Wrexham-Birkenhead North

[emoaconr]

I noticed that bus replacement services running on 16/17 January on the Borderlands line are continuing to Birkenhead North over Bidston. It seems about time that ATW recognised that chucking off passengers at Bidston in the middle of engineering works is as much use as sticking them in a field...

I remember ATW were slammed over the summer during engineering for providing Rail Replacement buses only as far as Bidston, with absolutely no co-ordination to connect with Merseyrail services (and vice-versa during the Wirral Line re-laying).

Does a permament extension to Birkenhead North on Wrexham Central services ever seem to be a likely prospect ever againm although I do realise this is probably not possible without additional units on the line or abolishing the clockface timetable? Bidston is extremely unsuitable for this purpose.

 

[Welshman]

I agree, Bidston is an unsuitable terminus, but it does allow a rather neat hourly timetable with just two sets shuttling too and fro all day.

I think we shall only see through services to Birkenhead when, and if, the Borderlands line is electrified as part of Merseyrail. And I'm not holding my breath!

 

[merlodlliw]

If I recall the old DMUs used to go to Birkenhead North,but as Bidston is one of the furthest stations North ATW use, I dont see 200 route miles away Cardiff HQ making any changes,suppose the majority go to Liverpool anyway.
it is a station in a field, however it has wonderful views of B&Q, one of the scenic pleasures of the area

Bob

 

[Twoonthebuzzer]

There is a large Tesco at Bidston! Lol

 

[Welshman]

If I recall the old DMUs used to go to Birkenhead North,but as Bidston is one of the furthest stations North ATW use, I dont see 200 route miles away Cardiff HQ making any changes,suppose the majority go to Liverpool anyway.
it is a station in a field, however it has wonderful views of B&Q, one of the scenic pleasures of the area

Bob

It's a pity they still don't have those old railway posters c.1930s you see in the NRM at York.

I can just see a full-colour view of the sun setting over Bidston B&Q, with a blue and cream ATW 150 in the background!

 

[Sheridan]

Are Merseyrail services still running to and from Bidston? If so, what's the problem with dropping passengers off at Bidston?

I doubt any extensions to the route will be made without electrification of the whole of the line.

 

[quarella]

I remember ATW were slammed over the summer during engineering for providing Rail Replacement buses only as far as Bidston, with absolutely no co-ordination to connect with Merseyrail services (and vice-versa during the Wirral Line re-laying).

Wrexham - Bidston has connections at both ends. Which do you prioritise? The frequent Merseyrail connections or the lower frequency services which may be connected into at Shotton and Wrexham? As another poster has said most of the passengers would probably be looking to travel to Liverpool but previous operators of the line decreed Bidston to be the terminus from Wrexham. I amnot familiar with Birkenhead North. While I can see the merits of making connections there could the additional vehicles be easily accomodated for picking up, setting down and on layover/standby?

 

[jones_bangor]

I doubt any extensions to the route will be made without electrification of the whole of the line.

Can't see that electrification is justified.

 

[Sheridan]

Can't see that electrification is justified.

Nor can I, and neither can I see a real need to extend the line any further. Bidston has 4 trains an hour to Liverpool and 4 in the other direction, and with the passenger levels the Borderlands Line has that is perfectly adequate. If it went to Birkenhead North then it would make it easier for passengers travelling on to Wallasey and New Brighton, but that's about it.

 

[First class]

What about doing something a little more interesting with the service?

Shrewsbury-Wrexham-Bidston-Liverpool James Street?

 

[Sheridan]

I seem to remember reading that Merseyrail (or Network Rail, or whoever it is who decides these things) won't let DMUs through the tunnel. I can't remember exactly why, but that's partly what was behind my comment earlier - I think there may be an appetite for extending the service into Liverpool, but only if the whole of the line is electrified. I certainly don't think they would extend it just to Birkenhead North, it's more likely to be into Liverpool or nothing at all (and let's be honest, the second if far more likely).
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Looking through some older documents, it seems the problem with buses not running into Birkenhead North is that this is where the Wirral line was terminating, so there were no connections from Bidston at all. This explains the need for the buses to go that extra mile. I can't see any need for the trains to go to Birkenhead North during normal service though