New London-Manchester train line could improve connectivity after HS2 cancellation

Plans for new trains with “up to 50% cheaper fares” between London and Manchester have been revealed after HS2 plans were cancelled last year.

A multi-million pound fleet of electric trains could help improve connections between the capital and the north of England, supporting businesses and people across the country.

Connectivity and transport are key drivers of economic growth and improved connections to the capital will be welcome news for businesses and investors in our region.

London Northwestern Railway has unveiled plans to launch a new train service within the next two years, following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s controversial decision to scrap the northern section of the much-anticipated high-speed line. The company is now seeking permission to extend its existing service, which currently runs from London Crew to Manchester Victoria via the West Midlands.

The planned route will link the West Midlands towns of Rugeley, Lichfield, Tamworth and Atherstone with Manchester city centre and Warrington.

The trains are expected to increase capacity on the popular line, with each 10-car train able to accommodate more than 1,200 passengers.

The trains, which are billed as environmentally friendly, offer customers fares up to “50% cheaper than the main intercity operator”,

Ian McConnell, managing director of West Midlands Trains, owner of the London Northwestern Railway, said: “This proposal puts passengers at the heart of the railway and is the common sense solution to increasing connectivity between the North West and the West Midlands following the cancellation of the northern section of HS2.

“With platform space at Euston at a premium, the best way to deliver new travel opportunities in Manchester is to simply extend existing services, rather than trying to squeeze more trains onto the already congested West Coast Main Line.