The data in this update covers the period from 22 June 2025 - 11 October 2025.

 

Following my update in August, I’m pleased to share that we continue to maintain strong performance with low levels of operator cancellations. We’ve also increased the number of services we offer in September, which has helped passenger numbers reach 94% of pre-covid levels. Building on the progress made with our May timetable changes,we are now running more services than ever before on the West Coast Main Line. By growing the timetable in stages, we have been able to introduce these additional services in a measured and sustainable way, scaling operations while maintaining the reliability our customers expect. We are operating 309 weekday services – 310 on Fridays – meaning we are now delivering our long-term ambition to run ten trains per hour in many hours of the day. 

 

Over the past year, we’ve halved the number cancellations that Avanti is directly responsible for (TOC on Self cancellations), and I’m pleased to say that these have remained consistently low since my last update, averaging at 1.53%. Period 04 saw cancellations at 1.18%, Period 05 at 1.02%, Period 06 at 1.68% and Period 07 at 2.01%. 

 

We recognise there is more to do to improve punctuality. As almost two-thirds of delays are due to infrastructure issues, we continue to work closely with Network Rail and other industry partners through our Joint Improvement Plan, which includes a range of actions to reduce delays. As we approach the festive period, Network Rail will carry out major upgrade works across the network between 27 December and 14 January. We’re working to keep passengers on trains for as much of their journey as possible. You can find out more here.

 

When it comes to our stations and our people, we continue to go from strength to strength. I’m delighted to say that Penrith won small station of the year at the National Rail Awards, alongside the introduction of our new Evero fleet which has been named as joint winner for Fleet Achievement of the Year. In addition to winning these two awards, Shashi Vyas, a Cash Office Clerk at Euston who has clocked up 53 years on the railway was shortlisted in the Outstanding Personal Contribution category.