Bringing in direct train lines from Bolton to London would be a “no brainer” after plans were put forward earlier this year. This comes after Virgin Rail applied “to explore what would be possible in May ahead of a proposed start date by the end of December 2025. Now the leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, says that further connectivity like this could be of huge economic benefit to the borough.
He said: “Connectivity between London and other towns is of proven economic benefit so good connectivity brings great economic and commercial opportunities. “So, it’s a no brainer that a direct line between Bolton and London would benefit Bolton.” Trains to London Euston would go through Bolton Station (Image: Newsquest) He added: “People make decisions now about where they live based on affordable housing and good transport links, particularly now that many people work from home at least some of the time.
“So this again is why a direct train to London would be of benefit to Bolton.” Earlier this year Virgin applied to the Office of Rail and Road for an “open access” agreement to run trains that would go from Bolton to London from December 2025 onwards. If approved the route would go from London Euston to Nuneaton, Stoke, Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly.
It would then continue on to Bolton, Horwich and Chorley before terminating at Preston. A Virgin Group spokesperson said: “Virgin has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road for four.
