The return of Virgin Trains: Can Richard Branson give Avanti a good kicking?

the return of virgin trains: can richard branson give avanti a good kicking?

Virgin is set to make a return to Britain's railways

Avid train enthusiasts were given a jolt of excitement on Monday after it was revealed Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains had submitted a bid to return to Britain’s west coast main line.

It harkens back to 2012 when the billionaire emerged triumphant over the government after launching a legal challenge against a decision to award the London-Manchester-Glasgow line to rival Firstgroup.

Three senior civil servants were suspended, but Branson would ultimately lose the franchise in 2019 after Virgin’s partner and stakeholder, Stagecoach, was barred from bidding.

Virgin Trains and Firstgroup now look set for another round as the latter owns Avanti West Coast, the beleaguered operator currently running the route.

Branson’s new ‘open access’ service is designed to give mainstay train companies a push by boosting competition. It will take full commercial risk and run without being subject to hefty government franchising fees, regardless of Labour’s nationalisation policy.

What would Virgin’s return mean for passengers?

The rail industry is divided on the benefits of the open access model. Proponents argue it brings down fares and improves service, but others view it as inefficient, while unions have described providers as “parasites.”

However, the Avanti case is exceptional, given that it has long been one of the most under-fire train operators in the country. It was placed on two consecutive short-term contracts in 2022/23 to help it develop a recovery plan before being awarded a nine-year contract in September.

Things have failed to pick up though and Greater Manchester’s Labour Mayor Andy Burnham said he’d “completely run out of patience,” in March. Most Northern leaders in business and politics want it brought under an Operator of Last Resort contract; ie nationalised.

The west coast route is certainly ripe for competition, but could Virgin Trains be the kick up the arse Avanti needs? Possibly.

Paul Bickerdyke, editor of the Railway Magazine, said Branson’s outfit running an open access operation on the main line could “only be a good thing” for passengers.

“On the East Coast Main Line, [open access] services run by Hull Trains, Grand Central and Lumo have given passengers more choice of services to more destinations, and helped keep fares competitive,” he told City A.M.

He added: “There have been no open access operators on the West Coast route to date, but at least two new operators plan to run from Euston to Shrewsbury and Wrexham, and Euston to Stirling.”

When Virgin Trains left the UK in 2019, the number of passengers using the London-Glasgow line had increased from 8m to 42m per year, while services had tripled on key routes. It has a proven track record at a time when the rail sector desperately needs an uptick in passenger numbers.

The firm has also been highly innovative in the past and is credited with bringing back so-called tilting trains to the UK. These trains have the potential to travel up to 140mph and slash journey times by a quarter.

Bickerdyke said: “When Virgin held the West Coast franchise, they had a good reputation with passengers for developing the service and for competitive fares. They only lost the franchise in 2019 after 22 years because their operating partner Stagecoach was barred from bidding.”

Even if passenger numbers and journey speeds prove a challenge, Branson’s red uniformed staff developed a reputation for excellent service and championed automatic refunds for delayed trips.

It marks a stark contrast to Avanti’s dire public image, which hit rock bottom in January after an internal presentation describing government subsidies as “free money” was leaked to the press.

One thing less guaranteed for passengers is low ticket fares. Open access can undercut larger companies and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) warned when Firstgroup took the contract in 2019 that a lack of competition could impact prices.

But Branson’s outfit oversaw unregulated peak fares from London to Manchester rise higher than a holiday in Europe, all while hauling in tens of millions in dividends.

His other subsidiary, Virgin Trains Ticketing, is pushing for a less confusing rail retail model, a criticism often levied by campaign groups. However, passengers won’t be pleased if peak fare prices are near previous levels.

Read more

Branson’s back? Virgin Trains looks to show up Avanti in bid for west coast route

the return of virgin trains: can richard branson give avanti a good kicking?

OTHER NEWS

22 minutes ago

More than 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj this year amid scorching heat, Saudi health minister says

24 minutes ago

Eagles TE Dallas Goedert could have a breakout season under new OC Kellen Moore

24 minutes ago

Sister reveals how her brother's ex-girlfriend is getting his $250,000 life insurance payout - in heartbreaking cautionary tale which should serve as a warning to ALL Americans

24 minutes ago

REVEALED: The huge stock purchase this year by Warren Buffett that didn't show up in his portfolio

26 minutes ago

Russia accuses Ukraine of deadly drone attacks in Crimea's Sevastopol

26 minutes ago

Six stars who quit Midsomer Murders and why - from health concerns to show complaints

27 minutes ago

Opinion: Sorry, James Carville, but Joe Biden is the best bet to beat Trump

27 minutes ago

Pressure on Proteas after England smash United States to reach T20 World Cup semi-finals

27 minutes ago

Switzerland vs Germany LIVE! Euro 2024 match stream, latest score and goal updates today

27 minutes ago

Suns still unsure about King as Magpies await

27 minutes ago

Pearson gearing up for busy summer season

27 minutes ago

The Boys May Finally Get a Supernatural Reunion Going

27 minutes ago

Graham: Senate colleagues trying to ‘destroy’ conservative Supreme Court justices with ethics reform

28 minutes ago

Jordan grabs hat-trick to set England up for a place in T20 semi-finals

28 minutes ago

Geylang International women’s team end Lion City Sailors’ unbeaten run of over two years

30 minutes ago

Election campaign day 32: Fresh betting blow for Tories

30 minutes ago

Scotland set for crucial match

30 minutes ago

Tornado threat issued for New England and regions of Northeast — including NYC

30 minutes ago

Jack Grealish will return to Man City EARLY after missing out on Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024... with the forward keen to regain his best form

30 minutes ago

AC Milan join Newcastle and Man United in the race to sign £35m-rated Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as Serie A side hunt for a replacement for Olivier Giroud

30 minutes ago

Video: Our travel hell: Manchester Airport passengers reveal chaos they endured after 'two-hour' power cut forced chiefs to cancel more than 100 flights in desperate bid to clear huge 'bottlenecks'

30 minutes ago

Phil Foden reveals key change to England training after underwhelming start to Euro 2024 - as he admits Three Lions stars 'expect more from themselves' ahead of crunch Slovenia clash

30 minutes ago

Video: Smiling 'psychopath' Pickleball swindler scammed us out of $50M, wealthy retirees say - who claim his 'satanic' response when they finally confronted him left them speechless

30 minutes ago

Chelsea star commands 100 million after claim he's open to joining Bayern

30 minutes ago

Tommy Paul holds off Lorenzo Musetti to win Queen's Club title

30 minutes ago

BBC docu-series about Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne faces 'massive stumbling block'

30 minutes ago

ANC denies FF Plus demands over Orania independence

30 minutes ago

England shocked by Gary Lineker criticism following Denmark draw

30 minutes ago

Wealth really does improve health – and here's proof

30 minutes ago

David Beckham wants World Cup winner to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after Man Utd exit

30 minutes ago

John Swinney tries to dismiss claims in stamps row

30 minutes ago

Euro 2024 viewers furious as ITV miss goal and show Cristiano Ronaldo tantrum instead

30 minutes ago

Road safety group demands end to learner permit loophole and tougher enforcement on disqualified drivers

30 minutes ago

Padraig Harrington is looking for a third straight Dick's Open title on Sunday

31 minutes ago

Tragic pilot with 'great laugh and brilliant smile' died in plane built with misaligned fin

36 minutes ago

Sha’Carri Richardson is headed to Paris after winning the women’s 100-meter at Olympic trials

39 minutes ago

​ Murder probe is launched in Dorset holiday park after man in his 70s was found unresponsive in the water: Two people are arrested

40 minutes ago

SilverStar Mountain Resort Bike Park turns 30

40 minutes ago

Hamilton ends F1 podium drought with third in Spain

40 minutes ago

All Blacks release own version of Chasing the Sun 2!