The line's main passenger traffic was workers travelling from the Wigan area to industrial plants in Cadishead and Partington and around the docks in Salford and Manchester; until the late 1970s the Lancashire United bus company operated a replacement bus service from Wigan to Partington.

Steam remained the dominant motive power to the end of services,[7] though some DMUs made an appearance.

[10] In April 1884 the service pattern to Wigan (Darlington Street temporary terminus) was straightforward.

Three other trains arrived, apparently All Stations from Culcheth, but it is possible they originated at Liverpool Central and turned west to north at Dam Lane Junction.

[14][15] The Grand Arcade shopping centre was built between 2006 and 2008 on the station site, of which no trace remains.