By ‘Train Operator of the Year’ responds to cancellation chaos
TransPennine Express (TPE) has spoken out amid the ongoing chaos of cancelled and delayed trains that commuters are currently experiencing.
Last week TPE issued a public apology, stating: “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.”
The operator, which was recognised as ‘Train Operator of the Year’ in 2021, has since expereinced widespread disruption with TPE blaming a combination of staff sickness, infrastructure issues and a training backlog.
Unfortunately the issues have persisted despite the apology.
Customers say they are “fed up” with the situation and have labelled TPE “a disgrace.”
“Since then, prolonged disruption affecting our services has been caused by a range of issues including ongoing high levels of train crew sickness, a persisting training backlog as a direct result of Covid, and infrastructure issues outside of TPE’s control. Combined, these factors have seen a number of on-the-day or ‘evening before’ cancellations being made.
“In normal circumstances, we have enough people to fully operate our scheduled timetable – and have more drivers now than ever before – however the combination of factors has put unprecedented pressure on our ability to effectively operate our services.
“Our customers want, and deserve, reliable and punctual train services, and we are sorry have not been able to consistently provide that due to the ongoing issues. TPE’s team continues to work flat-out to deliver higher levels of service delivery and to tackle the issues that are being experienced by customers.”
