First Hull Trains: We will get better

First Hull Trains has vowed to improve its service after receiving criticism from passengers.

Following news the Government will take over troubled east coast rail operator National Express, train users have taken the opportunity to criticise the city company.

But First Hull Train bosses insist the introduction of new trains this week will improve the situation.

One of the company's main detractors is Hull East MP John Prescott, who posted a video on YouTube slating the operator.

In the video, he said: "I have constantly been on about the lousy service of First Hull Trains.

"The toilets do not work, trains are cancelled, the delays, and no hot or cold food.

"Despite all my complaints, it makes no difference."

Mr Prescott said how delighted he was National Express was being taken over by the Government, calling it "Nationalised Express".

Businessman Stuart Allister, of Touch Plc, also criticised First Hull Trains' service.

He said: "I have to travel to and from London each day from Selby and I have the unfortunate adventure of having to travel with Hull Trains.

"Last night, my journey took an extra three hours due to a mechanical failure 10 minutes south of Doncaster.

"This is not the first time Hull Trains has failed and it is noticed by more Hull-bound passengers."

Ken Thompson, employment affairs director for the Mail's parent company Northcliffe Media, has also suffered problems.

He said: "Over the past few months, it has gone right downhill.

"It has put on different trains, which are obviously older.

"The main problem is it has become very unreliable. The trains break down on a regular basis."

First Hull Trains operations manager Ian Dunn said the company had struggled in the past few weeks.

He said: "During the past nine years, First Hull Trains has earned a strong reputation as one of the most reliable long-distance train operating companies in the UK.

"We experienced some operational problems in late April, but during May and throughout most of June our performance was progressively improving.

"Serious damage to one of our trains en-route has put severe pressure on us from a maintenance point of view, as the train will be out of service for between four and six weeks for extensive repairs.

"This means we have to provide the timetable from a reduced pool of trains and this is the reason for reliability dropping in the past week.

"We are introducing another train into service as quickly as possible – hopefully in the next few days."

The company said it had to introduce longer trains as part of a deal – made in January – granting access to the rail line until 2016.

Simon Taylor, of First Hull Trains, said the company had to use older trains. He said: "This rolling stock was a little bit older and has been worked hard. We know these trains have to be refurbished and the work will be done later in the year."