Service
There is a minimal train service (towards Helsby and to Ellesmere Port). Two of these trains (one morning and one evening) continue to Warrington Bank Quay, whilst the first of the morning comes from there (the one afternoon train that ran through to Liverpool Lime Street no longer operates). These services are operated by Class 156 diesel multiple units, (DMUs), generally in the afternoon, however most early-morning workings are Class 142 'Pacer' trains.
A branch of the Merseyrail electric network Wirral Line terminates at Ellesmere Port, the next but one station to the west after Stanlow & Thonton. Only diesel trains use Ince and Elton station. The likelihood of electrifying the line and incorporating into the Merseyrail network was low, as there are many dangerous substances and cables surrounding the trackside as the line passes through the Stanlow & Thornton Shell oil refinery. However, Merseytravel have shown interest in taking ownership of the Halton Curve south of Runcorn to incorporate into the Merseyrail network. This may entail the line may be electrified and brought onto the Merseyrail network, giving access to Runcorn, Liverpool South Parkway for John Lennon Airport and maybe onto Liverpool Lime Street. This would give access to Liverpool from both directions. Merseytravel's interest is ongoing and no outcome has been released.
There is no service on Sundays. A Saturday service operates on most Bank Holidays. In the event of buses replacing trains, only one service in each direction runs, usually in the late afternoon.
In British Rail terminology, this station's rail service(s) would be referred to as a 'Parliamentary train'. This means that the Train Operating Company only runs the minimum number of services required legally, and usually at the least busy times of day, in order to still comply with the law, but to keep operating costs down to an absolute minimum. It is cheaper to run this service than going through a lengthy legal process of applying for station closures.
Read more about this topic: Ince And Elton Railway Station
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