Rail Regulator Abandons ‘Ghost Train’ Plan for Popular Manchester-London Service After Public Outcry

The nation’s rail regulator has reversed its controversial plan to prohibit passengers from a key morning service connecting Manchester and London. The decision comes after significant public criticism regarding the proposed ban.

Initially, the regulator had announced that the 07:00 GMT Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston would operate without passengers, carrying only staff, beginning mid-December. This move was justified by concerns that allowing passengers aboard would “harm the overall performance” of the railway line, potentially causing wider delays on the network.

However, in a swift U-turn less than 24 hours later, a spokesperson for the regulator confirmed that feedback had been heard and acted upon. Millenium TV has learned that Network Rail and Avanti West Coast have now been granted permission to continue running the popular service with passengers.

“On the basis of the information we have, we believe the running of this 7am service could have a negative impact on reliability and punctuality of services on the West Coast Main Line, but we recognise its importance and popularity and will support its continued operation,” a spokesperson for the regulator stated.

Millenium TV can confirm this reversal specifically applies to the 07:00 GMT Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston service. Other previously announced service cancellations remain in effect, including the 12:52 GMT Blackpool North – London Euston (Monday to Friday), the 09:39 GMT London Euston – Blackpool North (Monday to Friday), the 19:32 GMT Chester – London Euston (Monday to Friday), and the 17:53 GMT Holyhead – London Euston service terminating at Crewe on Sundays.

The concept of a ‘ghost train’ involves running empty services with only staff onboard, primarily to create gaps in the timetable. These gaps are crucial for network resilience, allowing empty trains to quickly move into positions behind delayed or cancelled services, thereby preventing extensive knock-on delays across the busy West Coast Main Line. This strategic measure aims to maintain reliability and punctuality across one of the UK’s most heavily utilized rail corridors.