For those who use the West Coast Main Line and the Intercity operator Avanti West Coast, the train company is preparing to put an emergency timetable in place.
Avanti West Coast Pendolino arriving at Birmingham International – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
The change goes into effect from the 14th of August and will operate until future notice.
Avanti West coast blames the move on:
“the current industrial relations climate which has resulted in severe staff shortages in some grades through increased sickness levels, as well as unofficial strike action by ASLEF members.”
The reduced timetable is being introduced to ensure a reliable service is delivered so our customers can travel with greater certainty.
General Operations
In summary, Avanti West Coast plan to operate the following
- London Euston to Glasgow – 1 train per hour
- London Euston to Liverpool – 1 train per hour
- London Euston to Manchester- 1 train per hour
- London Euston to Birmingham – 1 train per hour
- London Euston to Edinburgh via the West Midlands – 1 train every two hours
- London Euston to Chester – 1 train per day
- A shuttle service will operate between Crewe and Holyhead
This amended timetable will be in place until further notice until Avanti reviews availability.
Reservation and ticket sales are closed for now
The impact on the bottom line continues. Whilst the new timetable is finalised, Avanti West Coast temporarily suspended ticket sales and closed reservations from 14 August to 11 September – this is to minimise the number of people disrupted.
Ticket sales will resume shortly, with tickets released on a rolling weekly basis.
Travel options
If you’ve already booked to travel with us from 14th of August onwards and your train is cancelled, your ticket will be accepted on the Avanti West Coast service before or after your original booked train.
Alternatively, you can claim a full, fee-free refund from your point of purchase if you no longer wish to travel due to the amended timetable.
You may be able to map out alternative routes on the West Coast Mainline using London North Western Railway, West Midlands Railway, Northern, Transport for Wales (Rail), Transpennine Expres and Scotrail. Alternative routes to Edinburgh and Birmingham also exit (with Lumo and LNER on the East Coast Main Line to Edinburgh, Chiltern Main Line to Birmingham with Chiltern Railways)
Avant West Coast has published its full release here.
Another hot Avanti mess
The timetable that has been introduced is akin to what was implemented during the pandemic wave earlier this year – but with a lot more passengers travelling.
ASLEF has gone on the offensive too – with their commentary opening with AVANTI WEST COAST: THE COMPANY IS LYING | ASLEF.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF states
‘There is – and has been – no unofficial action on Avanti West Coast this week. The truth is that the company does not employ enough drivers to deliver the services it has promised passengers it will run. In fact, the company itself has admitted that 400 trains a week are dependent on drivers working their rest days (that is, working overtime on their days off).
One big loser
No matter which side you choose, there’s one big loser – the passenger, who is caught in the middle of a fight between a train company and unions.
For them, it’s going to require more planning to travel and even considering a modal shift for people to get from A to B.
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