05.07.16
Merseytravel chair calls for two West Coast services an hour
The new Intercity West Coast franchise should expand to offer two services an hour between London and Liverpool, the chair of the Merseytravel Committee has said.
Cllr Liam Robinson said that Merseytravel gave feedback on the new franchise saying that services between Liverpool Lime Street, Runcorn and London Euston should increase from one an hour to two.
The West Coast franchise is currently operated by Virgin, but a new operator is due to take over in April 2018.
“We believe two services an hour would help support the City Region’s economic growth and meet latent demand that we know is there,” he said.
The West Midlands Integrated Transport Committee has warned that plans to cut the number of trains at stations like Wolverhampton and Coventry in the new franchise could make commuting harder.
Campaign for Better Transport has said the government must set targets on bidders to increase the line’s capacity.
Cllr Robinson said other needed improvements to rail services in Liverpool should be a direct service to Milton Keynes so passengers don’t have to change at Crewe, Chester or Manchester; lengthened platforms at Liverpool South Parkway; and direct London services on the newly electrified Chat Moss line, which would require infrastructure rebuilding.
Liverpool recently announced a £340m partnership with Network Rail to improve its railways over the next three years, which will lead to closures at Lime Street from next year.
(Image c. Network Rail)
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.