Varamis Rail Given Operators Licence from ORR

[Wyrleybart]

I know there was great scepticism about this project when first announced (maybe with just cause from previous such small scale operations) and certainly the approach( for example on social media, comes across as “quirky” to say the least. But in a world of DfT and some big corporates seeking, or so it would seem, to be throttling the potential for the industry to thrive - I find the fact they have made a success of it very refreshing and hopeful. I do think there is huge potential for climate conscious parcel and freight transport.

Good on them.

Totally agree. And there is only one thing that puzzles me. ROG promised 100mph parcels trains using sme bimode multiple units, and I saw a Mossend - Hams Hall schedule in TOPS last year, reversing and raising / lowering the pans at Nuneaton. Why is it the ROG / Orion units are rusting away in East Midlands despite being able to get right into the Hams Hall complex, whereas Varamis presumably have to truck their cargoto and from Birmingham International.

I tip my hat to Varamis

 

[Speed43125]

Totally agree. And there is only one thing that puzzles me. ROG promised 100mph parcels trains using sme bimode multiple units, and I saw a Mossend - Hams Hall schedule in TOPS last year, reversing and raising / lowering the pans at Nuneaton. Why is it the ROG / Orion units are rusting away in East Midlands despite being able to get right into the Hams Hall complex, whereas Varamis presumably have to truck their cargoto and from Birmingham International.

I tip my hat to Varamis

At the time IIIRC it was said ROG didn't think it was profitable running trains with 4 coaches, they reckoned they needed 8 car trains to make it profitable. Obviously Varmis have operated with just a single 321 for most of this time, so perhaps we can suggest they have either lower operating overheads, or were able to attract better paying work, or were willing to hold out unprofitable services as a loss leader for longer, or a combination. Are they better able to access grants and under government incentives as a startup than ROG were perhaps? The Times article references roughly £460k they were granted by the DfT, maybe this, or different arrangements with NwR enabled different overheads. I don't know if anyone is in a position to comment on track access charges for instance?

Either way, as you say, its very impressive, and perhaps equally ambitious they're suggesting Hitachi 80x units.*

*I'm sure the speculation for x toc cascading 5 car units to them in lieu of new build 9/11 car units will commence shortly...

 

[Skimpot flyer]

I just noticed a curiosity about the proposed extension of the Varamis service from Birmingham International to London.
There’s a path into PRDC with a scheduled arrival at 01:04, which is there on weekdays. No train has run in that slot thus far.
But on 13th March, there’s a path at 01:16 to London Liverpool Street (!), arriving into Platform 12, coming back into PRDC at 05:32.

Between those times, the regular service from Low Fell Royal Mail Terminal (operated by DB Cargo) comes in, and is offloaded by RM staff.

I’m thinking that this 5Z00 path is to stable the Varamis train somewhere for a few hours? This shouldn’t be necessary, though, as there are two platforms in regular use at PRDC, and Platform 3 can be (and often is) used for stabling of other Class 325 units and the occasional loco (can’t remember which Class).

Realtime Trains | 5Z00 0116 Willesden Prdc to London Liverpool Street | 13/03/2024

Real-time train running information for 5Z00 0116 departure from Willesden Prdc to London Liverpool Street on 13/03/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Varamis now posting on X about a forthcoming service from London Liverpool Street…

Loading…

x.com

 

[jagardner1984]

Varamis now posting on X about a forthcoming service from London Liverpool Street…

Loading…

x.com

Further defying the odds if they can pull this off - but can anyone think of why parcel handling wouldn’t be done from Euston, which overnight access is already in place for the sleeper ? Surely the route from PRDC to Liverpool Street is much more complex, and susceptible to overnight engineering works and possessions than the short hop down the line to EUS ?

 

[dk1]

Further defying the odds if they can pull this off - but can anyone think of why parcel handling wouldn’t be done from Euston, which overnight access is already in place for the sleeper ? Surely the route from PRDC to Liverpool Street is much more complex, and susceptible to overnight engineering works and possessions than the short hop down the line to EUS ?

I’m wondering if they’ll use platforms 16/17 which see very little use these days.

 

[Geml246]

I’m wondering if they’ll use platforms 16/17 which see very little use these days.

Trial runs appear to be booked for 10/11/12, presumably as nearest for road access.

 

[dk1]

Trial runs appear to be booked for 10/11/12, presumably as nearest for road access.

Ah fair enough. Think I recall that now.

 

[Brissle Girl]

And now a fourth is announced on X, being 321 428.

In answer to a question about expanding its network it replies “London in March ”

And Richard Clinnick on Twitter is reporting another (I make it the fifth) has joined the fleet - 321 440, reposted by Varamis, so I guess it's accurate!

https://twitter.com/Clinnick1/status/1762079541453804006

321440 is the latest to join the @RailVaramis fleet. Along with other 321s used by the operator, it’s in the VRMU pool.

 

[D365]

Did I read somewhere that Varamis has acquired ten Class 321s in total? (fully acquired and not just leasing from Eversholt)

 

[twpsaesneg]

Trial runs appear to be booked for 10/11/12, presumably as nearest for road access.

10 and 11 at LST have direct access from the platforms onto the old Cab Road, so would be ideal.

 

[james_the_xv]

Varamis 5Z14 Rugely - Rugby D.E.D Via Stechford looks like it's having an issue between Coventry and Rugby. Driver on a train waiting to depart new street says it is proceeding at 3mph.

 

[Skimpot flyer]

Varamis now posting on LinkedIn of a launch event at Platform 11 at London Liverpool Street:

Join us for the grand opening event of Varamis Rail, a revolutionary approach to electric rail logistics for middle-mile transportation. The event will take place on the 13th of March, and we invite influential individuals interested in Varamis Rail Freight deliveries to attend. Please share and spread the word. Together, let's achieve a cleaner, faster, and more efficient future: Speed: Our 100mph electric trains significantly reduce delivery times by bypassing congestion, ensuring your goods arrive faster than ever. Cost Savings: Electric power offers stable costs, saving you money and boosting your bottom line. Green Credentials: Varamis Rail is committed to sustainability, reducing your environmental impact and improving your ESG score. Network Advantage: Leveraging existing rail infrastructure to eliminate the need for costly new construction, maximizing efficiency. Seamless Integration: Our services seamlessly integrate with your existing supply chain, ensuring a smooth transition to the future of logistics. Join the green revolution with Varamis Rail – contact us today and discover how we can transform your supply chain. Visit https://www.varamis.co.uk/

 

[Brissle Girl]

I'm not entirely convinced by the assertion that electric power offers stable costs, given that a few months ago we say the freight operators withdraw their electric locos because the electricity costs had rocketed. But all power to them (if you pardon the pun) - I hope their expansion is s great success.

 

[Iskra]

I'm not entirely convinced by the assertion that electric power offers stable costs, given that a few months ago we say the freight operators withdraw their electric locos because the electricity costs had rocketed. But all power to them (if you pardon the pun) - I hope their expansion is s great success.

I agree to an extent, but presumably an EMU full of parcels is lighter and more efficient than a locomotive hauled freight train, so it is possibly a little more relevant a statement for Varamis. Presumably they save costs on lack of traditional shunting and additional paths associated with light-engines and running-around. 325’s have kept going haven’t they.

 

[Skimpot flyer]

I'm not entirely convinced by the assertion that electric power offers stable costs, given that a few months ago we say the freight operators withdraw their electric locos because the electricity costs had rocketed. But all power to them (if you pardon the pun) - I hope their expansion is s great success.

Nice pun
I would like to see them successful, and if they do run into and out of the Royal Mail distribution centre at Willesden (PRDC), they’ll get the stamp of approval from me!

 

[172007]

I'm not entirely convinced by the assertion that electric power offers stable costs, given that a few months ago we say the freight operators withdraw their electric locos because the electricity costs had rocketed. But all power to them (if you pardon the pun) - I hope their expansion is s great success.

Part of the issue is the central contract for traction electricity from Network Rail.

If Veramis were able to source their electricity independently there are times, and quite a few, where the electricity suppliers pay users to use electricity. This would and should make traction power more affordable.

Have a look at Octupus Agile if you don't believe me.
Also many Octupus users in general have had free electricity in the Kent and Norfolk areas a few times this winter when there has been excess electric in the grid.

 

[Brissle Girl]

Have a look at Octupus Agile if you don't believe me.
Also many Octupus users in general have had free electricity in the Kent and Norfolk areas a few times this winter when there has been excess electric in the grid.

I’m aware of that, but that’s a retail offering, and unless anyone knows otherwise I would imagine Varamis is tied to Network Rail’s contract.

 

[357]

I’m aware of that, but that’s a retail offering, and unless anyone knows otherwise I would imagine Varamis is tied to Network Rail’s contract.

Yes, this is correct.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Did I read somewhere that Varamis has acquired ten Class 321s in total? (fully acquired and not just leasing from Eversholt)

321 429 has joined their fleet today - they've tweeted a picture of it.

 

[Bald Rick]

Also many Octupus users in general have had free electricity in the Kent and Norfolk areas a few times this winter when there has been excess electric in the grid.

Notably, Varamis are not proposing to ru services in those areas…

 

[Skimpot flyer]

I just noticed two new paths to and from Liverpool Street on March 13th, that seem to be for Varamis Rail’s showcasing event… from and to PRDC

Realtime Trains | 5Z01 0950 Willesden Prdc to London Liverpool Street | 13/03/2024

Real-time train running information for 5Z01 0950 departure from Willesden Prdc to London Liverpool Street on 13/03/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Z02 1324 London Liverpool Street to Willesden Prdc | 13/03/2024

Real-time train running information for 5Z02 1324 departure from London Liverpool Street to Willesden Prdc on 13/03/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Peddles88]

Does anyone know what's happening with 321341 at Crewe? It's been stabled in the siding for a long time.

 

[Skimpot flyer]

Looks like Varamis made it to Rugby late last night

Realtime Trains | 1Y04 2240 Birmingham International to Rugby | 11/03/2024

Real-time train running information for 1Y04 2240 departure from Birmingham International to Rugby on 11/03/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

In preparation for a run to PRDC this lunchtime…

Realtime Trains | 5Z01 1116 Rugby Depot Access Line to Willesden Prdc | 12/03/2024

Real-time train running information for 5Z01 1116 departure from Rugby Depot Access Line to Willesden Prdc on 12/03/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Ironically, this looks very much like the path the Orion Logistics train used in the past. The booked arrival time of 13:03 looks familiar

 

[Trainbike46]

There have been a lot of announcements of Varamis acquiring new units recently - how many do they have now?

Also, what are there routes at this point? obviously there is:
- Mossend/Glasgow - Birmingham International
- London Liverpool Street - ???
- Birmingham International - Willesden PRDC
- Any others?

 

[Skimpot flyer]

There have been a lot of announcements of Varamis acquiring new units recently - how many do they have now?

Also, what are there routes at this point? obviously there is:
- Mossend/Glasgow - Birmingham International
- London Liverpool Street - ???
- Birmingham International - Willesden PRDC
- Any others?

Talking to a DB Cargo driver today, he said Varamis have 6 units. I thought it was 5 ?

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Talking to a DB Cargo driver today, he said Varamis have 6 units. I thought it was 5 ?

I have 6, 321334, 321407, 321419, 321428, 321429 and 321440.

 

[Trainbike46]

Wow, that's quite an increase over how they started with a single unit!

 

[AMD]

Also Richard Clinnick has tweeted this morning that Varamis own not lease their fleet - https://twitter.com/Clinnick1/status/1767873402298142996?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^tweet

"On board @RailVaramis 321428 and 321429. The Varamis fleet are owned outright as opposed to being leased."

 

[Brush 4]

Good for him, that gives him more control over the operations. Nice to see a forward looking entrepreneur showing how the railway should operate and help push the green agenda. Lorries need to be the final link in the journey, not the whole journey. Eliminating locos must offer big savings as well.

 

[Wyrleybart]

Good for him, that gives him more control over the operations. Nice to see a forward looking entrepreneur showing how the railway should operate and help push the green agenda.

Lorries need to be the final link in the journey, not the whole journey.

I agree with you.

Eliminating locos must offer big savings as well.

In most circumstances, however, if the OLE is out of volts you need something to rescue you. Provided Varamis is successful and builds trust then maybe new build units with a "get you home" powerpack under one car might be a solution. They have certainly helped LNER out of some holes with class 801s. I recall an OLE incident at Wakefield Westgate where the 801 had to continue to Leeds using it's single GU. It didn't lose any time either.