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Transpenine Express--just say NO.

Posted by (Freedonia) on

I got up this morning to check on my 12:30 train to Edinburgh with Transpenine Express. The last two times I took this route, it was canceled and getting a seat on an alternate service was difficult.

Guess what, they canceled my train again today. I checked online and every direct train today is canceled as are many of the services in that direction. If I can get on another train, I'll probably have to stand much of the way. (And I bought first class tickets for the pleasure of standing for nearly 4 hours.)

The reason....shortage of drivers.

In Edinburgh, I then have to change to a Scotrail train and that has also been canceled. (But at least they sent me an email a few days ago to alert me to their schedule change.)

So, the lesson learned, stay away from Transpenine Express.

Posted by
2684 posts

it is not just shortage of drivers but and industrial dispute that may lead to an all out strike,not just Transpennine but the whole of the rail network

Posted by
16416 posts

Before I bought the TPE ticket, I thought of flying to Aberdeen and then getting a train to Dundee, my final destination. I should have done that.

The last time they canceled, in mid December, it was two minutes before departure. No reason given.

All the Northern and Avanti services are running in the same direction and I have to get on those as all TPE trains going North are canceled.

Posted by
34007 posts

Frank II see my new post about the nationwide rail strike coming up affecting virtually all of the rail network in mainland GB.

Posted by
16416 posts

Thanks Nigel. The conductor on my first train this morning told me about it.

I'm scheduled to take a train from Dundee to London on 16 June. If there is a strike, I can get a direct flight from Dundee to London City Airport.

I'll be listening for strike dates.

Posted by
16416 posts

Now you tell me, after I am the proud holder of two tickets….. 🤣

Knowing my originally scheduled train was canceled, I got to the train station 2 1/2 hours earlier to get an earlier service in the right direction. I'm on my final leg and I will arrive at my destination an hour before I was scheduled to
arrive on the original ticket.

All along the way I was reminded that I am owed a refund by TPE.

Posted by
477 posts

Frank, thank you for the heads up. Hard to know what to do/what's the best option.

I read Nigel's warning earlier as I have a cruise in June, starting in Aberdeen and ending at Troon. Have rail tickets from Kings X to Aberdeen for the 9th and from Glasgow to Euston for the 22nd. Following Nigel's warning I have now booked an Easy Jet flight for the return part as well (though would prefer to go by train, easier to get home from Euston than Stansted). But so many ramifications.
And not sure whether to book a flight to Aberdeen now, in view of the Scottish rail issues.

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