Win for passengers as Tracy Brabin forces Government to act as TransPennine Express loses contract

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, reacts to news this morning (Thursday 11 May 2023) that failing train operator TransPennine Express will be nationalised. 

Responding to the government’s announcement that it will not renew Transpennine Express’s contract after months of pressure from Northern Mayors, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:

“It is absolutely right that this is the end of the line for failing railway operator Transpennine Express.

“We’ve been urging government to act for almost a year, as delays and cancellations have damaged our economy and subjected commuters in the North to sheer misery.

“This is a victory for Northern Mayors who rallied together to hold Transpennine Express and Rishi Sunak’s government to account on this issue.

“We hope this allows an opportunity to reset relationships with staff who have bore the brunt of operator failings, and look forward to hearing how the new operator intends to improve services - as the voice of passengers, I will continue to speak up for their interests first and foremost.”