THE DEPARTMENT for Transport has awarded long-term contracts to Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry, with the new National Rail Contracts coming into operation for both operators with effect from October 15.
The decision to award a long-term contract for the First Group and Trenitalia-backed AWC operation comes as the operator has dramatically improved its reliability and performance over the last year after suffering well-publicised service cancellations caused by a shortage of drivers and a ban on rest day working by drivers. The operator was awarded two consecutive six-month contract extensions to give it the opportunity to implement a recovery plan, which has been deemed successful.
Alongside the recovery plan, the DfT says the operator has prioritised training new drivers, reduced its reliance on rest day working, and is now getting tickets released for sale earlier than it had been previously.
The long-term contract will allow AWC to plan ahead, giving the certainty it needs to prepare advance timetables, introduce new train fleets and continue to service improvements.
The National Rail Contract awarded will have a core term of three years and a maximum possible term of nine years, potentially giving AWC until October 2032 on the West Coast Main Line route. However, the DfT states that after three years, the Transport Secretary can terminate the contract at any point by providing a three-month notice period.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The routes Avanti West Coast operate provide vital connections, and passengers must feel confident that they can rely on the services to get them where they need to be at the right time.
“Over the past year, short-term contracts were necessary to rebuild the timetable and reduce cancellations. Now Avanti is back on track, providing long-term certainty for both the operator and passengers that will best ensure that improvements continue.”
AWC managing director Andy Mellors said: “The National Rail Contract provides stability for customers and colleagues as we continue to rebuild tr
