- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced that Avanti West Coast rail services will be brought into public ownership in March next year when the current operating contract expires.
- The nationalisation process will be supported by a comprehensive infrastructure improvement plan aimed at reducing train delays, easing overcrowding, and prioritising passenger experience over shareholder returns.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham condemned Avanti's history of underperformance and cancellations, stating that the Labour government's move will ensure greater investment and a reliable railway service for passengers.
- Managing Director at Avanti West Coast Andy Mellors highlighted the operator's past achievements, including fleet refurbishments, and confirmed they will work with the government to ensure a seamless transition.
- The transition follows ongoing criticism of the service, including recent Department for Transport cost-cutting directives that led to Avanti axing one in seven weekday trains on key West Coast Main Line routes.
IN FULL
Avanti West Coast services to be nationalised as Burnham declares ‘enough is enough’
