In an unexpected turn of events, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR)—the UK’s rail regulator—has reversed its controversial decision to run a key morning train service between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston without passengers. The 7am Avanti West Coast train, a lifeline for commuters and business travelers, was initially scheduled to operate as a so-called "ghost train" starting mid-December 2025, a move that sparked public backlash and widespread concern among rail users. Now, after just over 24 hours of heated debate and feedback, the ORR has given the green light for passengers to remain on board, citing the service’s importance and popularity despite lingering worries about network reliability.
It all began with a Sunday announcement from the ORR, which stated that, as of December 15, 2025, the 07:00 GMT Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston would run empty—save for Avanti staff. The regulator argued that allowing passengers on this peak service could "harm the overall performance" of the West Coast Main Line, one of the UK’s busiest rail corridors. The idea was to create a buffer in the timetable—what railway insiders call a "ghost train"—to provide flexibility and resilience in case of delays or disruption elsewhere on the network.
According to the BBC, the West Coast Main Line is a critical artery for both passenger and freight traffic, and delays can snowball quickly, impacting thousands. The ORR, as the guardian of the rail network’s performance, explained that ghost trains are strategically slotted into the timetable. If a major delay occurs, these empty trains can be quickly deployed to fill the gaps, preventing a cascade of knock-on effects that can cripple the day’s schedule. It’s a behind-the-scenes tactic, but one that can make or break a smooth commute.
Yet, the prospect of losing the 7am service for passengers did not sit well with the public. This train, which completes the Manchester-to-London journey in just under two hours and operates four days a week, is a popular choice for those seeking a swift connection between two of the UK’s major cities. As the story broke, commuters, business leaders, and rail advocates voiced their frustration, arguing that the move would disrupt lives and undermine confidence in the rail system.
Faced with mounting criticism, the ORR reconsidered. By Monday evening, just a day after the initial announcement, the regulator issued a statement acknowledging the feedback and evidence it had received. "We have taken account of all the evidence and feedback, and we have given Network Rail and Avanti the go ahead to arrange for the 7am service to continue running with passengers," the ORR said, as reported by Sky News. The regulator did not back away from its original concerns, however, warning: "On the basis of the information we have, we believe the running of this 7am service could have a negative impact on reliability and punctuality of services on the West Coast Main Line, but we recognise its importance and popularity and will support its continued operation."
For Avanti West Coast, the reversal was a welcome relief. In a statement to Sky News, the company said, "We are delighted that the Office of Rail and Road has given us permission to reinstate the 07:00 Manchester to Euston weekday service in our December timetable. The original decision would have had a detrimental impact on customers who use this train and this development is a welcome boost for those who want to take advantage of a sub two-hour service between two of the UK's major cities."
While the U-turn applies exclusively to the 07:00 Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston service, the ORR confirmed that several other routes would not be so lucky. According to the BBC, the following services will not run as scheduled: the 12:52 Blackpool North to London Euston (Monday to Friday), the 09:39 London Euston to Blackpool North (Monday to Friday), the 19:32 Chester to London Euston (Monday to Friday), and the 17:53 Holyhead to London Euston, which will now terminate at Crewe on Sundays. These decisions reflect the ongoing balancing act between maintaining capacity, ensuring reliability, and meeting passenger demand on a crowded rail network.
The episode has shone a spotlight on the complexities of running a modern railway. The concept of ghost trains—while unfamiliar to many passengers—is a longstanding tool in the regulator’s kit for managing disruption. As explained by BBC News, these empty trains are not intended to waste resources, but rather to provide an "immediate release switch" when the network is under strain. For those who have experienced the chaos of delays at London Euston, the value of such flexibility becomes all too clear.
Still, the ORR’s rapid U-turn highlights the tension between operational efficiency and public service. The regulator’s initial rationale—that removing passengers from the 7am service would free up capacity and reduce the risk of cascading delays—was grounded in sound railway logic. But the backlash demonstrated just how vital this particular train is to the traveling public. As one Avanti spokesperson put it, "The original decision would have had a detrimental impact on customers who use this train and this development is a welcome boost for those who want to take advantage of a sub two-hour service between two of the UK's major cities."
Industry observers note that the West Coast Main Line’s challenges are hardly unique. Across the UK, rail operators and regulators must constantly weigh the needs of passengers against the realities of an aging and congested infrastructure. Timetable resilience, network flexibility, and customer satisfaction are often in competition, and decisions made in the name of efficiency can quickly become lightning rods for public criticism.
For now, travelers between Manchester and London can breathe a sigh of relief. The 7am Avanti West Coast service will continue to run with passengers, preserving a crucial link for early morning commuters and business travelers. Yet, the debate over ghost trains, timetable planning, and the future of the UK’s railways is far from settled. As the ORR’s swift about-face shows, even the most technical decisions can become matters of public interest—and public outcry can still move the needle.
With the December timetable changes looming, all eyes will be on the performance of the West Coast Main Line and the impact of these adjustments. Passengers, rail staff, and regulators alike will be watching closely to see whether this compromise can deliver both reliability and the service the public expects. One thing is certain: in the world of British rail, the only constant is change.
