Figures released by Virgin Trains show that train passenger numbers between north west England and London have grown by more than two thirds since West Coast rail services were increased in September 2004. The one exception is the Mancheste r/ Stockport to London route where a doubling of the train service to half-hourly has been matched with a 121% increase in passenger numbers (link below.)
http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=4350

Virgin revealed the growth figures during a conference on future rail links for England's north west region which was organised by the North West Business Leadership Team and held in Warrington.