Liverpool fans heading to Manchester today could be caught up in train chaos with many more cancellations of services announced.
The Reds will take on Manchester City in the EFL Cup Round of 16 at the Etihad Stadium in East Manchester. The 8pm kick off represents the first return to action for Jurgen Klopp's men after the FIFA World Cup.
But with more than 5,000 loyal Reds fans set to make the trip to the rival city, there are fears many could be caught up in the latest round of rail chaos hitting the network.
Already today, there have been 59 cancellations confirmed by the under-fire TransPennine Express (TPE) operator, which operates services across the north. A host of the cancellations are affecting the route between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Victoria - on the line that runs all the way to Newcastle.
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TPE services heading from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Victoria that were due to run at 12.24pm, 2.24pm, 5.24pm, 7.24pm have all been cancelled today. According to the website, the operator is unable to run these services because of a "short-notice change to the timetable."
The cancellations are a familiar story for those trying to use TPE services in recent weeks. Political leaders in the north have urged the government to step in and give the operator a formal notice to improve or be stripped of its contract after so much poor service and disruption.
The operator cancelled over 100 trains yesterday and actually warned customers to seek alternative transport due to what it said was a "significant rostering system issue."
Kathryn O'Brien, customer service and operations director for the train operator, added: "We are working hard internally and with our system provider to resolve the situation as soon as possible."
But issues with cancellations have been ongoing for months. A Guardian investigation from earlier this year found during the October half term TPE cancelled 30% of all its trains. And just last month a total of 294 trains were cancelled in a seven day period to November 25. TPE told the Guardian the cancellations were due to train sickness, intensive crew training, and infrastructure outside the service's control.
Speaking regarding the latest cancellations, a TPE spokesperson said: "We are extremely sorry for the disruption our customers have faced – and continue to face – particularly given the time of year when we know so many rely on our service, and are doing all we can to keep people on the move."
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