Major UK train operator to cancel services after government asks it to make savings

19 May 2026 • 12:30 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Major UK train operator to cancel services after government asks it to make savings

  • Avanti West Coast is set to cut one in seven services on its busiest routes for six weeks, starting from 20 July.
  • Approximately 38 daily weekday services will be removed from timetables, following a government directive to reduce spending.
  • The cuts will affect key connections between London Euston and Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester on the West Coast Main Line.
  • Avanti West Coast stated that the changes target services with lower demand to ensure minimal disruption to passengers and will not diminish revenue.
  • Unlike previous reductions in 2022, the operator confirmed that these latest service cuts are not due to a lack of resources.

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