British train operator owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%), runs the West Coast Partnership
Ticket barriers of 6ft are being installed at major stations to deter fare evasion. The government says the taller gates will be rolled out over the next two years, with funding to ensure revenue is protected and services improve for paying customers.
Britain’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, moves to deconcentrate power by opening a northern base in Manchester. No. 10 North will coordinate national and local governance to push growth beyond London, with mayors gaining greater revenue discretion. The move is seen as a circuit-breaker for centralization.
Public data show overcrowding remains an issue on key commuter routes in England and Wales, with load factors exceeding 170% on several services last autumn. Authorities say capacity improvements and new timetables are underway to ease pressure while fares and service quality are under scrutiny.
The Avanti West Coast pay deal with Aslef has been approved after threatened strikes, with drivers receiving a 3.6% pay rise, time-and-a-half on Sundays, and up to £720 for a fifth day. The arrangement is part of a government-led push to stabilise rail services as the Labour government moves to renationalise the sector.
Liverpool city region has begun bringing bus services back under public control, starting in St Helens. Fares stay capped at £2, and the network aims to increase frequency, improve evening and weekend services, and better connect hospitals and rail links.
Disruptions will now allow passengers with valid tickets to travel on other operators’ trains within two hours of cancellations, with automatic swaps on major routes as Great British Railways moves forward.
Avanti West Coast is being brought into public ownership in March as part of a Labour-led plan to take essential rail services into public hands amid ongoing disruption and a push to improve punctuality, capacity and passenger experience.
Government weighs public ownership of rolling stock as unions press for a levy on profits to fund fare cuts. Latest accounts show Roscos paid large dividends and executive pay, fueling calls for state ownership of trains as Great British Railways prepares to take charge.