Under-fire train operator in ‘last chance saloon’

Last week, Mr Burnham called for an action plan from Avanti. Such a plan, he says, has not been received.

- NEAL KEELING

GREATER Manchester mayor Andy Burnham says under-fire Avanti West Coast is in ‘the last chance saloon’ after its boss stepped down. Phil Whittingham, the train operator’s managing director, will leave his post on September 15.

The company has been subject to severe criticism from passengers and politicians after slashing its timetabled services. Last week Mr Burnham said he would call for Avanti’s contract to be terminated unless it restores full services across Greater Manchester.

He spoke of reports of passengers caught up in ‘dangerous stampedes’ for Manchester-bound trains at London Euston as he issued the operator with an ultimatum over a return to its original timetable. Avanti is currently operating a much-reduced service with one train an hour running between London and Manchester.

Last week, Mr Burnham called for an action plan from Avanti. Such a plan, he says, has not been received.