Proposals for new train services between London and Blackpool, Rochdale and Wrexham have been rejected by the rail regulator, as reported by the BBC.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said on 8 October that its assessment found adding more trains to the West Coast Main Line would be likely to increase delays and cancellations for passengers.

Which bids were rejected

The ORR turned down Avanti West Coast's application for additional Blackpool North to London Euston services, Lumo's plan for up to four return services a day between Rochdale and Euston, and an application from the Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway Company for four return Wrexham to Euston services.

The regulator said the capacity and performance of the southern section of the line had not materially changed since similar applications were rejected in 2025, and that an external review supported this. It said gaps in the timetable are needed so trains can recover when disruption happens.

Stephanie Tobyn, the ORR's director of strategy, policy and reform, said the line was "already under significant pressure".

One service approved

The ORR did approve Avanti's weekday 19:29 Chester to Euston service to carry passengers until December 2030. The train already runs empty, so the decision does not add a train to the route.

Sources: Office of Rail and Road; BBC News. This article was produced with the help of AI tools and checked by an editor against the sources above.