Chester-London by train in just two hours

Apr 30 2008 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

A NEW fleet of Virgin Trains will unlock huge opportunities for the leisure and business market in Chester.

The improved public transport infrastructure will increase business networking and potentially attract inward investors into Chester.

Tourism board Visit Chester and Cheshire VCC have worked closely with Virgin and are looking to capitalise on an untapped day tripper and weekend breaks market from London and Milton Keynes.

The hourly trains schedule reinforces Chester’s status as a North West holiday and business hub which could pay dividends in the city’s flourishing conference sector.

The tilting Voyagers can reach a top speed of 125mph which they can achieve at regular intervals south of Crewe Station but the average journey speed will be around 90mph

The first train leaving Chester will depart at 6.25am and arrive in London Euston at 8.30am while the train leaving London for Chester will depart at 7.10am arriving at 9am.

The number of daily journeys will increase from five to 13 per day with an hourly timetable between Chester and London.

Full story in Friday’s Chronicle.