00:01Avanti West Coast services linking Liverpool with London are to come under public ownership
00:06from March. The government says the move will improve reliability, tackle delays and give
00:12passengers a better experience.
00:14Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says years of cancellations, delays and overcrowding
00:20means change is needed. Avanti's contract ends on 7 March when the operator will transfer
00:26to public ownership. Managing Director Andy Mellor says Avanti is proud of achievements
00:32it's made. He says the company will work with the government on a smooth transition.
00:37Avanti has announced service reductions on busy routes following a government request to
00:43cut spending.
