Avanti confirms it is reducing number of trains into Blackpool and Lancashire but blames regulator ORR
Train operator Avanti West Coast has confirmed it is reducing its four daily weekday services to and from Blackpool to just two a day from next week.
Among the services which will no longer be available will be two crucial direct trains between London and the resort.
The move has been blasted by commuters but Avanti says the decision lies with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) an independent, non-ministerial government department aimed at protecting rail users and regulating Network Rail.
Avanti has expressed frustration with ORR for implementing the restrictions.
However, ORR says it took the action because it was advised by Network Rail that there were serious capacity issues on the south end of the West Coast Main Line, which Network Rail has declared as "congested infrastructure" since 2020 .
What Avanti says
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “We are disappointed with the Office of Rail and Road’s decision not to grant access rights from December for three weekday services that we currently operate, including the 09:39 London to Blackpool North service, and the 12:52 Blackpool North to London service.
“This will clearly impact those customers who already use these services.
“However, we will still be delivering even more services across our network from the start of the December timetable, including further additional trains on our Liverpool route.”
With the service effecively halved, it leaves the operator providing two trains a day - the 05:35 from Blackpool to euston and the 17:36 from Euston to Blackpool.
The changes were slammed by one Blackpool rail user, who said: “ I only found out about this when I looked for direct trains to London next week , the announcement is hidden away.
“ Places like Stirling, and Cleethorpes are getting brand new services to London next week yet Blackpool is paying the price and losing half of its service.
“ The tax payer spent over £100m electrifying the Blackpool line with the promise intercity trains would return. Now , unsurprisingly, the service is to be halved.”
Avanti says its London service to the North West has been boosted, however, by ORR’s decision to reinstate the company’s 07:00 Manchester to London weekday service.
The Avanti spokesperson added: “We are delighted that the Office of Rail and Road has given us permission to reinstate the 07:00 Manchester to Euston weekday service in our December timetable.”
What ORR says
An ORR spokesperson said: “We recognise that passengers will be disappointed that these services will not be in the timetable from December.
“In every timetable change train operators bid to add or amend services, and we are informed in our decision making by what Network Rail tells us is possible.
“ In this case, Network Rail provided evidence and recommended that ORR decline the applications to secure better reliability on the network as a whole.
"We would welcome the opportunity to work with Network Rail and train operators should they consider that there is room for these services in future timetables."
The department also issued a statement on the Manchester to London service, stating: “ We have taken account of all the evidence and feedback, and we have given Network Rail and Avanti the go ahead to arrange for the 7am service to continue running 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.”