Andy Burnham calls for Avanti West Coast to suspend first class so there’s more affordable seats

Andy Burnham has urged Avanti West Coast to declassify its trains as it continues to run a reduced service to Manchester.

Last week, the train operator announced it would be reducing its services from London as a result of ‘unofficial strike action’ by ASLEF members.

In response to strikes, Avanti also temporarily suspended ticket sales for Manchester-bound services, severely impacting the journeys of those needing to travel to and from the capital.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham held a meeting with Avanti West Coast’s senior management team this week, alongside the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, Cllr Luthfur Rahman and Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt, in an attempt to express their ‘deep unhappiness’ with the new timetable.

In a statement, Burnham said he ‘made clear to them in no uncertain terms our deep unhappiness at the way in which our city-region has been treated’.

He continued: “The severe reduction of services at this time of year is seriously detrimental to our economy. Avanti’s decision to take this action without any prior consultation or even notification shows a lack of respect for our city-region and its people, businesses and visitors.”

Burnham went on to say that he had asked Avanti to produce a recovery plan that helps passengers in the short-term but also provides more trains per hour between Greater Manchester and London. 

He also urged them to consider the declassification of trains, pointing out that suspending first class restrictions would make ‘more seats available on the booking system at an affordable price’.

The mayor said: “We also called for much clearer communications with customers about how and when to purchase tickets and for an end to the inflammatory language which is damaging workforce relations.

“More broadly, we asked them for a timetable to return to the previous levels of service as soon as possible and a firm commitment that we will not find ourselves in such a position ever again.”

His statement concluded: “When we receive Avanti’s plan, we will consider whether it is acceptable for our residents and businesses and, if it isn’t, we made it clear to the company that we will ask the new Prime Minister to strip them of this contract.”