“This just rewards failure” Tom Morrison slams Avanti contract extension

Commenting on the Government’s announcement that Avanti West Coast’s contract has been extended for another three years, Tom Morrison said: “The Government have rewarded failure with taxpayer's money."

This comes just half a year after awarding a £6.5 million bonus to the Avanti West Cost franchise despite failing services and record numbers of complaints.

“They talk of ‘improvements’ and yet local residents using Avanti trains have battled cancellations, delays and overly packed trains.

“A reliable West Coast Main Line is vital to commuters and our regional economy in Greater Manchester but that has simply not existed since Avanti took over from Virgin almost three years ago now.

“The Conservatives have shown they are on the side of a big failing rail company, rather than long-suffering passengers.”