Scotrail Departing MD

[Steve childs]

After reading another thread about rumours I thought I would run this by some people. The rumour in Scotrail is that Steve Montgomery is away to work with network rail soon. Some people say “what does this tell you about the franchise renewal” The other rumours are that First is the only real candidate to retain the Scotrail and the sleeper franchise. One rumour goes as far back as the collapse of the west coast fiasco and it was believed an under the table deal was done for the scotrail renewal then as long as a fuss was not made about the fiasco. Please note these are only rumours that go around the depot at work please leave an opinion and take with a pinch of salt. Or add fuel to the fire. Thanks.

 

[IanXC]

Just to blur the lines a bit, isn't there a proposal for an SWT style alliance for Scotrail and the Scotland route?

 

[Steve childs]

The main bit I forgot to add is that First (the currant operator) are throwing money at contractors and overtime to improve performance. Its gone crazy. Is this a normal act before re-franchising?

 

[kkong]

The other rumours are that First is the only real candidate to retain the Scotrail and the sleeper franchise. One rumour goes as far back as the collapse of the west coast fiasco and it was believed an under the table deal was done for the scotrail renewal then as long as a fuss was not made about the fiasco.

Not sure where that would come from.

Inter-City West Coast is let by DfT.

ScotRail is let by Transport Scotland.

No connection between the two.

 

[170401]

The main bit I forgot to add is that First (the currant operator) are throwing money at contractors and overtime to improve performance. Its gone crazy. Is this a normal act before re-franchising?

Are you kidding me! All I have seen is cost cutting right across the board. From maintenance cutbacks to uniform cutbacks and apathy in recruitment. The diesel fleet is in a shocking state just now, with regular failures and reduced maintenance regimes. passenger saloons stink of a mixture of ground in dirt, dried vomit and exhaust fumes, indeed, only a few days ago in the Metro letters page it was suggested that the 0733 Edinburgh - Dunblane smelt like an Elephant had died in the toilet, a month ago!!!

 

[scotraildriver]

After reading another thread about rumours I thought I would run this by some people. The rumour in Scotrail is that Steve Montgomery is away to work with network rail soon. Some people say “what does this tell you about the franchise renewal” The other rumours are that First is the only real candidate to retain the Scotrail and the sleeper franchise. One rumour goes as far back as the collapse of the west coast fiasco and it was believed an under the table deal was done for the scotrail renewal then as long as a fuss was not made about the fiasco. Please note these are only rumours that go around the depot at work please leave an opinion and take with a pinch of salt. Or add fuel to the fire. Thanks.

This rumour being doing the rounds for a while. Like loads of others. Mary Grant? Nat Ex bid but could jump ship back to first? Interestingly the top job at Network Rail Scotland has never been filled by since the previous chap "left". Hmmmmmmmmmmm fuel, fire, gossip, rumours, who knows, wait and see.....

 

[reb0118]

I'd love to comment but can't, so won't.

 

[SkinnyDave]

Strange I was told that Abellio were odds on favourite for main franchise.. Rumour mills r us!
I would be very suprised if First won both of them but if they do then their bid team will deserve a bonus.

 

[amcluesent]

If Wee Eck wins the referendum, I'd expect him to renationalise the railways in Scotland as he's promised to do with Royal Mail rather than re-franchise. The Scottish Govt already owns Prestwick Airport, so an integrated transport strategy could be created with SNP great-mate Souter's Stagecoach on the buses.

 

[Steve childs]

170401: Its amazing how different places can be. I believe First have already moved all the sleeper staff to a separate working regime from the Scotrail. Where I am up north they are just throwing money at everything. Just recruited a few staff too. I have noticed the uniforms have became garbage of late. There are building getting done up the lot. In one area there is the guys doing their normal job and a team of contractors have been taken on too. They are fighting over the work as there was barely enough to do without contractors. The Mary grant point is interesting iv not heard that, but with Steve on his way (if true) it would open the door and that scares the management for some reason.
Reb0118 feel free to pm me if you would love to say something but cant you have me intrigued now. Thanks for everyone’s input.

 

[route:oxford]

If Wee Eck wins the referendum, I'd expect him to renationalise the railways in Scotland as he's promised to do with Royal Mail rather than re-franchise. The Scottish Govt already owns Prestwick Airport, so an integrated transport strategy could be created with SNP great-mate Souter's Stagecoach on the buses.

There is this massive assumption that if the wee fellow wins the referendum the people of Scotland will automatically return him as the new leader in the first elections of the newly independent country.

I'm not convinced that will be the case.

When managing our own financial affairs, I suspect many Scots (like me) outside the traditional Glasgow area will choose a political colour closer to the Saltire.

 

[clc]

There is this massive assumption that if the wee fellow wins the referendum the people of Scotland will automatically return him as the new leader in the first elections of the newly independent country.

I'm not convinced that will be the case.

When managing our own financial affairs, I suspect many Scots (like me) outside the traditional Glasgow area will choose a political colour closer to the Saltire.

You'd expect the SNP to win given they've the strongest team and are generally regarded as a competent administration. I could see a Tory Govt one day but probably not in the next 10 years.

 

[Bald Rick]

Interestingly the top job at Network Rail Scotland has never been filled by since the previous chap "left". Hmmmmmmmmmmm fuel, fire, gossip, rumours, who knows, wait and see.....

It was filled 2 weeks ago, internal appointment.

 

[Carlisle]

You'd expect the SNP to win given they've the strongest team and are generally regarded as a competent administration. I could see a Tory Govt one day but probably not in the next 10 years.

Blimey! all the upheaval of going independent ,only to replace Westminsters Tories with Tartan Tories ,surely not !

 

[Sadsmileyface]

The main bit I forgot to add is that First (the currant operator) are throwing money at contractors and overtime to improve performance. Its gone crazy. Is this a normal act before re-franchising?

This is accurate, but not related to the bid.


Heard of SM leaving regardless of the outcome the winning bid a few months ago but only from one or two people so it may be possible. I'd been told it was to work with FirstGroup rather than Network Rail, especially since Network Rail are paying people off left right and center, with many of them sniffing around Scotrail for new job offers.

 

[Steve childs]

Did you see that Serco have all but got the sleeper franchise. All over the news today. Hope this will not affect maintenance jobs.

 

[insidetrack77]

A bit of an aside, but there are some ridiculous jobs springing up within Scotrail just now. And most of them at Atrium Court. There seems to be a lot of nest-feathering going on before the franchise renewal.

 

[Steve childs]

Do you think this is to get a big pay before any change. I trust Scotrail headquarters will still be Atrium court when the new franchise starts. There has been a few new jobs in my area too but im lead to believe that when handing over a franchise you get heavy penalties if you are deemed under staffed in areas. The good thing is they all get tupe to the new franchise. Im a bit concerned about work getting lost with the sleeper been a different company. Im mean some engineers work on the sleeper, 170s and 158s. What happens there?

 

[Sadsmileyface]

A bit of an aside, but there are some ridiculous jobs springing up within Scotrail just now. And most of them at Atrium Court. There seems to be a lot of nest-feathering going on before the franchise renewal.

I've not seen anything new at AC apart from a few temporary "consultant" types in to boost the Projects team. Anything in particular?