ADDITIONAL direct train services between North Wales and London started this week.
Direct services from the region to the UK capital have been impacted by two years of the pandemic.
Avanti West Coast reduced the number of direct trains as demand plummeted and Covid caused staff shortages. There are currently two direct trains in each direction on weekdays - a total of four services. Pre-Covid, there had been services every two hours in each direction.
But on Monday, this was increased to nine direct services between Holyhead and London - and there are plans for this to be increased from September.
READ MORE: One of the world's fastest steam locomotives to visit Wrexham
Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has been among those calling for an increase in services and he welcomed the news.
He said: "Whilst I appreciate the operational resource challenges Avanti West Coast has had to contend with as a result of the pandemic, including Covid-related staff sickness, passengers have been left extremely frustrated by the scaled back service that has been in place over the past two years.
“Those who need to travel to and from London on a regular basis have found it extremely challenging with at first no direct services, and from February only a reduced number compared to before the pandemic. They will therefore very much welcome the additional services from Sunday, and the further direct services from September."
He added: “Having fast, reliable direct services between North Wales is crucial to the region’s recovery from the pandemic. I will continue monitoring the situation to ensure the promised additional services from Sunday, and later in year, are delivered and efficient.”
Direct services along the North Wales coast and Chester from Monday:
Southbound
04:48 Holyhead to London Euston
05:51 Holyhead to London Euston (this joins with the 0703 from Wrexham at Chester)
13:57 Holyhead to London Euston *
14:50 Holyhead to London Euston *
Northbound
09:10 London Euston to Holyhead *
10:10 London Euston to Holyhead *
16:10 London Euston to Bangor
18:10 London Euston to Wrexham / Holyhead
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here