York MP demands meeting with TransPennine Express after it announces 44 cancellations today

A York MP is demanding to meet with bosses of a train firm after it announced it was cancelling 44 services today (Wednesday).

TransPennine Express cancelled the services, says Rachael Maskell, and it is unknown if other trains will run.

Earlier this month the York Central MP said she was booked onto a Grand Central train that didn’t even exist.

Ms Maskell said today’s cancellations showed “we are seeing rail services descend into chaos”.

This failure of services had a huge impact on people and businesses.

When passengers do get to travel, “they are often sardined into overloaded coaches having to endure an uncomfortable journey”.

Ms Maskell said tonight: “With rail chaos, each and every day, passengers do not know if they are coming or going.

“Rail journeys are often essential and people should be able to plan their day, knowing that their train will turn up on time.  Sadly many passengers are walking with their feet and are now opting for the car.

“We were promised a new controlling mind for the railways, Great British Railways, centring the future of the rail industry, but government have dithered and delayed over this, and it is still unclear exactly how they are going to take things forward.

“I am requesting an urgent meeting with Transpennine Express to understand why it cannot run an efficient and reliable service.

“Meanwhile, the Government must settle the outstanding rail dispute and ensure that those working on the railways, dedicated guards, station staff, cleaners and ticket office staff do not see their contracts torn up, their health and safety put at risk or their pay fall behind. It is high time the Government got a grip.”