And even then it's advertised as set down only so you probably won't be allowed past the gate to access it
Similarly Churston on the Dartmouth Steam Railway although, as the station is effectively closed, it may not qualify, along with the halts along the line.
Afaik it is treated like that train has been cancelled, so you can just get the next one free of charge. You are eligible for delay repay in this instance.
Have they changed the line names post Lizzie Line? It was Main and Electric when I lived in Essex.
I would imagine so, if not there's not much point having the intercom system!
Around a decade ago I once found myself trapped on Peartree station as the intercom simply didn't do anything. There was a number on a piece of paper attached to it, which was seemingly for (as-was) East Midlands Trains control. I was treated with extreme suspicion on the other end of the phone as to how I'd obtained the number, but the gate was eventually unlocked.
Yes, usually main stations such as Derry-Londonderry, Portrush, Lanyon Place (when the Enterprise went there), Newry, Portadown, Bangor, Antrim, Coleraine. Most other stations (except Grand Central) are open. GC and York Street are now barriered.
I think it's just safety reasons on the platforms and possibly to do with security. In the 80s and 90s the Enterprise was regularly stopped by viable devices either on board or trackside.
We do it in Bangor mainly for passenger safety and for revenue protection purposes. For most of the time, there's at least one train stabled at a platform (which may not always be shut down/locked) so keeping the barrier closed until around 10-15 minutes before departure prevents passengers from boarding the wrong train (especially during the peak with 6tph in a variety of stopping patterns) and allows barrier staff to visually inspect/validate tickets. You'd be surprised by how many people dander round to the wrong train!
What's the reason for that, rather than it just being an open unstaffed station like many others?
Still Main and Electric, https://sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blo...h 25/Anglia Sectional Appendix March 2025.pdf
I'm surprised the sort of people who take part in such activities would even know there was a station there, let alone choose to get together for said activities at Peartree of all places... Then again I wouldn't have expected Burscough Junction to be a vandalism hotspot either, but here we are!
Part of the issue is that criminal behaviour on railway property is firstly in BT police responsibility. So, for example, dealing in illegal substances in the street would be normally be the responsibility of the local constabulary. However, if the ‘problem’ can be, ahem, ‘shunted’ onto a quiet railway platform that’s a crime that they don’t have to deal with.
When I'm out walking I often come across fairly remote and/or unlikely seeming places where it's clear from the debris that you get people gathering for drinking and "other related activities". Seeking out any place where they can do as they like and be largely undisturbed seems to be the motive.
