Avanti West Coast will be renationalised and transition to public ownership on 7 March 2027 when its current contract expires, the UK government announced. Alongside the renationalisation, government plans include exploring state ownership of new trains to lower costs paid to private rolling stock companies.
Avanti West Coast Performance and Lease Costs
Avanti West Coast has been identified as one of the worst rail operators in the UK with frequent train delays and cancellations. The franchise is operated by the First Trenitalia joint venture, a partnership between FirstGroup and Trenitalia. In 2024, franchised train operators in the UK collectively spent over £4 billion leasing and maintaining trains
from private rolling stock companies, known as Roscos, who own the trains.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander explained that while leasing trains saved money upfront, it incurred significant long-term costs ultimately borne by taxpayers and passengers. Alexander added, “Every Rosco contract includes financing and transaction costs and investment returns, costs which are ultimately borne by taxpayers and passengers.”
Government and Official Statements on Nationalisation
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander formally announced the renationalisation decision at the Labour conference and stated the government would assess direct ownership of new trains case by case as Great British Railways (GBR) prepares to oversee nationalised services starting in 2027. Alexander said, “If
GBR owning trains would best serve taxpayers and passengers, then we should do it.”
Andy Burnham, the Labour government official responsible for the renationalisation announcement, criticized Avanti West Coast’s record, stating passengers have endured “a rail service that has failed them time and time again.” He emphasized the focus on passengers over shareholders upon transfer to public ownership.
Union Responses and Criticism of Roscos
Union leaders welcomed the announcement. Eddie Dempsey, General Secretary of the RMT, condemned private rolling stock companies for diverting funds offshore, calling Roscos a “rolling stock racket” that extracts money from the railways. He urged the process to end.
Aslef General Secretary
Dave Calfe described the move as a significant advance, noting that billions in profits had drained from the rail network in dividends and profits which should instead support investment and help keep fares down.
Avanti West Coast Routes and Ticket Price Concerns
Avanti West Coast operates on the West Coast Main Line connecting London with major cities including Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and also serves parts of north-west England and Wales. The Prime Minister highlighted dissatisfaction with high fares on Avanti, citing peak-time return tickets from Manchester to London costing up to £300.
Fleet Upgrades and Service Expansion
Andy Mellors, Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, pointed to improvements over the past
six years, including refurbishing the Pendolino fleet, introducing new Evero trains, and increasing service frequency. He affirmed a willingness to collaborate with the government for a smooth transition into public ownership.
Context of Nationalisation within Wider Rail Strategy
The renationalisation of Avanti West Coast follows the government’s broader plan to return major train operators to public ownership ahead of the Great British Railways launch in 2027. Chiltern Railways became publicly owned earlier in 2026, Great Western Railway is scheduled for December 2026, East Midlands Railway between late 2026 and mid-2027, and CrossCountry in autumn 2027. Avanti West Coast will be the 12th operator to be renationalised under
this programme.
