Calls for operator of the Cleethorpes to Manchester rail service to be replaced

A North East Lincolnshire MP is calling for the Cleethorpes to Manchester TransPennine service to be scrapped

Martin Vickers says it’s an absolutely appalling service’ and that his constituents deserve better.

The train operator brought in a reduced timetable back in January that they said would ‘provide a greater level of certainty for customers’ They brought in the decision due to 'increased levels of sickness and the ongoing impact of COVID and the Omicron variant, as well as some industrial relations issues.'

The Cleethorpes MP tells us he’s been in-undated with people writing to him with complaints, he said:

“People are wanting To the airport in particular for their summer holidays and they have to travel hours and hours before they should have to because of the risk of cancellations

“We’ve now had eight or nine months of these Constant cancellations the service is totally unreliable they assured me that at the time of the new summer timetable they would be able to operate almost a full service that most definitely is not the case.

“I will be again writing to the Rail minister about it and urging her to consider whether TransPennine are honouring the obligations in their franchise which they certainly don't seem to be and to consider withdrawing that franchise.”

Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said:

“While we are disappointed to be making these changes and reducing services, our priority is keeping people moving and providing a greater level of certainty for our customers.

“We are sorry for any disruption this may cause to journeys and call on our customers to allow additional time for travel and to check carefully –for any changes to train times.

“We will continue to regularly review these changes in line with the current situation.”