|
Hi SFE,
Your dreams of commuter services on the ELR are just that; dreams. In the real world the whole length of the ELR is closely followed by the M66 and because of this it will never attract commuters on a regular basis.
The ELR does a wonderful job of attracting daytrippers and tourists. If greater emphasis was put on the access to the wonderful hills around Rossendale and the many walks available, they may be able to open up another market for the railway.
Up on the moors above Rawtenstall/ Ramsbottom there are the remains of extensive narrow gauge railways which served the numerous quarries that operated there; yet another market opportunity. I used to spend a great deal of time tracing these tracks when I lived in Edenfield (3 miles South of Rawtenstall).
|