‘SHOCKED’ advocates for train travellers in Rugby say ‘disproportionate’ cuts to summer services will ‘disadvantage’ the town.
Avanti West Coast will cut 10 per cent of its overall services on weekdays over the summer holiday period – Monday July 20 to Friday August 28.
But Rugby Rail Users Group (RRUG) found a higher proportion of trains serving Rugby have been cancelled during that period – including 20 per cent of trains between Rugby and Euston, and 30 per cent between Rugby and Birmingham – with no alternative services provided.
The group’s chair, Stephanie Clifford, said it was a retrograde step which would have a disproportionately bad impact on Rugby.
She added: “This change, made on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT), has been made without any consultation. It will reduce the attractiveness of the train service, and of Rugby as a place.
“Since the pandemic, Avanti have been telling us how they have been restoring train services so that the full timetable could be run. This has given us a predictable hourly timetable which makes it comprehensible to passengers, and has transformed the train service at Rugby.
“No alternatives, such as additional calls by other trains, have been provided by Avanti.”
She disputed Avanti’s asssertion that there would be no impact on passengers because no advance tickets had been sold.
“Many passengers use other ticket types – anytime, day returns, season tickets – so this is not correct.
“Rugby should not be disadvantaged in this way.
“We are also concerned that this may be the start of wider service cutting.”
Rugby MP John Slinger raised RRUG’s concerns with Avanti West Coast and Rail Minister Lord Hendy.
He said: “The summer timetable changes are temporary and targeted and represent a reduction in train mileage to reflect lower passenger demand during the holiday period.
“The changes have no implications for future general levels of service.”
An Avanti spokesperson said the changes were made after the DfT asked operators to find ways to reduce government subsidies.
They added: “We proposed a trial of a demand led timetable – which involves removing a small number of trains for a limited time of the year where demand is lower.
“This saves operational cost, creates no negative impact on revenue and with minimum disruption to passenger travel.
“This means the associated saving goes directly to the Government and the taxpayer.”
They added that trains were selected based on routes and services that were usually ‘more lightly loaded’.
“We have ensured there remains more services and seats available for customers than are typically forecasted to travel.
“If the volume of people travelling is above expectations, the trains can be quickly reinstated to provide additional capacity.”
Mr Slinger added that the nationalisation of Avanti West Coast services, expected in October, was an opportunity to improve reliability, accountability and passenger experience for Rugby rail users.
He added: “I am determined to make sure Great British Rail works for the people of Rugby.
“We aim to revitalise the West Coast Main Line when Avanti comes under public ownership, and I hope this happens as soon as possible.
“Passengers in Rugby deserve a railway that works for them – with reliable services, fewer cancellations and better value for money. Public ownership can help deliver that.”
