Manchester to London Train to Operate Without Passengers for Five Months
A commuter train service between Manchester and London will continue to run for the next five months despite carrying no passengers, a move sparking criticism and raising questions about the efficient allocation of rail resources.
The ‘Ghost Train’: A Controversial Decision
The unusual decision to operate a train service devoid of passengers has drawn scrutiny from transport experts and commuters alike. The 7:00 AM Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston, slated for cancellation as part of timetable changes, will continue to run empty until December. This continuation, initially revealed by The Telegraph, is due to a complex set of regulations surrounding track access rights.
According to reports from BBC News and The Times, the train must continue to operate to maintain Avanti West Coast’s access to the West Coast Main Line. Losing this access would necessitate a lengthy and costly reapplication process. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) confirmed the ruling, stating that the service must run to protect future timetable options.
The decision has been labelled as a waste of resources, particularly given the ongoing cost of living crisis and concerns about the environmental impact of unnecessary train journeys. The Guardian reports that the service is set to be officially axed in December, raising further questions about the necessity of its continued operation in the interim.
The Manchester Evening News described the train as a ‘ghost train’, highlighting the absurdity of a fully functioning train traversing a major route without a single fare-paying passenger.
What impact will this decision have on public trust in the rail system? And how can regulations be adjusted to prevent similar situations in the future?
Beyond the immediate cost implications, the environmental impact of running an empty train is also a concern. While the exact carbon footprint is difficult to quantify, it represents a needless expenditure of energy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The situation underscores the need for greater flexibility and responsiveness within the rail regulatory framework.
The Department for Transport has been contacted for comment but has yet to issue a statement. The ORR maintains that its decision is based on upholding the integrity of the rail network and ensuring future service options remain viable.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Manchester to London Train
Why is the Manchester to London train running without passengers?
The train is running to maintain Avanti West Coast’s track access rights on the West Coast Main Line. Losing these rights would require a lengthy and costly reapplication process.
How long will the empty train service continue?
The service is scheduled to continue running without passengers for five months, until December.
What is the cost of running an empty train?
The exact cost is not publicly available, but it includes expenses such as energy consumption, track access charges, and staff costs.
Is this a common occurrence in the UK rail network?
While not typical, similar situations have occurred in the past due to the complexities of rail regulations and track access agreements.
What is the Office of Rail and Road’s (ORR) role in this decision?
The ORR is the regulator responsible for overseeing the UK rail network and ensuring compliance with regulations. They confirmed the necessity of the service to protect future timetable options.
Could this situation have been avoided?
Some argue that greater flexibility within the rail regulatory framework could have prevented the need to run an empty train, but the ORR maintains its decision was necessary to uphold the integrity of the network.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
