Had reason to use Blythe Bridge station on Saturday afternoon.
Some observations:
The two platform station has a level crossing on the western (Stoke) side of both platforms but there appears to be no way of accessing the opposite platform if the barriers are closed as there in no footbridge. Shouldn’t be an issue as the EMR trains that call there are only hourly…but the trains cross there only a couple of minutes apart, so if you cut it fine t9 board a train on the opposite platform you will miss it!
The station is now fitted with a very new looking TVM on the Stoke/Crewe bound platform, (not sure about the Derby bound platform?) but it appears as though you cannot collect tickets from the TVM that you have purchased online..?
My 4 car Class 158 train duly arrived a couple of minutes late at 1807 heading towards Crewe, the train was very busy with loads of standing (and happy!) Stoke City fans following their win at Derby County. There was then a significant delay as only 3 of the 4 coaches could fit on the platform. The very helpful and patient guard explained that only the very front (local) door would open owing to the fact that 158s are not fitted with Selected Door Opening.
Apparently the same issue occurred at Tutbury, Longton, Kidsgrove and Alsager resulting in 10-15 minute late arrival in Crewe.
The guard said only 158s are affected and that 170s work fine.
Some observations:
The two platform station has a level crossing on the western (Stoke) side of both platforms but there appears to be no way of accessing the opposite platform if the barriers are closed as there in no footbridge. Shouldn’t be an issue as the EMR trains that call there are only hourly…but the trains cross there only a couple of minutes apart, so if you cut it fine t9 board a train on the opposite platform you will miss it!
The station is now fitted with a very new looking TVM on the Stoke/Crewe bound platform, (not sure about the Derby bound platform?) but it appears as though you cannot collect tickets from the TVM that you have purchased online..?
My 4 car Class 158 train duly arrived a couple of minutes late at 1807 heading towards Crewe, the train was very busy with loads of standing (and happy!) Stoke City fans following their win at Derby County. There was then a significant delay as only 3 of the 4 coaches could fit on the platform. The very helpful and patient guard explained that only the very front (local) door would open owing to the fact that 158s are not fitted with Selected Door Opening.
Apparently the same issue occurred at Tutbury, Longton, Kidsgrove and Alsager resulting in 10-15 minute late arrival in Crewe.
The guard said only 158s are affected and that 170s work fine.