The UK government has confirmed that Avanti West Coast rail services will be renationalised from 7 March 2027, ending its current operation by the First Trenitalia joint venture of FirstGroup and Trenitalia. This announcement includes plans to consider public ownership of new train fleets to reduce reliance on private rolling stock companies known as Roscos.
Avanti West Coast’s Service Challenges and Passenger Impact
Avanti West Coast, serving key routes including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Wales, has been among the worst-performing rail firms in the UK for delays and cancellations. On peak-time journeys from Manchester to London, return tickets can cost up to £300. Labour government
official Andy Burnham described the service as one that “has failed them time and time again,” signaling the government’s move to prioritise passengers over shareholders.
Financial Burden of Leasing from Roscos
In 2024, franchised train operators, including Avanti, spent more than £4 billion leasing and maintaining trains they did not own, a figure representing roughly one-third of the total day-to-day operations costs. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander noted that while leasing initially “saved money upfront, it also brought significant long-term costs.” Rosco contracts embed financing, transaction fees, and investment returns, expenses that ultimately fall on taxpayers and passengers. The government is exploring whether Great British Railways (GBR),
which is due to take full oversight in 2027, should directly own new trains if it benefits taxpayers and passengers.
Official Statements and Industry Reactions
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander formally announced Avanti West Coast’s nationalisation and the initiative to consider state ownership of future trains. Alexander said, “If GBR owning trains would best serve taxpayers and passengers, then we should do it.” Andy Burnham stated the nationalisation would bring “more investment, fewer delays, and a renewed focus on getting the basics right.” Unions welcomed the move. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey condemned Roscos for “sucking much-needed money out of the railways and into offshore bank
accounts,” urging an end to the “rolling stock racket.” Aslef General Secretary Dave Calfe called the nationalisation “a big step forward,” urging reinvestment of profits to lower passenger fares.
Broader Nationalisation Timeline under Great British Railways
Avanti West Coast’s renationalisation fits within a wider Labour government strategy of bringing passenger rail services back under public control as contracts expire. Chiltern Railways became publicly owned earlier in 2024, joining five other operators nationalised under Labour. Great Western Railway is planned for nationalisation in December 2026, East Midlands Railway between winter 2026/27 and mid-2027, and CrossCountry in autumn 2027. These steps lead to the full operational oversight by Great
British Railways expected in 2027.
Avanti West Coast Management’s Perspective on Transition
Andy Mellors, Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, acknowledged the company’s work over the past seven years, citing achievements such as refurbishing the Pendolino fleet and introducing new Evero trains. Mellors said these improvements increased service capacity, customer choice, and connectivity. He emphasized preparations for a seamless transition when Avanti moves to public ownership on 7 March 2027.
