A controversial plan to run a peak-time train from Manchester to London without any passengers for five months has been dramatically reversed following a significant public and political outcry.
Regulator's Bizarre Ruling Sparks Fury
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) had initially given approval for the 7am Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston to operate as a so-called 'ghost train'. While staff would be on board, commuters were to be barred from the fast service, which completes the journey in under two hours.
The regulator justified the extraordinary decision by claiming that carrying passengers would 'harm the overall performance of the line'. It argued that an empty train could be more easily held back or rerouted if delays occurred, protecting vital 'firebreak' slots on the busy West Coast Main Line.
Widespread Backlash Forces Swift U-Turn
The proposal provoked immediate and widespread anger from passengers, northern leaders, and government ministers. Critics labelled the idea as 'absolutely mental', 'ridiculous', and a 'total waste of money and resources'.
One furious commuter suggested it would make the British Airways shuttle from Manchester to Heathrow more appealing, undermining efforts to promote sustainable travel. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said passengers were 'rightly baffled by this decision, which is wrong for our economy'.
Facing this pressure, the ORR announced a complete reversal. A spokesperson stated: 'We have taken account of all the evidence and feedback, and we have given Network Rail and Avanti the go-ahead to arrange for the 7am service to continue running with passengers.'
Service Secured But Performance Concerns Remain
While reinstating the passenger service, the regulator acknowledged ongoing concerns about reliability. The ORR spokesperson added that while they believe the train 'could have a negative impact on reliability and punctuality', they understand its importance and will support its continued operation.
The ORR has instructed train operators and Network Rail to find ways to mitigate any performance impacts. As part of the wider ruling, Avanti still loses access rights for four other weekday services, including the Manchester-London express, and a Sunday Holyhead-London service which must now end at Crewe.
Avanti West Coast said it was 'delighted' with the U-turn, calling it a welcome boost for customers relying on the sub-two-hour link between two major UK cities. The service has operated since 2008, originally under Virgin Trains before Avanti took over the franchise in 2019.
