EXCITING TIMES lie ahead for Saddleworth rail users, insists a senior Northern Rail manager – despite the line having three of the top ten worst performing services in North Manchester.
Don Jary, Client and Stakeholder Manager for the North West, told the Stalybridge to Huddersfield Rail Users’ Group (SHRUG) public meeting that track electrification will mean faster and more reliable journeys by 2016.
But with a Transport for Greater Manchester report revealing the line’s 15:27, 16:27 and 17:27 services from Manchester Victoria are among the most delayed or cancelled, Mr Jary admitted there is room for improvement.
“What is coming in the next three or four years is quite fantastic. I think it will be a great boost for the whole area,” he said.
“But there is a huge amount to be done. I will not make promises that are not deliverable and we cannot always satisfy customers but we will do our best.
“We have already worked with user groups very successfully. If something is not working, get in touch and we will see what we can do to put it right.”
Concerns about rush-hour morning services from Greenfield – Saddleworth’s only station – were also raised by residents, who claim a shortage of carriages leaves them standing on delayed services.
One disgruntled commuter said: “The trains are always packed and there are only two carriages.
“They can put on more in the evening so why can’t they do it in the morning? I just want to be able to get a seat.”
Mark Ashmore, chair of SHRUG, added: “There is no kudos for companies saying they have great services here when they want to concentrate on Manchester. We need to tell them we are just as important.”
But Mr Jary insisted all services are considered equally so customers’ needs across the area can be met.
“We don’t deliberately off-balance trains but they might be needed elsewhere,” he added. “We are limited in what we can do when all the carriages are already running around.”
Other complaints included no ticket machine at Greenfield, electronic timetables not updating service times, and extensive tickets queues at Victoria.
Weekend rail closures from 27 October to 7 December will cause further misery for travellers, who can catch a replacement bus between Stalybridge and Victoria or use Piccadilly Station.
What do you think of the train services from Greenfield Station? Let us know by ringing Aimee on 07960 123879 or email her at aimee@saddind.co.uk
You must be logged in to post a comment.