Commuters and business travellers are facing disruption as a key early morning train service from Manchester to London is set to run completely empty for the next six months, a decision branded ‘totally ridiculous’ by frustrated passengers.
The ‘Ghost Train’ Service Details
The affected service is the 7am Avanti West Coast departure from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston, a favourite for business travellers due to its arrival in the capital in just one hour and 59 minutes. From December, this train, which can cost up to £195 for a standard class ticket, will carry only staff, with as many as 100 services running without a single passenger over the coming half-year.
The decision was mandated by the rail regulator, the Office of Road and Rail (ORR). Rail expert Tony Miles highlighted the absurdity for customers, noting they would be able to ‘see it, touch it, watch it’ leave the station but not actually get onboard.
Regulator's Reasoning and Passenger Backlash
The ORR defended its controversial move, stating that operating the service with crew only would make it more flexible and assist with ‘service recovery’ during disruptions. The regulator said it acted on ‘robust evidence’ of the need for ‘firebreak’ paths to improve overall network performance.
However, passengers have reacted with anger and disbelief. Many have taken to social media to question the logic and potential cost-saving of running a train that still requires a crew and uses the same amount of electricity. One user succinctly captured the public mood, writing: ‘Totally ridiculous. If no fares are taken will it not need a crew and use the same amount of electricity for this negative journey?’ Another described the plan as ‘absolutely bonkers’.
An Avanti spokesperson expressed disappointment at the decision to scrap the passenger service, acknowledging that ‘this will clearly impact those customers who already use these services’.
Broader Rail Network Changes
The ORR's changes also mean a Sunday service to Holyhead will now terminate at Crewe. Meanwhile, the regulator disclosed it had rejected applications from some ‘open access’ operators, including a bid from Richard Branson’s Virgin group to run services from Euston to Birmingham, Liverpool, and Glasgow, citing a shortage of capacity and risk of a ‘serious negative impact’ on performance.
In a contrasting development, the ORR confirmed that the total number of services operated by Avanti to the North West will increase under the new schedule. Furthermore, from next year, the low-cost operator Lumo is set to start services to Stirling in Scotland from Euston.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of expected major change for the line, with west coast services operated by Avanti expected to be brought under public ownership by spring 2027.
