The first six months of Network North Wales has seen new train
and bus services introduced, along with improvements to station
infrastructure with more exciting developments to come.
Network North Wales is a long-term vision to deliver an
integrated high-frequency public transport network in the region.
To mark the first six months the Cabinet Secretary for Transport
and North Wales travelled on a newly wrapped train on the renamed
Wrexham to Liverpool line. The design reflects the areas on
the route of the train, with places included following
consultation with passengers.
In September a new bus service has been introduced between Rhyl
and Wrexham, the T51, which provides an hourly service, and which
will have a new double deck fleet in the new year.
There have been improvements in station infrastructure, such as
shelters, along the Wrexham to Liverpool line, and the newly
refurbished Flint station has been unveiled delivered by Network
Rail.
From Sunday with the introduction of the new timetable there will
be a doubling of train services on the Wrexham to Chester line,
with two trains an hour, and there will be additional trains on
the Wrexham Liverpool line including an early morning train from
Bidston and later train from Wrexham.
The Cabinet Secretary 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.”
, Mayor of the Liverpool City
Region, said:
“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.”
Notes to editors
The new wrapped train on the Wrexham to Liverpool line has been
designed by artist Arry Cain and includes the following areas:
- Wrexham - landmarks: Wrexham General Station, The old Talbot
building, a distant pulley shaft to represent
Wrexham miners project, Soames Brewery chimney and Nag's head
building, St Giles' Church Tower, one of the wonders of Wales
and Alun Waters Country Park.
- Alun Waters
- Caergwrle Castle
- Park in the Past
- Lane End Nature reserve (home to large numbers of the
endangered Great Crested Newt)
- Gladstone's Library
- Dee Marsh Junction Signalling Box and Connors Quay Power
Station
- Hawarden Bridge and Queensferry Bridge
- Burton Mere Wetlands
- Dee Estuary Nature Reserve
- Ness Botanic Gardens
- Bidston Hill - Featured landmarks: The windmill and the
Observatory
- Liverpool
