Welsh Government and Liverpool City Region agree to transform cross border public transport

A new direct rail service between Llandudno in North Wales and Liverpool will begin in May 2026, under the Welsh Government’s “Network North Wales” initiative. The launch was confirmed at Llandudno Junction station by First Minister Eluned Morgan, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, and Transport for Wales Chair Vernon Everitt.

Network North Wales is a major, long-term investment plan led by the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, and partner bodies, to transform public transport across North Wales and the cross-border Mersey-Dee region. Its core aim is to create an integrated, high-frequency network of rail, bus, walking, wheeling and cycling, with a metro-style service at its heart.

This in turn plays into the larger Northern Arc strategy – a growing economic corridor in the North of England, stretching from Liverpool and the wider North West, through Warrington and Cheshire, across the Pennines, and into West and South Yorkshire.

It is underpinned by proposals for improved transport infrastructure—such as the proposed Liverpool-Manchester railway—and aims to harness economic potential by connecting people more effectively to jobs, innovation clusters, clean energy projects, and housing. If realised, the Northern Arc could generate up to £90 billion in economic output by 2040.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said, “The Liverpool City Region and North Wales share deep historic, economic and cultural ties – and improved transport links will only strengthen that partnership in the future.

“Creating better connections across the North West and into North Wales is a key part of our vision for a more joined-up, more productive economy.

“These new connections will help bring people on both sides of the border closer to opportunity – whether that’s getting to a new job, visiting family, or heading to our football stadiums, the Eisteddfod or a night out in town!”