Transport Committee Chair: TransPennine decision ‘right call’ but work needed to get services back on track

Reacting to the Government’s decision to bring TransPennine Express services under government control, Transport Committee Chair Iain Stewart MP said: 

“Stripping TransPennine Express of its contract is absolutely the right call. The Rail Minister told us in January that the company’s record was ‘unacceptable’, and there was no realistic expectation it would improve, unlike with Avanti where demonstrable progress was being made. We also heard about extensive use of so-called ‘p-coding’ – where if a service was removed from the timetable as late as 10pm the evening before it wouldn’t appear in the cancellations data.  

“A range of factors were at play – TPE was among train operators who failed to recruit enough drivers during and after the pandemic, despite having their revenue guaranteed by the Department for Transport and knowing they have an ageing workforce. Upgrades to railway lines have also caused disruption. The change of management won’t resolve all of these problems overnight, and a deal needs to be reached with the union Aslef on rest-day working, pay and conditions. I will be asking for details about how the Department plans to deliver the better service that passengers deserve.  

“Commuters in the north can now hope for gradual improvements but a lot of work will be needed to get services back on track.”