A “meltdown” of cancellations, delays and overcrowding on the west coast mainline, one of the UK’s busiest rail routes, is damaging the economy and risking economic growth, regional leaders and business groups have warned.
Avanti, the operator, slashed its timetable two months ago due to “severe” staffing shortages, leaving passengers unable to book seats in advance or reliably travel between the cities of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Despite the disruption, ministers on Friday confirmed that the company would have its contract temporarily extended for six months. They also put Avanti on notice, warning it must “drastically improve” as it rolls out a recovery plan.
您已阅读11%（699字），剩余89%（5577字）包含更多重要信息，订阅以继续探索完整内容，并享受更多专属服务。