Southport MP Patrick Hurley has backed plans to nationalise Avanti West Coast train services.
The route will be nationalised from March next year, the government has announced.
Patrick Hurley, who travels regularly between Southport and Westminster, Tweeted: “Bloody good news”.
The move is part of a government plan to improve rail infrastructure, cut train delays and improve experiences for passengers.
Read More: Southport cruise specialist Gillian Williams wins top UK travel award for third time
Avanti West Coast’s managing director said he was “proud of what we’ve achieved over the last six years”. The company’s contract was due to come to an end on 7 March 2027.
In a post on social media, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Enough is enough.
“For years, people have been expected to put up with Avanti’s cancellations, delays, overcrowding, and a service that has failed them time and time again.
“So my government is bringing Avanti West Coast into public ownership at the earliest opportunity in March next year.
“That means passengers, not shareholders, will come first.
“More investment, fewer delays, and a renewed focus on getting the basics right.
“We’re putting essential services back in public hands and building a railway that actually works for the people who use it.”
Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the last six years – from refurbishing our Pendolino fleet and introducing our new Evero trains to running more services than ever before.”
He added: “Over the coming months, we’ll work closely with the government to ensure a seamless transition into public ownership while remaining focused on delivering for our customers and communities.”
In May, Avanti West Coast said one-in-seven rail services will be cut on its busiest routes following a government request to reduce spending.
The company – a joint venture between FirstGroup (70%) and Italian state operator Trenitalia (30%) – predicted the move would cause minimum disruption to passengers and not reduce revenues.
An Avanti spokesperon said: “The government announced we will transfer into public ownership on 7 March 2027. Although our ownership will change, your tickets will not be affected. Please continue to travel and book tickets as usual.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
