Network North Wales to transform region's public transport
Network North Wales is a bold passenger-focussed programme of work to better connect communities, with more rail and bus services and greater integration. It aims to maximise opportunity and unlock the economic potential of North Wales and the cross-border region.
Unveiled by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates, Network North Wales will see metro style train services on the North Wales mainline, the Marches line (Chester to Wrexham) and a new, direct rail link between Wrexham and Liverpool.
Immediate changes are being delivered, with a raft of improvements planned for the next 12 months, three years and through to 2035. Longer term objectives include defining future targets for higher frequency services, reopening closed stations, creating new stations and exploring the role of new transport modes such as tram trains.
Plans include:
The Welsh Government has already committed an investment of over £13m to begin delivery immediately and will draw on other funding streams to make the vision a reality.
Mr Skates said: 'UK Government, local government, Transport for Wales and English local authorities are working with us to deliver this bold programme of work to better connect communities, with more rail and bus services and greater integration, new stations, new transport routes, new trains, new buses, new technology.
'A network of public transport services that will include cross-border turn-up and go bus and rail services, extending the Northern Arc from Hull to Holyhead.
'With unprecedented partnership across governments, across borders and across the north, we have the opportunity to turn dreams into reality, to deliver on an enduring vision for what our a public transport network should look like."
He added: 'Most importantly, we have an opportunity to deliver the principal purpose of public transport - to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.
'We have already delivered significantly for South Wales with the South Wales Metro. Building on the £800m investment in new trains, the majority of which are already serving the North Wales region, now is the right time for North Wales to get the same level of ambition.
'More services. More new trains. A better railway for North Wales. And delivery at an unprecedented pace."
Councillor David A Bithell, deputy leader and lead member for strategic transport, said: "As a Network North Wales board member I welcome the announcement of more trains from Wrexham to Chester, better rolling stock, rebranding Wrexham to Liverpool and better and improved ticketing.
"Modernised bus and rail network is key to improving accessibility for public transport."
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