TransPennine Express is set to bring back essential train services between Manchester and Leeds this December, proving a boon for commuters and travelers.
- Previously cut services aimed at improving punctuality scores will be reinstated, reflecting progress in the network’s operational improvements.
- The new timetables will introduce express trains every 15 minutes, significantly enhancing connectivity across the trans-Pennine region.
- An additional hourly service will benefit towns like Castleford, Normanton, and Wakefield, ensuring increased accessibility to major cities.
- The restoration promises a 12% increase in seating capacity, equivalent to approximately 1,300 additional seats daily, catering to growing passenger demand.
TransPennine Express (TPE) announced the restoration of multiple train services between Manchester and Leeds, services that were initially cut last year to enhance punctuality scores. This development marks a significant stride in the operator’s goal of improving customer experience and operational efficiency. With the new timetables set for mid-December, passengers can look forward to more frequent travel options.
The revised schedule will see trains running every 15 minutes between Manchester Victoria and Leeds starting December 15. This increased frequency is part of a broader effort to offer better connectivity across the Pennines, benefiting daily commuters and occasional travelers alike. The strategic reintroduction of these services highlights TPE’s commitment to fulfilling passenger needs and bolstering regional access.
Beyond the primary Manchester-Leeds corridor, towns such as Castleford, Normanton, and Wakefield are set to gain from an expanded hourly service, running seven days a week. This addition will enhance their connections to Manchester, York, and other key destinations along the route, thereby improving regional accessibility and convenience for numerous communities.
By reinstating these essential services, TPE anticipates a substantial 12% increase in seating capacity network-wide. This amounts to roughly 1,300 more seats available each day, addressing the demands of a growing customer base and easing congestion during peak travel times. This expansion is a critical component of TPE’s strategy to accommodate more passengers comfortably.
Chris Jackson, the managing director at TransPennine Express, expressed satisfaction with the company’s return to its historic timetable. “We’re pleased to be returning to our more historic timetable, bringing back and adding new services and additional seats which will make a real difference for our customers.” He emphasized the impressive reduction in cancellations by 70% over the past year, attributing this success to renewed customer confidence in TPE’s services.
The strategic restoration of these services by TransPennine Express marks a pivotal move towards enhanced connectivity and customer satisfaction in the region.
