I would encourage rail travellers that are keen to have greater engagement with the rail franchise operators to seek out local 'Friends of' station adopter groups.

The 'Friends of' groups work to improve passenger services and the environment of their local railway stations, by working with the (and usually with support from) the rail operators.

In Salford, for example, there are notable examples that have achieved various degrees of success - Friends of Walkden Station, Friends of Eccles Station, and Friends of Patricroft Station.