Fastest Morning Service Scrapped Despite Passenger Demand
Rail passengers between Manchester and London are facing a bizarre situation this December, as one of the fastest and most profitable services will be removed from the timetable – yet continue to run daily with crew but no passengers. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has confirmed the 7am Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston will be axed in the mid-December timetable shake-up.
This decision means the express train, which completes the journey in just one hour and 59 minutes, will no longer be available to the public. However, the identical service will still operate each weekday morning, running empty to transport staff who are rostered for subsequent services departing from London Euston.
The Empty Train Paradox: Taxpayer-Funded Ghost Service
This unusual arrangement is expected to continue for at least five months until the next timetable change in May 2024, potentially resulting in the train running without passengers on over 100 occasions. The situation has drawn criticism from industry experts who highlight the wasteful nature of operating empty trains at taxpayer expense.
Tony Miles, an industry expert and rail writer, expressed his frustration: "It will be on the platform – people will be able to see it, touch it, watch it leave. But they won't be able to get on. The taxpayer will be paying five days a week for empty trains."
The service has been particularly popular with business travellers from northern England, offering a convenient non-stop journey after Stockport that arrives in the capital before 9am. The financial impact is significant, with current peak-time single fares priced at £193 for standard class and £290 for first class.
Regulator's Decision Sparks Industry Backlash
The ORR defended its decision, stating that adding the service within "firebreak paths" – planned gaps in the timetable to allow for disruption – would negatively impact overall railway performance. They noted that running the service as empty coaching stock provides operational flexibility, as it can be delayed or rerouted more easily than a scheduled passenger service.
However, both Network Rail and Avanti West Coast had supported continuing the service with passengers, arguing the train would be "using capacity regardless" on the network. A senior industry source criticised the decision, stating: "People paid a lot of money to get on that train. If we ever need justification for a guiding mind in the railway, this is the example."
The removal coincides with new open access train services operated by First Group's Lumo to Stirling in Scotland. Under this arrangement, fare revenue goes directly to the private operator rather than the Department for Transport, as occurs with Avanti's contracted services.
Northern business leaders have strongly criticised the ORR's prioritisation of open access services. Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, stated the regulator was "denying business people in Manchester access to London on a vital fast peak service" while undermining Great British Railways' future finances.
From mid-December, the fastest trains linking Manchester and London will take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with passengers needing to catch a 6.29am service to arrive in London by 9am. Despite this specific cut, Avanti will operate more services to the north-west overall under the new timetable, according to the ORR.
