TransPennine Express apologises to customers

TransPennine Express apologises to customers

TransPennine Express (TPE) has apologised to customers for a string of train cancellations after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham labelled the situation a “meltdown”.

The incident follows recent industrial action which has also disrupted the local rail network.

Problems continued this week on non-strike days with numerous cancellations and reports of a six-hour wait for a direct Manchester to Hull service. Over 50 services were cancelled on Thursday.

Customers say they are “fed up” with the situation and have labelled the operator “a disgrace.”

TPE have blamed the disruption on high sickness levels and a backlog due to industrial action. A spokesperson said: “Our customers want reliable and punctual train services, and we are sorry we have not been able to provide that due to the ongoing issues.”

Strike action is set to continue on Thursday 3 and Saturday 5 November. RMT is also taking industrial action at Network Rail on Monday 7 November.