Avanti West Coast Contract Extended Amid Rail Shake-Up
Avanti West Coast’s contract has been extended until 15 October 2023 after major improvements on the West Coast Main Line. But there’s still work to do to fix reliability and punctuality for passengers.
Big Boost in Services and Slash in Cancellations
- Avanti’s new contract runs for six more months, the Dept for Transport confirmed on 20 March 2023.
- Since October, the operator has ramped up weekday services from 180 to 264 trains — the highest level in over two years.
- Cancellations plunged from a shocking 25% in August 2022 down to just 4.2% by early March — the best in 12 months.
- 90% of trains now arrive within 15 minutes of schedule.
- Recruitment of over 100 new drivers has eased pressure on union-controlled overtime working.
Government Steps In To Fix The Chaos
After a disastrous autumn of delays and blocked services, Transport Secretary Mark Harper took the reins. He met with stakeholders in Manchester and helped roll out a recovery plan that’s now showing results.
“The routes Avanti West Coast run are absolutely vital,” said Harper. “I fully understand the frustrations passengers felt last autumn. Following our intervention, Rail Minister Huw Merriman and I have worked closely with local leaders to put a robust plan in place, which I’m glad to see is working.”
“However, there is still more work to be done to bring services up to the standards we expect, which is why over this next 6 months further improvements will need to be made by Avanti West Coast.”
Next Steps: Delivering Reliable Weekends and Better Info
The Department for Transport warns that while progress has been impressive, weekend services still need to improve. Passengers also demand clearer info during delays and cancellations.
Avanti’s troubles started when ASLEF union drivers stopped volunteering for overtime last July without warning, causing havoc on key routes between Manchester, Birmingham, and London.
The government remains committed to backing the rail industry, pushing reforms, and negotiating with unions to secure a dependable seven-day service and a brighter future for UK trains.
Meanwhile, the Transpennine Express contract, up for renewal on 28 May, will be decided separately with an announcement expected soon.
