Under-pressure train operator Avanti will end at-seat catering in May, in another blow to frustrated passengers.
Avanti, which operates the West Coast Mainline between London and Liverpool, has apologised in recent months for its services, with slashed timetables and regular cancellations.
Now the operator has confirmed it will end its at-seat catering service from May, meaning standard class passengers will not have the option of purchasing sandwiches, snacks and drinks at their seats.
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Instead, they will have to use online "click and collect" from the onboard shop, which the RMT union says will penalise lone travellers and those with mobility issues.
The company will also reduce catering services for first class passengers by removing the full breakfast option at weekends.
Avanti was granted a temporary 6-month extension to its franchise following high levels of cancellations and multiple industrial disputes with its staff. The short-term extension will see Avanti continue to run services on West Coast mainline until April 1, 2023.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Avanti has once again shown it is unfit to run a rail franchise with this needless cost cutting exercise.
"Passengers should have the option of an at seat service on trains but rail companies like Avanti merely want to run a barebones service that takes all the pleasure out of rail travel. On board catering staff do an important job, and this is a blow for them.
"Avanti should be stripped of their franchise at the earliest opportunity and the railways as a whole need to be brought back into public ownership."
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “Our click and collect service will remain available for customers to purchase food and drink from the onboard shop in a convenient fashion. Anyone with additional needs can request extra assistance from a member of our onboard team or via our new Travel Companion service.”
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