Avanti West Coast services will be nationalised from March next year, the Transport Secretary has announced. Heidi Alexander said “enough is enough” as she vowed to end poor service for rail passengers using the train service. The Government on Sunday announced it will take control of Avanti West Coast’s services from March 7, as part of a wider drive to put essential services back in public control.
Years of disruption on busy route
Avanti West Coast passengers have been experiencing frequent disruption on one of the country's busiest routes for years. Performance remains behind the industry average with passengers frequently frustrated by delays and cancellations. Infrastructure issues along the West Coast Main Line resulting from long-term underinvestment are the biggest cause of disruption for passengers, ministers said.
Minister's commitment to public ownership
Ms Alexander said: "For years, we've heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price. Enough is enough."
"That is why we will bring Avanti into public ownership at the earliest opportunity, in March next year. This Labour government is committed to putting essential services back in public hands, connecting people to opportunity and delivering growth in every postcode – and this move reflects that commitment."
She added: "We will also introduce a comprehensive improvement plan, focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders." The government is on track to complete all public ownership transfers by the end of 2027 ahead of setting up Great British Railways.
