GTR - Clapham to Milton Keynes service now terminating at Watford on Saturdays

[Art1983]

Hi, just wondered if anyone knew why GTR don't come up to Milton Keynes at weekends anymore, it used to be the case on Sundays but now seemingly Saturdays too they spin at Watford? Thanks.

 

[Bletchleyite]

COVID, one assumes.

 

[Art1983]

That's fair enough cheers, is always a handy service for me but no issues changing and heading to P10 @ Watford

 

[Class 170101]

It will also depend on NR maintenance strategy between Shepherds Bush and Milton Keynes. Whilst there are fast and slow lines between Willesden and Milton Keynes there are only two tracks south of Willesden. Looking at the Strategy NR do block the route on some Sundays in such a way as to make a through service to Milton Keynes impossible.

 

[Art1983]

It will also depend on NR maintenance strategy between Shepherds Bush and Milton Keynes. Whilst there are fast and slow lines between Willesden and Milton Keynes there are only two tracks south of Willesden. Looking at the Strategy NR do block the route on some Sundays in such a way as to make a through service to Milton Keynes impossible.

Not fussed about Sundays have been used to them starting at Watford but Saturdays has been more a new concept.

 

[Boodiggy]

It will also depend on NR maintenance strategy between Shepherds Bush and Milton Keynes. Whilst there are fast and slow lines between Willesden and Milton Keynes there are only two tracks south of Willesden. Looking at the Strategy NR do block the route on some Sundays in such a way as to make a through service to Milton Keynes impossible.

i think the Southern drivers do not sign the fast lines for a short section between Willesden West London Junction and North Wembley Jn, where the West London line (Relief Lines) joins the fast lines so when the slows are blocked as part of the maintenance strategy they are cut back to Shepherds Bush. I think they still sign the fasts from North Wembley - Milton Keynes as normal.
This would only apply after 2000 when possession taken.

 

[The Planner]

i think the Southern drivers do not sign the fast lines for a short section between Willesden West London Junction and North Wembley Jn, where the West London line (Relief Lines) joins the fast lines so when the slows are blocked as part of the maintenance strategy they are cut back to Shepherds Bush. I think they still sign the fasts from North Wembley - Milton Keynes as normal.
This would only apply after 2000 when possession taken.

Correct.

 

[sjm93]

Are they ever going to run out to East Croydon again?

 

[Surreytraveller]

Are they ever going to run out to East Croydon again?

Not before next May at the earliest

 

[physics34]

Hi, just wondered if anyone knew why GTR don't come up to Milton Keynes at weekends anymore, it used to be the case on Sundays but now seemingly Saturdays too they spin at Watford? Thanks.

Id say its due to staffing issues due to COVID. its becoming difficult because of social distancing rules to train drivers up on the route or find ways to have them refresh the route.

i think the Southern drivers do not sign the fast lines for a short section between Willesden West London Junction and North Wembley Jn, where the West London line (Relief Lines) joins the fast lines so when the slows are blocked as part of the maintenance strategy they are cut back to Shepherds Bush. I think they still sign the fasts from North Wembley - Milton Keynes as normal.
This would only apply after 2000 when possession taken.

A few still do but not many.