Stories

Mon, 28 Sep 2026

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 Avanti West Coast services to be nationalised from March

The move is part of a plan to improve rail infrastructure, cut train delays and improve experiences for passengers.
Avanti West Coast, the company operating train services between London and major cities in the UK, will be nationalized by the government from March 2026. The decision follows years of criticism over delays, cancellations, and overcrowding on the network. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said "enough is enough" and stated that passengers have been suffering for too long. Prime Minister Andy Burnham echoed these sentiments, saying that the company's record has been one of failure. Avanti West Coast's managing director, Andy Mellors, defended the company's performance, stating that they had achieved a lot in recent years, including refurbishing trains and increasing services. However, he acknowledged that the company would work with the government to ensure a smooth transition into public ownership. The nationalization is part of a broader plan by the government to improve rail infrastructure and reduce delays across the network. Other train operators, such as Great Western Railway, are also set to be brought under public ownership in the coming months.