Last chance saloon for rail operator

Transport for the North (TfN) and Conservative MIP for Thirsk and Malton, Kevin Hollinrake, are calling for TransPennine Express (TPE) to improve performance.

The operator which was rated as one of the worst performers in the UK at the end of 2019 last year, has been described by the MP as in “last chance saloon” if they fail to meet TfN’s targets.

The first of the new targets imposed on the company are to return to the Public Performance Measure of 86% that it achieved in the first half of 2019. This had fallen by almost half to 45% by November.

Transport for the North said the firm must also show “clear progress” on restoring its full timetable and “timely communication to passengers”.

Leo Goodwin, managing director of TransPennine Express commented: “Since the start of the year we have made a number of changes which has seen our performance improve, but we know that there is more to be done.”

Mr Hollinrake added:”Public ownership is not a silver bullet, but it is with some reluctance that I say this may have to happen if they do not improve.”

Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said TPE should join Northern and the East Coast routes under public control.

Mr Cash added: “You would have thought after the Northern Rail fiasco, transport bosses would have realised dire threats and final warnings just prolong the agony.”

This situation follows the announcement last month that Northern Rail would lose its franchise.