Avanti West Coast services are set to be brought into public ownership next year, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced. In a strongly worded statement issued this evening, he said: "Enough is enough. For years, people have been expected to put up with Avanti's cancellations, delays, overcrowding, and a service that has failed them time and time again."
"So my Labour government is bringing Avanti West Coast into public ownership at the earliest opportunity in March next year. That means passengers, not shareholders, will come first. More investment, fewer delays, and a renewed focus on getting the basics right. We're putting essential services back in public hands and building a railway that actually works for the people who use it."
Government pledges improvement plan
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also issued a statement as the government said nationalisation will be supported by a plan to improve infrastructure, reduce delays and improve passenger experience. 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. We will also introduce a comprehensive improvement plan, focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders."
Operator responds to transfer
Avanti West Coast's contract is due to come to an end on March 7. The operator, which runs a line between Liverpool Lime Street and London Euston, responded to the news with a statement on its social channels. It said: "Today, the government announced we will transfer into public ownership on 7 March 2027. Although our ownership will change, your tickets will not be affected. Please continue to travel and book tickets as usual."
Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said: "We're proud of what we've achieved over the last six years – from refurbishing our Pendolino fleet and introducing our new Evero trains to running more services than ever before."
"Together, these improvements have given customers greater choice, more capacity and better connectivity, while we've continued to innovate to shape the future of the West Coast and wider rail industry. Over the coming months, we'll work closely with the government to ensure a seamless transition into public ownership while remaining focused on delivering for our customers and communities."
