The rail operator is proposing a new service from Rugby to Manchester

PLANS to run a new train service from Rugby to Manchester have been welcomed by rail users in the city.

London Northwestern Railway is proposing to extend the hourly service that currently runs from Rugby to Crewe, adding stops in Warrington and Manchester city centre.

A spokesman for London Northwestern Railway said: “We are aware of other proposals to bring additional capacity to Manchester. However, given that platform space at London Euston is limited, we believe the common sense solution is to extend our existing services between Crewe and London Euston, rather than adding more trains to the busy West Coast Main Line.

“The additional revenue generated, if our plans are approved, will be returned to the taxpayer.

“Following the cancellation of the northern section of HS2, these proposals will provide much-needed connectivity between Manchester, the West Midlands and London, with thousands of extra seats every day.”

Stephanie Clifford, chair of the Rugby Rail Users Group, welcomed the proposal as it would bring additional travel opportunities.

She said: “It is an exciting proposal for Rugby as it would provide a direct service to Warrington and an additional direct link to Manchester. Rugby already has a direct fast train to and from Manchester every hour.”

However, she rejected the idea that the extended service could replace the northern part of HS2.

“Some people are optimistic that it’s an alternative to the canceled part of HS2,” she said. “They are wrong – it will be a slow train which has limited capacity as this service is already well used.

“There is also the possibility that this proposal was put forward to counter an open access operator application for the same route, which would not reach Rugby.”

London Northwestern Railway will submit its proposal to the Office for Rail and Road for consideration later this year. If approved, the expanded service will begin operating in the summer of 2026.

E-mail (email protected) to provide feedback on plans.