TransPennine Express (TPE) will introduce a new timetable next month, bringing additional services, increased capacity, and greater travel flexibility for passengers across the North of England and into Scotland.

The updated schedule, which comes into effect on Sunday 14 December, forms part of a wider rail industry timetable change and is designed to improve connections and enhance the customer experience across TPE’s network.

One of the most significant upgrades will take place on the East Coast Main Line, where services between Newcastle and Edinburgh will increase from five to eight per day. The change adds around 2,000 extra seats daily and introduces a new early morning service arriving in Edinburgh at 07:20, catering to commuter demand.

TPE has worked closely with industry partners to deliver the improved timetable, which will provide more frequent, faster journeys and extra seating for passengers travelling between key northern and Scottish cities.

On TPE’s South route, running between Liverpool Lime Street and Cleethorpes via Manchester and Sheffield, most Sunday services will now operate with six-car trains, offering greater capacity for weekend travel. Additionally, the 08:09 service from Sheffield to Liverpool Lime Street will include a new stop at Dore and Totley, improving access for local passengers.

The new timetable also introduces an additional 08:13 Sunday service from Liverpool Lime Street to Cleethorpes and a late-night Saturday service from Manchester Piccadilly to Liverpool Lime Street at 23:07, giving customers more options for evening and leisure journeys.

Further enhancements will benefit travellers on the Hull to Liverpool Lime Street route, where the majority of services before 19:00 will now be operated by five- or six-car trains. This increase will provide around 3,500 additional seats each week, meeting growing demand during peak travel times.

Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director at TPE, said:

“While the majority of our services remain the same, we’d encourage customers to double-check any regular journeys they make. We’re pleased to be introducing improvements that offer customers more choice, greater flexibility, and a better experience when travelling with us.”

TPE is also reminding passengers to check their journeys before travelling, as engineering work may affect some services in the coming months.

Image: TransPennine Express