Transpennine Express

I bought an advance return to Whitby through the app after comparing a couple of coach firms first. The price was the cheapest of the lot once I'd added up the coach fare and the bus from the station. Boarding was simple, the app showed the platform before the screens did, and the ticket scanned first time on the way back.

The seat reservation for a group of four to Newcastle took ages because the app kept timing out on the seat map. I travel up and down the East Coast a fair bit for work so I know the routes well, and the trains themselves were fine, quiet and on time. It just needs the booking flow tidied up, once it went through the confirmation came straight away.

The live departure board in the app was the bit I liked most, it showed the platform change before the station screens did. Only niggle is the seat reservation option is hidden a bit deep in the menu. Otherwise fine.

Bought a railcard discount through the app before a trip to Glasgow and the saving showed up straight away in the basket. Used the digital railcard on the train and the ticket inspector didn't bat an eyelid. Easy one, nothing else to report.

Went with them over the coach to Liverpool last month and I'd say it's not even close. Coach would have taken ages with the stops and the traffic on the M62, whereas the train got me there with time for a coffee before my meeting. The seats were a bit tight but fine for the hour and a bit.

Bought an advance single to York on the app while waiting for the kettle to boil. Took about two minutes, the QR code scanned fine at the gate and the seat was where it said it would be. Nothing to complain about, just a quick ride.

Quicker than driving to Newcastle on the A1, which is what I'd normally do. Booked it on the app in a hurry and the tickets came through straight away. Got in and sat down.

Needed to get to Manchester for the match and budget was tight. Booked on the app, found a fare that worked out well against the petrol and parking I'd have paid driving. Got the railcard saving straight off too, so the whole trip cost less than I'd expected.

Went with them instead of the coach to Liverpool and it was a lot quicker, about an hour less door to door. The booking was a bit fiddly because the site kept logging me out halfway through the payment, so I had to start again once. Once it was booked the trip was fine.

Needed to get to York for a mate's birthday so booked it last minute on my phone. Got a seat no bother. Bit annoying the app kept logging me out when I tried to pay but sorted itself in the end.

Needed a flexible ticket for a trip to Hull because my plans were uncertain. Looked at a couple of other operators first and this one had the most flexible fare for the price. Booked it, travelled, and it all worked out.

I've been using them for trips to visit my daughter in York and the grandchildren in Leeds for years now. Booking a railcard discount on the app is quick and the saving shows up in the basket before you pay. Staff on the platform have always been helpful when I've needed a hand with my bags, and the trains are generally on time.

Honestly the first thing I noticed this time was how the train left on the dot from Sheffield, which is what keeps me coming back. I've been commuting up to Leeds and Manchester for about eight years now and they rarely let me down. The only niggle is the wifi cutting out between Wakefield and Leeds, which means I end up doing my emails on the paper.

Verdict is it got me from Hull to Leeds, which is all I wanted. The fare was on the high side compared with what I'd paid on another route. The train itself was tight on legroom for someone my height and the toilet was out of order. Still got there on time.

I've been travelling with them for years now, mostly to visit my sister in York and to see the grandchildren in Leeds. The booking is straightforward, the trains are generally clean and the staff are patient when you need a bit of help getting on and off. A few of the newer trains have much better seating than the old ones used to, and the on board announcements are clear. I'd not go anywhere else for these routes.

Honestly the trip to Whitby was smooth, booked it the night before and the app had everything I needed. Train was on time and there was a seat. Nice way to spend a Saturday.

Needed to get from Newcastle to Scarborough for a funeral and couldn't justify the cost of a car. Found a fare on the site that was well under what I'd expected, booked it in a few minutes, and got there on time. Good value for what we paid.

Compared it with driving to Sheffield and parking, and the train with a railcard worked out cheaper once you count fuel and the car park. Booked two days ahead and got a decent fare. Good for a day trip with the kids.

Been using them for trips up to Leeds and Manchester for about eight years now and they've never let me down. Booking is quick on the site, the staff on board are usually friendly, and when a train was cancelled last spring they sorted me onto the next one without any fuss. I'll keep using them.

Booked seats for six of us going to a football match in Manchester on the app. Took a couple of minutes to sort the group. Seats were together and the ride was fine.