Just to add my pennyworth as I sat on TfGMC and heard the train companies give their view.
The Train Operating Company that took over the Northern franchise guaranteed to improve the service, not just keep it ticking over. The service has improved a little, with a few more trains and strengthened services (i.e. more carriages) but it's still far from perfect. More passengers use Rose Hill (good) but now the car park is often full.
They are bringing new trains on board next year, but the delay of electrification from National Rail has messed them up a bit.
I agree that 23:24 last train is poor. (As is 23:16 last bus from Stockport).
However there are some winter time trains that are still rammed (and were in the old days when passenger numbers were less). I suspect that we won't less a big improvement on the Hope Valley Line. The :09 service from Sheffield is very frequently late, especially in the afternoon. You will need to ask Northern why.
We are not the worst performing line - that honour is still with the Southport to Wigan line. Little comfort. I know. It's still better than being in the line of traffic going through Dan Bank at rush hour.
2 final points: Labour-controlled Stockport Council are proposing to put charges on council-owned parking. Consultation has been poor. Cllr Sheila Bailey was the exec member who proposed this.
And plans are afoot, thanks to N Plan and Friends of the Station, to create a community cafe instead of the leaking building that is the Manchester-bound waiting room. So at least there will be a nice place to wait for the delayed train.
