Direct trains between Manchester and Bristol

Ash_Pole

Pre-pandemic I used to travel occasionally between Manchester and Bristol, always on direct trains (and usually they were very busy). Now there doesn't seem to be any direct trains at all. Anyone know why?

Andy_L

Probably because not enough people are making the journey to make it economic to run the service

cheshirelabrador

Train companies are short of drivers due to drivers self-isolating and being behind with training due to the pandemic, so pretty much all of them are unable to operate a full service even if passenger demand is high.

Pre-pandemic Manchester to Birmingham was half-hourly with alternate trains continuing to Bristol, currently the ones continuing to Bristol are the ones which aren't operating.