Recent content by Xavi

The inefficient market for train drivers between multiple TOCs and freight operators was a major factor in increasing real salaries until the franchising system collapsed.

Yes, alignment of T&Cs would take a very long time. One employer but maintaining existing T&Cs with intent to align over time may be the more likely option.

I doubt very much if BR had continued as was that there would be a procurement exercise to use an existing train from Cardiff to Penzance rather than Manchester.

Yes, I am aware. I should have been clearer - moving 175s to WR under BR would not have involved a procurement. 1713459052 It was reported recently elsewhere (WNXX) that all 34 Porterbrook GWR 150 vehicles are scheduled for a further C6 commencing shortly.

It was different for cascading existing BR stock and that’s my point. The result of this procurement is known already (as was GN 379s).

Yes, looks like a box ticking exercise for the 175s and 165s. Good example of the bureaucracy and cost imposed on the railway since privatisation. 165s could be for Barnstaple / Okehampton as the 175s may not be able to run at full line speed on those routes.

Cardiff- Penzance and Okehampton/ Barnstaple.

Yes it would be although GWR never received the 769s either and consequently GWR regional services are struggling for stock even before service enhancements in Cornwall, Devon (Cullompton / Wellington), and Bristol. Also, too many 5-car IETs are operating from Paddington due to being used on...

What source? 1712902024 The contributor on WNXX says the operator that will release the extra 6 or so 2/3-car units must receive replacement stock first.

Reported on WNXX Forum today by a credible source that a deal has been been put together for GWR to receive all 27 175s and half a dozen 2 or 3-car units from elsewhere.

Yes, that was my assumption.

Yes, who knows when it comes to DfT! However, as anticipated in this election year we have seen a flurry of good rail headlines from DfT recently (379s, XC 221s, EMR refurbs, NPR). The current government is unlikely to be paying the leases (indirectly) for long, so anything for a good...

All the sources I have read suggest the depot is likely to be Laira and routes covered Cardiff - Penzance plus Okehampton/ Barnstaple. The 100mph capability being better used (Cardiff to Newton Abbot) than the Portsmouth route where there would also be additional speed restrictions for 175s...

Odds on a commitment to keep the £2 fare will be in all manifestos. A good thing IMO.

It is not law and (if taken into account) certainly doesn’t simplify the 1990 Act which is law and a major part of the reason why any development or infrastructure is expensive in the UK.