TransPennine Express (TPE) has appointed a new head of programmes for its part in the Transpennine Route Upgrade – shaping the future of rail travel across the North.
Lindsey Tien-Rhimes is overseeing the delivery of key upgrades as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), a major programme transforming rail travel across the Pennines, bringing better journeys for customers travelling between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
With more than 11 years’ experience in rail infrastructure, Lindsey has worked at Network Rail in senior roles including head of planning and special projects manager, building a career delivering complex programmes across the industry while working closely with train operators.
Joining TPE marked a significant step in her career, providing the opportunity to work directly for an operator while contributing to one of the most important rail transformation programmes in the country.
“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 delivering change, with electrification, new track and upgraded signalling, with the next 12 months being a big year for the programme, as major station improvements are delivered for Dewsbury, Batley and Huddersfield, with Mirfield station recently being completed.
“The variety, challenge and pace are what excite me the most,” Lindsey 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 sits at the heart of Lindsey’s approach.
“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.”
She also highlighted the importance of the progress already being made.
“Those smaller steps along the way really build momentum and show progress,” she said.
For Lindsey, success is about delivering for customers — not just today, but for decades to come.
“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 career, Lindsey emphasised the value of teamwork and knowing when to draw on others’ 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
