• 215 new services a week will operate following the reopening of the Halton Curve track.
• The services will improve connectivity for the region.
• 30 new jobs have been created.

Commencing 20th May 2019, Transport for Wales will now be operating hourly services between North Wales and Cheshire to Liverpool. This follows the reopening of the Halton Curve Track, a short railway line linking the North Wales and West Coast Main Line tracks.

215 new services a week will now be in operation. This includes hourly services from Chester to Liverpool Lime Street, also calling at Helsby, Frodsham, Runcorn and Liverpool South Parkway (for John Lennon Airport). Additionally, there will be 2 direct services a day from Wrexham General and one direct from Liverpool to Wrexham.

These new services will improve connectivity in the area and provide a major economic boom; they have also led to the creation of 30 new jobs.

Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, attended the celebratory launch of these new services, the first of which departed Wrexham general at 6:35am on Monday morning (20th May).

Ken Skates said: “I’m delighted to be launching the new Transport for Wales rail services between North Wales and Cheshire to Liverpool.

“Each day thousands of commuters travel between North Wales and North West England meaning excellent rail connectivity is vital to the economy on both sides of the border. By providing 215 new services per week, we will strengthen links with our cross-border neighbours which will create important economic and social opportunities. Improving access will also provide a boost to our local communities and regional tourism sector, attracting more visitors to Wales.

“I’d like to thank all partners involved in this project and I look forward to continuing our close working relationship for the benefit of all rail users.”

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO added:

"Transport for Wales is investing £5 billion to transform the transport sector throughout the Wales and Borders network and we're incredibly excited to see the introduction of the new services linking north Wales and Cheshire with Liverpool.

"It will be a major economic boost for the area and the fact Transport for Wales are delivering 215 brand new services a week, really underpins our commitment to building a better transport network for all.

"This project saw an immense amount of hard work, dedication and investment by so many individuals and agencies and shows just what can be achieved by collaborative working.

“We are approaching our first six months at Transport for Wales and this is another important milestone as we continue to deliver our vision."

Information Source: Transport for Wales