Blythe Bridge Station

[Llandudno]

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.

 

[Simon75]

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.

Other East Midlands TVM won't let you print off tickets. Nearest station us Stoke-on-Trent to print off

 

[Baxenden Bank]

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.

Accessing the second platform can indeed be problematic as the barriers go down around xx57 for the xx01 then xx03 departures. A delay in the first of those may delay the barriers going down. A delay in the second can leave the barriers down for some time depending on whether there is enough time to raise them then lower them again.

There is indeed only the one TVM. You are correct, ticket collection is not possible, despite it having a sticker saying you can (or did, I shall check tomorrow if I remember!).

In the Derby bound direction, a three-car 170 can just fit in the platform but you have to leave from the front two. Anything longer and the rear end sits blocking the crossing! There is enough physical platform to accommodate longer trains but that is 'out of use'.

The barrier down time can be a problem if you need to buy a ticket from the TVM, then return to the road and cross the level crossing to the other platform (for Derby).