North Yorkshire train users could finally see some improvements
TransPennine Express is being brought under Government control from tomorrow
TransPennine Express trains is being brought under Government control from today.
It follows months of disruption and cancellations for people in North Yorkshire including on the York to Scarborough service.
There has been mixed views from these people outside Scarborough Railway Station: "Everytime I've had it, it's been fine."
"Can't beat an improvement can you?"
"I can't remember the last time I've caught a train. It's always been the one after. In fact, there was a time we were coming back from Liverpool and we had to take the bus back to York. It's not good."
"Maybe the change will make a difference but it looks like the Government are doing something about it. But will they do any better? I doubt it because I don't think they look after the people like they should."
"We'd like to think there would be a big change but probably not. I don't think we'll see a big change to be honest."
One woman said: "It would be really good and more carriages on really busy services at peak times would be amazing, which is why most of us that would live in an area to commute, don't commute because it's just a nightmare.
"Day to day travelling around to get to other places because I compete in strength events has been a nightmare. Just getting part way across your journey and having trains pulled part way through and then getting taxis and things to get connections. It's been quite poor."
Further strikes announced
TransPennine Express is calling on its customers to plan carefully ahead of strike action next week.
Drivers from the ASLEF union are set to take action on Wednesday 31st May and Saturday 3rd June, while RMT union members have called a strike on Friday 2nd June.
As a result of the action there will be a significant impact to TPE services with the operator not running any trains during on ASLEF strike days and a very limited timetable on the day of the RMT strike.
Kathryn O’Brien, Operations and Customer Service Director at TPE, said: “Sadly, once again, we are having to ask our customers to think carefully about their journeys as a result of industrial action.
“We won’t be able to operate any services at all during the ASLEF strikes on 31 May and 3 June and will be running a very limited timetable on just three routes on 2 June when RMT members stage their action.
“The trains we are able to run are likely to be extremely busy and anyone planning on travelling should allow additional times for any journeys.”
Kathryn added: “We will have TPE staff out and about across the network over the coming week and into next weekend to provide help and advice to our customers and we will do all we can to keep people on the move. But we need our customers to plan ahead carefully, consider their travel options and make other arrangements, where necessary.”
Full details of TPE’s timetable for the RMT strike (2nd June) can be found via the TPE website or National Rail enquiries.
Customers with tickets for TransPennine Express services on 31st May can defer their journeys and travel up to and including Monday 5th June. Those with tickets for travel on 2nd or 3rd June can travel up to and including Tuesday 6th June. Customers who choose not to travel can claim a full refund via the TPE website.