The WCML is the most important intercity rail passenger route in the UK, connecting London with the major cities of Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow as well as many other smaller towns and cities. In addition, several sections of the WCML form part of the suburban railway systems in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, with many more smaller commuter stations, as well as providing a number of links to more rural towns. In 2008 the WCML handled 75 million passenger journeys.