Regulator backtracks on 'ghost train' plan

The rail regulator has responded to criticism of its plans to ban passengers from a popular service between Manchester and London.

Plans to ban passengers from a peak train service between Manchester and London have been abandoned after a U-turn by the government's rail safety regulator.

The Office of Road and Rail (ORR) reversed its decision to run the 07:00 GMT Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London without passengers after a public backlash.

On Sunday the ORR announced only staff would be on board as of mid-December - citing concerns that allowing passengers to get on would "harm the overall performance" of the line.

But just over 24 hours later a ORR spokesperson said after listening to feedback it would give Network Rail and Avanti permission to continue running the service with passengers.

"On the basis of the information we have, we believe the running of this 7am service could have a negative impact on reliability and punctuality of services on the West Coast Main Line, but we recognise its importance and popularity and will support its continued operation," the ORR spokesperson continued.

The ORR has confirmed this U-turn only relates to the 07:00 GMT Manchester Piccadilly to Euston service and says four other services will run without passengers later this month.

They are:

12:52 GMT: Blackpool North – London Euston (Monday to Friday)

09:39 GMT: London Euston – Blackpool North (Monday to Friday)

19:32 GMT: Chester – London Euston (Monday to Friday)

17:53 GMT: Holyhead – London Euston terminates at Crewe (Sunday)