Passengers Frustrated by Train Cancellations at Hartlepool Station
Travelers at one of the UK’s most notoriously unreliable railway stations are expressing their frustration, asserting that attempting to use the train system has become “not worth the stress.” Many have resorted to taking buses or driving instead. Recent statistics reveal that approximately one in ten train services were canceled at Hartlepool during a four-week period from January 5 to February 1, highlighting significant operational issues.
The Government has announced plans for a “new era of accountability” for train operators by releasing punctuality and reliability data for over 1,700 stations across England. The preliminary data indicates that eight out of the ten stations with the highest cancellation rates are located in the North of England or Wales.
Ince and Elton station in Cheshire reported the worst figures, with a staggering 22% of trains canceled, although this station operates only two trains per hour. In stark contrast, Hartlepool serves a bustling seaside town with a population exceeding 90,000 and accommodates around 600,000 passengers annually. A recent £12 million renovation, which included the reopening of its second platform along with the installation of a new footbridge and lifts, was completed last year. Local leaders had hoped these improvements would boost passenger numbers.
Despite the station’s refurbishment, commuters like Joanne Spires, 50, have stopped using the train for their journeys. Joanne, who commutes to Newcastle for work, stated, “I used to enjoy taking the train because it provided a calm travel experience, and I preferred it to sitting in traffic on the A19.” However, she continued, “The frequent cancellations of Northern trains in the mornings made it impossible for me to arrive on time, or even at all.” She expressed her concerns regarding return journeys where multiple trains are often canceled in succession, leading to overcrowding on the eventually arriving two-carriage trains. “There is a lack of staff managing the situation, resulting in dangerous overcrowding on the trains,” she added. Joanne now faces the dilemma of leaving home much earlier than necessary to avoid heavy traffic, claiming, “It’s unfortunate that Hartlepool station received such a lovely upgrade, yet we’re still experiencing the same issues of cancellations and excuses related to staffing shortages or malfunctioning trains.” Ultimately, she concluded, “It’s just not worth the stress.”
Most services at Hartlepool are operated by Northern, a train company that has been under government control since 2020 and has consistently ranked among the worst performers. Critics argue that the ongoing issues, including disputes with staff over pay and working conditions, showcase the inadequacy of Labour’s nationalization plans in resolving railway problems. On January 17, Northern informed passengers that twelve services would be canceled between 10 AM and 9 PM. Local resident Dawn Rogers humorously remarked on social media, “It would be more efficient to just post a daily list of trains that are actually running.” Meanwhile, Darren Peart quipped, “Can we just revert to horse and carts for our coastal transport?” Andy Marx added, “Thank goodness for buses!”
A spokesperson for Northern explained that during the specified period, the company faced “higher than normal levels of cancellations” on their semi-fast service along the Durham Coast due to staff illnesses and ongoing maintenance work on several trains. They assured passengers that cancellation rates have since improved and that the company is actively monitoring performance on this route. The spokesperson stated, “We are committed to enhancing our service quality and providing reliable transportation options for customers throughout the North of England.” They also mentioned initiatives to tackle staff sickness and plans to introduce innovative training simulators that would expedite the training process, alongside a significant investment to introduce up to 450 new trains into their fleet.
