A TRAIN operator running services from Lichfield Trent Valley is to be nationalised next year.
Avanti West Coast will be moved into public ownership from March 2027.
The Government said the change to the West Coast Main Line operator would come after passengers had experienced "frequent disruption on one of the country’s busiest routes for years".
It added that the nationalisation would be supported by infrastructure improvements to cut delays.
Avanti West Coast's change will come as part of the Government's introduction of Great British Railways.
A spokesperson said:
"The Government is on track to complete all public ownership transfers by the end of 2027 ahead of setting up Great British Railways.
"Avanti West Coast's transfer is the latest move to bring local transport under greater public control."
Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said:
"We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the last six years – from refurbishing our Pendolino fleet and introducing our new Evero trains to running more services than ever before.
"Together, these improvements have given customers greater choice, more capacity and better connectivity, while we’ve continued to innovate to shape the future of the West Coast Main Line and wider rail industry.
"Over the coming months, we’ll work closely with the Government to ensure a seamless transition into public ownership while remaining focused on delivering for our customers and communities."
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