Government confirms Avanti West Coast will be nationalised within months

Andy Burnham said the nationalisation of Avanti would mean "passengers, not shareholders, will come first."

On Sunday, transport secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed Avanti would be nationalised on 7 March 2026, as part of the government’s manifesto pledge to bring rail services under public ownership.

Avanti West Coast runs on the West Coast Mainline and has been run by First Trenitalia West Coast Rail since October 2023. The company had been given a contract to run services until 2032 at the latest, but the government has exercised a termination right in the contract.

Alexander said “enough is enough” as she vowed to end years of delays and disruption on a route that has become infamous among commuters.

“For years, we’ve heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price,” she said.

“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 postcode – and this move reflects that commitment.”

“We will also introduce a comprehensive improvement plan, focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders.”

In a post on X, prime minister Andy Burnham said the nationalisation of Avanti would mean “passengers, not shareholders, will come first.”

He continued: “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.”

In its press release, Labour said nationalisation will mean fewer delays and cancellations thanks to a £10m investment in power and signalling maintenance, faster and more reliable services, upgraded facilities at Euston, and more stable internet connection on board trains.

With the Avanti West Coast announcement, the government remains on on track to complete all public ownership transfers by the end of 2027 ahead of setting up Great British Railways.

South Western Railway, c2c, Greater Anglia, West Midlands Trains, Thameslink and Chiltern Railways are all already under public control, with Great Western Railways to follow suit on 13 December this year.