First TransPennine Express: former routes and current operators
First TransPennine Express was the FirstGroup/Keolis-era identity of the intercity network across northern England and into Scotland. TransPennine Express continues as a current brand under a later operating arrangement.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
The separate TransPennine franchise began in 2004 as the northern franchise map was reorganised. FirstGroup and Keolis operated it as a joint venture, with First holding the majority share. The business focused on longer-distance regional and intercity journeys, while the new Northern franchise took many local stopping services.
FirstGroup won the next TransPennine contract for the period beginning in 2016, when the operation used the TransPennine Express passenger brand without the earlier First identity. FirstGroup’s later operating period ended with the transfer to public operation in May 2023. An old reference to First TransPennine Express should therefore lead to the current TPE service, but it should not be interpreted as proof that the same route, train or timetable still operates.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical east–west intercity routes
The former network linked major northern cities across the Pennines and continued towards several eastern destinations. Different services followed different branches.
Historical airport and Anglo-Scottish services
The operation also developed links from Manchester Airport and the North West towards Scotland during its franchise period.
Travelling on these routes today
Use current TransPennine Express information for the successor intercity network and compare Northern separately where a local service is available. Check the actual Manchester station and the destination branch of your train. For an airport connection, allow for the terminal journey as well as the rail itinerary, and consult engineering notices because cross-Pennine routes can have substantial planned alterations.
Tickets and journey choices
First TransPennine promotional fares and seating information are historical. Current tickets may be restricted to a train, route or operator. A Northern stopping service and a TPE intercity train are not automatically interchangeable simply because they link the same cities; use the restrictions supplied with the fare.
Accessibility and assistance
Use current TPE assistance information and live station access details. Specify the whole journey when changing to Northern, an airport service or another intercity operator. Historic fleet descriptions are not a reliable guide to today’s boarding points, wheelchair spaces or accessible toilets; check the train and station arrangements for your travel date.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.