Locomotive Services runs extra Friday Euston charter
AMID the drastic reduction of trains operated by Avanti West Coast (see article above), Crewe-based Locomotive Services Group introduced a ‘Friday Charter’ from
Crewe to Euston and back to Manchester Piccadilly on two dates in August and two in September.
The surprise move gives passengers a travel alternative. The Friday-only diagram begins with a 14.29 departure from Crewe non-stop to Euston. It then forms a 17.27 to Manchester Piccadilly, calling at Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton,
Stafford, Crewe, Wilmslow, and arriving at Manchester Piccadilly at 20.45. There is a flat fare of £75 each way. Seating is all first class in Mk.3s, with at-seat sockets and two buffet cars offering drinks. Dates of operation were August 19/26 and September 2/9, with the Mk.3s running at up to 110mph powered by one of LSL’s AC electrics, which include Classes 86, 87 and 90.
With no signs of a settlement over the rest day working and overtime by Avanti staff at the time of closing for press, it was uncertain whether this extra operation might be extended for a longer duration.