Latest news with #AndrewMcClements
The National
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
TransPennine Express to run extra trains during Edinburgh Fringe
TRANSPENNINE Express (TPE) is set to run up to three extra services a day for festivalgoers at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. The train operator will run the additional services from Saturday, August 2 until Friday, August 29 alongside its usual timetable to support those returning from Fringe shows. On weekdays, an evening service will depart Newcastle at 8:02pm, calling at Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Reston, Dunbar, and East Linton, before arriving at Edinburgh Waverley. READ MORE: The 'extraordinary' Neolithic village in Scotland that's older than the Pyramids A further service will leave Edinburgh Waverley at 9:56pm for Carlisle, stopping at Haymarket and Lockerbie. Andrew McClements, customer experience and transformation director at TransPennine Express, said: 'We are pleased to be able to offer these extra services for those travelling during the Fringe Festival and to support the city of Edinburgh during this popular event.' More than two million people are expected to travel the capital for the festival, with thousands of shows taking place across more than 250 venues in and around the city, so train services may be busier than usual. McClements added: 'We will be doing everything we can to help as many people as possible travel by rail during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 'We're asking our customers to plan ahead, expect services to be very busy and allow extra time for journeys.' For late-night travellers, a train will depart Edinburgh Waverley at 11:28pm, calling at East Linton, Dunbar, Reston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth and Morpeth, before arriving in Newcastle. On Saturdays, a service will run from Newcastle at 7:27pm to Edinburgh Waverley, calling at Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Reston, Dunbar, and East Linton. An additional evening departure from Edinburgh Waverley at 7:57pm will head to Carlisle, calling at Haymarket and Lockerbie. READ MORE: Why this 'breathtaking' and 'otherworldly' beach is named the best in Scotland A late service will also operate from Edinburgh Waverley at 10:02pm, calling at East Linton, Dunbar, Reston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth and Morpeth, before reaching Newcastle. Tom Thorburn, honorary president of Rail Action Group East of Scotland, said: 'We are delighted that TransPennine Express has positively responded to community requests and agreed to operate their late-night Edinburgh Festival trains during August again this year. 'With the addition of a late-night train on Saturdays this year in addition to the Monday to Friday trains which were very popular last year, these services are the answer to the travelling needs of people wishing to take in and enjoy the world's greatest festival in our area and beyond.'
BBC News
12-07-2025
- BBC News
Extra trains for diversion route between Manchester and Mirfield
Extra rail services are to be added between Manchester and Mirfield to help keep people travelling during ongoing engineering Express (TPE) said it would be running three trains per hour rather than two on the Calder Valley route via Hebden Bridge while the multibillion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project McClements, customer experience lead, said the uplift in services would be "vital" when Huddersfield railway station closes for 30 days, from 30 company said services between Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and York would also be impacted by the closure, while some Northern services will run to an amended timetable. The line between Huddersfield and Stalybridge will remain open for the coming weeks, but TPE has warned that train services near Manchester are expected to be busy on the weekends of 12/13 and 19/20 July due to engineering advised customers to plan ahead, particularly those attending Oasis' run of shows at Heaton operator said while Huddersfield Station is closed, diverted trains would make additional calls at Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge, Castleton and replacement bus services will be in place between Brighouse and £100m has been spent on improving diversionary routes under the TRU programme, the company Richardson, TRU managing director, said this meant engineers could complete upgrades "safely and on time".He said: "We're really proud how these routes and services keep people on the move during disruption. We're committed to delivering a more resilient railway for the future."TPE said the upgrade programme would bring faster journey times, improved accessibility at stations, and more frequent and reliable trains. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
TransPennine Express installs dog water stations for National Pet Day
TransPennine Express (TPE) has introduced dog-friendly provisions for its customers. The train operator's dog water stations have been in place at 11 of its stations since Friday (April 11), coinciding with National Pet Day. The stations include Hull, Selby, Brough, Scarborough, Malton, Thirsk, Northallerton, Thornaby, Middlesbrough, Manchester Airport, and Grimsby. Andrew McClements, customer experience and transformation director at TPE, said: "Dogs are welcome on our services, and we want to provide the best journey possible for everyone - and that very much includes our furry friends. "We hope the introduction of dog bowls will make journeys even more pawsitive for them." TPE allows customers to bring up to two dogs on board trains, free of charge, provided they are kept on a lead. Pets should not sit on tables or seats for the comfort of other passengers. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome on board too.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TransPennine Express to offer complimentary dates to customers during Ramadan
TransPennine Express (TPE) is set to celebrate Ramadan by offering complimentary dates to first-class customers. Throughout March, customers travelling in first class will receive dates on evening services after 5.30pm, alongside a soft drink, during Iftar, the opening of the fast. The initiative, starting on March 1, is designed to offer a 'small but meaningful' refreshment to those observing Ramadan while travelling, with the train operator recognising the significance of the month for many of its customers. Dates are traditionally eaten to open the fast, providing a natural source of energy and hydration after a long day without food or drink. Andrew McClements, customer experience and transformation director at TransPennine Express, said: "We know that many of our customers will be travelling while observing Ramadan, and we want to make their journey as comfortable as possible. "Offering dates to open the fast is a simple but meaningful way to support customers while they're on board with us. "We are always looking for ways to enhance the experience onboard our services and this is one way we can make a positive difference to those who are fasting."
