185143
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As soon as their removal of off peak tickets
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EMR MML services on Sundays too crowded - what should be done?
- Thread starter richieb1971
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duffield
Established Member
Yes, I've edited my original comment to make it clear that you need to ask permission and it's not automatic, though from what I've seen EMR are fairly good with this sort of thing when trains are seriously overcrowded.
I agree that the orders have come from on high.
I have tended to travel at or around weekends when the HST's were well utilised, so it wasn't just the rush hour when the capacity was useful.
Kite159
Veteran Member
Some guards know that first class provision on the 222s, especially the 7 coach sets, is more than necessarily. Especially at weekends, so some will declassify some of it (i.e. the part in the composite coach) with any genuine 1st class passengers asked to sit in the end coach. Or even on a 7 coach set, the 1st class coach next to coach D gets declassified.
The issue with the MML on Sundays is the reduced timetable due to having 2 tracks south of Bedford. Doesn't also help that some people will board at the first set of doors closest to the platform entrance, so the front coaches could be rammed with the rear coaches empty
Wandering Pom
Member
Because there are four tracks south of Bedford. The problem with Sundays is that the timetable is written assuming only two tracks are available, due to engineering works. This means a more restricted service, and specifically fewer EMR trains than on other days.
Thank you makes sense!
Mikey C
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The MML is very much the poor relation of the Inter-City routes. It's even a second class citizen in its own London terminus, having lost much of it to Eurostar, leaving it with a limited number of platforms, shunted into a corner.
The loss of the HS2 connection to the East Midlands is a massive shame, and unlike the Manchester connection there are no politicians fighting to have something reinstated.
The loss of the HS2 connection to the East Midlands is a massive shame, and unlike the Manchester connection there are no politicians fighting to have something reinstated.
Or EMR to terminate at Bedford for Thameslink forward. Which train carries more passengers?
Obviously I'm not being serious, but they both have a passenger need to be there.
That would be far too slow.
No . Absolutely not
No . Absolutely not
They seem to have about five trains an hour as it is. Are there really that many people who want to go to Luton ?
richieb1971
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The train in question originally was Leicester to Kettering. The Kettering to Bedford service was fine.
It's just the 222 services I believe are problematic.
My wife caught Sunday Leicester service at 1436 running 222101 I think it was.
Reading this thread it just seems party A says decommission trains and party B followed those orders. Now party B is short of trains. No joined up thinking.
We got hsts in Mexico it makes me laugh. I thought having to change at Kettering was bad enough but now half the journey is standing. I guess 810s will not enter service until after ohle reaches Leicester?
It's just the 222 services I believe are problematic.
My wife caught Sunday Leicester service at 1436 running 222101 I think it was.
Reading this thread it just seems party A says decommission trains and party B followed those orders. Now party B is short of trains. No joined up thinking.
We got hsts in Mexico it makes me laugh. I thought having to change at Kettering was bad enough but now half the journey is standing. I guess 810s will not enter service until after ohle reaches Leicester?
Probably not. Quite a fair chance they might not enter service until the driver pay and terms and conditions dispute is resolved either.
The 810s will be coming in next year, subject to any further delays. The OHLE isn’t currently being built to Leicester, and AIUI it’s not certain if/when it will be.
Incidentally there was an 810 parked up at Etches Park last night (perhaps more a discussion for the 810 thread).
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QSK19
Member
Any bets on the surely-unthinkable scenario of 810 entry into service being pushed back to 2026?
I would be tempted to stake a quid or two!
Sundays are similar on GWR services in and out of London.
Most services full and standing, First Class full of people without First Class tickets.
I only travel on Sundays if Im doing an All Line Rover. Next time, I will avoid London on Sunday, far too much hassle.
Most services full and standing, First Class full of people without First Class tickets.
I only travel on Sundays if Im doing an All Line Rover. Next time, I will avoid London on Sunday, far too much hassle.
Mikey C
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Is this because of the current OHLE upgrade work, or has the Sunday timetable always assumed just two tracks are available?
richieb1971
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Doing some research earlier, wiki reported payment/orders for the 810s were made before covid.
"In August 2019, East Midlands Railway placed a £400 million order for 33 five-car bi-mode units, replacing its Class 180 and 222 fleets on the MML.[12][13][14][11][note 1] The order is being funded by Rock Rail East Midlands.[11] It was originally planned that the new trains would enter service before December 2022,[16][17][18] but as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic the introduction was delayed into 2023.[7] In February 2023 it was reported that Class 810s were expected to enter service in 2024.[19] In March 2024 it was reported that the Class 810 is now planned to enter service in early 2025.[1]"
The more I learn the more depressing it reads.
Always timetabled to be 2 track until 1200. Sometimes when all 4 lines are open the EMR services will run on the fasts but then have to wait around 10-15 mins at Luton and Bedford. The OHLE work I think is being done in all line blocks at weekends.
Yes, it doesn’t make pretty reading. Not quite as bad as what’s going on over at SWR, but still not great!
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richieb1971
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EMR replied. Stated and echoed what was put here already.
Didn't say they were doing anything about it apart from keeping it under review.
Didn't say they were doing anything about it apart from keeping it under review.
DarloRich
Veteran Member
What do you expect them to say? Surely you acknowledge that the DfT are the ones calling the shots? EMR are just the front man for decisions taken in Whitehall in relation to investment, rolling stock and electrification.
I avoid EMR intercity ( like Cross Country) as the trains are so busy it just isn't worth the hassle.
EDIT - although the trains are tatty the EMR electric services from Bedford are perfectly acceptable.
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Andy Pacer
Established Member
I believe its stated on that thread that it's there for some maintenance.
The regular diversions on Sundays via Manton which extend journey times can make the crowded journeys very unpleasant.
A picturesque route, though!
Andy Pacer
Established Member
Agreed! It just looks horrendous when it's around 2hr15 Leicester to/from St Pancras.
Yep. The only good thing, if that’s the right word, is that the timings are so ridiculous for the distance that it damps down demand.
richieb1971
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When things will get better?
Well perhaps if the government wakes up or hands the reigns back. Or maybe a change of government , but who knows.