The operator of the West Coast Mainline is to be nationalised from March next year, the government has announced.
Avanti West Coast was given the contract in October 2023 to run services on the West Coast Mainline until 2032 at the latest, but the government is exercising a termination right in the contract to end it on March 7.
The move is part of a government plan to improve rail infrastructure, cut train delays and improve experiences for passengers.
In a post on social media, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: ‘’For years, people have been expected to put up with Avanti's cancellations, delays, overcrowding, and a service that has failed them time and time again.’’
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "For years, we've heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price.
"Enough is enough. That is why we will bring Avanti into public ownership at the earliest opportunity, in March next year.
"This Labour Government is committed to putting essential services back in public hands, connecting people to opportunity and delivering growth in every postcode and this move reflects that commitment.
"We will also introduce a comprehensive improvement plan, focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders."
Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said: "We're proud of what we've achieved over the last six years - from refurbishing our Pendolino fleet and introducing our new Evero trains to running more services than ever before.
"Together, these improvements have given customers greater choice, more capacity and better connectivity, while we've continued to innovate to shape the future of the West Coast and wider rail industry.
"Over the coming months, we'll work closely with the government to ensure a seamless transition into public ownership while remaining focused on delivering for our customers and communities."
All train services operated under Department for Transport contracts are being transferred to public ownership.
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