POSITIVE SIGN FOR SUSPENDED BRIGG SERVICE?

Passenger train units will be running through Brigg this Saturday but they won't be stopping in the town's station to pick up or drop off any fare-payers.
Since 1993, Brigg has only had a Saturday passenger service - three trains towards Sheffield and three bound for Cleethorpes.
Current operator Northern suspended them all in January 2022 because of Covid-related staff shortages.
However, on June 11 it is expected some "route learners" will operate without passengers but with operating staff aboard familiarising themselves with the little-used route between Sheffield and Cleethorpes via Retford, Gainsborough, Kirton Lindsey, Brigg and Barnetby.
For safety reasons, staff must use routes periodically to retain the right to use them. Newcomers also have to 'learn' routes on the UK network before operating trains.
Local public transport users in Brigg should see this Saturday's knowledge refresher trains for drivers and guard/conductors as a positive indicator.
Northern's current timetable, covering the period May to December 2022, includes no passenger trains on the Brigg line.
However, any train operator can, if it wishes, review the situation to benefit people.
Steel, oil and biomass-related freight trains will also be using the Brigg line this Saturday - some involving empty wagons returning to Immingham.

PICTURED: A passenger train guard/conductor chatting with a cyclist on Brigg railway station before the service was suspended.