Calls for TransPennine Express contract extension to be abolished as cancellations 'fail passengers' in the north
manchestereveningnews.co.ukCalls have been made to abolish the contact extension for TransPennine Express as service cancellations have 'failed passengers' in the north of England.
In a letter signed by five mayors, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, to Transport Secretary Mark Harper, they said that, with a decision to renew First Group's contract to run the service imminent, a 'fresh start' was needed.
The news comes just days after Burnham called for train services run by TransPennine Express to be brought under public control, with his plea backed by rail bosses. READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community Between March 5 and 31, of the 7,015 services that should have operated, 982 were pre-cancelled the day before with a further 455 on the day, amounting to 1,437 cancellations - 20.5 per cent of the contracted train plan.
First Group's contract to run the service expires on 28th May, but there are suggestions that the Government is preparing to offer the company a contract extension.
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