West Coast Partnership

West Coast Partnership

West Coast Partnership (WCP) is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, bringing together two award winning transport operators with a wealth of experience in high speed, intercity, commuter and regional services, focused on delivering exceptional customer service on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and future integrated high speed and conventional rail network.

There are two elements to WCP:

  • Avanti West Coast (AWC) delivers InterCity West Coast services between London, the West Midlands, North West, Wales and Scotland.
  • West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD) is the Shadow Operator for HS2, working in partnership with the Government, HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and communities, to design, develop and mobilise future high speed and reconfigured intercity rail services.

The WCML is the busiest mixed-use railway in Europe, and one of Britain’s economic arteries, linking towns and cities with fast and frequent trains. It is an essential part of the strategic transport network, joining the British mainland together as it serves England, Wales and Scotland. Its economic contribution is significant, supporting towns and communities on the route as it helps to drive growth and power jobs.

Our customers want a railway based on partnership, so we’re working with them and our partners to pioneer a railway with exceptional service as standard, giving our customers and stakeholders a voice in shaping the future of today’s railway, and tomorrow’s high-speed trains.