customers are urged to check their journeys using National Rail Enquiries or the TPE website.
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