I'm not really sure how someone can read this thread and say its all very depressing. Its clear passengers are coming back, slowly but surely and the vast majority of people aren't scared about travelling by train.
Its true that its unlikely to reach 2019 levels for the next at least 5 years I'd say and revenue is sadly going to lag even further behind and there are challenging times ahead, but people are still using trains, trains are getting busier and we are slowly creeping towards 70% of pre covid usage.
I'm sure people who deal with the financial numbers everyday have probably had a tough and rather depressing 18 months, but I feel like we are at least heading in the right direction, and that makes me optimistic for the future.
Here in South Wales we are constantly battling TfW for more carriages and service availability - the Manchester to Milford Haven Line is notoriously horiffic to have 2-3 car services max. and to be standing room only. Even on weekends and evenings, as well as early mornings, trains are rammed full. Avoid if possible - better alternatives on the much quieter Gloucester to CDF line, then onwards west with GWR to Swansea.
Do you know what type of trains the 5-car ones will be? 175/0+175/1 or new ones?Eventually, all trains between Swansea and Manchester will run five-carriage and all between West Wales and Swansea at least three-carriage.
That will obviously provide a significant boost in capacity.
Do you know what type of trains the 5-car ones will be? 175/0+175/1 or new ones?
Do you know what type of trains the 5-car ones will be? 175/0+175/1 or new ones?
Thank you.The 175s are going (but we don't know where to).
They'll primarily be CAF Class 197s in a 3 carriage + 2 carriage configuration. They have gangways so passengers will be able to walk through all five carriages.
TFW have also acquired some Class 67s which will be used with Mark 4 carriages on Cardiff to Holyhead service and some Swansea to Manchester trains. I have to say, my feeling is they want to increase the frequency of the Holyhead service and use the stock there, but we will have to see on that.
ThanksNew CAF Class 197s which will be a mixture of 2 and 3 Car and which are now appearing. At the moment testing and training
I agree re the off peaks at Denmark Hill on SE and Overground, it appears business as usual. Re Thameslink the Peaks are rammed to pre Covid levels since they halved the peak trains to 50% of the all day level back in September...Recently I've travelled on SE, Thameslink, GA, EMR and all were very busy off peak.
No idea about peaks but a lot were standing room only or all seats taken during off peak times.
The old timetables really need to come back as some were uncomfortable and I'm sure people couldn't board some routes - though I've been wedged in and unable to see the doors!
They were lucky to have a three car 175. Other trains include a 150, a 158 and two 153s. 150235 had a good run north but was rammed heading south and then had extra stops Crewe to Shrewsbury. 43 late Shrewsbury and still only 43 late at Newport. Must be a good one!Transport for Wales are having another fun day. https://www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail/
A relative is on the 10.52 from Cardiff to Manchester and I can confirm it is full with plenty of standing passengers.
Re Thameslink the Peaks are rammed to pre Covid levels since they halved the peak trains to 50% of the all day level back in September...
Does seem to be that south of the river is faring better than north of the river in terms of commuting.Maybe in SE London, but certainly not north of the river.
Does seem to be that south of the river is faring better than north of the river in terms of commuting.
Perhaps some of those north of the river are adding to the overcrowding on EMR express services..?Maybe in SE London, but certainly not north of the river.
Perhaps some of those north of the river are adding to the overcrowding on EMR express services..?
They probably enjoyed saving the commuting costs.If you mean the Corby services - there isn’t really any overcrowding. But generally, it is the longer distance commuters that are the most reluctant to come back to the rails. Which is unfortunate, as they are by far the most profitable type of commuter.