18 hrs ago
Avanti West Coast Nationalisation Brings Timetable, Station and Connectivity Changes
Avanti West Coast will be run by the government from March 7, 2027.
This will happen when the company’s current contract ends.
Passengers will see some timetable changes before then, starting in December 2026.
The changes will especially affect routes to and from Manchester.
The government is also spending money on railway power and signalling equipment.
London Euston will get more seating, better waiting areas and refurbished toilets.
Other stations will receive improvements to comfort and cleanliness.
The government also wants faster Wi-Fi and better 5G coverage on trains.
Officials say public ownership could help trains and railway infrastructure work together more effectively.
Avanti says it will cooperate with the government to make the changeover smooth.
Avanti West Coast will enter public ownership on March 7, 2027, when its current contract expires.
Timetable amendments, particularly on routes to and from Manchester, are due to begin in December 2026.
The government has committed £10 million for power and signalling maintenance by the end of 2027.
London Euston will receive £50 million over three years, including improvements to seating, waiting areas and toilets.
The government says public ownership will improve coordination, reliability, station facilities and onboard connectivity.
- Who
- The UK government, Avanti West Coast, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Avanti managing director Andy Mellors.
- What
- Avanti West Coast passenger services will move into public ownership, alongside timetable, station, infrastructure and connectivity changes.
- Where
- Services operate on the West Coast Main Line, including routes from London Euston to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and North Wales.
- When
- Public ownership begins on March 7, 2027; initial timetable changes are planned for December 2026.
- Why
- The government cites persistent delays, cancellations and infrastructure problems, and says public ownership can improve coordination and reliability.
Government case for nationalisation
Avanti West Coast response
Performance and reliability
Government case for nationalisation
The government says Avanti has underperformed for years, with persistent delays and cancellations leaving passengers paying the price.
Avanti West Coast response
Avanti managing director Andy Mellors said the company was proud of what it had achieved over six years, including refurbishing its Pendolino fleet and introducing new Evero trains.
Cause of disruption
Government case for nationalisation
The government says infrastructure problems cause around a third of delays on the West Coast Main Line and that public ownership can better coordinate trains and infrastructure.
Avanti West Coast response
Avanti said it would work with the government on a smooth transition while continuing to focus on passengers and communities.
Key facts
- Public ownership date
- March 7, 2027
- First timetable changes
- December 2026, particularly on routes to and from Manchester
- Power and signalling funding
- An additional £10 million by the end of 2027
- Existing infrastructure investment
- £840 million
- London Euston funding
- £50 million over three years, including an initial £11 million
- Other station improvements
- A further £10 million for stations on the West Coast Main Line
- Reported cancellation rate
- 7.1% between April and June, according to the article
Quotes
Heidi Alexander
UK Transport Secretary
“For years, we’ve heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price. Enough is enough,”
easterneye.biz
Andy Mellors
Avanti West Coast managing director
“proud of what we've achieved over the last six years”
easterneye.biz
Sources
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