Avanti West Coast has produced a series of videos which show the driver’s view on the West Coast Main Line. There are eight “Tales from the Track” videos which covers sections of the track between London and Glasgow. Commentary is provided by two drivers, giving information on the features that can be seen and the […]
Due to the current coronavirus situation, the open access operator Grand Central has postponed the start of its new London Euston to Blackpool service. The service was due to start in Spring this year, but it is now planned to launch in early 2021.
Every 24 hours throughout the coronavirus crisis,188,000 tonnes of critical supplies – including food, fuel and medicine – are being moved by rail between London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. That’s 1.13 million tonnes every week – most of it transported along the West Coast main line (WCML), the busiest mixed-use (passenger and freight) railway
West Coast Main Line moving 1 million tonnes of critical supplies every week Read More »
The rail industry has announced major changes to train services which come into force from today (23rd March). These changes are designed to protect the rail industry and allow essential workers to travel to work during the current coronavirus outbreak. Details of train services can be found on National Rail Enquiries and on the train operators’
Due to the current COVID 19 situation, the need to help keep everyone safe means that all meetings of West Coast Rail 250 have been cancelled until August. Any necessary work of the organisation will be carried out by e-mail or other online methods. The situation regarding rail services is rapidly evolving. If you wish
The Government has today announced the go-ahead for High Speed 2. Whilst there may be some changes from the original proposals, the main elements of the scheme have been approved. Construction of Phase 1 from London to the West Midlands is now due to start in April. Cllr Trevor Roberts, Chairman of West Coast Rail
The new West Coast Partnership, now branded as Avanti West Coast, began operations on 8 December 2019. A formal launch was held on Monday 9 December at various locations between London and Glasgow, with a special train linking the events. Representatives from West Coast Rail 250 attended many of the events, including the naming of
The Department of Transport has announced details of previously announced review into High Speed 2, prior to a go / no-go decision being taken by the end of the year. The review will be undertaken in six weeks, and the outcomes will be announced in the Autumn. The review panel, chaired by Doug Oakervee, is
The Department for Transport today announced First / Trenitalia as the successful bidder for the West Coast Partnership. The new franchise will start on 9 December 2019. The new operator will initially run intercity services on the West Coast Main Line, but from 2026 will also run the new High Speed 2 services until the
Despite Government announcements on 10 April that the new West Coast Partnership franchise would be awarded in June, the winning bidder was still not known as of 24 July. As soon as the successful bidder is announced, West Coast Rail 250 will arrange a meeting with them to discuss their plans and future opportunities for
