Manchester-London 7am train will now carry passengers after outcry over regulator's decision
Briefly

Manchester-London 7am train will now carry passengers after outcry over regulator's decision
"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, while we believe the running of this 7am service could have a negative impact on reliability and punctuality of services on the west coast mainline, we understand the importance of this service and we'll support its continued operation."
"As the only service to run so quickly, in one hour 59 minutes, it has long been a prized service, running non-stop from Stockport and timed conveniently to arrive in the capital just before 9am. It has run since 2008 under Virgin Trains, bar a pause during the pandemic and Avanti's subsequent troubles, until 2024 when Avanti restored a full timetable. The service has been a money-spinner for train operators and the railway more generally, with revenue now passed on to the Dep"
The 7am Manchester–London Avanti service will continue to carry passengers after the rail regulator reversed a decision to remove it. The service had been slated to be axed from mid-December yet would have run empty from Piccadilly to enable morning departures from Euston. Network Rail agreed the train could take passengers, but the Office of Rail and Road initially argued removal was needed to allow space for manoeuvre during disruption. Widespread public outcry and pressure from ministers and northern leaders prompted the ORR to overturn its decision. The ORR warned of possible negative impacts on west coast mainline reliability but supported continued operation and urged mitigation. The non-stop service runs in 1 hour 59 minutes and has operated since 2008 with pandemic pauses.
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