As for the opening, they should do a trainspotter's/enthusiasts/nerds (delete as inappropriate) special to be the first, start at Victoria, over the Chord, down to Stockport, then up the Parliamentary line (calling...) and then back to Victoria from Stalybridge; and charge them £15 each! But they could all be given a stamped postcard as a memento, or a life.
*Ducks yet again....*
EDIT - ah, yes, I remember someone said they wanted to be on the first electric train from Bolton - if still alive *blushes*
Any spare lives going around?