The Transport Secretary has announced he will not renew or extend Transpennine Express’s contract at the end of the month. This will bring the company into operator of last resort from 28 May 2023. 

The decision follows months of significant disruption and regular cancellations across Transpennine Express’s network, which has resulted in a considerable decline in confidence for passengers who rely on the trains to get to work, visit family and friends and go about their daily lives.

Alongside the train operating company, the Department for Transport  has taken steps to improve services, putting the operator on a recovery plan in February and meeting with local mayors to discuss a way forward.

Mark Harper, Transport Secretary, said:

"In my time as Transport Secretary, I have been clear that passenger experience must always come first. After months of commuters and Northern businesses bearing the brunt of continuous cancellations, I’ve made the decision to bring Transpennine Express into operator of last resort."