In a significant U-turn, the UK's rail regulator has reversed a controversial decision that would have seen a popular early morning train from Manchester to London run empty each weekday.
Regulator Backs Down After Public Outcry
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has granted permission for Avanti West Coast's 7am express from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston to continue carrying passengers. This follows widespread condemnation of its initial ruling, which would have removed the service from the public timetable from mid-December, forcing it to operate as a so-called 'ghost train'.
The regulator had argued that axing the passenger service was necessary to provide operational flexibility on the busy West Coast Main Line in case of disruption. This was despite Network Rail agreeing that Avanti could sell tickets, as the train needed to run to London anyway to form part of the morning return service.
A Prized and Vital Service
The 7am departure is uniquely valuable, being the only weekday service to connect the two major cities in under two hours, with a journey time of one hour and 59 minutes. Running non-stop from Stockport, it arrives in the capital just before 9am, making it a favourite for business travellers and commuters.
Its importance extends beyond commerce. Chloe Chapman, 31, from Crewe, a full-time carer for her disabled child, described the service as "an essential, accessible lifeline." She stated it made 9am hospital appointments in London feasible without the extreme strain of long car journeys.
The service, which began under Virgin Trains in 2008, is also a significant revenue generator, with funds now passed to the Department for Transport under Avanti's management contract.
Political Pressure Leads to Reversal
The ORR's climbdown came after intense pressure from ministers, northern leaders, and a public backlash. Rail Minister Peter Hendy and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander are understood to have urged the regulator to reconsider.
Alexander welcomed the reversal, saying passengers were "rightly baffled" by the original decision, which she called "wrong for our economy." She linked the issue to the upcoming Railways Bill, arguing it highlighted the need for a more unified management structure.
An ORR spokesperson said: "We have taken account of all the evidence and feedback... we understand the importance of this service and we’ll support its continued operation." The regulator added it still believed the service could impact reliability but expected operators to mitigate any effects.
Avanti West Coast expressed delight at the decision, calling it a "welcome boost" for customers relying on the fast connection between two of the UK's major economic hubs.
