First Trenitalia to take over West Coast Mainline

First Trenitalia will operate train services on the West Coast Main Line fromDecember 8, the Department for Transport has said.

The line that runs from Birmingham to Glasgow and London had been operated by Virgin Trains.

The joint partnership between Aberdeen-based FirstGroup andItalian-owned train operator Trenitalia, was awarded the West Coast Partnership (WCP) contract, which also includes responsibility for running the first HS2 trains from 2026.

But the DfT said the Government will "shortly launch a review" into the newhigh-speed railway, which was widely expected after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister.

It added that the WCP has been designed to ensure it can "implement thereview's outcomes".

Virgin Trains issued the following statement: "We have led the industry for 22 years, delivering faster journeys to more destinations, harnessing new technology and always putting our customers first."

"We’ll now work with First Trenitalia to ensure a seamless handover for our customers, who should still book and travel as normal."