Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

TransPennine Express: Operational Performance

Thursday 19 January 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with TransPennine Express aim to stabilise service provision amidst staff absence and training issues.
  • The TPE contract faces renewal in May, with ongoing challenges regardless of the operator due to high sickness rates and training periods.
  • Concerns over the misuse of P-coded notices for train cancellations will be reviewed by the Office of Rail and Road.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport
Transport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Huw Merriman

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.

Answered
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Q2 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Ukraine Transport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Huw Merriman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timing of contract cancellation decision

How: Contract Renewal In May

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Q3 Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport
Transport
Context

Concerns about the routine use of P-coded notices by private rail operators, specifically TransPennine Express and Avanti.

Question

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?

Answer from Huw Merriman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement on abuse of system

How: Needs A Good Look

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Q4 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Transport
Context

Performance issues at TransPennine Express in November led to increased cancellations and disruptions.

Question

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?

Answer from Huw Merriman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific decision on stripping contract

How: Manageable Portfolio, Criticisms From Members

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