TOC Focus ~ TransPennine Express Updates (Part 1)

Old FTPE livery on a Class 185 at York. This livery is 
soon to be extinct (more explained in Part 2!)

Since Keolis left the Transpennine franchise, leaving just FirstGroup, we haven't had any updates. So here we go with a TOC focus.


First and foremost, a summary of the operator. In total, FTE operate 71 units over their network serving: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester (Piccadilly and Airport) Middlesbrough, Newcastle Central, Scarborough and Sheffield.

FTE is one of very few UK TOCs that operates services 24/7, including through New Years Eve; services between York/Leeds and Manchester Airport operate at least every three hours each night.

General News. 

Class 350/4. FTPE operate ten units of this type.
As reported on the FTE website, on 21st March 2016, 35 of their Cleethorpes based drivers are helping to fundraise funds to go towards severely ill residents at a local hospice - taking the total to more than £5000 donated since 2013. 

FTE state: 'The ‘EcoDrive’ programme is run by FTPE and provides a financial reward for drivers who reduce their environmental impact by driving more fuel efficiently. The programme helps to reduce carbon emissions and the fuel savings are, in part, passed back to the drivers.' However, £3378 raised by drivers via this project has gone to St Andrew's Hospice.

Finally, free and unlimited WiFi has been installed at Scunthorpe, Cleethorpes and Grimsby stations, as part of a partnership with O2. FTPE Station Manager Dean Lancaster said: “The Wifi will be a great addition to our stations and is just one part of our commitment to passengers to improve their journey and make each experience more enjoyable."

Part 2, for Fleet News, here. We'll also have another North West Updates post coming soon, by Matthew, following on from his last news round-up. ^Harry

Regards:

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