Cleethorpes MP asks for meeting with Rail Minister over TransPennine strikes and cancellations

Cleethorpes MP asks for meeting with Rail Minister over TransPennine strikes and cancellations

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has called for a meeting with Rail Minister Wendy Morton and action from the Department over TransPennine Express.

Passengers have been left frustrated in recent weeks after weekend strikes by TransPennine Express conductors who are asking for fair pay.

The strike along with covid has affected many TPE services, with the hourly service between Manchester and Cleethorpes now occurring every four hours if the train isn’t cancelled.

Mr Vickers said he already had three meetings with TPE about the “appalling service they operate at the moment” and has now contacted the Rail  Minister, Wendy Morton asking the Department to intervene.

Last week the MP addressed the Commons, asking for action after constituents have been ‘greatly inconvenienced’ by the reduced southern rail services offered by TPE.

At the start of the year, TransPennine Express announed a reduced timetable to due covid causing a staff shortage.

No update has been issued on when normal timetables will resume.

Further strike action is also planned for TPE, with actions planned every Sunday until June 5 for the whole 24 hours.

Saturday 30 April (May bank holiday) will also see strike actions that will affect services from Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

TPE tickets will be made valid for alternate routes should trains be cancelled.