Virgin plots rail return with proposal to run West Coast routes | Transport

Richard Branson’s Virgin Group hopes to make a comeback on Britain’s railways – with plans for as much as 4 new providers on the West Coast primary line it used to run.

Virgin has submitted proposals to function separate prepare providers between London Euston and Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Glasgow Central respectively, on an open entry foundation.

In a direct problem to Avanti West Coast – run by Virgin’s previous rival FirstGroup – two of the providers would depend on prepare paths, or timetable slots, whose rights are actually held by Avanti. The Manchester trains would additionally go to Rochdale, a vacation spot that FirstGroup itself hopes to serve with its Lumo model.

Functions for extra open entry rail providers, resembling Lumo or Grand Central, have been inspired by authorities within the title of competitors with the main line operators. They continue to be controversial with rail business leaders who see them as inefficient, whereas the RMT union regards them as “parasitic”.

A spokesperson for the Virgin Group mentioned it had lodged purposes with the Workplace of Rail and Highway, which have been “simply step one in direction of exploring what could be attainable”. They added: “Within the 20 years Virgin Trains operated on the West Coast, they diminished journey instances significantly, tripled providers on key routes and offered an distinctive buyer expertise whereas growing passenger numbers from 8 million to 42 million per yr.

“We’re assured clients would welcome Virgin Trains again, offering them with much-needed selection and competitors.”

The direct problem to the troubled Avanti West Coast service might rekindle an previous feud with FirstGroup, which briefly gained the rights to take over the profitable London-Manchester-Glasgow line from Virgin Trains in 2012. Branson and companion Stagecoach launched authorized motion to see the choice overturned, however have been barred from bidding once more in 2019, when FirstGroup lastly took cost.