The Department for Transport has this morning announced the names of the three bidding consortia which will vye for the contract to run services on the WCML, which runs from London to Glasgow and Edinburgh with many services through Manchester.

Plans to ensure faster and more reliable train services were on show at Piccadilly and Whitworth Street West, with formal applications for renovations due to be submitted to the Department of Transport in the winter

Government statistics have caused a scramble for seats after it was revealed Manchester has two of the country’s most crowded train services.

Manchester train passengers warned to plan their journeys by Network Rail ahead of closures to West Coast Mainline over three August weekends.

The three-time Olympic cyclist was the rail company’s secret celebrity guest at the launch event for the changes introduced on Friday, showcasing a cycling challenge that allowed commuters to win free return tickets.