TransPennine Express Operational Performance 2023-01-19
2023-01-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Navendu Mishra expressed concern over TransPennine Express's recent poor service, highlighting issues with high levels of absence and industrial action affecting the operator.
I am concerned about the recent operational performance of TransPennine Express. The Department manages TPE in partnership with Transport for the North through Rail North Partnership. Are you having discussions with TPE to stabilise the current service provision?
The Department, which manages the TPE contract in partnership with Transport for the North through the Rail North Partnership, is in regular dialogue with the operator. We seek to stabilise current service provision and provide reliable timetables despite challenges from high levels of absence, industrial action, and higher than predicted driver departures.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question compares the reliability of train services in war-torn Ukraine to those provided by TransPennine Express, questioning if it's time to cancel TPE's contract.
In Ukraine, despite being war-torn, they manage to cancel fewer trains and have a more reliable service than TransPennine Express. Is it not now time to cancel the TransPennine Express contract?
The TPE contract comes up for renewal in May and faces similar issues regardless of who takes over. Sickness rates are at 14%, no rest-day working agreement, and training a new driver through the network takes about 18 months. If operations do not improve, other decisions will be made.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timing of contract cancellation decision
Contract Renewal In May
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the routine use of P-coded notices by private rail operators, specifically TransPennine Express and Avanti.
Between 18 September and 12 November 2022, TPE pre-cancelled between 250 to 450 trains weekly using P-coded notices. This system was introduced for exceptional circumstances but now appears abused by private operators. Does the Minister agree this is an abuse and has he spoken to TransPennine Express about it?
I will speak to the Office of Rail and Road about P-coding, as I feel it needs a good look. Concerns are present due to current levels on TPE. Performance-related fees take into account P-coding, similar to other cancellations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific agreement on abuse of system
Needs A Good Look
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Performance issues at TransPennine Express in November led to increased cancellations and disruptions.
In November, the Minister assured us that the new timetable would be deliverable. However, service has never been worse with 123 services cancelled or disrupted this week alone. Will he strip TPE of its contract and bring it under the operator of last resort?
I also hear criticisms from Members regarding Northern Rail's higher cancellations. The operator of last resort has a manageable portfolio, and decisions will be made if the situation cannot be turned around. Management is not blameless in this situation.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific decision on stripping contract
Manageable Portfolio
Criticisms From Members
Response accuracy