I wanted to respond to the conversation we were having in the other thread about a using the Loop at Dore for passenger services.
I have a proposal which would greatly benefit Dore, but also provide a very convenient transfer for those travelling towards the Northwest from south on the MML - adding two platforms on either side of the MML tracks to allow services to stop there. Then passengers can change at Dore for services to Manchester, versus at Sheffield. I know it sounds kind of crazy, but if we want to expand local service once HS2 comes online, this would be a great way of expanding regional connectivity, whilst not really disadvantaging any area. If Dore station was given some basic facilities, waiting rooms, toilets and some vending machines, I'd be more than happy to change there. With three express services to Manchester per hour, you wouldn't be waiting any more than 20 minutes after changing from a MML service. Plus, it would make parts of Derbyshire like Edale much better connected to the rest of the county.
Midlands Engine rail plans seems to rely on Classic Compatible HS2 services running through the area(joining at Chesterfield), so perhaps those would still run express, however services running on the current route via Derby could perhaps stop at Dore. In fact, I'd advocate for those trains stopping at Duffield, Belper and Ambergate to expand the connectivity of those locations northwards. Ambergate would act as a transfer point for people arriving from Matlock. (Once the line is not being used for London/XC express services.)
Consider now travelling from Belper to Manchester by train. First you travel into Derby, to then catch a train doubling back on yourself that whole distance. Then you pass by Dore into Sheffield, to double back on yourself out of Sheffield, finally on your way to Manchester. You've probably done 30 miles extra and added almost an hour onto your journey time, including changes. (Btw, even compared to the buses, this is the fastest way to do it.)