End of the line for TransPennine hell

Hated train routes nationalised

- PAUL BYRNE and NEIL LANCEFIELD

COMMUTERS and rail workers yesterday welcomed plans to nationalise TransPennine Express.

The Government stepped in after months of delays and cancellations caused chaos for passengers.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said it was "absolutely right that this is the end of the line" for what she called a "failing railway operator".

And travel watchdog Transport Focus said passengers had "endured an unacceptable service for too long".

The Department for Transport said services will be brought under its Operator of Last Resort from May 28.

However, Transport Secretary Mark Harper warned it would not be "a silver bullet" for problems on the tracks.