THE OFFICE of Rail Regulation has rejected Virgin Trains' bid to run services to Blackpool North and Shrewsbury, at least for the time being.
Virgin said it was 'extremely disappointed', while one union leader said the shortage of paths proved the need for HS2.
The ORR explained that 'extensive analysis of Virgin Trains' recent application for new passenger services on the WCML showed that there is not currently sufficient space on the line. The proposals would have also caused further deterioration in punctuality by adding traffic to what is already a very busy route, on which Network Rail is currently not meeting the punctuality targets it has been funded to deliver. The proposals would have a detrimental impact on the journeys of millions of passengers travelling on the route.'
It added that Network Rail and the rest of the industry were 'striving' to improve performance on the West Coast Main Line. The ORR has recently been deeply critical of Network Rail's contribution to performance, and the company has announced a £40 million project to improve the infrastructure south of Rugby, with an emphasis on overhead line equipment and also improvements to lineside fencing as a deterrent to trespassers, particularly would-be cable thieves.
ORR chief executive Richard Price added: "We understand that many people will be disappointed that ORR cannot at this stage give the go-ahead for new direct train services from London to Blackpool and Shrewsbury. We recognise the public support for these proposals, however our analysis shows the introduction of new services would see performance deteriorate on this key route.
"Although we are unable to grant access now, we are putting pressure on Network Rail both to improve its performance and to carry out improvements on the West Coast Main Line so that the question of new services from London to Blackpool and Shrewsbury can be looked at again as soon as possible."
In a statement, Virgin Trains responded: "The people of Blackpool and Shrewsbury have been very clear about their desire for these services, both for the economic growth of their towns and the convenience of the people who live and visit there. Virgin Trains was committed to making this happen and is extremely disappointed about the outcome. We will continue to engage with the ORR and Network Rail to establish when these proposed services may be able to run.”
Following the decision, TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes commented: "This is proof positive that we need High Speed 2 to provide badly needed extra capacity on the West Coast line.
"By blocking extra services from Blackpool and Shrewsbury, the regulator has said what the industry already knows, the West Coast is now full to bursting point.
"The only way to provide extra services is by providing extra capacity throughout the whole network. And that means High Speed 2 from London to Manchester and Leeds via Birmingham."