Long distance services from Exchange switched to Liverpool Lime Street in 1970, leaving the station with only medium distance journeys to Bolton, Manchester, and Wigan, mainly operated by diesel multiple units, plus the urban electric services to Southport and Ormskirk.
Long distance services from Exchange switched to Liverpool Lime Street in the 1960s, with trains to Yorkshire, Blackpool and the Lake District being withdrawn in 1969 and Glasgow trains following suit in 1970. Exchange was left with only medium distance journeys to Wigan and Bolton, operated by diesel multiple units, plus the still-busy urban electric services to Southport and Ormskirk.