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Commuting from Bramhall to Manchester
- Thread starter alanb
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Allow for delays as on that route, XC/Virgin get priority and they will hold trains at Macclesfield for a late running service. This is in contrast to elsewhere in the country where generally fast trains just go slow behind stoppers and signallers are not allowed to "regulate" much. I guess this is something to do with the track agreements when the line was upgraded, or maybe the area manager applies common sense (in which case his job must be on the line as I don't think NR like common sense 
).
Today the 0754 from BML to MAN was 9 late due to awaiting a XC service at Macclesfield, but it was only 4 late into MAN due to timetable padding. The XC service was 16 late at MAC, but due to excessive slack time was only 5 late at MAN, doing the 20 minute journey in 20 minutes instead of the booked 31 minutes. If bus companies followed suit, then many bus routes would have advertised speeds that are slower than a horse & cart!
).Today the 0754 from BML to MAN was 9 late due to awaiting a XC service at Macclesfield, but it was only 4 late into MAN due to timetable padding. The XC service was 16 late at MAC, but due to excessive slack time was only 5 late at MAN, doing the 20 minute journey in 20 minutes instead of the booked 31 minutes. If bus companies followed suit, then many bus routes would have advertised speeds that are slower than a horse & cart!
323235
Established Member
Ive never had to stand between Poynton - Manchester when I used to travel in the morning
Even when there are people standing its usually because they don't wanna sit next to strangers
or because people are taking up seat space with bags and brief cases.
Even then There's always generally at least 5-10 seats free minimum,usually a few more besides.
I've never seen loading exceed 100% in the peaks, though it can come within say 10-25% of it.
The Biggest problem is Northern services waiting for XC/Virgin.
That really does get quite annoying at times.
Even when there are people standing its usually because they don't wanna sit next to strangers
or because people are taking up seat space with bags and brief cases.
Even then There's always generally at least 5-10 seats free minimum,usually a few more besides.
I've never seen loading exceed 100% in the peaks, though it can come within say 10-25% of it.
The Biggest problem is Northern services waiting for XC/Virgin.
That really does get quite annoying at times.
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poshbakerloo
Member
I travel from Prestbury-Manchester all the time (Prestbury is just a few stops south of Bramhall) It does get busy at rush hour, but not packed...
...Ther service is run by 323s normally which are very good and fast trains...sometimes if you are very unlucky Northern runs a 142 as an extra train...
...Ther service is run by 323s normally which are very good and fast trains...sometimes if you are very unlucky Northern runs a 142 as an extra train...
323235
Established Member
A Class 142 (Reduced from 2 x 142s til Feb 2010 - when 323231 returns) is booked for the 0715 Macclesfield - Manchester Piccadilly (Bramhall 0731 routing guide /0733 pax timetable)
Other than that as far as im aware, everything is booked and should turn out a womble, even if it means the xx:48s out of Picc having to use the unit from the previous inbound working, which are scheduled to arrive 5 minutes after the outbound service is due out.
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So 323321 is coming back? That's great news. Will Northern then have the original 17 323's back in working order? If so, what impact will that have on diagrams? In particular, any chance the Crewe-Manchester stoppers will go back to 323 only operation? In particular if the 07.22 Crewe-Manchester all-stations will revert to 323 operation and end the daily sardine tin experience? Also, any news on what's happening to LM's 323's?
The 07.22 is generally only a sardine experience in the front unit. The rear unit where the guard is (and passengers have to pay) generally has seats available from all stations to Stockport. It is only passengers from Heaton Chapel and Levenshulme who need to stand for a 10 minute journey.
That is to an extent true yes. I suppose one main benefit of having a 323 run that service (other than 323's just being *nicer*
) would help to end the high levels of fare evasion that will inevitably occur on this service, and help reduce the horrendous queue's at Oxford Road when the service terminates - as the guard can get through the entire train rather selling tickets than just one portion. Also, when the service is short-formed, as is quite common, then the 07.22 is just horrendous. Another reason to bring a EMU back that a better train would improve passenger numbers and revenue - Sketch Figures from the Chelford RUG have shown that the double-whammy of axing the 08.19 and putting an 142 (as opposed to a 323 as before) on the 07.51 have led to numbers virtually halving in the last year. Combined with the fare-evasion that a 2x142 service inevitably has (unless 2 guards), it must be hurting NT in the pocket? Meaning they'll be keen to reinstate 323's wherever possible?- Status