Tees Valley Mayor today blocked plans by
TransPennine Express that would have seen services across the
Tees Valley cut under “cack-handed” interim timetable plans.
At a Transport for the North meeting at Sheffield Town Hall,
proposals were presented by rail operator TransPennine Express to
introduce an interim timetable on October 15.
The plans would have seen a number of services cancelled or
terminated early across the Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and the
North East. Five direct services between Manchester Airport and
Middlesbrough, also calling at Yarm, would have terminated at
York both ways.
On the route from Newcastle to Manchester Airport via Darlington,
five direct services would be removed completely, with the
following three trains starting at York. From Manchester Airport,
eight services on this route would run to York only.
At the meeting, Mayor Houchen joined other northern Mayors to
condemn the plans, with a veto taking the proposals off the table
entirely.
Mayor Houchen said: “These cack-handed plans were terrible, not
just for the Tees Valley, but for rail users across the north.
It’s a disgrace that TransPennine Express was even considering
removing busy, vital rail services at a time when they should be
bending over backwards for travellers.
“From day one, I have made it crystal clear that one of my top
priorities was to ensure we have a modern, regular and reliable
rail network that works for the people and businesses of the Tees
Valley.
“At the Transport for the North meeting I was very vocal that I
wouldn’t tolerate these ridiculous plans and I wasn’t alone. This
is a victory, but stopping services being cancelled isn’t enough,
and I will continue to press train companies for the improved
services the people of the Tees Valley deserve.
Mayor is also continuing his
campaign to extend services to Redcar and Saltburn, which this
decision does not affect.
