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Al   06/10/2015 at 12:54

Great news but shame about the bouncy tram trains that Northern still have that use the station. Some new (not second class capital connect trains hand-me-downs) are badly needed for the North of England

David Spencer   06/10/2015 at 13:24

Mr Mcloughlan proudly opened ONLY half the station this morning. This half indeed is a splendid tribute to both contractor and other partners in bringing about the new roof and an unquestionable modernised feel. HOWEVER this is ONLY half the station. The main line platforms 3 to 6 ARE A DISGRACE. The building of the "Madison Square garden arena" above these platforms has created a UK version of the present day Pennsylvania Central station in New York. All is dark and Dingy with poor lighting all for want of a lick of paint and better lights. Both Transport for Greater Manchester (Customer Services) and NorthernRail Operator and Customer Services) have responded to me saying that not much can be done about it and they agree platforms 3-6 inclusive cannot be much improved. I have written to Councillor Fender - Chair of the Management Committee of Transport for Greater Manchester without a reply. If RTM are to cover the proud moments of the refurbishments of Victoria station they should also cover the dingy bits with no future - the part of the station where most of the railway revenue is earned from intercity services transpennine and the vast number of commuters arriving at Victoria every day. This part of the station is still the worst station in the UK. Lord Adonis would be astonished that his comments for this half of Victoria have been ignored.

Andrew Gwilt   06/10/2015 at 15:00

Since Manchester Victoria has been upgraded and revamped. I may of heard that Manchester Oxford Road may also need some improvements with its 4 platforms and the whole station to be upgraded & refurbished and possibly Manchester Piccadilly to also be revamped and to introduce more trains by build extra platforms if that's also part of the Northern Powerhouse scheme.

Interested Rail User   06/10/2015 at 20:35

Disgrace is the right word for the through platforms of Manchester Victoria. The only thing to do with that area is to move the Arena elsewhere, flatten the buildings and build an entirely new station on the site and nearby land, which can also be the terminus for HS2, instead of the few cramped dead end terminal platforms planned for the east side of Piccadilly. It can also be the through station for the proposed HS3 running across the Chancellor's "Northern Powerhouse", with full interconnectivity. Manchester will then have a station that is fit for purpose and commensurate with its position as Britain's most important City after London.

Wimg   07/10/2015 at 19:58

Doesn't sound too charming all these comments , planning to see Birmingham New Street one of these days. I only know Piccadilly from recent travels , what stunned me were all the dirty oil pans between the main platform tracks. = My 2 p.