Channel 5 documentary on TransPennine Express rail firm to be 'open and honest'

The Railway 24/7 will first air at 9pm on Wednesday on Channel 5.

From the control room to maintenance depot and on-board to stations, The Railway 24/7 will show what it takes to move millions of passengers across the North every year.

The series will take an in-depth look at every aspect of the rail operations as the team work under intense pressure in order to keep the railways operational.

Episode one begins by giving access to cameras at one of the busiest times of the year on the railways, December, when TransPennine Express was faced with delays and cancellations and work such as Billy Vickers, is facing furious commuters.

In Manchester, outside the Ardwick depot, a derailment causes an immediate logjam of passengers and Simon Wildgoose and his team must try to jack up the 230-tonne train and clear it from the tracks before the evening rush hour.

While colleagues face issues with customers, the episode also shows TransPennine Express get a new fleet of trains after investing £500m.

Liz Collins, interim managing director at TransPennine Express, said: “We wanted to show customers and regular commuters the inner workings behind our operation and so gave the cameras an access all areas pass to film each and every aspect of our business and the wonderful people we have working for us.”

“We’re excited to be making our TV debut this Wednesday, we know the documentary will show some high moments, such as accepting Nova, our new fleet of trains, and some challenging moments such as storms, fare-dodgers and trespassers.

“We are looking forward to sharing these moments with viewers and giving an open and honest insight into TransPennine Express.”

Each episode of The Railway 24/7, made by London-based Blast! Films, will be aired on Wednesdays.