Storm Doris Thursday 23rd - Major disruption on some routes

[Failed Unit]

That's how to write a message and ignore something major. Before it was known the storm would affect South West Trains, there was a known track defect at Raynes Park on the fast line to London. It meant cancellations and delays. It occurred all day regardless of the weather.

I feel it should have been mentioned. That aside, it is a well written apology. Not that I feel one should apologise for the weather, solely if they don't provide information.

Has any other company issued apologies yet? Are GTR likely to?

On the monitors at WGC along with encouragement to claim delay repay from them. But I hope lessons are learnt here. I suspect not as they are an a management contract so have no incentive to improve.

Lots of claims this week, it was only Monday that the Moorgate branch was suspended. Told by old street staff to go to kings cross. Upon arrival I was told that the line reopened ½ hour previously. No-one had bothered to tell London Underground trains were calling there. (Old street) Bet the reject my delay repayable telling me the train I intended to catch ran, but why would I not believe what staff at the station were telling me.

Rant over point being GTR can't manage a simple failure that happens frequently- we maybe are expecting a bit much for them to provide factual information such as "no trains to Cambridge" in times of real problems.

 

[Antman]

Has any other company issued apologies yet? Are GTR likely to?

Apologies are cheap.

What needs to happen is for GTR to take a good cold hard look at themselves and ask what needs to change to prevent a recurrence.

However it has never happened before, so I won't be holding my breath this time.

 

[EM2]

Well, that's pretty poor design. If RTT has the data, so could a platform screen (though admittedly it would be wise for it not to show a platform number until it "goes bold").

I've discussed this with Tom before, and RTT doesn't have the data, it makes a decision based on previous results, in other words it learns over a period of time.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I've discussed this with Tom before, and RTT doesn't have the data, it makes a decision based on previous results, in other words it learns over a period of time.

When the platform number goes bold, it's from a feed, isn't it?

I don't recall it ever being wrong when that has happened.

 

[Essexman]

In contrast to many problems there was (as ever) a positive attitude from Caledonian Sleepers last night. I travelled from Inverness to London and called in at the sleeper centre about 6pm to check it would run. Yes it would, it may be delayed but they were very clear a positive effort would be made.

We left on time, went through snow around Kingussie and were slightly delayed at Pitlochry (I assume passing the 267 minutes late Highland Chieftain – I was asleep by then). I woke at Preston where we stood for some time and left quite late. Apparently there was discussion as to whether we’d be routed via Manchester but in the end we went via Crewe. Expecting to be late I switched off my alarm and woke at 7.56 as we pulled into Euston just 15 minutes late.

 

[GW43125]

That must have been a shed load of fun to deal with. I'll get my coat....

Pretty sure 66s run on that line all the time...

(I'm already a long way out the door...)

 

[E_Reeves]

I noticed yesterday at Rugby (on OTT) during the disruption, they replaced the Pendolino headcodes with the TOPS number. It took up 2 blocks e.g 390 in one block and 117 in the next. Any idea why they did this?

Also, any news on what's happening with 1U33 from yesterday?

 

[tsr]

When the platform number goes bold, it's from a feed, isn't it?

I don't recall it ever being wrong when that has happened.

It is occasionally wrong, but it is commendably good. I usually use realtime map sites (eg. OpenTrainTimes / Traksy / Sussex Trains) as my primary source for major stations anyway, as they usually have more detailed features for showing instant overviews of all the latest arrivals and split-platform berths, without scrolling through the list of trains on RTT and making deductions or clicking on each one.

 

[Nean]

I noticed yesterday at Rugby (on OTT) during the disruption, they replaced the Pendolino headcodes with the TOPS number. It took up 2 blocks e.g 390 in one block and 117 in the next. Any idea why they did this?

Also, any news on what's happening with 1U33 from yesterday?

Was it for sets "parked" in the station, or actually on routes? I noticed that they were putting the class of sets in Piccadilly whilst watching on Traksy (and occasionally at Liverpool Lime Street, but not nearly as much).

 

[infobleep]

Apologies are cheap.

What needs to happen is for GTR to take a good cold hard look at themselves and ask what needs to change to prevent a recurrence.

However it has never happened before, so I won't be holding my breath this time.

So do you think South West Trains apology is worthless and cheap?

 

[eastdyke]

I must praise Greater Anglia yesterday afternoon, with the overhead problems between Ipswich & Norwich they used their two diesel loco 3 carriage sets and a diesel unit to run up to Colchester, praise where it's due.

GA would not have been able to do that if we had an 'all electric' railway.

Electrification at the margins of the economics would likely be a step too far. (On the basis that sometimes costs are underestimated and the benefits mis-underestimated). With apologies to George Bush.

No doubt reviews resulting from the events of yesterday will throw up recommendations for improvement in a number of areas.

As an aside, had this weather occurred in the summer (with leaves on the trees) it would have been a whole lot more disruptive.

 

[E_Reeves]

Was it for sets "parked" in the station, or actually on routes? I noticed that they were putting the class of sets in Piccadilly whilst watching on Traksy (and occasionally at Liverpool Lime Street, but not nearly as much).

There was 2 in platforms and 1 in the through siding.

 

[amateur]

I am sure you are not suggesting GTR took a 'not my job mate' attitude to getting some useful information to its customers.

So what went wrong at Kings Cross?

Did GTR not have an agreed plan with Network Rail about what information should be given over the station PA and departure boards?

Did GTR not consider that their own website and app showing trains leaving on time might be misleading?

Why were all the GTR staff and managers stood behind the closed barriers trying to use a broken loud hailer to communicate?

Compared to St Pancras at exactly the same time, where barriers had been set up to manage the expected crowds and staff and managers were out front answering questions and directing people.

Go onto national rail enquiries website. big red banner with exclamation mark saying do not travel today if possible.

I didn't travel on Doris day, as I knew it would be mayhem. I checked online on live departure boards, and indeed it was.

It is misleading. Website and app. But anyone with an ounce of common sense would have known that the trains were not going to be on time. Perhaps they should have changed the default status too delayed. But then you'd complain about that too cos they weren't being specific enough.

 

[amateur]

I would have put him a bit older, maybe mid-30s. But definitely not "old". It was hard to be sure because he was so well wrapped up in big warm clothes! Yes to average height and clean shaven. I don't remember glasses but am not sure now. He was wearing a hat so no idea about hair colour.

If it helps, he was outside the little enclosed box-shaped information point where platforms 4/5/6 all converge, near the bottom of the steps from the footbridge. I'll keep an eye out around the station and see if I spot him again.

The person I'm thinking of was at Cambridge today. Wasn't wearing glasses (perhaps contact lenses). Has a widow's peak. Not overweight (no paunch). skinny/average build. Otherwise different person.

 

[fowler9]

My second cousin who has lived in Frankfurt for decades had a nightmare getting to Berlin today for anyone who thinks it is just the UK that has problems. My illusions were shattered.

 

[D1009]

www.traksy.uk/live is also an excellent live maps site, with CCF-style delays too.

Thanks for that, I've bookmarked that one.

 

[Busaholic]

My second cousin who has lived in Frankfurt for decades had a nightmare getting to Berlin today for anyone who thinks it is just the UK that has problems. My illusions were shattered.

I've only ever been on one German train in my life, and it was hours late arriving in Hamburg!

 

[GW43125]

I've only ever been on one German train in my life, and it was hours late arriving in Hamburg!

I was on a Swiss train back to Zurich Airport about ten years ago, I have no idea why I recall this but we were five minutes late and the lady wouldn't stop apologising!

 

[D1009]

Yesterday was a once in decades event. Thankfully no-one was killed as a result, at least as far as the railway is concerned, so the industry must learn the lessons as regards customer service, and move on.

 

[eastdyke]

Yesterday was a once in decades event. Thankfully no-one was killed as a result, at least as far as the railway is concerned, so the industry must learn the lessons as regards customer service, and move on.

What leads you to think that?

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

Yesterday was a once in decades event. Thankfully no-one was killed as a result, at least as far as the railway is concerned, so the industry must learn the lessons as regards customer service, and move on.

Not according to the weathermen. Consensus seems to be we get a storm of this nature about every two years or so but often they have a track somewhat further north, thereby affecting fewer people, or hit their peak overnight. I'll repeat my earlier comment: it would have been better to simply cease all rail operations within the expected track area of the storm with the proviso that that as many staff as possible would be assigned to assist with the clear-up. Re-start of services would only begin when it is confirmed that the worst of the weather had passed and that routes are clear of all debris. Those who say they can't risk their job by staying home really should be telling their employer that no job is worth the risk of being out in severe weather nor a massively extended journey travelling through on-going disruption.

 

[gimmea50anyday]

Think TPE got off relatively lightly and managed to keep going when both VTEC and VWC struggled as did XC. Still 1F90 failing at Leeds with 185109 refusing to couple to 185126 and had to go forward 40 late 3 vice 6 scuppered the service recovery plan at a crucial time tho. Personally I was 80 late with 1E78, but some trains due thru Newcastle Edinburgh bound were some 3-4 hours late.

 

[dk1]

I've only ever been on one German train in my life, and it was hours late arriving in Hamburg!

I have done much travelling around Deutschland & im with you mate. There are delays & cancellations just as we have here. I find those that think everything across the Channel is better are often those that have never been anywhere :roll:

 

[47802]

But if and when trees fall onto roads they are by their sheer nature accessible because they are roads .

If a tree falls on a railway line possibly damaging overhead wires , possibly too large for train crew to move on their own its a case of waiting then for resources to arive and help which because of the inaccessibility can take time . Because of the environments lines are built in with embankments and trees all over the place trees are going to fall on the line in weather like this .

There are certain weather conditions in which trains run reasonably unaffected but roads grind to a halt . Take heavy snow , railways run reasonably unaffected . Roads usually grind to a halt .

Yes trees are a problem but how many occasions in recent years have I turned up at a photographic location only to find that its no good any more because its become overgrown with trees and bushes.

Last time there was heavy snow in the north of England I don't recall services being particularly good and rail staff will travel to work mostly be car just like many others, network rail staff will frequently get to problem locations by vehicle. and of course the 91's used to be OK providing it wasn't the wrong kind of snow

 

[Jamesrob637]

I have done much travelling around Deutschland & im with you mate. There are delays & cancellations just as we have here. I find those that think everything across the Channel is better are often those that have never been anywhere :roll:

Yep, it's one of those; you don't see everything as a tourist. I've lived over in Europe and there are indeed delays and cancellations; generally they're handled well, but when they get ugly, they do get really ugly

 

[azz7008]

Yep, it's one of those; you don't see everything as a tourist. I've lived over in Europe and there are indeed delays and cancellations; generally they're handled well, but when they get ugly, they do get really ugly

Yeah exactly the case... I've travelled on train in Italy twice and they have both been on time, I'd never claim that Italy is any better than UK rail network though!

 

[PHILIPE]

Think TPE got off relatively lightly and managed to keep going when both VTEC and VWC struggled as did XC. Still 1F90 failing at Leeds with 185109 refusing to couple to 185126 and had to go forward 40 late 3 vice 6 scuppered the service recovery plan at a crucial time tho. Personally I was 80 late with 1E78, but some trains due thru Newcastle Edinburgh bound were some 3-4 hours late.

Nobody has mentioned GWR who got off almost Scot Free

 

[Sanatogen]

I noticed yesterday at Rugby (on OTT) during the disruption, they replaced the Pendolino headcodes with the TOPS number. It took up 2 blocks e.g 390 in one block and 117 in the next. Any idea why they did this?



Also, any news on what's happening with 1U33 from yesterday?

We are sometimes asked by the TOC to do this so they can quickly see which sets are where, we were marking trains as tba at the start of disruption but as it got worse we just left the inward headcodes up as having a panel full of tba's would quickly become confusing.

 

[D1009]

What leads you to think that?

Can you remember a previous occasion a weather event paralysed all three major rail routes from London to the North at the same time?

 

[Antman]

So do you think South West Trains apology is worthless and cheap?

I have no idea how South West Trains managed the disruption so cannot comment.

I did note yesterday GN were simply telling people there had been trees on the line and to put in Delay Repay claims. Obviously they thought their handling of the situation was fine (unlike their customers) so no need to apologise.