Transport Secretary Approves Reduced CrossCountry Rail Services

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has voiced significant concerns regarding the ongoing service reductions by railway operator CrossCountry. Despite her reservations, she felt compelled to approve a three-month reduced timetable proposed by the company, which she described as a “dire service.” The changes will affect key routes, including those connecting Scotland to south-west England, and other major cities such as Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, and Cardiff. Haigh emphasized the need for CrossCountry to improve its performance, stating that the company must adhere to a remedial plan that formalizes its commitment to enhancing services. She warned that failure to deliver on this plan could result in further action under the contract. The Transport Secretary acknowledged the impact of the reduced timetable on passengers, reiterating her dissatisfaction with the current service levels. In response to the criticism, a CrossCountry spokesperson admitted that their service has not met passenger expectations. They outlined a robust plan aimed at improving performance and ensuring a more resilient service. The spokesperson highlighted that by the end of the temporary timetable, the company would have more fully trained drivers and reduced training backlogs, which should lead to fewer cancellations and a more reliable service. CrossCountry has apologized for the inconvenience caused by the temporary timetable, assuring customers that proactive measures are being taken to rectify the situation and enhance overall service quality.