Update on our "Missing" Trains

I have received a communication from the Department for Transport in response to a query about the lack of available electric trains for Liverpool-Manchester and Liverpool-Wigan services in 2014.

They say that "... it was assumed that Class 319s would be cascaded from Thameslink to operate the service. Whilst that still may be the case, it has emerged that vehicles from other sources could be available too."

They don't go on to explain what those sources are.

First Stage Completed

Network Rail are trumpeting the completion of the first stage of the Electrification project: £3 million has been spent on rebuilding three bridges between Eccles and Patricroft, ready for the installation of overhead wires "next year".