Well on the mid chehsire line, where I live, the MCRUA keep Northern in check. The trains themselves are not great, but at peak times the trains run at half hourly intervals, and hourly at other times.
One thing I know of is that a school train has been put on for Knutsford high school. The train was timetabled anyway, but is now double length, quite often being a 150 and a 156.
Anyone can get on and is very popular. Sadly I work in the opposite direction, so I can't reap the benefits.
Have you considered seeing if there s a local support group, or even starting your own?
It worked in this part of chehsire, so it might in yours too. Hoped that helps you.
SFE