Monday 6th July 2020 saw local train operator Northern reintroduce some more train services to help increase capacity following the slight relaxation of lock down regulations.
158817 arriving into Morecambe with 2H17 14:58 Skipton to Morecambe 06.07.20 – Charlie Rouse
The main change has been the reintroduction of trains to the Lancaster to Morecambe service, which has been operated by replacement bus service since the start of the Covid-19 lock down. The service sees trains in the morning and evening peak with others spread across the day including the boat train from Lancaster to Heysham Port. You can download a copy of the timetable on this link: LAN – MCM 06.07.20.
Gerald Townson, Chair of the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership, said: “We were delighted to see the return of local rail services to the Lancaster to Morecambe branch line and also the extension of services between Skipton and Lancaster to Morecambe, on 6th July 2020, after a 4-month break resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. With these services taking us a step nearer to a more normal life, we hope the communities will use them sensibly by paying attention to the updated rail travel guidelines and showing consideration for those making essential journeys”.
Other routes that have seen service improvements are the Clitheroe & Blackburn to Manchester Victoria & Rochdale service which sees an additional train the morning and evening peak from Blackburn.
Blackpool North to Manchester Airport and Rochdale to Manchester Victoria both see an hourly service in the two peak times of the day.
158755 arriving into Morecambe after working 2C79 17:49 Lancaster to Morecambe, 06.07.20 – Charlie Rouse
Although there has been a lifting of some restrictions for travelling by public transport you must still wear a face covering and practice safe distancing. For full details of the latest government guidelines go here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers.