Why the Manchester to London ‘Ghost Train’ Sparked Outrage and What It Means for Rail Passengers

Published on December 2, 2025

In an unusual twist in the UK’s rail network, a decision to run the 7am express from Manchester to London empty sparked both confusion and outrage. The train, which was originally intended to carry passengers but instead would have transported only Avanti West Coast staff, became the subject of widespread debate, leading to a rapid U-turn by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The issue raised questions about how train services are allocated and the role of regulatory bodies in managing the increasingly congested rail network.

What Happened with the 7am Manchester to London Express?

The 7am express service between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston is the fastest train on this route, covering the 184-mile journey in just under two hours. It is particularly popular with business travelers, offering a convenient and timely arrival in London before 9am. However, from December 15, 2025, the plan was to run the train as empty coaching stock (ECS) – a term referring to trains running without passengers – in order to free up space for more critical rail services, particularly during disruptions.

This decision was based on the “path allocation” policy, where the Office of Rail and Road regulates train slots, or “paths,” to avoid overcrowding and ensure smooth operations. The ORR suggested that running the train as an empty service would provide more flexibility in managing potential delays and disruptions on the West Coast Main Line, allowing for better recovery in case of operational issues.

Public Outrage and the Reversal of the Decision

The public backlash to this decision was swift and vocal. Passengers and media outlets expressed frustration, particularly since the 7am express was seen as a vital link for travelers heading to London for business meetings and connections with international services like Eurostar. Within days, the ORR reversed its decision, allowing the 7am train to continue operating with passengers. This reversal was a relief for commuters and highlighted the complexity of balancing efficient rail service with passenger needs.

The decision to reverse the plan also brought to light the broader issues facing the UK’s rail industry, including the competition for train paths on an overcrowded network and the need for strategic infrastructure investment.

Why Was This Decision Made? The Role of Train Path Allocation

The allocation of train paths is a crucial aspect of managing a busy rail network. Path allocation refers to the scheduling of train services, ensuring that trains can run without causing unnecessary delays. In this case, the ORR’s decision to run the 7am train empty was based on the idea of keeping a path open as a “firebreak.” This would allow the train to be moved out of the way quickly in the event of disruptions, thus minimizing the impact on other services.

However, critics argue that this strategy overlooked the needs of passengers, particularly those who rely on this express service for timely arrivals in London. Some suggested that alternative solutions, such as adjusting the timing or offering discounted tickets with clear warnings of potential delays, could have been explored.

The Economic and Environmental Cost of Empty Trains

One of the main concerns raised by critics was the environmental and financial cost of running an empty train. Moving 500 tonnes of metal 184 miles at 125mph consumes a significant amount of energy and incurs wear and tear on both the train and the track. Moreover, paying for train crews and maintaining the service while it is empty adds to the overall cost.

However, the logistics of keeping the train in the depot in Manchester were also not ideal. The train is intended to be used for other services later in the morning, and so leaving it unused in the depot would have been inefficient. This balancing act between operational efficiency and passenger service is a challenge that the rail industry continues to face.

Who Makes the Decision on Which Trains Run? The Role of the ORR and DfT

The Department for Transport (DfT) plays a significant role in determining which trains operate within the UK, particularly through its directly operated units like Greater Anglia and TransPennine Express. For private train operators, the DfT has tightly written agreements that regulate which services they are obligated to run.

However, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is responsible for ensuring competition within the industry and for overseeing the allocation of train paths. The ORR’s decision to allow the 7am Manchester to London express to operate empty raises questions about how much influence regulatory bodies have over passenger services and how their decisions balance the needs of passengers with the technical demands of managing a congested rail network.

A Long-Term Solution: Is HS2 the Answer?

The issue surrounding the “ghost train” highlights the ongoing strain on the UK’s rail infrastructure. One of the long-term solutions proposed to alleviate this pressure is the development of high-speed rail lines, such as HS2, which would offer faster, more efficient travel between cities like Manchester and London. However, the government’s decision to scale back HS2 north of Birmingham has left many questioning whether this project should be revived to solve the growing congestion on the West Coast Main Line.

The controversy surrounding the 7am express serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for improved rail infrastructure to meet the growing demand for fast, efficient travel between major cities in the UK.

What Are ‘Ghost Trains’ and Why Do They Exist?

The term “ghost train” is often used to describe trains that run infrequently or serve no real passenger function, yet must be operated for legal or operational reasons. For example, some trains may be run to maintain access rights or fulfill operational requirements, even if they are not intended to carry passengers. This includes services like the Saturday-only train from Stalybridge to Stockport, which has no return journey.

Similarly, the East West Rail route, intended to connect Oxford and Milton Keynes, has faced delays, contributing to the growing phenomenon of “ghost lines” in the UK. These “ghost trains” and routes underscore the need for a more cohesive and efficient rail strategy.

Conclusion: The Future of Rail Services in the UK

The saga of the Manchester to London 7am express has sparked widespread debate about the future of UK rail services and how decisions are made regarding which trains should run. While the short-term solution was to reverse the controversial decision to run the train empty, the long-term solution remains clear: the UK’s rail network needs investment, modernization, and a more strategic approach to service delivery.

For passengers, this situation highlights the complexity of rail services and the need for transparency in how decisions are made about train schedules and paths. As the UK moves towards a future with more passengers and greater demand for faster services, it’s essential that both regulatory bodies and operators work together to ensure that passenger needs are at the forefront of these decisions.

Key Takeaways for Passengers and Rail Travelers:

• The 7am Manchester to London express was nearly cancelled for passengers due to “firebreak” path allocation but was reinstated after public outcry.
• Train path allocation is crucial for managing the congested rail network but can sometimes lead to controversial decisions affecting passenger services.
• “Ghost trains” exist due to operational requirements, even when no passengers are onboard, highlighting the inefficiencies in the current system.
• Long-term solutions such as HS2 could alleviate congestion on the West Coast Main Line and improve rail services for future generations.

For more details on rail policies and services, visit the Office of Rail and Road and Department for Transport.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated