Virgin Trains has released figures for journeys taken on their Blackpool route, after one year of running Pendolino services.
Latest figures from the train operator show that over 150,000 journeys have been made on the 36 Pendolino services that launched in May 2018.
34% (51,000) made between Blackpool and London Euston. Adding journeys taken on the original services, a total of 56,000 journeys have been made between the resort and the capital. This is a record number since VT introduced the direct link in December 2014.
The electric services were introduced following Network Rail's project to electrify the line between Blackpool and Preston. This itself has generated an increase in local jounreys in Lancashire, with 7,000 journeys between Preston and Blackpool over the last year.
Following the boost in services, journeys on Virgin's Blackpool route have increased by 1600% since May 2017, when the train operator only operated two direct services to Blackpool between Monday and Friday.
VT now operates eight direct services each weekday and five services on a Saturday between Blackpool and London.
A direct service from Birmingham on Saturdays also offers the West Midlands a direct service to Blackpool.
What did the officials say?
Zina Nomicas, General Manager at Virgin Trains, said:
“We are delighted to have reached another milestone on our Blackpool route – celebrating one year of our electric Pendolino services, which have helped to transform and strengthen connections to and from the town. We have enjoyed serving the resort for nearly five years and would like to thank the people of Blackpool for their continued support as we announce record journeys on the route. The increasing popularity of our services illustrates travelling by train is a great way to reach Blackpool, so it's the perfect excuse to enjoy a short break to the seaside resort this summer.”
Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, said:
“Having fought so hard to deliver this increase in service I hope passenger numbers will continue to grow. I am pleased that Virgin Trains has continued to show faith in Blackpool and worked so hard to make these new services a success.
“There is no doubt of the benefit to our local economy of the direct link to London and other new markets and believe there is a strong case for innovation and the delivery of further direct services.”
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said:
“This is great news and are delighted more and more visitors are using this city to seaside direct link to experience our fantastic beaches, attractions, shows and world-class events.”
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So Virgin Trains has now started bringing back the Class 390s to Blackpool North.
Not used Blackpool North for quite awhile as I always found the station staff to be hostile and rude.
I now travel to Blackpool by National Express coach.