We Need to Talk About Bi-Mode Trains

What are Bi-Mode Trains, and why are they being hailed as a cheaper alternative to fully electrified systems?

At this moment in time, Network Rail are in the midst of realigning The Old Lanky line from Stalybridge to Miles Platting. On completion, it is hoped that overhead line equipment would follow shortly. By 2018, it is claimed that the new timetable will see Ashton trains terminating at Stalybridge. Plus, the possibility of Mossley and Greenfield passengers having to use Manchester Piccadilly and a skip-stop service. Therefore, passengers from the two stations wanting a direct Ashton link would have to get the bus!

Northern Rail Strike: Timetable Details for Tameside Commuters

Arriva Rail North strike updates

From tomorrow [Saturday 08 July], Northern rail guards will begin their three-day strike. As a consequence, there will be fewer Northern services than normal. Of the services that will be running over the weekend, trains and bus replacement services will begin running at 7am and cease around 7pm.

Summertime (and the Evening Fares are Cheaper)

Stagecoach Manchester’s summertime evening fare offer

If you’re a sporadic bus user, chances are you seldom buy a season ticket for one or more operator. When you do catch a bus for the one journey, you quibble about the expense of the fare and think “stuff this, back to the car”. Or you get a cab for these occasional journeys instead and split the fare with a friend or relative.

Calling All Wannabe Bus Loving Engineers

Fancy yourself as the next Stuart Pilcher, Ralph Bennett, or Christopher Bowles?
Stagecoach Manchester are calling for apprentices

Stagecoach Manchester are calling for budding engineers to join their apprenticeship scheme. The company is offering places on its Bus Engineers’ scheme at all six of its depots: at Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde Road, Middleton, Sharston, Stockport, and Wigan. Applications are now being accepted with courses starting in September/October 2017.

Northern Rail Strike: Three Days of Industrial Action Next Month

Forthcoming Arriva Rail North strike dates, and how they will affect passengers east of the M60 motorway

Following on from previous one-day strikes since the 13 March, the RMT union have announced details of more industrial action next month. Whereas previous strikes have fallen on Mondays and Fridays, the latest dispute will cover three days in July.

Train Seats in All Parts: The Not So Perfect Ten

A selection of the best train seating positions on Network Rail metals and preserved lines

An interior shot of a British Rail Mark 2 carriage (TSO).

If you travel by train in the peak hours, there are two inevitabilities. One is the fact you’ll need a mortgage for the rail fare or the season ticket. The other, are the chances of getting a seat. Which is pretty rare at ten to six on the 1757 to Huddersfield.

Stagecoach Manchester’s Air Quality Call

Green Week campaign hits out at air pollution in Greater Manchester

In the last week, we have learned about the Paris Agreement which Donald Trump has refused to sign, on behalf of 200 million Americans. Closer to home, Stagecoach have called for tougher action in Greater Manchester, as part of the Green Week campaign. They have called for urgent action from local and central government.

Moovit’s Election Pledge: To Get You To The Polling Station in Good Time

Strong and stable journey planning app aims to get the many, and the few, towards their nearest polling station

With the General Election just over a week away, Moovit are playing their part in boosting turnout. Thanks to a partnership with Democracy Club, Moovit is helping to do just that on the 08 June, by adding polling station locations to its app.

Manchester Victoria Station to Reopen

Station reopens on 30 May after terrorist attack

In the last week, you will have heard about the appalling terrorist attack at Manchester Arena, after Ariana Grande’s concert. As well the loss of 22 lives and severe injuries to 59 concertgoers, this led to the temporary closure of Manchester Victoria station. Tram and train services were affected. At face value, this could have stopped the city going about her day-to-day activities.