New rail service opens up rail access for more travellers across the North West

Travellers across the North West are now even closer to one of the region’s busiest airports after the introduction of a new service operated by Northern rail to Liverpool South Parkway, Merseytravel’s flagship train station for Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Northern Rail and Merseytravel have worked in partnership to improve the existing service from Blackpool North to Liverpool Lime Street to include the newest station in Merseyside with trains on route calling at a number of stations including Preston, Wigan and St Helens.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive of Merseytravel, said: "I’m delighted we’ve been able to provide yet another service to Liverpool South Parkway which has been an amazing success since it opened."

Lee Wasnidge, Area Director for Northern Rail, comments: "We are very proud of our working relationship with Merseytravel and this is a great example of us pulling together to benefit the customer. This new service will really open up the journey opportunities for thousands of people around the North West, with more connections to Liverpool John Lennon Airport"

Robin Tudor, Head of PR for Peel Airports added, "Some 18% of airport passengers now use public transport, a figure that has increased significantly since the opening of Liverpool South Parkway.

"We believe this new service will be popular for both passengers who live in areas such as Blackpool, Preston, Wigan and St Helens who are departing on flights from Liverpool as it will be for those arriving at the airport from across Europe and beyond, wanting easy access to popular tourist areas such as Blackpool and the Lake District."

The new route improvements coincide with an upgrade to the 501 bus service by Arriva who are introducing extra long "bendy" buses to make sure passengers trips are as seamless as possible.

It means passengers hoping to travel to and from Liverpool John Lennon Airport can head straight to Liverpool South Parkway and then onto the airport using the 501.

The new Liverpool South Parkway service will run hourly Monday to Saturday from Blackpool North from 0937 until 1437 (There is also an 0838 service on Saturdays)

For more information see northernrail.org, merseytravel.gov.uk or national rail enquiries at nationalrail.co.uk.