Hartlepool Transport Interchange & Stagecoach

[OMGitsDAVE]

Didn't really know which forum to put this thread in as it has a mix of features.

First of all, the Transport Interchange is definately on-time, as I go past it every day on our buses. The roads are more or less completed, stands are being put in place - the lot. The train station's roof has been removed and new pieces are slowly but surely being put in. Since this week was half-term, the station was VERY overcrowded, and trains were pulling out practically crushed. The Grand Central's also seemed quite busy both northbound, but especially southbound.

Since the transport interchange is nearly complete, the council have been putting proposals and plans forward to Arriva for their services. But, Stagecoach have not been very confident at all and have pulled out of the interchange explaining they would rather pull over at a stand. The council weren't very happy with this and are now threatening with funding. Somehow, I can see the end of Stagecoach in Hartlepool - especially after Arriva won some of the recent funded services (the number 7 is ran by Stagecoach until 5pm, then Arriva North East takeover). Pretty appaling show by Stagecoach, and i do believe the council are launching cases against them.

If anyone has any further information feel free to post.

 

[142094]

No further info but it is about time work was started. I remember at least 5 years ago the sign going in with plans and drawings of what was going to be done, and this had the Railtrack logo on. I wonder if Hartlepool hadn't been selected for the Tall Ships if all this work would have been done anyway?

I notice they have cleaned up the old platform, but are not reinstating it. Wonder if there is a case for this to be done?

 

[OMGitsDAVE]

No further info but it is about time work was started. I remember at least 5 years ago the sign going in with plans and drawings of what was going to be done, and this had the Railtrack logo on. I wonder if Hartlepool hadn't been selected for the Tall Ships if all this work would have been done anyway?

I notice they have cleaned up the old platform, but are not reinstating it. Wonder if there is a case for this to be done?

Yeah, that sign got taken down like 2 months ago when builders began taking over. I doubt without the Tall Ships that such extensive work would have been done, but the little things like the roof may have been edited. There isn't a case for the second platform, as it would "cost too much" and put the whole thing over budget.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

From the point of view of railway history, then I do find the abandoned and decaying appearance of the disused platform quite intruiging, but in every other respect it is an embarrasing disgrace. It does the town no favours.

But there really isn't the traffic to justify re-opening it. If there were regular terminating services, then maybe - but the passenger convenience of never having to cross over (or under) is quite a positive for the station.

So I guess I agree that some radical improvements to the appearance are more appropriate than re-instating the east/up platform.
Aren't the downtown sewers more of a problem for the town at present?

 

[142094]

The only reason I could think for reinstating the other platform would be for when GC services clashed with Northern ones. I have been on a couple of Northern services which have been delayed just south of the station by a late running GC London service, and then have been slow going from Sunderland - Pelaw due to being stuck behind a Metro. Wouldn't have this problem if the disused platform was still in use, but as you've said the funding has to come from somewhere.