One of Greater Manchester’s many train stations has been named the ‘worst’ in the UK, according to a new analysis.
And unfortunately, it’s joined in the top 10 by a handful of others in the region too.
It’s pretty fair to say at this point that the country’s rail network, train services, and stations have been far below the standards that passengers expect for quite some time now – with constant delays, last-minute cancellations, short-formed services, and ongoing strike action, by both station staff and train drivers, being commonplace for the past few years.
Most-recently, a new analysis named Avanti West Coast as Britain’s most ‘unreliable’ train operator, as it was found to have a massive 15.36% of its trains cancelled or delayed, on average – but now, it’s the train stations that have found themselves in the firing line.
The top 10 ‘worst performing’ UK train stations in 2024 have been named, according to new figures / Credit: Network Rail | Northern
That’s because, new figures released by On Time Trains has seen Kearsley train station, just outside of Bolton, ranked as the country’s lowest performing’ station over the four weeks leading up to 28 May.
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The company analysed station’s performances based off the frequency and length of delays, plus how often trains are cancelled.
When it comes to the Bolton-based station’s punctuality and cancellation rate, On Time Trains found that 81% of the trains due to stop at Kearsley were either delayed or cancelled entirely over the one-month period, and most delays recorded exceeded the two-minute mark.
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Top 10 ‘worst performing’ UK train stations
Kearsley
Taynuilt
Crianlarich
Moses Gate
Penrith
Farnworth
Ince and Elton
Connel Ferry
Bescar Lane
Blackrod
Bolton hasn’t escaped lightly with just Kearsley in the top spot either, as unfortunately for the Greater Manchester borough, three of its other stations have also made the top 10 list.
Moses Gate takes the fourth spot on the list, while Farnworth has found itself in sixth place, and the top 10 is rounded out by Blackrod.
Moses Gate station, just outside of Bolton, which also makes it into the top 10 / Credit: Platforms (via Visit North West)
Some of the other Northern stations ranking in the top 10 include Penrith, and Ince and Elton.
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Speaking in reaction to its poor performance in the recent results, a spokesperson for Northern commented: “Recently, our performance and reliability have not been up to scratch, and for that we are sorry.
“We are very actively managing higher levels of staff sickness, and on Sundays, which rely on crews volunteering to work additional hours, we have seen a reduction in train crew making themselves available on parts of the network.
“In addition, the ongoing industrial relations issues have their own impact, but we are working hard with our colleagues and other train operators to improve service reliability.”
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
Travel & Tourism
Greater Manchester among first to get ‘confusing’ rail fares replaced by two simpler options
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester is among the first UK regions to have the current ‘confusing’ range of rail fares replaced by two simpler options.
As it stands, more than a dozen different fares are currently available for journeys on certain train routes, including many which restrict customers to travelling on a particular service or with one train operating company.
But from early next month, all that is set to change.
As of Sunday 7 December, anyone who buys a ticket from any operator on the day they’re travelling between two of the 96 railway stations in Greater Manchester will be offered the following options – ‘anytime’ or ‘off-peak’.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says the new system aims to make ticketing ‘simpler’ and prices more ‘transparent’, so passengers can trust they’ve got the best value for money.
Greater Manchester is among the first to get ‘confusing’ rail fares replaced by two simpler options / Credit: TPE
All single journeys will be half the price of return trips, which means the average train fare in Greater Manchester will fall by 5.6% overall.
Other types of tickets will still be offered to those who book in advance.
The introduction of the two options are part of the Government’s UK-wide transformation of fares in a bid to make them easier to understand and make journeys more ‘seamless’.
As mentioned, Greater Manchester will be one of the first areas in the country to introduce this type of rail fare reform, and TfGM says it will star to ‘pave the way’ for contactless payments and the already-announced integration with the Bee Network from December 2026 onwards.
BIG NEWS
On 7/12/25, GM sees the biggest change to rail services for 30+ years.
A new fairer, simpler fare system will come in across our 96 stations.
🐝 Singles will be half the price of returns 🐝 Tickets will be valid on any operator 🐝 Average fare will fall by 5.6%
It’s said that more than half of train journeys (52%) will be cheaper, with savings of up to £1.50 on some trips, and as many as 4,000 customers saving money, while on the remaining 48% of journeys, customers will see a slight price increase, but for most of these (85%), it will be a rise of 20p or less.
“For too long, confusion around the complicated web of tickets has been a barrier to people choosing the train,” commented Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham.
“We’ve seen that making public transport more affordable and simpler boosts passenger numbers, with more people than ever boarding our yellow buses and integrated tap and go payments with our tram network.
“These simpler fares are a stepping stone to bringing rail into the Bee Network in December 2026, joining up trains with buses, trams, and active travel for an integrated public transport system like those enjoyed by other global cities.”
Featured Image – Northern
Travel & Tourism
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
Emily Sergeant -
4th June 2024 
