ScotRail HST Introduction - Updates & Discussion

[najaB]

Are more diagrams set to be switched to HST from May?

I guess it depends on what they expect passenger numbers to be like. It's a lot more cost effective to run a moderately full 158/170 than an almost empty 2+5 HST.

 

[OrangeJuice]

Also won't it rely on how many drivers/guards are trained on HSTs?

Have Scotrail resumed training yet?

 

[InvHst]

Also won't it rely on how many drivers/guards are trained on HSTs?

Have Scotrail resumed training yet?

Haven't seen a short formation due to shortage of train crew for a while so no I don think that will be a problem. Unsure about the training aspect

Yes.. Quite a few 170s and 158s still doing Inverness to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Are more diagrams set to be switched to HST from May?

Issues you have in that regard is the timetables haven't been rewritten so that those 170s on Inverness services aren't on fife circles before or after or an Anniesland shuttle for instance and with covid they aren't needed.

12 diagrams reduced currently due to no late evening services currently will increase as passengers return and restrictions are eased

 

[Juanjo]

Three ex fgw reportedly turned up at EMR Attercliffe

 

[Roger B]

Three ex fgw reportedly turned up at EMR Attercliffe

Thanks Juanjo. Does anyone know which ones?

 

[InvHst]

I know that the first 5 car set has been around the Fife circle and up to Dundee anyone know of anymore plans for test runs?

 

[InOban]

Scotrail tweeted a picture of several fifth carriages being moved to Inverness for incorporating into the IC7 sets maintained there.

 

[hexagon789]

Scotrail tweeted a picture of several fifth carriages being moved to Inverness for incorporating into the IC7 sets maintained there.

Ready for when they ramp the HST diagrams up again presumably

 

[scotraildriver]

Scotrail tweeted a picture of several fifth carriages being moved to Inverness for incorporating into the IC7 sets maintained there.

Going for C4/C6 overhaul first.

 

[Steven_G]

Cadder is looking close to completing. Lots of equipment gone. Platforms visible and clear, just the modular units and surrounding areas still busy

 

[InvHst]

Cadder is looking close to completing. Lots of equipment gone. Platforms visible and clear, just the modular units and surrounding areas still busy

Cadder can't be far away fingers crossed it should be operational by May timetable change

 

[47271]

May timetable change

Which reminds me, are we going to see any difference in HST operation next month, or is that something being saved for December? I can't see any point in speeding things up for all the number of passengers there are still.

 

[hexagon789]

Which reminds me, are we going to see any difference in HST operation next month, or is that something being saved for December? I can't see any point in speeding things up for all the number of passengers there are still.

I don't either, but you assume the intention was only to accelerate services once a full HST timetable could be provided anyway.

Many factors I'm sure they'll be considering and I suspect this isn't going to be a priority for at least the short term

 

[InvHst]

Which reminds me, are we going to see any difference in HST operation next month, or is that something being saved for December? I can't see any point in speeding things up for all the number of passengers there are still.

Already was due to be an increase but cadder limited the ability to move sets around

I don't either, but you assume the intention was only to accelerate services once a full HST timetable could be provided anyway.

Many factors I'm sure they'll be considering and I suspect this isn't going to be a priority for at least the short term

Hits the nail on the head here passenger numbers don't justify it currently

 

[route101]

When the restrictions are lifted in the next few months, must be an increase.

 

[najaB]

When the restrictions are lifted in the next few months, must be an increase.

It's going to take a while for travel to return to anything close to pre-pandemic levels even after restrictions are eased.

A fair number of businesses have said that they have no plans to get all their staff back in the office full-time this year (if ever). As an example, we've been told that the earliest we will have anyone back in the office is September, and even then it will be optional.

2021 is basically a write off as far as international tourism is concerned too. Not as bad as 2020 but there's no way we're going to have a flood of people in the summer. I doubt English tourists will make up the difference.

TL;DR: It'll be 2022 at the earliest before passenger numbers are back to 2019 levels.

 

[route101]

It's going to take a while for travel to return to anything close to pre-pandemic levels even after restrictions are eased.

A fair number of businesses have said that they have no plans to get all their staff back in the office full-time this year (if ever). As an example, we've been told that the earliest we will have anyone back in the office is September, and even then it will be optional.

2021 is basically a write off as far as international tourism is concerned too. Not as bad as 2020 but there's no way we're going to have a flood of people in the summer. I doubt English tourists will make up the difference.

TL;DR: It'll be 2022 at the earliest before passenger numbers are back to 2019 levels.

Yes, Though I do expect a timetable change to make it easier for domestic tourists to travel.

 

[najaB]

Yes, Though I do expect a timetable change to make it easier for domestic tourists to travel.

What changes could be made to get more bums on HST seats?

 

[route101]

What changes could be made to get more bums on HST seats?

Back to hourly services on Glasgow to Edinburgh to Aberdeen route. More in general across the network, like the WHL line. They increased services last summer.

 

[najaB]

Back to hourly services on Glasgow to Edinburgh to Aberdeen route. More in general across the network, like the WHL line. They increased services last summer.

I can see the case for an early/late service on the WHL but I doubt many potential tourists are put off coming to Scotland because central belt to Aberdeen services are under 1tph.

 

[scotraildriver]

It's back to a 93% service in May, the only reason it's not 100% is the training backlog of drivers. The remaining reductions are mainly in Strathclyde.

 

[adc82140]

I'm sure the answer is buried somewhere in this thread, but how many carriages are still outstanding for delivery, and which ones are they? (just updating my fleet lists)

 

[adamedwards]

Given there is a market for bike cars converted from 153s on the West Highland and Far North lines, is there a market for a couple of TGS carriages converted to be mega bike and surf board carriers? Same layout as the 153s, is half the car for bikes etc, using the guard door which can be manually opened wide. The other half would be seating. Primary use would be to/ from Inverness, linking with the 153s. You might need 2 or 3 added to sets dedicated to this route during the Easter to October season, plus use to get skis to Aviemore in the winter.

 

[najaB]

Given there is a market for bike cars converted from 153s on the West Highland and Far North lines, is there a market for a couple of TGS carriages converted to be mega bike and surf board carriers? Same layout as the 153s, is half the car for bikes etc, using the guard door which can be manually opened wide. The other half would be seating.

There's already storage space going unused in the HST sets so I can't see them spending money for more.

 

[Steven_G]

I don't see any extra peak time services returning for the summer timetable. No demand and not likely to be for several months yet.

 

[fgwrich]

There's already storage space going unused in the HST sets so I can't see them spending money for more.

Not only that, but that boat has considerably sailed. Virtually no ex GW TGS vehicles left now other than those being stripped for spares in Doncaster. Though I do feel they've missed an opportunity in not choosing to use TGS's as the 5th vehicle.

 

[hexagon789]

Hits the nail on the head here passenger numbers don't justify it currently

It's just logical

When the restrictions are lifted in the next few months, must be an increase.

Some increases but I'm not sure we'll see the improved HML timetable any time soon for instance. May well be the HST sets therefore turn up on other workings

 

[scotraildriver]

It's just logical


Some increases but I'm not sure we'll see the improved HML timetable any time soon for instance. May well be the HST sets therefore turn up on other workings

Once Cadder depot opens 2 of the morning departures will work the former loco hauled Fife circle diagrams as HSTs.

 

[47444]

I'm sure the answer is buried somewhere in this thread, but how many carriages are still outstanding for delivery, and which ones are they? (just updating my fleet lists)

I have the following as still outstanding: 42029, 42033, 42035, 42054, 42056, 42077, 42078, 42096, 42144, 42185, 42213 and 42351.

Very happy to be corrected if I am wrong!

 

[hexagon789]

Once Cadder depot opens 2 of the morning departures will work the former loco hauled Fife circle diagrams as HSTs.

Aren't there already Fife Circle services?