Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of timetable changes in May 2021 on passengers wanting to book in advance on Avanti West Coast’s services.

In order to remain aligned with nationwide COVID-19 restrictions and the Government’s Roadmap for Recovery, Avanti West Coast has adapted its timetable, often at short notice, which has had the effect of impacting the advanced reservation ticket release.

The Department continues to work closely with Avanti West Coast and Network Rail to minimise this impact on passengers. Advanced booking is on track to recover over the spring and for the summer in line with the Roadmap roll out.