Widespread cancellations on Avanti West Coast services on Saturday due to staff shortages

Rail passengers using Avanti West Coast services have been told to expect disruption on Saturday (28th January) due to staffing issues.

The train operator has announced that they will be cancelling a large number of services on Saturday due to “unseasonably high staff shortages.”

The PA news agency has said the lack of available staff is being caused by more people than ‘normal taking annual leave, and training that could not be postponed.’

The situation has been exacerbated by strike days causing annual leave and training in recent months to be rescheduled.

Due to high staff shortages, we are unfortunately expecting a large number of cancellations on Saturday 28 January.

Trains are likely to be extremely busy, and passengers should check their journey before coming to the station here: https://t.co/gHe5m9iHkd

— Avanti West Coast (@AvantiWestCoast) January 27, 2023

Avanti West Coast runs trains on the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Glasgow Central, with branches to Chester and North Wales.

Passengers are being advised to check their journey online before coming to the station, as trains are likely to be extremely busy.

The train company has apologised for the frustration and inconvenience that this will cause, and is offering fee-free refunds to anyone who no longer wishes to travel.

Alternatively, tickets will be valid for travel on both Friday 27th and Sunday 29th instead, when more services will be running.