Avanti set to have their contract renewed despite timetable chaos and scathing criticism from mayor - reports

An under fire train operator for services between Manchester and London is set to have its contract renewed despite fierce criticism in recent months, according to reports. Avanti West Coast is set to have its contract for the west coast mainline route renewed, The Sunday Times says, despite slashing its services and being told it was in 'last chance saloon' by Mayor Andy Burnham.

The firm's boss, Phil Whittingham, is set to leave his post soon after severe criticism from passengers and politicians after slashing its timetabled services. Only one train is running per hour between Manchester and London after the operator slashed services which the company blamed on striking workers and more. These claims have been consistently rubbished by Mr Burnham.

The lack of services has led to chaos on these trains, according to many passengers, with seats double booked and crowds of stampeding passengers, especially at London Euston. Last week Mr Burnham said he would call for Avanti's contract to be terminated unless it restores full services across Greater Manchester, or at the very least urgent intervention from the transport secretary, Grant Shapps.

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However, The Sunday Times is reporting today that the government is set to support it with a 'new long-term contract' to continue running the line it took over from Virgin in 2019. Grant Shapps is believed to support Avanti's view that trade unions have been driving problems with scheduling, not relying on drivers voluntarily taking up overtime to make up a bulk of its schedule.

Grant Shapps believes handing control of the West Coast Mainline to the government, which is currently in place