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
Heaton Park’s historic tramway will be back up and running this summer after major funding secured
Emily Sergeant
Historic trams are set to run through Heaton Park once again from this summer thanks to some major new funding being secured.
For just over a year now, trams have been unable to run through Manchester‘s largest suburban park as the electrical substation which powers the Heritage Tramway needed an overhaul to bring it up to current safety standards – but now, some substantial funding has been secured to enable the essential restoration work to begin in the spring.
The trams operate on the only remaining section of the original tramway in Heaton Park, and offer locals and visitors alike a real glimpse into the past.
This piece of local history is operated by the volunteers of the Manchester Transport Museum Society (MTMS) on behalf of the Manchester Tramway Company Limited (MTCL) – a joint venture company between the Manchester Transport Museum Society and Manchester City Council.
This major investment into the existing infrastructure will ensure operation of the trams can continue for many years to come.
The £481,000 funding investment – which has been secured from Manchester City Council – should mean the tramway can restart in summer 2026, which just so happens to coincide with the 125th anniversary of Manchester’s first electric tramways in 1901, so it’s a big deal.
“Our support of the much-loved Heaton Park Tramway not only preserves an important piece of local heritage, but a piece of living history,” commented Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council.
“The vintage trams hold a special place in the hearts of many people.”
Heaton Park’s historic tramway will be back up and running this summer after major funding was secured / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)
Geoff Senior, who is the Chairman of the Manchester Transport Museum Society, called the securing of funding ‘wonderful news’.
He added: “It represents a huge vote of confidence in the hard work and dedication [volunteers] have shown in the last 50 years of working to build, develop and run this vital piece of Manchester’s transport heritage, not only for the citizens of Manchester but those who travel to the park from wider afield.”
As mentioned, upgrade works to the Heaton Park Tramway will begin this spring – with the hopes trams will be back up and running again in the summer.
Featured Image – Adam McKendrick (via Wikimedia Commons)
Travel & Tourism
Transport Secretary commits to ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The Transport Secretary has signed a ‘transformational’ rail deal for Greater Manchester.
The Government has formally agreed to work with Greater Manchester and Mayor Andy Burnham on plans for a new railway connecting Liverpool and Manchester, via Warrington, as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
The new Liverpool-Manchester line is said to underpin the Northern Growth Corridor – which is a bold strategy to drive growth from the Mersey to the Pennines, stretching into Yorkshire, Lancashire, North Wales, and beyond – with a key connection at Manchester Airport.
Local analysis has suggested that the new line could generate around £90 billion in additional revenue by 2040.
Also, as part of the major investment of up to £45 billion – which was announced a couple of weeks back, and is tipped to transform rail travel across the North – the Government has also said it will work with Greater Manchester partners to explore an underground option at Manchester Piccadilly station, recognising its potential as a ‘catalyst for growth’.
Local leaders say they are keen to demonstrate how an underground station could turn Piccadilly into a ‘Kings Cross of the North’.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with Mayor Andy Burnham last week to sign the formal agreement.
The agreement recognises the potential for an underground solution at Manchester Piccadilly, while also acknowledging the need for further ‘testing’ to make sure it will deliver value for money, and additionally sets out how the Government will work with Greater Manchester on the wider NPR scheme – which will be delivered in three stages, with the Liverpool-Manchester line to be built in the second phase.
The Transport Secretary has committed to a ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM (Supplied)
A formal review of the underground option at Manchester Piccadilly is to be lead by local leaders and senior civil servants.
“I’ve strengthened this Government’s clear and unwavering commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail by signing an agreement with Mayor Burnham on the next steps for transforming connectivity in Greater Manchester,” explained Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“With a new line between Manchester and Liverpool at the heart of our plans, alongside new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, we will unlock new opportunities, more jobs and more housing for thousands of people.
“By providing early clarity on scope and phasing, we are giving Greater Manchester the certainty it needs to plan ahead and unlock the full economic and social benefits for its people.”
Emily Sergeant -
4th June 2024 
