Once again, you are forgetting that London is not the only traffic source/sink on the WCML. There are huge numbers of intermediate journeys, chiefly involving MKC, Crewe, Preston and Lancaster but also other stations.
The thrust of the "Virgin High Frequency" timetable introduced in December 2008 has been to funnel people in and out of Euston rather than best serving the needs of travelers using intermediate stops. It is not just "VHF" but also UHF (urban high frequency).
One of my most frequent journeys (approx monthly) has been Penrith to Stafford or, more recently, Penrith to Stone. Penrith to Stafford used to be an easy journey with a change at Crewe waiting just a few minutes from the Glasgow to Euston to get the Liverpool to Euston. It took 2 hours.
Since Dec 2008 the Glasgow to Euston hasn't stopped at Crewe. Given that I normally use the 10:03 of Penrith, this means changing twice, between Lancaster and Warrington and again at Crewe. This took 3 hours.
Since I have been traveling to Stone rather than Stafford little changed at first arriving Crewe at xx:57 (P5) and departing xx:33 (P3). This connection was only missed once.
Since the timings of the LM Euston to Crewe were accelerated, things have got worse. Now it is Crewe arr xx:57 (P5) and departing xx:02 (P3). I choose my exit point from the Virgin so that only need a few seconds to get to Platform 3. Nevertheless, the connection into the Crewe to Euston is missed more often than not.
Waiting 55 mins for the next service is more frustrating since LM seem to have changed practice to keep the set locked until the crew arrive to take it out.
What adds insult to injury is that, sitting on the train just before departure, I invariably see the next Virgin arrive in time to make the connection.
This is very frustrating revealing as it does:-
- Train planning not recognising the need for good connections
- Virgins inability to achieve reliable arrival times at intermediate stations
I would welcome Virgin's thoughts on this if they have any lurkers present.