Check rail bookings as new timetable comes into operation

Rail passengers are being warned to check their bookings.
Transpennine Express trains timetable will changeTranspennine Express trains timetable will change
Transpennine Express trains timetable will change

A new rail timetable will come in to operation in May, making journeys to Scotland faster but changing the services between Preston and Wigan.

The timetable for Transpennine Express will change from May 20.

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The alterations are part of the Great North Rail Project, which has seen works on the Manchester to Preston route and weekend rail closures since Christmas.

These works are now almost complete and the new services have been unveiled.

Services to and from Scotland will run direct between Preston and Manchester Piccadilly – meaning the journey time is 10 minutes faster and will no longer call at Wigan North Western and Manchester Oxford Road.

Other operators including Northern Rail will continue to provide services between Wigan and Manchester.

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Once electrified, Transpennine Express services between Scotland and Manchester will operate on the line via Bolton.

Passengers in Motherwell, on the outskirts of Glasgow, will benefit from more direct trains to Glasgow, Lancaster, Preston and Manchester, the operator announced.

Leo Goodwin, managing director for TransPennine Express said: “This is one of the biggest timetable changes the North has seen and will deliver real benefits for customers, whether travelling for work or leisure.

“Customers in this part of the world are already benefitting from free on-board Wi-Fi and entertainment system, Exstream.

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“Our Nova 2 trains will be introduced on the route from early 2019 as part of a £500m investment which will deliver an extra 13million more seats a year for customers.”

Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check their journey times carefully, as timetables will vary from May 20 onwards.

Full details of all train times and fares can be found at www.tpexpress.co.uk