Thursday, May 30, 2013

NEW TRAIN STOPS IN BRIGG - BUT NOT AT OUR STATION


Saturday saw a brand new train service come through Brigg but it didn't stop at our station to pick up any passengers.
Soon after 11.30am, the impressive, modern, First TransPennine Express eased alongside platform one without drawing to a halt. But it then had to stop just a few dozen yards down the track for a red signal - and stayed put for several minutes.
This was to allow a Northern one-car train, arriving from Cleethorpes, to clear the single line section beyond the level crossing. This Northern service was scheduled and we reckon it was running to time.


So it's a great shame the first First TransPennine Express on our line didn't stop in Brigg to pick up passengers. It wouldn't have taken any more time to do so.
This new Saturdays-only FTPE service is scheduled to run for a number of weeks. They seem to be getting on well with repairing the line at Stainforth and Hatfield and indications are that the usual FTPE service from Sheffield to Cleethorpes via Doncaster and Scunthorpe will resume in late July or early August.

Waiting at the red signal between Brigg station and the level crossing.

The Brigg line is a very valuable diversionary route, chiefly for lucrative freight, and has proved its value many times over during the problems on the Scunthorpe-Doncaster route.
It would be good to think that the above observations might be taken on board by FTPE management and that, from this Saturday, they might think of making a stop in Brigg station.


The Northern unit from Cleethopes (right) passing the TransPennine train.




The one-car Northern Train DID stop in Brigg





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