Avanti West Coast to reduce London train services from Stoke and Crewe
Changes due to Government request for cost-saving measures
Avanti West Coast will cut one in seven of its train services from Stoke and Crewe to major cities like London during a six-week period this summer.
The reduction comes following a Government request to curb expenditure.
From 20th July until 28th August, weekday services will be trimmed on routes that link London Euston with Birmingham, Liverpool (through Crewe), and Manchester (through Stoke-on-Trent) via the West Coast Main Line.
The operator usually runs 248 services daily, but approximately 38 will be removed, targeting times with lower demand.
Avanti West Coast, a partnership between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, stated the measure is designed to minimise passenger disruption whilst ensuring alternative travel options are available.
The Department for Transport (DfT) approved the timetable changes.
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said:
“From July 20 to August 28, we will be operating an amended timetable between London and Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester on weekdays. To ensure minimal impact to those travelling between the affected dates, these changes will only affect routes on which we operate more than one train per hour, during typically less busy periods of the day – maximising alternative journey options. We’d like to encourage customers planning to make journeys during this time to plan ahead, and thank them for their understanding.”
The adjustment follows previous reductions in August 2022, aimed at preventing cancellations due to a decline in drivers volunteering for additional shifts amid industrial disputes across the rail sector.
The current reduction is not due to resource shortages but is part of a strategic financial management plan.
Government funding for rail operations was reported at £11.9 billion for the year ending March 2025, illustrating a continued commitment, albeit reduced, compared to previous years.
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