Halton Curve: First direct train between North Wales and Liverpool in over 40 years launches

The first direct train service between Wrexham and Liverpool in more than 40 years departed this morning.

The train left Wrexham General at 6.35am this morning, with a commemorative event held with Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, Wrexham’s MP and senior representatives of Wrexham Council.

As part of the new route, the direct services will operate six days a week, with two services departing from Wrexham and one from Liverpool Lime Street.

The Monday to Friday timetable is:

Wrexham General depart: 06.35
Liverpool Lime Street arrive: 07.59

Liverpool Lime Street depart: 17.37
Wrexham General arrive: 18.50

Wrexham General depart: 19.09
Liverpool Lime Street arrive: 20.14

The Saturday Timetable is:

Wrexham General depart: 06.19
Liverpool Lime Street arrive: 07.31

Liverpool Lime Street depart: 17.37
Wrexham General arrive: 18.39

Wrexham General depart: 19.10
Liverpool Lime Street arrive: 20.24

Speaking earlier today, Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport at Wrexham Council, said: “This new service is welcomed and is the start of significant rail improvements for Wrexham.

“Supporting economic growth is vital and supports the local economy and creates new links to Liverpool Airport.”

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has hailed the new opportunities for work and leisure that new services between Liverpool and North Wales via the re-opened Halton Curve will bring.

The Metro Mayor, along with key partners in the scheme, welcomed the first service from Wrexham into Lime Street at 7:59am this morning.

Operated by Transport for Wales, the first service called at Chester, Helsby, Frodsham, Runcorn and Liverpool South Parkway, en-route.

A very positive few days for @Wrexham – a great town with a great future pic.twitter.com/56uhUisrHa

— Ian Lucas MP (@IanCLucas) May 20, 2019

This is the first service to run direct from North Wales into Liverpool for over 40 years. Future plans will see more journeys into Wales, with some services running to Cardiff via Shrewsbury and to Llandudno.

Ken Skates AM, Welsh Government Minister for Economy and Transport, 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.

First direct Train from Wrexham to Liverpool for over 40 years significant investment at Halton Curve working in partnership with Welsh Government and councils across the region. pic.twitter.com/0xBB7IS8B3

— David A Bithell (@davebithell) May 20, 2019

He continued: “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.”

Transport for Wales sent out invitations for the event to a select bunch of “local and trade media” Wrexham.com wasn’t invited, nor did we receive their embargoed press release – however, Liverpool City Region did send us something. We asked Transport For Wales who was invited, however did not get a reply.