Not really, given that passengers will access the south Merseyrail platform at Headbolt Lane by walking across a bit of platform between the two lines.
Presumably this will be diverted to (or via) Headbolt Lane when that opens.
As a poor substitute for a rail link, the lack of integrated, decent value ticketing makes this an exceptionally poor offering for this poor substitute!New express bus improves links between Skelmersdale and Liverpool
A new bus service launched this week makes it quicker and easier to travel between Skelmersdale and Liverpool using public transport.news.lancashire.gov.uk
How much does integrated ticketing matter now most folk use contactless?
Assuming one can tap in tap out on the bus:
Even if you can’t tap in and out don’t you just get on, tell the driver what you want, then tap the contactless payment gadget?
No. You must visit the ticket office. At some stations there's a ticket machine.
You do have to then take your ticket, yes. The total cost is quite high too. Car parking however is completely free.
I think the post you're quoting is really asking about why there's no crossover between the new Kirkby East Jn and Headbolt Lane.
There are some TVMs, Kirkby has one. But not very many. I don't know if there will be one at Headbolt Lane.
Do you or @Bletchleyite know where you may have read this please? If it was in the July 2022 edition of Modern Railways, unfortunately I seem to have misplaced my copy.
I do not use Merseyrail stations too much but do use the City Line more. There is a TVM at Liverpool South Parkway a Merseyrail managed station.
Sadly not. Somewhat to my surprise I found the remains of the July issue fairly quickly, but the relevant pages are gone. To reduce the piles of paper that infest my home, I usually tear out pages I've read and put them in the recycling.
I am aware of that. That is the reason why I worded myposting as I did, as this matter of Merseyrail extension into Wigan Wallgate from Kirkby has been a talking shop for many years now, when third rail was the only option in those early days
It says: "the small concrete dividing wall can be removed easily should LCRCA succeed with its long-term plan to extend services through to Wigan".
headboltlane.commonplace.is
My impression is that the LAs merely note the possibility of extending the Merseyrail service without actually having any desire or enthusiasm to do so. The strongest proponents of the idea seem to be mostly members here. And I regularly point out the distinct disadvantages to the idea in terms of affecting actual passenger demand.
From having worked trains there I suspect a fair proportion of the few actual users of Upholland would be better served by direct access to Pimbo though it would of course keep costs down if a revamped rail access to the area was based on keeping/extending the existing platforms.
Wouldn't it just! You would hope that Merseytravel surveys this from time to time.
Yes, it would be a longer walk, but it would be on the same side as the station building, car park, bus stops etc. A footbridge with lifts would enable the 'far' platform to remain in use but would also be necessary to retain access to the station from the area south of the station. Swings and roundabouts as to which is preferable. One long dog-legged platform or two platforms opposite each other in a 'traditional' arrangement.Though that would leave a very long walk to half the Liverpool trains (assuming 2tph to Wigan).
Plus here we have:
About Headbolt Lane Station Kirkby
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is currently developing ambitious plans for a new station at Headbolt Lane in Kirkby and is keen to hear your views. View more details on this proposed station on the site and then let us know what you think of the plans by 23:59 on 13/06/2021.
Obviously Skem is now out, but it does clearly state that a footbridge would be installed. No point doing that otherwise, unless it's purely to carry footpath access to the station from that side?
And a view from the other line, going under the other span, can be found at the very end of this cab video, in which it's even more noticeable - only the extreme beginning of the bridge is propped.
