Victory for passengers as regulator backs down after pressure from Rochdale MP and Greater Manchester colleagues
Avanti trains have abandoned “absurd” plans to run a ghost train from Manchester to London after pressure from Rochdale MP Paul Waugh and other local MPs
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) confirmed today that it has reversed its decision to strip passengers from the 07:00 Manchester Piccadilly–London Euston service, following pressure from Paul Waugh and other Greater Manchester MPs. The regulator had initially ruled that the train must run empty for months, despite high demand from commuters and businesses.
Paul was a signatory to the joint cross-party letter sent to ORR Chief Executive John Larkinson, warning that the move was “deeply perverse” and a waste of public money. The letter highlighted the economic damage the decision would cause and urged the regulator to reinstate the service for fare-paying passengers.
As MPs expressed their concerns about the plan, Rail Minister Lord Hendy also made clear to the regulator that their proposal was badly thought out.
Less than 24 hours later, the regulator announced its climbdown.
Paul Waugh MP said:
“This is a win for common sense and a win for passengers. The idea that a peak-time train to London should run empty was absurd, and I’m pleased that after strong pressure from me and other Greater Manchester MPs, the regulator has changed course.
“People in Rochdale and across the North rely on these links for jobs, business and family life. Today’s U-turn shows what we can achieve when we stand up together for our region.”
He added:
“This should also be a wake-up call for those making decisions about the future of rail services. The North won’t sit back while essential connectivity is chipped away.”
While the 07:00 service has been restored for passenger use, four other West Coast Main Line services are still set to run without passengers later this month. Paul said he would continue pushing for a rail system that strengthens—rather than weakens—connectivity for towns like Rochdale.