Following on from the enclaves/ exclaves thread, I was wondering how many semi-exclaves there are on the national network. By that I mean significant gaps in the coverage of a TOC where to get between two stations only using that TOC’s services would involve a very long detour, while at the same time, there are other TOCs that provide a much faster service between the two.
For instance, there is a gap in Northern coverage between Darlington and York. If you were to travel between those stations entirely on Northern trains, you would have to go the long way round via Carlisle, and you’d be silly to do so unless travelling for leisure purposes. Most people would just take a direct train between the two stations on a LNER, XC or TPE train.
Are there any similar “noticeable” gaps in TOCs coverage within the UK?
For instance, there is a gap in Northern coverage between Darlington and York. If you were to travel between those stations entirely on Northern trains, you would have to go the long way round via Carlisle, and you’d be silly to do so unless travelling for leisure purposes. Most people would just take a direct train between the two stations on a LNER, XC or TPE train.
Are there any similar “noticeable” gaps in TOCs coverage within the UK?