Customers invited to 'Meet the Manager' drop-in session in Leeds to discuss their journeys and planned improvements

Train operators and Network Rail are inviting customers to meet managers from their organisations on the main concourse at Leeds station between 8am and midday on Tuesday, 26 May. 

It is part of a new initiative designed to bring rail bosses face to face with the people who use their services every day.

Senior representatives from Northern, TransPennine Express and Network Rail will be on hand to listen to customers, answer questions and share updates on the improvements currently under way across the network.

Attending from Northern will be Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director, alongside Raj Basi, Engineering Director, and other members of the senior leadership team.

Alex said: "We want to hear directly from our customers about their experiences - what's working well and where we need to do better.

"Our 'Meet the Manager' event is about more than listening; it's about accountability.

"Our customers deserve to speak with the people who make decisions, and this is an opportunity to have those honest conversations face to face."

David Dubaj-Downs, Head of Customer and Station Transformation for Network Rail's North and East Route, will also be in attendance. 

He said: "Leeds station is one of the busiest in Britain with 33 million passengers a year coming through our doors.

"We're always looking for ways to improve their experience, so this is a great opportunity for them to share their views with the people who know the station best."

Graham Meiklejohn, Head of Regional Development, Stakeholders and Communities at TransPennine Express, said: "We’re pleased to be taking part in the Meet the Manager event at Leeds station, where we’re keen to hear directly from our customers.

"Their feedback and insights are invaluable, and we look forward to having open conversations that help us better understand their experiences and continue to improve our service."

Customers who are unable to attend in person can still have their say through a dedicated online feedback form, which will be open before and during the event.

The event reflects the joint commitment by rail operators and Network Rail to improve service quality for customers across the north of England.

The event is the first in a series of events to be held in the coming months, and is taking place ahead of rail reform as the industry moves into Great British Railways.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.