Have we come full circle? Sowerby Bridge today.

[L&Y]

I used the train today to go to work. Not a  regular occurrence except when the cars in for service. Can't help but think of the contrast from the when I used to use it daily in the 70's. 

Today (06-45) a windswept freezing platform with only a bus shelter for cover. But approximately 40 passengers waiting for the train. (Although one had just departed in the same Manchester direction & there were two more within half an hour following it.) Even more on the Leeds platform. Plus an equally uncomfortable conductor wandering around selling tickets. Poor beggar. What a job. 

In the 70's there were waiting rooms with coal fires. A ticket office that was manned from early morning until around 7 If I remember right. And very few passengers. I remember sometimes waiting alone or with one or two others. Not so many trains either. With a less than reliable service from the run down & dirty stock. 

Today the stock is still run down as the line is awaiting electrification. But I can't help but think that with the massive increase in passenger numbers. That better station facility's would be welcomed by many. Not least the guy who sells the tickets! Not even a toilet on the station any more. Though there is now a snack shop in the old station building. Though it's just a hole in the wall so you still can't get out of the weather. 

Surely the stations haven't seen passenger numbers like this since the days of steam! Saw a freight train go through slowly in the Leeds direction loaded with Ford transit vans while waiting.