[rant]
I have to say the calling pattern at St Helens Central does not impress. I had been led (/ led myself) to believe that all would stop there, particularly with it being such an infrequent service anyway.
Where to start...
Lets take the Sunday service first. Want a weekend in the Lake District, or Scotland. Get the last train back on a Sunday... Nice time leaving Glasgow not long before 7, - going through Lakes between 8 and 9 stopping at both Penrith and Oxenholme - 2112 leaving Lancaster. Lovely timed train for a weekend away. Nope doesn't stop at St Helens Central, passes through none stop. The only one on a Sunday that doesn't stop is arguably the most useful one.
Early dart on a Friday, 1612 off Liverpool, that should be about right for a 6pm arrival in the Lakes for the weekend or an 8pm meal in Glasgow. No, don't worry you lot can just stay put. As you are stood on the platform at 1626 you will watch it fly straight past.
So Business travel, after all that is what we are told makes the railway the big bucks. All those Expenses paid rail trips. How about a morning departure that gets you up to the Glasgow Office, or a change onto the Edinburgh office in time for a couple of Afternoon meetings. 0812 out of Liverpool, that should do nicely. Nope you guessed it another none stopper.
Home the next day 1629 Departure from Glasgow. Oh perfect. No wait, not only does this one not stop, it doesn't even stop at Wigan to let you connect into the Local train.
The 0731 weekdays towards Liverpool pre 0800 arrival, (will no doubt catch some of the morning commuters), but the other stops or lack of stops make it entirely pointless.
So much for an improved service, and not being having a Northern Connect service, because TPE would be calling.
[/rant]