Regular service at Clifton

[Philip]

Could there be a strong case to increase the service interval at Clifton Junction to hourly like the other stations on the Manchester-Bolton line? Currently one train per day each way and not many use the station I don't think, but is this because people assume 'no trains stop at Clifton' (it's been one per day for decades), so they make the longer journey to Swinton instead? There is a sizeable community within half a mile and it is also very convenient for the industrial park (Pilkingtons, MEL, Chloride etc), so with the knowledge of a regular service could Clifton generate reasonable passenger numbers to justify an hourly service? Worth pointing out too that other similar nearby 'neighbourhood stations' like Moorside, Hag Fold, Handforth, Woodsmoor and Humphrey Park all have a regular service.
The quarter-hourly Atherton line service has been cut to 3-per hour, with Swinton continuing to have a half-hourly service, so perhaps Clifton could provide the additional service for this area that was initially proposed?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I suspect housebuilding on old industrial sites will in time justify the upgrade of the service at all three of those stations including Clifton.

 

[edwin_m]

On the map it's further from built-up areas than the other stations on this line, and down a steep hill from any housing. With that and it being fairly close to the city centre I'd guess the bus is a better option for most people.

 

[Dr Hoo]

Could there be a strong case to increase the service interval at Clifton Junction to hourly like the other stations on the Manchester-Bolton line? Currently one train per day each way and not many use the station I don't think, but is this because people assume 'no trains stop at Clifton' (it's been one per day for decades), so they make the longer journey to Swinton instead? There is a sizeable community within half a mile and it is also very convenient for the industrial park (Pilkingtons, MEL, Chloride etc), so with the knowledge of a regular service could Clifton generate reasonable passenger numbers to justify an hourly service? Worth pointing out too that other similar nearby 'neighbourhood stations' like Moorside, Hag Fold, Handforth, Woodsmoor and Humphrey Park all have a regular service.
The quarter-hourly Atherton line service has been cut to 3-per hour, with Swinton continuing to have a half-hourly service, so perhaps Clifton could provide the additional service for this area that was initially proposed?

IMHO the answer is a clear 'No'. Can I ask how often you have walked to Clifton station?

The place used to have more calls but despite being "very convenient" to some potential traffic generators presumably attracted very few passengers back in the day.

The local bus services seem to be quite comprehensive although I will concede that they are quite slow if you are going to Central Manchester

 

[Mcr Warrior]

10 out of 10 to the OP for their persistence and proposing yet another "thought outside the box"; whether it be binning (or skip-stopping) well patronised services currently calling at stations on the South side of Manchester, or this, the re-introduction of more regular services at some lightly used semi-suburban shack.

Still, if Breich can now warrant an hourly service, then maybe one day Clifton can!

 

[faltskog36abba]

Could there be a strong case to increase the service interval at Clifton Junction to hourly like the other stations on the Manchester-Bolton line? Currently one train per day each way and not many use the station I don't think, but is this because people assume 'no trains stop at Clifton' (it's been one per day for decades), so they make the longer journey to Swinton instead? There is a sizeable community within half a mile and it is also very convenient for the industrial park (Pilkingtons, MEL, Chloride etc), so with the knowledge of a regular service could Clifton generate reasonable passenger numbers to justify an hourly service? Worth pointing out too that other similar nearby 'neighbourhood stations' like Moorside, Hag Fold, Handforth, Woodsmoor and Humphrey Park all have a regular service.
The quarter-hourly Atherton line service has been cut to 3-per hour, with Swinton continuing to have a half-hourly service, so perhaps Clifton could provide the additional service for this area that was initially proposed?

My friends live in Pendlebury -near Swinton, When we went out for the day/night they joined me at Swinton to go to Wigan/Southport. We decided on a night out in Liverpool about 20 years ago, Rather than they come into Manchester I found a direct train From Victoria to Liverpool calling at Clifton along the way[reversing at Wigan N W. They boarded at Clifton in total darkness as the lights had gone out, I failed to check on a return service - So they came back via Eccles and a Taxi home. If the station offered a regular service to somewhere that Swinton did not offer and people knew about it I am sure It would have more footfall..

 

[Philip]

My friends live in Pendlebury -near Swinton, When we went out for the day/night they joined me at Swinton to go to Wigan/Southport. We decided on a night out in Liverpool about 20 years ago, Rather than they come into Manchester I found a direct train From Victoria to Liverpool calling at Clifton along the way[reversing at Wigan N W. They boarded at Clifton in total darkness as the lights had gone out, I failed to check on a return service - So they came back via Eccles and a Taxi home. If the station offered a regular service to somewhere that Swinton did not offer and people knew about it I am sure It would have more footfall..

Yes, I remember the Liverpool service, it ran in the early evening from what I remember.

An idea could be to have one of the Blackpool services call here, as this would give a quick and direct service to Castlefield/Piccadully for this area, which Swinton doesn't. If not hourly then a few across the day. Also with 331s it would have less effect on the timetable with their acceleration.

This station is hardly some semi-suburban shack. Historically speaking it was arguably the focal point of this railway, with the Bury and Patricroft lines both starting here (ok the latter from Molyneux rather than Clifton Junction) and the nearby canals and collieries all linked. I can remember at the local elections one year, a candidate promised a more regular service at Clifton. Not a dead-end case as implied by some and as I say, it would be useful for the nearby industrial park. Also there are housing estates nearby, so a more regular service would be useful for these.

 

[Ianno87]

IMHO the answer is a clear 'No'. Can I ask how often you have walked to Clifton station?

The place used to have more calls but despite being "very convenient" to some potential traffic generators presumably attracted very few passengers back in the day.

In fairness, it's well over 30 years since it last had a regular service, and things can change!