AWC runs 67 extra trains to London

A total of 67 extra trains were run by Avanti West Coast (AWC) in the seven days up to and including Her Late Majesty the Queen’s funeral, to support those travelling to London.

These included a number of overnight services to Manchester and Preston. It also made a Pendolino available at Euston most nights, although this was very lightly used.

In addition, AWC kept the First Class Lounge open for those who had missed their last train. This proved more popular and hosted upwards of 50 people one night.

As part of the campaign, Crewe-based Locomotive Services Limited was hired to run two round trips from Manchester to London using a Class 90 and its InterCity Mk 3/DVT rake from September 14-19 - a total of 24 extra trains. The LSL charter also ran on September 20, the day after the funeral.

While official figures have yet to be released, it is understood that AWC experienced very little evidence of any spike in bookings to London during the period. The Government had strongly urged people not to travel to London, amid concerns that the capital would be overwhelmed.