Batman
Member
When the Chase Line electrification announcement was made, the was talk in the local press about services from Birmingham to Liverpool using the line. Is this just a rumor or is it confirmed as fact?
And will it just be LM services from Brum to Liverpool using the line, or will potential Preston or Manchester services move to the Chase?
And does this mean that the decision to electrify the Chase line (a low electrification priority to me, even though it's my local line) was made in view of it becoming a relief line for the congested section between Wolverhampton and New Street?
And it does lead to questions being asked about service provision north of Stafford. A Brum to Stafford service via the Case would take around 20 minutes longer via Walsall than via Wolves, so this will lead to services being spaced just 10 minutes apart north of Stafford in the current slots are maintained at New Street. I personally believe an hourly Brum-Manchester semi fast service should be routed via the Chase instead of a Liverpool service.
And there are also unresolved issues about peak extras, exactly what rolling stock should be used, should platforms be extended to 4 or 6 car length, evening and Sunday provision and the future of the Hednesford crossover.
And will it just be LM services from Brum to Liverpool using the line, or will potential Preston or Manchester services move to the Chase?
And does this mean that the decision to electrify the Chase line (a low electrification priority to me, even though it's my local line) was made in view of it becoming a relief line for the congested section between Wolverhampton and New Street?
And it does lead to questions being asked about service provision north of Stafford. A Brum to Stafford service via the Case would take around 20 minutes longer via Walsall than via Wolves, so this will lead to services being spaced just 10 minutes apart north of Stafford in the current slots are maintained at New Street. I personally believe an hourly Brum-Manchester semi fast service should be routed via the Chase instead of a Liverpool service.
And there are also unresolved issues about peak extras, exactly what rolling stock should be used, should platforms be extended to 4 or 6 car length, evening and Sunday provision and the future of the Hednesford crossover.