Direct Hull to Liverpool train boost
SERVICE TO LAUNCH NEXT YEAR?
A NEW direct rail service between Hull and Liverpool could be introduced next year.
Proposals announced this week by operator Transpennine Express (TPE) envisage direct services between the two cities starting in December 2022.
If approved, the move would mark a significant victory for campaigners in the city who have been lobbying for improved rail services for Hull.
TPE says the plans would boost east-west connectivity and reduce the journey time between Hull and Liverpool by 25 minutes.
At the moment, passengers travelling to Liverpool from Hull have to change train at Leeds, Huddersfield or Manchester, with a typical coast-to-coast journey taking just over two and a half hours.
Subject to getting the final go-ahead, the new service would mean changes to the current Hull to Manchester Piccadilly service.
Matthew Goulton, managing director for TPE, said: “We have listened to and worked closely with stakeholders from across the communities we serve to create these plans, which would boost east-west connectivity between Hull and Liverpool and improve journey times.
“These amendments will give our customers more flexibility and choice and will open new commuting and leisure opportunities, giving more people more chances to explore all the North has to offer.”
City council leader Councillor Daren Hale said: ““It’s fantastic to see Transpennine Express working to give the people of Hull improved connectivity, faster services and a full coast-to-coast service connecting some of the major towns and cities in the North.
“We look forward to working in partnership with TPE in further exploring how these services can best deliver real benefits for the people of East Yorkshire.”
As well as currently running direct trains between Hull, Leeds and Manchester, the company also manages Hull’s Paragon Transport Interchange in the city centre.
TPE says it is also looking to introduce a number of additional services between York and Scarborough from May 2023 with stops in Malton and Seamer being added.
The proposals, which have been developed in partnership with Transport for the North, Rail North Partnership, the Department for Transport, local and combined authorities and Network Rail, will be open to consultation until Friday, January 14.