Soon-to-be-axed 7am Manchester-London train will run – but without passengers
12 days ago
- #rail travel
- #timetable changes
- #business impact
- The 7am Avanti West Coast train from Manchester to London will no longer carry passengers but will continue to run empty due to timetable changes.
- The empty train service is expected to continue for five months or more until the next timetable change in May.
- The train was one of the fastest, completing the journey in 1 hour 59 minutes, and was a major marketing asset.
- The decision to remove the passenger service was made by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to ensure overall railway reliability.
- Business leaders and rail insiders have criticized the decision, citing negative impacts on revenue and passenger convenience.
- The fastest Manchester-London trains will now take about 2 hours 15 minutes, with earlier departures required for a 9am arrival in London.
- The ORR stated the decision was based on evidence that adding services would harm performance, and empty trains offer more flexibility during disruptions.