London, UK – September 15, 2025 – Avanti West Coast has significantly boosted its services with the introduction of an enhanced September timetable, effective today. This major update sees an additional 86 trains running per week across its network, bringing the total weekly services to 2,045. This expansion, which also introduces over 38,000 extra seats, marks a 3.8 percent increase in capacity and importantly, returns service levels to surpass those last seen in December 2019. This significant news heralds a new era of improved connectivity and capacity for passengers travelling along the West Coast Main Line.
Key Routes See Substantial Uplift in Services
The most prominent beneficiary of these timetable enhancements is the London to Liverpool route, which will now see an extra 36 trains each week. This substantial increase means passengers can expect a half-hourly service during peak hours, a notable upgrade from the previous one-train-per-hour frequency that covered most of the week. This development is set to transform travel for commuters and leisure travellers alike.
Passengers travelling between London and the Midlands will also experience a considerable increase, with an additional 26 trains per week now operating on this corridor. This includes 20 extra weekday services, complemented by four additional trains on Saturdays and two more on Sundays, enhancing travel options throughout the week. Furthermore, routes serving Manchester and Chester have also seen improvements, with both destinations benefiting from new weekly southbound services to London that depart later than previously available. The enhancements to services connecting Chester to the capital also promise greater connectivity for travellers to and from North Wales.
The Evero Fleet: Driving the Service Expansion
These substantial increases in service frequency and capacity are made possible by the ongoing integration and expanded deployment of Avanti West Coast’s new £350 million Evero fleet. This modern fleet comprises 13 bi-mode (Class 805) and 10 all-electric (Class 807) trains, with the final units entering service in June 2024. Up to 20 of these new trains are scheduled to operate daily as part of the September timetable.
The Evero trains represent a significant investment in sustainable and comfortable travel. They offer passengers a quieter, roomier journey with amenities such as improved Wi-Fi, wireless charging for devices, and enhanced real-time customer information systems. These new trains also contribute to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions compared to the Voyager trains they are replacing, aligning with the broader goals of greener travel across the UK rail network.
Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels and Future Ambitions
The introduction of 2,045 weekly services signifies a crucial milestone for Avanti West Coast, marking the first time since December 2019 that the operator has achieved such a high frequency of services. This return to, and indeed surpassing of, pre-pandemic operational levels is a testament to the company’s efforts to rebuild and enhance its network following a period of reduced service and performance challenges.
Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, Andy Mellors, stated that this uplift builds on previous progress and reflects the long-term ambition to operate a consistent ten trains per hour on key routes. By carefully scaling the timetable in stages, the company aims to meet demand responsibly while maintaining high standards for customer service. This strategic approach ensures that the company is not only recovering but also looking forward to future growth and improvements.
A New Chapter for Rail Travel on the West Coast
This comprehensive timetable upgrade by Avanti West Coast is set to deliver tangible benefits for passengers across its extensive network. From the bustling West Midlands to the vibrant city of Liverpool, and northwards to Scotland, the increased services and enhanced comfort offered by the new Evero fleet promise a more reliable and enjoyable travel experience. This initiative underscores Avanti West Coast’s commitment to becoming the transport of choice, connecting communities and driving economic growth through improved rail connectivity. This is the top priority for the company and signifies a positive new chapter for rail travel along the West Coast Main Line.
