LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

In early March, DfT announced a contract extension for the West Coast Partnership (WCP) until 15 October 2023. WCP comprises Avanti West Coast, which runs intercity services on the West Coast Main Line, and West Coast Partnership Development, which is the HS2 shadow operator - designing new high-speed services, as well as reshaping existing Avanti West Coast intercity services.

At the same time, FirstGroup appointed Andy Mellors as the new Managing Director at Avanti West Coast. Andy has previously held senior roles at Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and most recently as Managing Director of FirstGroup’s nonfranchised rail businesses, including helping to launch Lumo.

Being visible on the West Coast is an immediate priority for Andy. He has toured depots and stations across the network, meeting colleagues and customers to hear their views, and also met online with stakeholders across the route to update on the progress made in recent months, ongoing challenges, as well as what Avanti

West Coast is doing to give customers the best possible service.

Following his appointment, Andy said: “My priority, and my passion, is to give our customers the best possible experience, and I am sorry for the inconvenience and frustration they have suffered in previous months. I am determined to deliver the services that customers expect and deserve. My whole focus, and that of my team, will be on doing that.”

Looking forward to the future, Andy outlined three priorities. “First to make sure our recovery at Avanti West Coast continues in line with our plan. This means continuing to deliver a frequent and reliable train service. Second, to improve relations with staff – our people are passionate about delivering a great service to customers and I want to enable and empower them to do that. Finally, I want to help grow rail and deliver a better railway, recognising post-Covid changes to travel patterns, and providing value for money for taxpayers.

“Our refurbished Pendolino trains and new Hitachi fleet will offer customers more comfortable, modern, and greener journeys – all things they tell us they want. At Avanti West Coast we’re also excited to play our part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, working with partners across the Liverpool City Region for what we know will be a spectacular event for Liverpool and the UK.”