Avanti west Coast Bid to Run Manchester-London Train as Empty Stock Blocked by Regulator
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has denied Avanti West Coast permission to operate a new Manchester to London service running as empty coaching stock (ECS), citing potential disruption to West Coast Main Line performance.The decision halts Avanti’s plan to utilize a “firebreak” path – a slot reserved for maintaining timetable stability – for the service.
The ORR’s ruling centers on the impact of passenger versus empty trains during disruptions. While a scheduled passenger service has limited flexibility, ECS can be delayed or rerouted more easily, aiding in overall network management and recovery. This decision impacts Avanti’s plans to increase service offerings and comes as new open access services from First Lumo are slated to begin operating in December 2025.
An ORR spokesperson explained the decision was “based on robust evidence provided by Network Rail that adding services within ‘firebreak’ paths on the West Coast Main Line would have a detrimental impact on performance.” The regulator previously granted Avanti the right to run the service from May 2025, but only for a single timetable period. This initial approval was contingent on the non-operation of First Lumo’s Stirling services, a condition no longer valid with the anticipated launch of those services.
The ORR emphasized that running the service as ECS allows for greater operational flexibility during times of disruption. “ECS can be run more flexibly (delayed or re-routed) than a booked passenger service,” the spokesperson stated. ”this can assist with performance management and service recovery during disruption.”
