TransPennine Express to reduce services between Manchester and Leeds in December - here's why

TransPennine Express have announced that services between Manchester and Leeds are to be reduced in December. This is part of the rail company's bid to improve journeys for customers. 

The reduction in the timetable is one of the points outlined in the TPE Plan for the Future Prospectus. The change is one of several operational changes planned by the company which they say will allow for further driver training and ‘development of competence’. 

The route, which connects Manchester Victoria to Leeds and beyond, will now see the number of journeys between the two cut from four to three during off-peak times. This is set to reduce the daily number of services from 320 to 300. 

TransPennine Express also connects Manchester and Manchester Airport with Yorkshire, the North East of England and Scotland. The company also operates services through Piccadilly, Oxford Street and Stockport. 

TransPennine Express’ plan for the future

The TransPennine Express’ plan for improving in the future is focused on three points. These are as follows: 

• Stabilising the operation to deliver better reliability and punctuality

• Re-engaging with its customers, colleagues and stakeholders

• Transforming its network through innovation and investment in better facilities

Chris Jackson, TPE’s newly appointed permanent managing director, said: "We’re starting a new chapter at TransPennine Express, with plans now in place to deliver a more reliable, punctual and dependable service across the towns and cities we connect.

"After a challenging few years, our plan sets out the steps we’re taking to make journeys better for all our customers."

Chris added: “We’ve already made some significant improvements at TPE, and our customers are starting to really see the benefit of this work. We’ve reduced cancellations by 40 per cent, we’ve worked to rebuild relationships with trade union representatives and have resolved many of the local disputes that were so disruptive for so long, and we’ve delivered improvements and upgrades to some of our key stations.”