TransPennine Express (TPE) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Lindsey Tien‑Rhimes as Head of Programmes for its work on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) — a role central to shaping the future of rail travel across the North.
Lindsey now oversees the delivery of a wide range of operator‑led improvements within TRU, the multi‑billion‑pound transformation project set to enhance journeys between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. With electrification, new track and major signalling upgrades progressing at pace, TPE’s involvement is becoming increasingly critical as the programme moves into its next phase.
Bringing more than 11 years of experience in rail infrastructure, Lindsey has held senior positions at Network Rail, including head of planning and special projects manager. Her career has largely focused on delivering complex programmes and working closely with train operators — a background that made her move to TPE both natural and purposeful.
“It felt like a real development opportunity,” Lindsey said. “After more than a decade in infrastructure, I wanted to work for an operator where customers are at the heart of what they do, while being part of a programme that’s truly transformational.”
TRU is already reshaping rail travel across the Pennines, and the year ahead will be significant. Major station enhancements are due to be delivered at Dewsbury, Batley and Huddersfield, following the recent completion of works at Mirfield. For Lindsey, the scale and intensity of the programme are part of its appeal.
“The variety, challenge and pace are what excite me the most,” she said. “The milestones this programme is hitting month by month would take years on other programmes.”
She added:
“This work will leave a lasting legacy for the North. Seeing new infrastructure delivered, and teams coming together across the industry, is hugely rewarding.”
Collaboration, she says, is central to delivering that legacy.
“Working closely with Network Rail, Northern and other partners is already helping us achieve better outcomes for customers,” she said. “If we listen to each other’s perspectives, we get better results.”
Lindsey believes that recognising progress — even in smaller increments — is vital for maintaining momentum.
“Those smaller steps along the way really build momentum and show progress,” she said.
For her, success is defined by long-term benefits for passengers rather than short-term outputs.
“Delivery pressure is real,” she said. “Getting requirements right early helps avoid delays and rework and ensures we’re thinking about more than just assets — it’s about how the whole system works.”
Reflecting on her experience across the industry, Lindsey highlights the importance of teamwork, humility and cross‑disciplinary expertise.
“You can’t be an expert in everything,” she said. “But by supporting our teams and working together, we can deliver a programme that sets a new standard for the industry and leaves a legacy customers will feel for years to come.”
Image credit: Transpennine Express
