Euston station will receive £50 million of upgrades over the next three years and Avanti West Coast services will be taken under public ownership from March, the Transport Secretary has said. Heidi Alexander confirmed the last-minute platform announcements that create a “scrum” of passengers rushing for trains at the station will also be phased out within the next year.
Upgrade plans and public ownership
Some £11 million will initially go towards creating more seating, alongside improved waiting areas and refurbished toilets. Avanti West Coast services will be under public ownership from March 7 next year, when the operator’s contract is due to come to an end.
Nationalisation will be supported by a plan to improve services, reduce delays and improve passenger experience, the Government said. An extra £10 million will be invested in other stations along the West Coast Main Line on top of the £840 million pledged to improve infrastructure.
Official announcement and reaction
Ms Alexander will officially announce the move at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool on Monday. She 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.
“We will also introduce a comprehensive improvement plan, focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders.”
By-election context
The news comes ahead of the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, the constituency where Euston station sits. Green Party leader Zack Polanski is pushing to take the seat held by Labour since 1983.
Sagal Abdi-Wali, Labour’s candidate for the by-election, said: “Thousands of people across Camden rely on rail from Euston for business, leisure, or to get out and see family or friends. But for too long, passengers have struggled with unreliable services and a scrum at Euston when waiting for their train. I’m delighted that the Labour government has called time on this and put services back where they belong – in public hands.”
Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said the firm would “work closely with the government to ensure a seamless transition into public ownership while remaining focused on delivering for our customers and communities”. The by-election is being held on October 8.
