Two new alliances aim to improve rail services across northern England and north Wales.
A cross-border alliance of business, political and public sector leaders has launched a campaign to secure £1bn of rail improvements, transform the North Wales and Cheshire regional economy and deliver 70,000 new jobs over 20 years.
The campaign – called Growth track 360 – is calling for:
- the electrification of the line from Crewe to North Wales so the region can be linked to HS2 and fast London trains can continue to Bangor and Holyhead
- the doubling of frequency of trains between the North Wales Coast Line and Wrexham to Manchester through Chester
- investment in new, modern, better equipped rolling stock
- new services between Liverpool and Liverpool Airport to North Wales and Wrexham via Chester (Halton Curve)
- doubling journey frequency between Wrexham and Liverpool via Deeside and Bidston.
Chester in north west England
Linked to the proposals would be improvements to stations to upgrade facilities and capacity and the creation of a smart ticketing system.
The group is also seeking a new approach to franchises to improve services as well as upgrades to signalling and line speeds to enhance journey times.
The campaign is being led by the North Wales and Mersey Dee Rail Task Force and has the backing of the region’s eight local authorities, the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, the Mersey Dee Alliance, the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, the North Wales Business Council and the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.
Dilwyn Roberts, leader of Conwy County BC, said: ‘Our vision is for a smart, modern and integrated public transport system which can help us unlock the region’s full economic potential, ensuring we can fulfil our status as an integral part of the Northern Powerhouse and help to address the imbalance in the UK economy.’
Network rail and Northern form alliance
Separately, infrastructure owner Network Rail and train operator Northern have formed an alliance to improve services across the north of England.
They plan closer working between the two organisations, including quickly and safely resolving operational issues that impact on services. The alliance also aims to promote innovation and cost-effective ways of working.
Northern operates more than 2,500 daily trains across the north of England serving a population of nearly 15 million people.
Alex Hynes, managing director for Northern, said: ‘This agreement will transform our working relationship with Network Rail. We’re already working closely with them on a variety of projects throughout the north of England, projects which when delivered will make a huge difference for our customers.
Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail's London North Western route, said: ‘To deliver these improvements and minimise disruption as much as possible, it’s essential we have an effective relationship with train operators.’
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