TransPennine passengers urged not to travel due to software issue

Kathryn O’Brien, customer service and operations director for TransPennine Express, said: “Due to a significant rostering system issue, we are experiencing a high level of unplanned cancellations and disruption.

“We know this will have a significant impact on customers travelling with us and sincerely apologise for any disruption caused.

“We are working hard internally and with our system provider to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

“We are doing all we can to keep customers on the move but while problems persist, we advise customers not to travel and to seek alternative means of transport.”

It is the latest in a series of problems for passengers travelling on the North’s railways and has provoked an exasperated response from northern leaders.

Reacting to TransPennine Express’s statement, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “It is completely unacceptable that TransPennine Express have told passengers not to travel because they’ve cancelled so many of their services today.

“This is a problem entirely of the company’s own making. I and other Northern Mayors have been calling on Government to put them on notice to improve or have their franchise taken away.

“Government needs to do this now and get an urgent grip. Today’s chaos piles more misery on passengers and will have a major impact on businesses and high streets across our region.”