In a decision that has sparked fury among travellers, a key morning commuter train from Manchester to London is set to run completely empty for nearly five months. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the UK's rail regulator, has blocked Avanti West Coast from selling tickets for its 7am express service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston.
The Regulatory Ruling and Its Impact
Starting on December 15 when the new timetable begins, the fast train—which typically reaches the capital in under two hours—will continue to depart each weekday but will carry only staff. This extraordinary situation is expected to last for up to five months, meaning the service will operate on more than 100 journeys without a single paying customer on board.
Avanti West Coast expressed its disappointment with the ORR's decision, warning that it will "clearly impact those customers who already use these services." The train operator argued that the ruling removes a vital commuter link.
Network Rail's 'Firebreak' Defence
The ORR, however, has defended its position, stating the ruling was based on "robust evidence" provided by Network Rail. The infrastructure manager argued that including the Avanti service in the crowded morning schedule would consume crucial 'firebreak' slots on the busy West Coast Main Line.
These designated gaps in the timetable are essential for managing disruptions and preventing widespread knock-on delays across the network. A spokesperson for the regulator explained that empty stock can be held back or rerouted far more easily than a timetabled passenger service, offering Network Rail greater operational flexibility.
Passenger Backlash and Wider Consequences
The move has been met with anger and disbelief from the travelling public. On social media, one commuter called the situation "absolutely mental," while another labelled it an "absurd decision." A third critic pointed out the environmental irony, noting it makes the British Airways Manchester-Heathrow flight "all the more appealing, at a time when government want people to travel more sustainably."
Under the wider ruling, Avanti loses track access rights for four weekday services in total, including the Manchester-London express. A Sunday service from Holyhead to London must now terminate at Crewe. The ORR noted that Avanti's rights to run the Manchester-London express were only temporary, granted until May 2025 pending the launch of First Lumo’s new Stirling services, which are now due to begin in December 2025.
Despite this setback, an Avanti spokesperson highlighted that from the start of the December timetable, the company will "still be delivering even more services across our network," including extra trains on its Liverpool route.
