Guard off but train sets off regardless

Commuters on the 0738 had a rude awakening on their return to the rails Tuesday morning – not only did they find fares having been increased by 6% or more, they were also victims of train operating cock-up that saw the train pull out of Walkden without a guard.

As a result passengers were deposited in the pouring rain at Moorside while the lonesome driver took the train out of service and ran empty to Victoria.

Leaving aside how such an incident could even happen when the guard’s on board signal is required before a train can leave, the experience was worst of all for those passengers who – having waited at Moorside in atrocious conditions – could not even board the next train due to over-crowding.

The story was covered later in the day in this Manchester Evening News article.