Avanti West Coast makes Friday an ‘off peak’ day

• Avanti West Coast removes Friday morning peak restrictions in long distance fares trial
• Move intended to give customers greater choice to aid social distancing and stimulate New Year return to travel

Avanti West Coast has removed Friday morning peak restrictions on long distance journeys to and from London Euston starting from today, 20 November.

The trial, which will run into the New Year, means customers can take advantage of the full range of Off Peak and Advance tickets throughout the day and make a much earlier start to their weekend.

The current Friday morning peak restrictions means customers with Off Peak tickets must wait until typically 09:30 before starting their journeys. For example, the first Off Peak train from Manchester to London is the 09:35 departure, which arrives in the Euston just before midday. Customers will now be able to travel on any train (from as early as 05:05) and make the most of their Fridays.

Customers who previously travelled in the morning peak on a Friday, with a fully flexible ticket, will save on average around 50% - 60%. For example, a customer will pay no more than £64.40 for a Standard single from Manchester to London (a saving of 64% on the current walk-up fare), and as little as £25 with the lowest priced Advance Fare (previously unavailable on peak time services). 

Afternoon peak restrictions on a Friday were already removed and this move makes the entire day “off peak”.

Sarah Copley, Executive Director, Commercial at Avanti West Coast said: “Removing the Friday morning restrictions gives customers more freedom to choose when they travel and when lockdown measures ease make the most of their extended weekends and days out.

“Just as importantly it allows us to spread demand and maintain social distancing onboard our services. This will help our customers who decide to travel, to travel with confidence.”

David Sidebottom, Director, Transport Focus added: “Passengers will welcome this trial. Any move that helps save money and maintain social distancing should prove popular, and when the time is right, encourage more people to use rail services again.”