NLC1072
Member
When how and why do they exist? it's always bugged me!
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Parliamentary Trains
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causton
Established Member
It costs a lot less to run a train once a week than go through all the legal hassle of legally closing a station/line down! If trains are running near the parliamentary route it's much easier and cheaper to just divert one, or if trains are already running empty between depots/termini then they're already out there so it doesn't cost much more at all. Closing a station is a VERY long winded process...
Wikipedia is your friend! In truth, it would probably be easier to change the legislation and scrap most of these services, but I guess the law does provide some protection, and the presence of a few oddball services is a reasonable hit to take if it makes it difficult for TOCs to withdraw vital connections/close smaller stations.
Cheshire Rover
Member
Take the Halton Curve. One train a week in one direction. Used to be doubled, now single. Network Rail wanted to close it but it stayed open. Now Merseyrail, many businesses including Liverpool Airport and all the local councils want it fully restoring as a freight line and for access to Liverpool Airport. If the legislation was not in place, this line could have fully closed years ago.
Xenophon PCDGS
Veteran Member
The Stockport to Stalybridge Friday-only one way single service is such a service. However, by use of junctions up to Ashton Moss, then taking the Miles Platting line towards Manchester Victoria, this has given a direct route from Stockport to Manchester, which was used in the past when line problems had occurred on the approaches from Stockport to Manchester Piccadilly.
Many "special" trains for enthusiasts seem to specify this route in their itinerary
Many "special" trains for enthusiasts seem to specify this route in their itinerary
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