Avanti West Coast to come under public ownership in March 2026
Avanti West Coast services are set to come under public ownership from March next year, reports BritPanorama.
The nationalisation will be supported by a plan aimed at enhancing infrastructure, reducing delays, and improving the overall passenger experience, according to government officials.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander remarked, “For years, we’ve heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price. Enough is enough.” She confirmed the intention to take Avanti into public ownership at the earliest opportunity.
Alexander added, “This Labour Government is committed to putting essential services back in public hands, connecting people to opportunity and delivering growth in every postcode, and this move reflects that commitment.” She emphasized the introduction of a comprehensive improvement plan focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders.
Avanti West Coast’s current contract is due to conclude on March 7. Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, expressed pride in the achievements over the past six years, including refurbishing their Pendolino fleet and introducing new Evero trains while increasing service frequency.
Mellors stated, “Together, these improvements have given customers greater choice, more capacity and better connectivity, while we’ve continued to innovate to shape the future of the West Coast and wider rail industry.” He affirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with the government to ensure a smooth transition into public ownership while maintaining focus on customer satisfaction.
The recent announcement reflects a significant shift in the UK’s transport policy, illustrating the government’s focus on public ownership as a means to address long-standing issues within the rail sector. With the emphasis on passenger experience, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping how Avanti operates under a new framework.
