Passenger groups and rail workers' unions have ‘denounced’ the government’s decision to extend Avanti West Coast’s contract for a further 6 months.

We Own It, Bring Back British Rail, the Association of British Commuters, rail unions TSSA and RMT and News and Star readers have all raised their concern over the controversial contract extension.

Avanti, which operates services from Carlisle to London on the west coast mainline, had its contract temporarily renewed in October 2022 until 31st March 2023 under orders to “drastically improve services”.

However, yesterday its contract was extended until October after the government said the operator had made ‘significant improvements’ over the course of the winter.

Last year, amidst record cancellations and delays on the west coast mainline, owners FirstGroup reported half-year operating profits of £66m, up from £52m from the previous six months.

Avanti West Coast also has among the worst ratings in terms of passenger complaints according to the latest Office of Rail and Road statistics.

News and Star reader, David Eyley said: “How on earth can a franchise like this be given an extension? That's rewarding poor performance. Shocking decision” and his comments were echoed by another reader who said that Avanti “should have been stripped of the franchise they will not improve and come October will be gone.”

Following the extension of Avanti West Coast’s contract, attention will now turn to whether the government will extend TransPennine Express’ contract in May.

Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express are owned by FirstGroup, whose chief executive Graham Sutherland said: “We are working closely with Government and our partners across the industry to deliver a successful railway for our customers and communities.

“Performance at Avanti is steadily improving and, since the introduction of the new timetable in mid-December, the number of services has increased by more than 40 per cent compared to last summer, with more seats and better frequencies.

READ MORE: Avanti West Coast contract extended by six months

“Today's agreement allows our team to continue their focus on delivering their robust plans to continue enhancing services for our customers, including further progress on our train upgrade and refurbishment programme.”