We Need to Talk About Flowery Field Station

Is Flowery Field railway station really as bad as the reviews make it out to be?

Firstly, here’s what The Great Travelling Public have said about Tameside’s second newest railway station:

“Absolutely horrible im [sic] from woodsmoor and this platform is absolutely ugly and scruffy”

“proper scally asbo style”

“Name does not reflect the dump”

Greater Manchester’s Rail Fares: An Un-Fare Advantage?

How an £8.00 ticket caused a fuss over London and Manchester rail fares

Take one single train ticket, then add the most powerful elected mayor outside of London. Introduce another single train ticket for a journey within Greater London. Simmer for 24 hours or more on social media then add to existing North-South Divide and Us Versus London arguments till the end of time.

‘Bridge Bi-Mode Breakthrough

Class 769 bi-mode trains reach Stalybridge

At 1714, arriving three years and nine minutes late on Platform 5 at Stalybridge station was the 1531 train from Southport to Stalybridge. Though the journey itself seems far from headline-grabbing, the kind of rolling stock and its delay is even more so.

Instead of the usual Class 150 Sprinter unit, the 1531 was operated by 769 442. The four-car unit is one of eight Northern trains that are bi-mode units.

Rail Franchising, 1994 – 2020: An Honest Obituary

System exacerbated fragmented nature of National Rail network

Rail Franchising, a part of British railway policy since 1994, was laid to rest at the age of twenty-six. Its original aim was to raise standards across the rail network and improve on services launched by the outgoing British Railways Board. Today, it was announced by Transport Minister Grant Shapps that all franchised operations will be replaced by Emergency Recovery Management Agreements for six to eighteen month periods.

Rose Hill Marple Rail Services Saved From Temporary Axe

People power helps to save important rail service that links Hyde with Marple

From the 14 September, rail passengers in Hyde, Woodley and Marple would have been left high and dry by temporary changes to their rail service. In just over a week’s time, there would have been no trains from Rose Hill Marple apart from a once weekly parliamentary service. This would have meant more traffic congestion, little scope for social distancing on alternative routes, and more finicky journeys.

Back By Unpopular Demand: Northern’s Pacer Units

Nodding Donkeys ‘home’ till Christmas

Today, East of the M60 has learned that a small number of the universally derided Class 142 Pacer units will be making a comeback on Northern rail services. Thirteen of the units will be reinstated to provide extra capacity, and to ensure that social distancing practices will be maintained.

Bored This Week? Let's Play a Dice Based Race Game

Introducing The Transpennine Train Game, a dice based race game exclusive to East of the M60

With the Coronavirus leading to many people self-isolating and social distancing, there may come a time when you have tired of Facebook or had your fill of YouTube. You may be one of the lucky ones who can work from home, or you need to look after your children because the schools have closed.

Northern Nationalised: Franchise Transfers from Arriva Rail North to DfT

Northern franchise taken over by DfT as Operator of Last Resort from the 01 March

After several rumours and persistent lobbying by Northern English political figures in the last six months, it was announced today that Arriva lost its Northern rail franchise. Under the Anglo-German company’s tenure, the rail franchise was dogged by poor service, delayed rolling stock deliveries and gross overcrowding.

Local Rail Passenger Numbers Rise Despite Punctuality and Reliability Issues

Despite Transpennine Express’ and Northern’s crises, more people are taking to the trains in Tameside and Glossop

The latest ORR (Office of the Rail Regulator) figures for the Entries and Exits of our railway stations have been released for 2018 – 2019. Given the kerfuffle caused by delayed rail projects in Central Manchester and the imposition of Skipstopageddon on the Huddersfield line, the figures should make for interesting reading.

Christmas 2019 and New Year’s Day 2020 Trains and Trams in Tameside

Christmas and New Year train and tram service information for passengers in Tameside and surrounding area

Ladies and gentlemen, following on from East of the M60’s look at Yuletide buses in the Tameside area, we turn our attention to local trains and trams.