The Avanti West Coast rail service through Wigan is being nationalised from March
In a huge change, railway services through Wigan will be nationalised next year. But what will it mean?
Avanti West Coast services will be under public ownership from March next year, transport secretary Heidi Alexander has announced.
Nationalisation will be supported by a plan to improve infrastructure, reduce delays and improve passenger experience, the Government said.
Wigan North Western is on the West Coast mainline and it provides a stop on the artery between London and Glasgow.
Ms Alexander said: “For years, we’ve heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price. Enough is enough. That is why we will bring Avanti into public ownership at the earliest opportunity, in March next year.
“This Labour Government is committed to putting essential services back in public hands, connecting people to opportunity and delivering growth in every post code and this move reflects that commitment.
“We will also introduce a comprehensive improvement plan, focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders.”
Prime minister and Makerfield MP 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 Labour 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.”
Avanti West Coast’s contract is due to come to an end on March 7.
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.
“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.
“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.”