With the UK Government reducing COVID-19 restrictions, TransPennine Express (TPE) are reintroducing train services in the North of England to meet demand.
One of the big changes COVID-19 has caused is the restriction on people's movement, especially in full lockdown when you could only leave your house for a few essential things.
With reduced travel, there has been less demand for trains, with TOCs therefore operating fewer trains to reduce unnecessary pollution and wear and tear. Now with restrictions being eased and allowing the public to travel more, demand for trains is starting to increase.
To ensure there are sufficient services running, the following changes have been made, which will bring the latest timetable to 80% of Pre-COVID levels:
Hourly services between:
- Liverpool and Newcastle
- Manchester Piccadilly and Hull
- Huddersfield and Leeds
- Manchester Piccadilly and Huddersfield
- Manchester Airport and Redcar Central
- Manchester Piccadilly and Cleethorpes
Other changes
- Manchester Airport and Edinburgh – Two hourly service
- York and Scarborough – Shuttle service
- Newcastle and Edinburgh, Glasgow Central to Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport – Limited TPE services
More trains should reduce congestion and allow space to be kept between passengers while travelling. Other safety measures are also being carried out, such as regular cleaning.
Kathryn O'Brien, Customer Experience Director for TransPennine Express said:
“We are thrilled to have been able to bring back a number of services and are looking forward to welcoming customers back on-board.
“Anyone planning to travel by train can do so with confidence, with an enhanced cleaning programme and social distancing in place to keep everyone safe, both on our trains and at stations. In short, when you're ready to get going, we're here for you.
“Our customers can also do their bit and help keep others safe by wearing a face covering, using hand sanitiser and following the guidance provided.”We have received Visit Britain's, ‘We're Good to Go' accreditation for providing a Covid-safe environment for our customers.
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