In a controversial move that has sparked outrage among northern business leaders and politicians, one of Britain's busiest commuter trains will soon complete its journey between Manchester and London without a single passenger on board.
The ORR Decision and Its Rationale
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has mandated that Avanti West Coast's 7am service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston will operate as empty coaching stock from 15 December 2025. This means the train, typically packed with commuters travelling between two of the UK's most significant economic centres, will run with only crew members present.
Rail regulators defended the unusual decision by claiming it would improve overall network reliability and performance. The ORR stated that operating the train without passengers would allow for more flexible handling during service disruptions, potentially preventing wider delays across the network.
Political and Business Backlash
The ruling has drawn immediate condemnation from prominent figures across the North of England. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham delivered particularly strong criticism, accusing rail authorities of treating northern passengers as "second-class citizens".
Business leaders have joined the chorus of disapproval, noting that the affected morning service represents one of the most lucrative and strategically important connections between the North West and the capital. The timing - during peak commuting hours - has raised particular concerns about the impact on business travel and regional economic connectivity.
Operator Opposition and Passenger Impact
Interestingly, Avanti West Coast itself reportedly opposed the ORR's decision, highlighting the commercial significance of the service they operate. The train company now faces the operational challenge of running what was previously one of their most popular services as an empty train, while dealing with the public relations fallout.
The move comes amid ongoing debates about rail investment disparities between different regions of the UK. Critics argue that such decisions disproportionately affect northern communities and undermine government promises to level up regional transport infrastructure.
Commuters who regularly used the 7am Manchester to London service will need to find alternative travel arrangements from mid-December, though it remains unclear what provisions will be made to accommodate displaced passengers during the busy morning peak period.
