New managing directors appointed for tpe and northern

As reported in the last issue of Railways Illustrated, three former Great Western Railway high speed train power cars and 11 slam-door Mk.3 HST trailer coaches were exported to Mexico in mid-August. They have now arrived in their new home country and driver training has begun. The operator for the HSTs has wasted no time in applying an attractive blue and white livery to the trains, as viewed on an as-yet un-numbered power car 43022, with a re-liveried Mk.3 coach also visible coupled behind the power car. Exported along with 43022 were power cars 43158 and 43170, while the Mk.3s now in Mexico are TF’s 41091 and 41100, TS’s 42026, 42179, 42401/402/405, and TGS 44034/061/063/094. Brian Asher

CHRIS JACKSON, who was brought in from Northern to act as interim managing director of TransPennine Express following the train operator’s transfer to the Government’s operator of last resort-owning group, DfT OLR Holdings Ltd (DOHL), in May this year, has been made the permanent managing director of the business.

Announcing his appointment, TPE said that during the first 100 days of DfT ownership under the DOHL of the franchise, Mr Jackson has led discussions to reset union relationships with a return of rest day working, reduced levels of cancellations, and the full reintroduction of the Sunday timetable. He has also led an ‘operational deep dive’ into the issues impacting on TPE’s performance to deliver a plan to address these challenges, which, it is expected, will lead to improved reliability and punctuality.

Mr Jackson said: “I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to be appointed permanent managing director at TransPennine Express.

“From day one, I have felt very welcomed by all. There are undoubtedly big challenges