Virgin has a rival: GNWR to run London to Blackpool west coast rail service
Richard Branson’s firm will face competition on western line for first time as regulator approves new service linking north-west to capital
Virgin Trains is to face competition on the west coast rail line for the first time after the rail regulator approved the launch of a rival service between Blackpool and London.
The decision to allow Great North Western Railway (GNWR) to run the service means Virgin faces its first direct competition on the route since Richard Branson’s firm took over the west coast franchise on privatisation in 1997. It will also link the population of London more directly to the tourist attractions in Blackpool.
Source: Guardian Transport
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