What counts? The tube challenge is fairly clear, but would the same rules fit exactly for the UK network?
The main difference I feel is request stops. Pass throughs are only allowed on the tube challenge in unforseen circumstances, any normal fast services aren't allowed. For example, passing through Turnham Green on a daytime Piccadilly line train would not count, as it doesn't stop there, even though the line does at the extremes of the day.
Must a train stop at each request stop, or is passing through a station that is scheduled but not requested legitimate?
It must also be decided what counts as 'one station' or 'two stations'. On the tube Paddington, Hammersmith and Edgware Road all have 2 stations that both need to be called at. On the NR network what about high and low level stations? Must Shotton be visited by train at both levels? Then you've got Heath, where High and Low levels are treated as separate stations. What about St Pancras? Would visiting on Thameslink count, or would you need to use EMT services from the terminal platforms too?
Same rails rules are sometimes confusing on the tube, but i'd imagine it would be permissable to visit Richmond to Gunnersmury, Queens Park to Harrow and Wealdstone and Chorleywood to Amersham on tube services. I believe there are also shared rails in the Tyne and Wear area, but i'm not sure.
What about stations with no regular services like Manchester United FC Halt?
Good luck to anyone attempting this bonkers challenge!
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