Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the rail contract between the Secretary of State and First Trans Pennine Express Limited, how many train drivers were estimated to be recruited to ensure delivery of planned passenger services; and how many drivers have been recruited by that company from the commencement of that contract to date.

TransPennine Express has recruited 114 drivers since May 2021 (a combination of trainee and qualified drivers) which is in support of additional requirements (such as the Manchester Recovery Task Force and the TransPennine Route Upgrade diversionary route) and to manage expected attrition and turnover. This is in line with forecasted requirements.