Overview
- The Office of Rail and Road confirmed a U-turn allowing the 07:00 Avanti West Coast service to carry passengers in the December timetable.
- The express runs from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston, stops only at Stockport, and completes the journey in under two hours.
- The original plan to run the train empty relied on Network Rail evidence that the path acted as a timetable ‘firebreak’ to aid recovery from disruption.
- Public and political pressure, including criticism from Greater Manchester’s mayor and a cross‑party letter from local MPs, opposed the ‘ghost train’ proposal.
- The ORR says the service could hurt West Coast Main Line punctuality and expects Avanti and Network Rail to manage impacts, with both organizations welcoming the decision.