Full Breakdown
Avanti West Coast's Manchester to London Service to Operate Empty
11/30/2025, 9:38:41 AM
Overview of the Decision
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has mandated that Avanti West Coast's 07:00 GMT train service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston will run without passengers for approximately five months, starting mid-December. This decision affects a key commuter route, as the service will now be utilized solely for transporting Avanti staff rather than paying customers.
Implications for Commuters
Avanti West Coast expressed disappointment regarding the ORR's ruling, emphasizing that the decision will negatively impact commuters who rely on this service. The train, which typically completes the journey to London in under two hours, will still depart from Manchester Piccadilly at 07:00 on weekdays but will not accommodate any passengers. This change means that over 100 scheduled journeys will occur without any fare-paying riders.
Background and Context
The ORR's decision was based on "robust evidence" from Network Rail, which indicated that adding more services within certain operational "firebreak" paths on the West Coast Main Line could disrupt overall service performance. The ORR noted that operating the service as empty coaching stock (ECS) allows for greater flexibility in managing delays or rerouting, which is crucial for maintaining performance during disruptions.
Key Changes to Service
In addition to the Manchester to London service, the ORR's ruling also affects other routes. The following services will be removed from the timetable:
- 12:52 GMT: Blackpool North to London Euston (Monday to Friday)
- 09:39 GMT: London Euston to Blackpool North (Monday to Friday)
- 19:32 GMT: Chester to London Euston (Monday to Friday)
- 17:53 GMT: Holyhead to London Euston, which will now terminate at Crewe on Sundays.
Despite these reductions, Avanti West Coast plans to introduce additional services on other routes, including enhancements to their Liverpool service.
Official Statements & Responses
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson stated, "This will clearly impact those customers who already use these services," while also noting that they would continue to provide more services across their network starting with the new timetable. The ORR clarified that the decision was made to ensure the reliability of train services on the West Coast Main Line, stating, "We identified that this service would run in one of those paths."
What's Next
The new timetable is set to launch on December 15, 2023, and will include the introduction of new open access train services operated by First Lumo to Stirling, Scotland. The ORR had previously granted Avanti the right to operate the Manchester to London service until May 2025, contingent upon the absence of competing services, which are now expected to commence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the ORR's decision is based on operational evidence, the specific details regarding the anticipated impact on service performance and commuter satisfaction remain unclear. Further insights from Network Rail regarding the rationale behind the decision have not been disclosed.
