TransPennine Express reduce services due to virus

A new timetable has been released by TransPennine Express due to the impact of Covid-19.

Company bosses says during "extraordinary times" they want to "concentrate on maintaining a core service across all routes."

Train, coach and bus frequencies are being cut amid the collapse in demand and Government advice on avoiding non-essential travel.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it had agreed with rail operators across the country to scale back timetables from Monday as people change their travel habits to help stop the virus spreading.

Cores services will continue to run to help people attend medical appointments and allow emergency services and NHS staff get to work.

As of Monday 23 March, TransPennine will run the following, with additional extra services at peak times:

  • Two-hourly service between Liverpool and Scarborough

  • Two-hourly service between Preston and Edinburgh

  • Two-hourly service between Liverpool and Newcastle

  • Two-hourly service between Hull and Manchester Piccadilly

  • Hourly stopping service between Leeds and Manchester Piccadilly

  • Two-hourly service between Cleethorpes and Manchester Piccadilly

  • Limited services between Newcastle and Edinburgh, Redcar Central and York, Preston and Manchester, along with Glasgow and Carlisle.

Credit: PA

Liz Collins, Interim Managing Director for TransPennine Express, commented: “The decision to run this revised timetable has been made to allow TPE to concentrate on maintaining a core service across all routes that we serve, as well as providing a consistent and reliable service for those who still need to use our services.

“These are truly extraordinary times and I’d like to thank our customers who are still travelling with us. I’d also like to thank all my TPE colleagues who are working extremely hard to provide a service for those that need it.

“As a company, we will continue to follow the advice that is given to us by Public Health England and the Rail Delivery Group and we will continue to keep our customers updated on any changes as we go through this challenging time.”

The rail company has advised all passengers to check before travelling and to visit their website for more information.