First West Coast

[First Class]

RE: First West Coast
Following the award of the West Coast main line franchise this morning Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel, said:” "We would like to place on record our appreciation for the excellent services provided by Virgin Trains. We look forward to continuing our close working relationship with First Group, established through their First Transpennine Express operations. In particular we will be talking to them about an increase in services to Liverpool, and some of those services stopping at Liverpool South Parkway.

“Our aspiration is for two trains per hour between London and Liverpool, one express and one semi-fast service. Liverpool South Parkway has proved increasingly popular with travellers since we opened it six years ago and we will continue to push for further improved services, for which we know there is a demand. .We would also like to explore the opportunity of London to St Helens services once electrification is complete on this route in 2015"