"Time to pull the plug": Should the government renew the Avanti contract?

The end of Avanti West Coast's current contract with the government runs out on October 16, with the train operator currently under fire after a number of disruptions.

The last few weeks have seen services run at a reduced capacity of one per hour, with reports of more problems such as issues with seat reservations and short notice cancellations.

With the operator facing heavy criticism from many, we want to know if you think the government should be renewing their contract to run the West Coast Mainline.

Let us know your thoughts in our comments section.

This past week saw eight Greater Manchester MPs line up in unison in Parliament to criticise Avanti, with Denton and Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne claiming the operator had 'broken its deed and its word'.

Criticism has also come from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who said the firm were in 'the last chance saloon' after managing director Phil Whittingham announced he would be stepping down this month.

Some readers have already voiced their opinions, with one saying: "It is indeed a dire service now. Time to pull the plug on Avanti."

Another also added: "Rip up the contract. Terrible service."

Do you think the government should be pulling the plug on the Avanti contract? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

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