ORR reverses Avanti West Coast’s Manchester–London ‘ghost train’ plan

Plans to ban passengers from the busiest morning train service between Manchester and London have been abandoned after a government regulator U-turn.

The Office of Road and Rail (ORR) reversed its decision to run the 07:00 GMT Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston without passengers following public reaction.

On Sunday, ORR announced that only staff would be on board until mid-December – citing concerns that allowing passengers to board would “harm the overall performance” of the line.

But just 24 hours later, an ORR spokesperson said that after listening to feedback it would allow Network Rail and Avanti to continue serving passengers.

An ORR spokesperson further said, “Based on the information we have, we believe that moving this 7am service could have a negative impact on the reliability and punctuality of services on the West Coast Main Line, but we recognize its importance and popularity and will support its continued operation.”

Avanti said it is “pleased” that ORR has given permission to restore service.

A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said, “The original decision will have a detrimental impact on customers who use this train and this development is a welcome boost for those who want to take advantage of the less than two-hour service between two major UK cities.”

ORR has confirmed that the U-turn only relates to the 07:00 Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston service. It says the following services will not run:

12:52: Blackpool North – London Euston (Monday to Friday)

09:39: London Euston – Blackpool North (Monday to Friday)

19:32: Chester – London Euston (Monday to Friday)

17:53: Holyhead – London Euston ends at Crewe (Sunday)