In a bizarre twist for Britain's railways, one of the fastest and most profitable train services between Manchester and London is being axed for passengers - yet the very same train will continue to run completely empty for months.
The Phantom Commuter Service
The 7am Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston, renowned for completing the journey in just one hour and 59 minutes, will disappear from public timetables in mid-December following a decision by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). However, the train itself will still depart Manchester at the same time each weekday, fully crewed but carrying no passengers.
This unusual situation arises because the train and staff are needed in London to operate subsequent services from Euston under the new December timetable. The empty service is expected to continue for five months or more until the next timetable change in May 2025, meaning it could run without passengers on over 100 occasions.
Business and Revenue Impact
The service has long been a favourite among business travellers, offering a convenient non-stop journey after Stockport that arrives in the capital just before 9am. Its removal represents a significant financial blow, with current peak-time single fares priced at £193 for standard class and £290 for first class.
Rail industry expert Tony Miles expressed frustration at the situation: "It will be on the platform - people will be able to see it, touch it, watch it leave. But they won't be able to get on. The taxpayer will be paying five days a week for empty trains."
Regulatory Reasoning and Industry Backlash
The ORR defended its decision, stating that adding the service within "firebreak paths" - planned gaps in the timetable to allow for disruption - would negatively impact overall railway performance. Running the train as empty coaching stock provides greater flexibility to delay or reroute it during service disruptions.
Both Network Rail and Avanti West Coast had supported continuing the service with passengers, arguing the train would be "using capacity regardless" on the network. A senior industry source criticised the move, stating: "People paid a lot of money to get on that train. If we ever need justification for a guiding mind in the railway, this is the example."
The decision forms part of wider timetable changes taking effect on 15 December 2024, primarily affecting the east coast mainline. The regulator cited new open access services run by First Group's Lumo to Stirling in Scotland as making the Manchester-London service unfeasible.
Northern business leaders have strongly criticised the move. Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, accused the ORR of "denying business people in Manchester access to London on a vital fast peak service" and undermining future finances of Great British Railways.
With the removal of this express service, the fastest trains linking Manchester and London will now take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with passengers needing to catch a 6.29am service to arrive in the capital by 9am.
