RAIL operator Avanti West Coast has had their West Coast contract extended for a further 6 months after making significant improvements, the government has said. 

This decision comes almost six months after the operator was initially put on a short-term contract by the government and ordered to develop a recovery plan aimed at addressing poor performance on vital West Coast Main Line routes. 

The issue of their performance came to light after many complaints were lodged over poor and unreliable service, leaving the government to issue a warning that their contract would be stripped unless improvements were made. 

This led to the decision to introduce a recovery timetable which has significantly reduced reliance on overtime working and has seen services increase from 180 trains per day to 264 on weekdays – the highest level in over 2 years.

Since the introduction of this timetable on December 11, Avanti West Coast has seen 90 per cent of trains now arriving within 15 minutes of the booked time; reducing cancellations from nearly 25 per cent of the service to 4.2 per cent in early March as well as the hiring of over 100 additional drivers. 

Carlisle MP John Stevenson said the government approach was 'right' to give the operator a further six months. 

READ MORE: MP calls for train provider to have contract stripped 'at the earliest opportunity'

"I have raised this issue in parliament about Avanti's performance. I have seen some improvement over the last six months, on balance I think the government's approach is right.

"But we need to continue to see further improvements in their level of service and reliability. And if that is not forthcoming, then it's quite right for the government to review the situation again," he said. 

Commenting on the government's decision, Labour's candidate for Carlisle Julie Minns said: "The decision to grant the West Coast operator a second six month extension is yet another example of sticking plaster politics from a Government that has run out of ideas. 

"Instead of delivering the affordable and reliable rail service Carlisle needs, the Government seems content to allow record-breaking rail fare increases and train cancellations.

"In contrast, Labour has a clear plan to hand power and control to communities, and invest in the infrastructure our city needs to grow and prosper," she said.