Alliance Rail Holdings have today announced that the Office of Road and Rail have approved its application to run a new direct rail passenger service between Blackpool North and London Euston.
The approved Access Rights application now means that 5 train services, with the option of a 6th, could run from Blackpool North to London Euston via Poulton-le-Fylde, Kirkham and Wesham and Preston.
Alliance Rail Holdings would be able to deliver 2630 additional daily seats to and from the capital of England to generate benefits for the local towns and cities.
The application was submitted by Great North Western Railway (GNWR), who is an Arriva company and sister company to Grand Central, Britains number one train company.
The new services that the Access Rights support would start in September 2019 and would see Intercity trains of a high standard introduced, these would be formed of an electric locomotive, six passenger carriages – including first class and buffet, and a large luggage van.
Around 90 jobs will be created in order to run this service, most of which will be based in the North West.
The new service will call at Poulton-le-Fylde, Kirkham and Wesham, Preston, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes Central.
What did the officials say?
Alliance said:
“We are delighted that the ORR has approved our application to deliver new direct rail services linking towns and cities between Blackpool and London. We expect that our plans would lead to the growth of the market for rail travel, a better journey experience, innovation and lower fares. Passengers would also have the choice who they wish to travel with.”
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Responses
Great news and congratulations. One question, will some of the rolling stock be serviced in Blackpool North carriage sidings ?
Hi Paul,
Many thanks for your comment.
The trains will be stabled in the North West, as most of the jobs that come from the new service will be created in the North West.
Not sure if they will be at Blackpool North Carriage Sidings or not, if we hear anything, we will let you know!
Regards,
Michael
Great North Western Railway. Brilliant name with a new service directly to Blackpool North from London Euston. Similar to Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) who are to take over from Virgin Trains East Coast from 24th June. Does that mean inheriting some of the Class 91+Mk4 carriages could be used.
Meant to say “Similar to London North Eastern Railway (LNER) who are to take over from Virgin Trains East Coast from 24th June. Silly me.
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your continued comments.
Not sure as to what will be running the new service, if we hear anything then we will let you know 🙂
Regards,
Michael
Your welcome. 🙂