Avanti West Coast#Current fleet
{{short description|British train operating company}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox rail company
|name = Avanti West Coast
|franchise = West Coast Partnership
|start_year = {{Start date|2019|12|8|df=y}}
|end_year = {{End date|2026|10|18|df=y}}{{cite web |date=21 March 2024 |title=West Coast partnership 2023: national rail contract |page=76 {{!}} Specified Additional Rolling Stock |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65f1c6c6ff1170489661595b/west-coast-partnership-2023-national-rail-contract.pdf |access-date=21 March 2024 |publisher=gov.uk |work=Department for Transport |archive-date=21 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321152008/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65f1c6c6ff1170489661595b/west-coast-partnership-2023-national-rail-contract.pdf |url-status=live}}
|logo = File:Avanti West Coast Logo.svg
|image = 390rugeley.jpg
|caption = {{brc|390|Pendolino}} on the West Coast Main Line in 2022
|abbr = VT
|predecessor = Virgin Trains
|regions = {{bulleted list|Greater London|North West England|Scotland|South East England|West Midlands}}
|secregions = {{bulleted list|East Midlands|East of England|Wales}}
|fleet = {{bulleted list|{{brc|390|Pendolino}}|{{brc|805|Evero}}|{{brc|807|Evero}}}}
|stations = 46
|stationsop = 16
|routekm =
|parent_company = {{ubl|FirstGroup (70%)|Trenitalia (30%)}}
|website = {{Official URL}}
|map = 260px
}}
First Trenitalia West Coast Rail, trading as Avanti West Coast, is a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that operates the West Coast Partnership.
In November 2016, the Department for Transport announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be replaced by the West Coast Partnership (WCP). In August 2019, the DfT awarded the WCP franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium. On 8 December 2019, Avanti West Coast took over operations from the prior operating company Virgin Trains, which had run the franchise since 1997. Originally, the franchise was to run until March 2030, and had also been set to operate the initial High Speed 2 (HS2) services from 2026, before project delays moved its expected completion. A combination of poor performance and the abolition of the franchise system led to the end date being revised to October 2026, earlier than the completion of HS2.
Avanti West Coast provides the principal long-distance passenger services on the West Coast Main Line between London, the West Midlands, North West England, North Wales and Scotland. Its services connect six of the largest cities in the UK – London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh – which have a combined metropolitan population of over 18{{nbsp}}million.
Avanti inherited 56 {{brc|390|Pendolino}} high speed electric multiple units and 20 {{brc|221|Super Voyager}} diesel-electric multiple units from Virgin Trains. The 390s underwent major refurbishment between 2021 and 2024, and in 2024 the 221s were replaced with new {{brc|805}} bi-mode multiple units and {{brc|807}} electric multiple units.
History
=Background=
In November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise, which was held by Virgin Trains from 1997 to 2019, would be superseded by the West Coast Partnership (WCP). The principal change of the WCP was the inclusion of the High Speed 2 (HS2) services, then envisioned to start around 2026.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37869643 |title=New West Coast rail franchise to run HS2 services |work=BBC News |access-date=8 November 2016 |archive-date=7 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107060803/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37869643 |url-status=live}} Accordingly, the DfT required that bidders have experience in operating high-speed trains and the associated infrastructure, which led to all tendering parties either being, or partnering with, an existing high-speed operator.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/wanted-superfast-mover-to-partner-virgin-and-stagecoach-for-hs2-ds809b7f6 |title=Wanted: Superfast mover to partner Virgin and Stagecoach for HS2 |last=Lea |first=Robert |newspaper=The Times |location=London |access-date=4 March 2017 |archive-date=5 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305035837/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/business/wanted-superfast-mover-to-partner-virgin-and-stagecoach-for-hs2-ds809b7f6 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/renfe-poised-to-join-virgins-hs2-franchise-bid.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413175509/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/renfe-poised-to-join-virgins-hs2-franchise-bid.html |title=RENFE poised to join Virgin's HS2 franchise bid |work=Railway Gazette International |publisher=DVV Media Group |date=11 April 2017 |archive-date=13 April 2017 |url-status=dead}}
During June 2017, the DfT announced that three consortia had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise:{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/west-coast-partnership-and-south-eastern-rail-franchise-bidders |title=West Coast Partnership and South Eastern rail franchise bidders |publisher=Department for Transport |date=22 June 2017 |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-date= 21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921135337/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/west-coast-partnership-and-south-eastern-rail-franchise-bidders |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/three-shortlisted-for-west-coast-partnership-franchise.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622134652/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/three-shortlisted-for-west-coast-partnership-franchise.html |title=Three shortlisted for West Coast Partnership franchise |work=Railway Gazette International |date=22 June 2017 |archive-date=22 June 2017}}
- FirstGroup (70%) / Trenitalia (30%)
- MTR Corporation (75%) / Guangshen Railway Company (25%)
- Stagecoach (50%) / SNCF (30%) / Virgin Group (20%)
In December 2018, the Spanish state-owned company Renfe Operadora joined the MTR-led bid.{{cite news |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/renfe-joins-mtrs-west-coast-partnership-bid-team.html |title=RENFE joins MTR's West Coast Partnership bid team |work=Railway Gazette International |date=20 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811221142/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/renfe-joins-mtrs-west-coast-partnership-bid-team.html |archive-date=11 August 2019 |url-status=dead}} During April 2019, it was announced that the incumbent Stagecoach-led bid had been disqualified after it had proposed significant changes to the commercial terms, specially in regards to staff pensions.{{cite web |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/stagecoach-disqualified-from-three-franchises-in-pension-dispute.html |title=Stagecoach disqualified from three franchises in pension dispute |work=Railway Gazette |date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811221453/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/stagecoach-disqualified-from-three-franchises-in-pension-dispute.html |archive-date=11 August 2019 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2019/04/stagecoach-disqualified-from-uk-rail-franchise-bids/ |title=Stagecoach 'disqualified' from UK rail franchise bids |work=Daily Business |location=Edinburgh |first=Terry |last=Murden |date=10 April 2019 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517214756/https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2019/04/stagecoach-disqualified-from-uk-rail-franchise-bids/ |url-status=live}} Stagecoach disputed its disqualification and launched a legal challenge to have it overturned. On 17 June 2020 the High Court ruled against the company and that the decision had been lawful.{{cite web |url=https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/procurement-and-contracts/402-procurement-news/44043-decision-to-disqualify-bidders-from-rail-franchise-procurements-was-lawful-high-court |title=Decision to disqualify bidders from rail franchise procurements was lawful: High Court |work=Local Government Lawyer |location=London |date=17 June 2020 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703214631/https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/procurement-and-contracts/402-procurement-news/44043-decision-to-disqualify-bidders-from-rail-franchise-procurements-was-lawful-high-court |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.cips.org/supply-management/news/2020/june/stagecoach-disappointed-by-high-court-ruling-on-rail-bid-ban/ |title=Stagecoach 'disappointed' by High Court ruling on rail bid ban |publisher=Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply |work=Supply Management |first=Charlie |last=Hart |date=18 June 2020 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703214632/https://www.cips.org/supply-management/news/2020/june/stagecoach-disappointed-by-high-court-ruling-on-rail-bid-ban/ |url-status=dead}}
In August 2019, the DfT awarded the franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium with Avanti West Coast to commence operations on 8 December 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/FGP/14187853.html |title=FirstGroup and Trenitalia welcome West Coast Partnership Award |publisher=London Stock Exchange |date=14 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814060832/https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/FGP/14187853.html |archive-date=14 August 2019 |url-status=dead}}{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/west-coast-marks-new-partnership-model-for-rail |title=West Coast marks new partnership model for rail |publisher=Department for Transport |date=14 August 2019 |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117235441/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/west-coast-marks-new-partnership-model-for-rail |url-status=live}} The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a merger inquiry into the award of the franchise following a referral from the European Commission.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/first-rail-holdings-trenitalia-uk-west-coast-partnership-rail-franchise |title=First Rail Holdings & Trenitalia UK / West Coast Partnership Rail Franchise |publisher=Competition and Markets Authority |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=27 October 2019 |archive-date=7 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107103356/https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/first-rail-holdings-trenitalia-uk-west-coast-partnership-rail-franchise |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/27/west-coast-train-services-to-be-rebranded-with-avanti-logo |title=West coast train services to be rebranded with Avanti logo |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=27 November 2019 |access-date=28 November 2019 |first=Gwyn |last=Topham |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117235427/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/27/west-coast-train-services-to-be-rebranded-with-avanti-logo |url-status=live}} In December 2019 it was announced that the CMA had approved the franchise's award; concerns that limited competition on some routes could lead to higher fares and less availability of cheaper tickets were offset by the agreement of price caps to be present in some regions.{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-accepts-price-caps-on-west-coast-rail-lines |title=CMA accepts price caps on West Coast Rail lines |publisher=Competition and Markets Authority |location=London |date=6 December 2019 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703215336/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-accepts-price-caps-on-west-coast-rail-lines |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/preston-to-scotland-fares-to-be-capped-after-cma-probe-into-avanti-franchise-38759215.html |title=Preston-to-Scotland fares to be capped after CMA probe into Avanti franchise |newspaper=Belfast Telegraph |first=Henry |last=Saker-Clark |date=6 December 2019 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703215351/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/preston-to-scotland-fares-to-be-capped-after-cma-probe-into-avanti-franchise-38759215.html |url-status=live}}
= Changes and controversies =
Services were curtailed during 2020 in response to the significant decline of passenger travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/11586/avanti-west-coast-introduce-social-distancing-measures/ |title=Avanti West Coast introduce social distancing measures |publisher=therailwayhub.co.uk |first=Sam |last=Hewitt |date=15 May 2020 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=23 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123004813/https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/11586/avanti-west-coast-introduce-social-distancing-measures/ |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-christmas-travel-disruption-as-omicron-hits-rail-and-airline-staffing-12504644 |title=COVID-19: Christmas travel disruption as Omicron hits rail and airline staffing |website=Sky News |first=Samuel |last=Osborne |date=27 December 2021 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703224104/https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-christmas-travel-disruption-as-omicron-hits-rail-and-airline-staffing-12504644 |url-status=live}} To help tackle the threat, new hygiene practices were introduced onboard Avanti services.{{cite web |url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/avanti-west-coast-fogging-trains-18409948 |title=Avanti West Coast 'fogging' trains with powerful sanitiser in Covid-19 fight |publisher=business-live.co.uk |first=Owen |last=Hughes |date=12 June 2020 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422182103/https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/avanti-west-coast-fogging-trains-18409948 |url-status=live}} Occasionally, services had to be cancelled at short notice due to a lack of staff.{{cite news |url=https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/news/19852284.covid-train-staff-shortage-results-reduced-merseyrail-avanti-west-coast-timetable/ |title=Covid: Train staff shortage results in reduced Merseyrail and Avanti West Coast timetable |work=Chester Standard |first=Mark |last=Dowling |date=January 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126001234/https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/news/19852284.covid-train-staff-shortage-results-reduced-merseyrail-avanti-west-coast-timetable/ |url-status=live}} During 2022, Avanti West Coast began ramping up service levels again, and issued public promises to restore full service to areas such as North Wales and Chester.{{cite news |url=https://www.manchesterworld.uk/news/avanti-doubles-manchester-to-london-service-on-west-coast-mainline-as-rail-travel-begins-to-bounce-back-3589231 |title=Avanti doubles Manchester to London service on West Coast mainline as rail travel begins to bounce back |work=Manchester World |first=Jenny |last=Simmons |date=28 February 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228111729/https://www.manchesterworld.uk/news/avanti-doubles-manchester-to-london-service-on-west-coast-mainline-as-rail-travel-begins-to-bounce-back-3589231 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-chester-full-return-24292009 |title=North Wales and Chester to get full return of rail services to London says Avanti West Coast |newspaper=Daily Post |location=Colwyn Bay |publisher=Reach plc |first=Owen |last=Hughes |date=22 June 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=29 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629002020/https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-chester-full-return-24292009 |url-status=live}}
As part of dealing with COVID-19, the DfT produced an Emergency Measures Agreement (EMA) and then in September 2020, an Emergency Recovery Measures Agreement (ERMA), which extended Avanti West Coast's contract until 1 April 2031.{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/956539/DfT-First-Trenitalia-West-Coast-Rail-Limited-Emergency-Recovery-Measures-Agreement-Sept-2020.pdf |title=Emergency Recovery Measures Agreement ("ERMA") |date=19 September 2020 |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=17 March 2023 |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317183815/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/956539/DfT-First-Trenitalia-West-Coast-Rail-Limited-Emergency-Recovery-Measures-Agreement-Sept-2020.pdf |url-status=live}}
The 2020 ERMA was overridden in October 2022 with a six-month short-term contract to give the company time to improve its performance. In March 2023, this contract was extended by a further six months to expire on 15 October 2023.{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avanti-west-coast-contract-extended-for-a-further-6-months-following-recent-service-improvements |title=Avanti West Coast contract extended for a further 6 months following recent service improvements |date=20 March 2023 |access-date=20 March 2023 |publisher=Department for Transport |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403072710/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avanti-west-coast-contract-extended-for-a-further-6-months-following-recent-service-improvements |url-status=live}}
Avanti West Coast is amongst those operators impacted by the 2022–2024 United Kingdom railway strikes, the first national rail strike in the UK for three decades.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61573206 |title=Rail strike: RMT union votes for national action |work=BBC News |date=24 May 2022 |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524200021/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61573206 |url-status=live}} Its workers are amongst those who have voted to take industrial action due a dispute over pay and working conditions.{{cite news |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/strike-dates-this-week-when-train-tube-strikes-start-why-how-travel-affected-1695412 |title=The dates of the train, Tube and bus strikes this week, and how services will be affected |date=20 June 2022 |newspaper=i |last=Finnis |first=Alex |location=London |publisher=Daily Mail and General Trust |access-date=24 June 2022 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624100918/https://inews.co.uk/news/strike-dates-this-week-when-train-tube-strikes-start-why-how-travel-affected-1695412 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2022/06/20/when-are-the-rail-strikes-dates-and-lines-affected-in-the-black-country-and-staffordshire/ |title=When are the rail strikes? Dates and lines affected in the Black Country and Staffordshire |first=David |last=Stubbings |work=Express & Star |location=Wolverhampton |access-date=24 June 2022 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624100420/https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2022/06/20/when-are-the-rail-strikes-dates-and-lines-affected-in-the-black-country-and-staffordshire/ |url-status=live}} In response, the company appealed for the general public to avoid the railways for non-essential travel on the affected dates, these being 21, 23, and 25 June, as only a minimal service could be run due to the number of staff choosing not to work.{{cite web |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/20233733.avanti-west-coast-urges-essential-travel-saturday/ |title=Avanti West Coast urges only essential travel this Saturday |newspaper=News & Star |location=Carlisle |first=Brandon |last=Mawson |date=23 June 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711085144/https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/20233733.avanti-west-coast-urges-essential-travel-saturday/ |url-status=live}} On 29 June 2022, Avanti West Coast's staff voted in favour of further strikes.{{cite web |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2022-06-29/avanti-west-coast-railway-staff-vote-for-further-strikes |title=Avanti West Coast railway staff vote for further strikes |publisher=ITV News |first=Joel |last=Hill |date=29 June 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703222423/https://www.itv.com/news/2022-06-29/avanti-west-coast-railway-staff-vote-for-further-strikes |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/avanti-west-coast-staff-could-24184550 |title=Avanti West Coast staff could strike causing chaos for Liverpool passengers |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |location=Liverpool |publisher=Reach plc |first=Jon |last=Robinson |date=9 June 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703222425/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/avanti-west-coast-staff-could-24184550 |url-status=live}}
Between 14 August and 18 September 2022, Avanti West Coast reduced its timetable, citing unofficial strike action from its employees.{{Cite web |last=Avanti West Coast |date=10 August 2022 |title=Train Timetables |url=https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/plan-your-journey/timetables |website=Avanti West Coast |access-date=26 August 2022 |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828165546/https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/plan-your-journey/timetables |url-status=live}} However, this allegation was disputed by Aslef.{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Nick |date=8 August 2022 |title=Avanti West Coast slashes timetable blaming 'unofficial strike action' by train drivers |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/rail-strikes-avanti-west-coast-timetable-unofficial-train-drivers-1784947 |access-date=26 August 2022 |newspaper=i |location=London |publisher=Daily Mail and General Trust |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011152039/https://inews.co.uk/news/rail-strikes-avanti-west-coast-timetable-unofficial-train-drivers-1784947 |url-status=live}}
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, expressed his frustration at the operator and explained his intention to ask the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to strip Avanti West Coast of their franchise.{{Cite news |last=Britton |first=Paul |date=26 August 2022 |title=Andy Burnham reveals 'dangerous stampedes' for trains from London to Manchester |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnham-reveals-dangerous-stampedes-24865936 |access-date=26 August 2022 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |location=Manchester |publisher=Reach plc |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422182053/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/andy-burnham-reveals-dangerous-stampedes-24865936 |url-status=live}} During September 2022, the CEO of Avanti West Coast resigned amid the timetable controversy.{{Cite news |date=2 September 2022 |title=Avanti West Coast boss fired after timetable failures |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/02/avanti-west-coast-expected-to-part-ways-with-boss-after-timetable-failures |access-date=20 September 2022 |newspaper=The Guardian |last=Topham |first=Gwyn |location=London}} In October 2022, the UK Government extended Avanti's contract for six months but stated "drastic improvements" were necessary.{{Cite news |title=Avanti West Coast must 'drastically improve' after securing six-month extension |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/oct/07/avanti-west-coast-must-drastically-improve-after-securing-six-month-extension-rail-train |access-date=27 October 2022 |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Mark |last=Sweney |date=7 October 2022}} According to figures released by the Office of Rail and Road on 12 November 2022, Avanti West Coast had the worst record of train cancellations in the year prior to this date. The average rate in Great Britain was 3.8%, while Avanti West Coast had a cancellation rate of 8%.{{Cite news |date=30 November 2022 |title=Train cancellations: 'Travelling to work can cost me more than I earn' |last=Austin |first=Katy |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-63795572 |access-date=30 November 2022 |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130002733/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-63795572 |url-status=live}}
On 19 September 2023, DfT announced the award of a National Rail Contract (NRC) to First Trenitalia, starting on 15 October 2023, with a core term of three years (to 18 October 2026) and a maximum term of nine years (to 17 October 2032).{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/west-coast-partnership-and-cross-country-rail-operator-direct-awards |title=West Coast Partnership and Cross Country rail operator direct awards |date=19 September 2023 |access-date=19 September 2023 |publisher=Department for Transport |location=London |archive-date=19 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919094340/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/west-coast-partnership-and-cross-country-rail-operator-direct-awards |url-status=live}} The House of Commons Library notes that Avanti West Coast will be one of the last two train operators to be nationalised after its contract expires.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Michael |date=8 January 2025 |title=When will my local train operator be nationalised? |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/when-will-my-local-train-operator-be-nationalised/ |via=House of Commons Library}}
Services
Avanti West Coast currently operates the same services as Virgin Trains did on the West Coast Main Line. However, over the course of the franchise, several timetable changes are expected to be made. It was anticipated that, from December 2022, an additional 263 train services would be run every week.{{cite web |url=http://maps.dft.gov.uk/west-coast/ |title=West Coast Partnership franchise improvements map |publisher=Department for Transport |location=London |date=14 August 2019 |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-date=14 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814071923/http://maps.dft.gov.uk/west-coast/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-cma-probe-west-coast-rail-idUKKBN1XP0ME |title=UK watchdog could let FirstGroup, TrenItalia run West Coast rail franchise |work=Reuters |location=London |first=Noor Zainab |last=Hussain |date=15 November 2019 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703220421/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-cma-probe-west-coast-rail-idUKKBN1XP0ME |url-status=live}}
In February 2021, Avanti West Coast launched smartcard ticketing as a more convenient and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional paper tickets.{{cite news |url=https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/59161/avanti-west-coast-launches-smartcard-to-boost-sustainability/ |title=Avanti West Coast launches smartcard to boost sustainability |work=The Railway Hub |publisher=Mortons Media Group |location=Horncastle |first=Sam |last=Hewitt |date=22 February 2021 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703224619/https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/59161/avanti-west-coast-launches-smartcard-to-boost-sustainability/ |url-status=live}}
= Routes =
As of May 2025, Avanti West Coast weekday regular intercity routes are as follows:{{cite web |url=https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/-/media/Avanti-Timetables/2025/May-2025-to-September-2025-Timetable-book.pdf |title=Scheduled timetable book for 18 May to 14 September 2025 |publisher=Avanti West Coast |date=18 May 2025 |location=London |access-date=18 May 2025}}
| class="wikitable"
! colspan="3" | Route A – London - North West and Scotland via Birmingham | ||
| Route | {{abbr|tpd|trains per day}} | Calling at |
|---|---|---|
| {{rws|London Euston}} to {{rws|Blackpool North}} via {{rws|Birmingham New Street}} | 2 | {{cslist|{{rws|Coventry}}, {{rws|Birmingham International}}, {{rws|Birmingham New Street}}, {{rws|Sandwell & Dudley}}, {{rws|Wolverhampton}}, {{rws|Stafford}}, {{rws|Crewe}}, {{rws|Warrington Bank Quay}}, {{rws|Wigan North Western}}, {{rws|Preston}}}}
|
| London Euston to Glasgow Central via Birmingham New Street | 4 | {{cslist|Coventry, Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Sandwell & Dudley, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston, {{rws|Lancaster}}, {{rws|Oxenholme Lake District}} (3tpd), {{rws|Penrith North Lakes}} (3tpd), {{rws|Carlisle}}, {{rws|Motherwell}} (2tpd)
|
| London Euston to Edinburgh Waverley via Birmingham New Street | 6 | {{cslist|Coventry, Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Sandwell & Dudley, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme Lake District (5tpd), Penrith North Lakes (3tpd), Carlisle, {{rws|Haymarket}}}}
|
| colspan="3" | Route B – London - West Midlands | ||
| Route | {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} | Calling at |
| London Euston to Birmingham New Street{{efn|Euston - Birmingham trains are supplemented by Euston - Birmingham - Blackpool/Scotland trains, providing three trains an hour}} | 2 | {{cslist|{{rws|Watford Junction}} (1tph), {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}} (1tph), {{rws|Rugby}} (1tph), Coventry, Birmingham International}} |
| colspan="3" | Route C – London - Chester and North Wales | ||
| Route | {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} | Calling at |
| London Euston to {{rws|Chester}} | 1 | {{cslist|Stafford, Crewe}}
|
| colspan="3" | Route D – London - Liverpool | ||
| Route | {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} | Calling at |
| London Euston to {{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}} | 1 | {{cslist|Milton Keynes Central, Crewe, {{rws|Runcorn}}}} |
| colspan="3" | Route E – London - Manchester | ||
| Route | {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} | Calling at |
| rowspan="2" | London Euston to {{stn|Manchester Piccadilly}} via {{rws|Stoke-on-Trent}} | 1 | {{cslist|Milton Keynes Central, Rugby, Stoke-on-Trent, {{rws|Macclesfield}}, {{rws|Stockport}}}} |
| 1 | {{cslist|{{rws|Nuneaton}}, Stoke-on-Trent, Stockport}} | |
| London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly via Crewe | 1 | {{cslist|Stafford, Crewe, {{rws|Wilmslow}}, Stockport}} |
| colspan="3" | Route F – London - North West and Scotland via Trent Valley | ||
| Route | {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} | Calling at |
| London Euston to Blackpool North | {{abbr|1tpd|1 train per day}} | {{cslist|Stafford (southbound only), Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston}}
|
| London Euston to Glasgow Central | 1 | {{cslist|Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme Lake District (1tp2h), Penrith North Lakes (1tp2h), Carlisle}}
|
Rolling stock
Avanti West Coast commenced operations having inherited the Super Voyager{{Cite web |date=13 December 2024 |title=Our Super Voyager Trains |url=https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/onboard/about-our-trains/railfans/super-voyager |access-date=24 April 2025 |website=Avanti West Coast}} and Pendolino{{Cite web |date=6 May 2024 |title=Our Pendolino Trains |url=https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/onboard/about-our-trains/railfans/pendolino |access-date=24 April 2025 |website=Avanti West Coast}} fleets from Virgin Trains. The 56 Pendolinos underwent major refurbishment, as announced at the start of the franchise contract, between 2021 and 2024.{{Cite web |last=Clinnick |first=Richard |date=22 July 2021 |title=Alstom begins Avanti West Coast Pendolino refurbishment |url=https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/alstom-begins-avanti-west-coast-pendolino-refurbishment/ |access-date=24 April 2025 |website=International Railway Journal}}
=Current fleet=
In 2024, all the {{brc|221|s|Super Voyager}} were replaced by 23 new trains from the Hitachi A-train family, with maintenance taking place at Alstom's Oxley TRSMD depot in Wolverhampton.{{Cite news |title=Hitachi Rail chosen to build new InterCity trains for Avanti West Coast |url=https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/94255/hitachi-rail-avanti-west-coast/ |access-date=13 July 2020 |website=Global Railway Review |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726120838/https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/94255/hitachi-rail-avanti-west-coast/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |title=Inter-city rail operator's £350m new trains fleet to be built in UK |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/business/inter-city-rail-operators-ps350m-new-trains-fleet-be-be-built-uk-1334192 |access-date=13 July 2020 |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |publisher=Johnston Press |location=Preston |first=David |last=Nowell |date=6 December 2019 |archive-date=13 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713174911/https://www.lep.co.uk/business/inter-city-rail-operators-ps350m-new-trains-fleet-be-be-built-uk-1334192 |url-status=live}} These trains are divided into thirteen {{brc|805}} bi-mode multiple units and ten {{brc|807}} electric multiple units.{{Cite news |title=Avanti confirms class numbers for Hitachi train order |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/avanti-confirms-class-numbers-for-hitachi-train-order |access-date=13 July 2020 |work=Rail |location=Peterborough |publisher=Bauer Media Group |first=Richard |last=Clinnick |date=9 June 2020 |archive-date=5 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705115852/https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/avanti-confirms-class-numbers-for-hitachi-train-order |url-status=live}} Although the units have the same top speed, they do not tilt like the {{brc|390|s|Pendolino}} nor the Class 221 Super Voyagers they replaced. The Class 805s are used on services to {{rws|Chester}}, {{rws|Wrexham General}} and North Wales, and the Class 807s are used on services to {{rws|Birmingham New Street}}, {{rws|Blackpool North}} and {{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}} (alongside the Pendolinos).{{cite web |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/first-trenitalia-awarded-west-coast-partnership.html |title=First Trenitalia awarded West Coast Partnership |publisher=Railway Gazette International |date=14 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814114402/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/first-trenitalia-awarded-west-coast-partnership.html |archive-date=14 August 2019 |url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine |title=Avanti West Coast launched |magazine=Railways Illustrated |publisher=Mortons Media Group|location=Horncastle |date=February 2020 |page=6}}
=Future fleet=
Prior to the announcement by the Starmer government that all train operating companies were to be nationalised by October 2027, Avanti West Coast had planned to operate at least 54 new high speed trains for High Speed 2 services. These are to be built by Hitachi Rail and Alstom in the UK and were expected to enter service between 2029 and 2033,{{Cite web |date=9 December 2021 |title=HS2: New £2bn 225mph trains to be designed and built in the UK by Hitachi and Alstom |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/12/hs2-new-225mph-trains-to-be-designed-and-built-in-the-uk-by-hitachi.html |access-date=9 December 2021 |website=RailAdvent |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209110511/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/12/hs2-new-225mph-trains-to-be-designed-and-built-in-the-uk-by-hitachi.html |url-status=live}}
although in 2025, the opening of HS2 was postponed with no new date given.{{cite news | last=Marsh | first=Nick | last2=Race | first2=Michael | title=HS2 line to be delayed again with no new date given | work=BBC | date=17 June 2025 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0wr7nw7wxo | access-date=27 June 2025}}{{cite news | title=UK says troubled HS2 rail link to be delayed beyond 2033 | work=Reuters | date=18 June 2025 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-say-opening-troubled-hs2-rail-link-delayed-bbc-reports-2025-06-18/ | access-date=27 June 2025}}
| class="wikitable"
|+ ! rowspan="2" |Family ! rowspan="2" |Class ! rowspan="2" |Image ! rowspan="2" |Type ! colspan="2" |Top speed ! rowspan="2" |Number ! rowspan="2" |Carriages ! rowspan="2" |Routes operated ! rowspan="2" |Entering service |
| mph
!km/h |
|---|
| Alstom/Hitachi
|TBA |rowspan="1" align="center" |TBA |rowspan="1" align="center" |225 |rowspan="1" align="center" |360 |rowspan="1" align="center" |8 |style="text-align: center;" |HS2 routes |TBA |
=Past fleet=
In June 2022, two Avanti West Coast Class 221 "Super Voyagers", units 221142 and 221143, went off lease,{{cite magazine |title=Avanti hands back two 'Super Voyagers' |magazine=Rail Express |issue=315 |date=August 2022 |page=26}} and later transferred to Grand Central.{{cite magazine |title=Class 221 Super Voyager |department=Units |magazine=Rail Express |issue=326 |date=July 2023 |page=21 |publisher=Mortons Media Group |place=Horncastle |issn=1362-234X}} In July 2024, a further 10 "Super Voyagers" went off lease, and units 221107, 221110-13 and 221117-18 were stored, with units 221114-16 transferring to CrossCountry.{{Cite news |last1=Bendall |first1=Simon |last2=Coward |first2=Andy |title=Avanti takes Voyagers off-lease. |work=Railways Illustrated |page=20 |publication-date=August 2024 |issue=258}} The remaining units worked limited services to Birmingham, Chester and North Wales before being withdrawn in December 2024.{{Cite web |title=Our Super Voyager Trains |url=https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/onboard/about-our-trains/railfans/super-voyager#maincontent |access-date=15 December 2024 |website=www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk}}
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! rowspan="2" | Class ! rowspan="2" |Image ! rowspan="2" | Type ! colspan="2" | Top speed ! rowspan="2" |Number ! rowspan="2" | Carriages ! rowspan="2" | Built |
| style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! mph ! km/h |
| {{brc|221|n|Super Voyager}}
|DEMU |125 |200 |5 |2001{{ndash}}2002 |
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef
| before = Virgin Trains
InterCity West Coast franchise
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = Operator of West Coast Partnership franchise
| years = 2019–2026
}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane}}
{{FirstGroup}}
{{UK TOCs}}
Category:Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane
Category:Railway companies established in 2019