The first six months of Network North Wales have marked a significant step forward in transforming public transport across the region. New train and bus services have been introduced, station infrastructure has been upgraded, and even more ambitious developments are on the horizon.
Network North Wales is not just a project—it’s a long-term vision to deliver an integrated, high-frequency public transport network that connects communities and strengthens economic ties.
To celebrate this milestone, Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, travelled on a newly wrapped train along the renamed Wrexham-to-Liverpool line. The train’s design reflects the character of the communities along its route, with locations chosen following consultation with passengers.
Infrastructure improvements have already begun, including new shelters along the Wrexham-to-Liverpool line. A major highlight is the unveiling of the refurbished Flint station, delivered by Network Rail.
From this Sunday, the new timetable will bring a doubling of services on the Wrexham-to-Chester line, increasing to two trains per hour. Additional services will also run on the Wrexham-to-Liverpool line, including an early morning train from Bidston and a later evening train from Wrexham.
Ken Skates said:
“It’s great to be travelling along the Wrexham to Liverpool line, and then on to Chester today seeing what improvements have been made, and what is yet to come.
With our £800m investment in new trains we are able to see an increase in services which is already being delivered in this December’s timetable change, and we’ll see further changes in May with a 50 per cent increase in services along the North Wales coast mainline.
With a new bus service in place, and improvements made to station infrastructure we are already delivering at pace.
Next year we’ll also start to see the beginning of the rollout of Pay as You Go in the north east, which will make public transport even more convenient to use.
A key part of Network North Wales is linking with the wider North West of England region and beyond, and today I will also meet with representatives from the region as we discuss how we can make further progress to benefit both our areas.
Network North Wales began as a vision, and is now being delivered, with more to come over the coming months.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added:
“There’s long been an association between North Wales and Liverpool – our two regions have shared deep historic, economic and cultural ties for generations. We are true Celtic soulmates, with families, businesses and communities intertwined across the border, and a shared love of music, sport, and that unmistakable warmth and spirit that defines us both.
The transport links will strengthen those ties even further, making it easier than ever for people to travel, work, visit family or simply enjoy everything our regions have to offer.”
Image credit: Transport for Wales
