EMR - Something new is coming

[43066]

There is also no need to advertise for additional leisure traffic - that has returned quite of its own accord. Rather, the Commercial deparment should be looking into things like a trial of a targeted reduction in Off-Peak restrictions to encourage commuters and business travellers. But again, nothing - just the vain hope that people will return with the same fares (increased by several percent) as before.

That’s a fair (fare? ) point. Of course the situation isn’t helped by the (AIUI) continuing intransigence on offering more user friendly flexible fares, which again stems from the DfT.

 

[Skymonster]

Thing is it’s not as if the people doing the advertising are doing that instead of refurbishing units or going out and working trains. These things are done in parallel rather than in series and getting people back onto the railway via advertising is also something that needs to be done. Blaming the operator and complaining about advertising when the service is (admittedly) below par rather misses that point. I realise you are aware of this, but clearly others are not.

I can just picture the meeting in EMR Towers:

“We”re suffering from chronic overcrowding, short formed services, shortages of crew. What should we do?”
“I know, let’s run an advertising campaign to try to get more passengers back on the railway.“
”Yes, that’s a great idea, I don’t know why we didn’t think of it before.”

 

[Mikey C]

How much of that is down to the operator and how much is down to the DfT, Covid related staff shortages or otherwise outside EMR’s control?

It might be a waste, but Southeastern are managing to revinyl and reupholster the 707s they're putting into service, so it's not as if such work has stopped due to Covid

 

[61653 HTAFC]

The 180s are a good deal more reliable than they were, mostly because they tend not to be run in multiple anymore, which caused issues with the couplers. They must be about the most comfortable trains anywhere on the network!

They've never really been used in multiple all that frequently, have they? Think they did a bit with FGW in the early days IIRC, or at least were planned to do so at one point. Other than that, just the occasional lash-ups for engineering diversions between Hull Trains and GC. I could well be missing something though.

 

[43066]

They've never really been used in multiple all that frequently, have they? Think they did a bit with FGW in the early days IIRC, or at least were planned to do so at one point. Other than that, just the occasional lash-ups for engineering diversions between Hull Trains and GC. I could well be missing something though.

From what I remember of their use previously (and currently with GC) that’s correct.

The way it has been described to me, they were designed to be run in multiple only in exceptional circumstances, and regular coupling and uncoupling when they started in service with EMR caused a *lot* of issues.

 

[liamf656]

They've never really been used in multiple all that frequently, have they? Think they did a bit with FGW in the early days IIRC, or at least were planned to do so at one point. Other than that, just the occasional lash-ups for engineering diversions between Hull Trains and GC. I could well be missing something though.

You’ll find double 180s on the EMR network, but only on Sundays (even that is hit and miss). The diagram states that they run together until around 5pm before it uncouples and both units run separate services for the rest of the evening

 

[QSK19]

I have also heard unconfirmed whispers that the 180s are staying longer as there won’t be enough 810s.

From within EMR? I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re retained, though.

Would a follow-on order for a few more 810’s be likely after they’ve run properly for a few months and it has indeed become apparent that 33 aren’t enough? Or would the DfT not authorise it and say that EMR must work with the 33 regardless?

 

[Bletchleyite]

From within EMR? I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re retained, though.

Would a follow-on order for a few more 810’s be likely after they’ve run properly for a few months and it has indeed become apparent that 33 aren’t enough? Or would the DfT not authorise it and say that EMR must work with the 33 regardless?

What is it about basically every TOC under-ordering new stock and ending up keeping some old? LNER too, and Virgin had the Pretendolino for long enough.

 

[Cynfal]

Apparently they had to delay the unveiling by 45 minutes until the cancelled EMR trains had disappeared off the board.

seriously they must be the worst TOC by a wide margin at the momen.

 

[Mollman]

What is it about basically every TOC under-ordering new stock and ending up keeping some old? LNER too, and Virgin had the Pretendolino for long enough.

For Virgin it wasn't there fault, original fleet was based on 140 mph railway. For LNER they got what they were given by DfT. Other TOCs seem to order to a budget rather than what is actually needed.

 

[Bletchleyite]

For Virgin it wasn't there fault, original fleet was based on 140 mph railway. For LNER they got what they were given by DfT. Other TOCs seem to order to a budget rather than what is actually needed.

To be fair, the inadequate XC fleet was definitely their fault. Whatever you think of Voyagers, improving a service and reducing the overall capacity operated was never going to end well.

Yes, they had planned to retain some HSTs, but those were for a service that never operated.

The original 8 car Pendolino fleet was also inadequate and still would have been with 140mph running - another underestimation of how much custom would build when you improved the service beyond recognition.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

From what I remember of their use previously (and currently with GC) that’s correct.

The way it has been described to me, they were designed to be run in multiple only in exceptional circumstances, and regular coupling and uncoupling when they started in service with EMR caused a *lot* of issues.

That might well be the case, although as FGW planned to use them as 10-cars to Cardiff, 5 forward to Swansea, it would seem a rather glaring oversight either by FirstGroup themselves, or by Alstom!

 

[Merle Haggard]

I have also heard unconfirmed whispers that the 180s are staying longer as there won’t be enough 810s - oh joy (not) - and the only reason they are performing reasonably is that only one or two are needed each day (50% availability shouldn’t be too hard). .

There's only one 180 out today, the other diagram being covered by a 4 car 222.

Possibly after the failure yesterday, but it's quite common. 25% availability - that's assuming that there really are four 180s - does 180111 really exist? Presumably the one that failed yesterday couldn't be repaired for today, and neither could the other two that are standing around.

 

[Llandudno]

Apparently they had to delay the unveiling by 45 minutes until the cancelled EMR trains had disappeared off the board.

seriously they must be the worst TOC by a wide margin at the momen.

There’s a TOC in Wales….!

 

[plugwash]

What is it about basically every TOC under-ordering new stock and ending up keeping some old? LNER too,

I suspect a combination of pessimism about growth and over-optimism about operational efficiency.

 

[185]

Something NEW!

Miles*

*of picket lines in 2022

 

[43055]

There’s a TOC in Wales….!

At least TfW have referbished most of the fleet and will reintroduce a more or less full timetable in May which is a lot better than the regional EMR routes at the moment.

 

[Llandudno]

At least TfW have referbished most of the fleet and will reintroduce a more or less full timetable in May which is a lot better than the regional EMR routes at the moment.

A full TfW timetable in May, I believe it when I see it!
Have they got 30 plus new drivers and guards about to start work in May, as they can’t even cover the current restricted timetable reliably…

 

[DarloRich]

Adverts for EMT & Avanti have recently appeared on my various podcasts. Let the rage begin!

 

[Llandudno]

Adverts for EMT & Avanti have recently appeared on my various podcasts. Let the rage begin!

They have been advertising on TV for some time now!

They always seem to feature trains with plenty of seats available….!

 

[QSK19]

Just got on Northern’s 170460. Gosh does it put the state of EMR’s 170s to shame. The refurbishment programme can’t come quick enough IMO.

 

[Llandudno]

Just got on Northern’s 170460. Gosh does it put the state of EMR’s 170s to shame. The refurbishment programme can’t come quick enough IMO.

Yep, they are smart, caught one a couple of weeks ago to Harrogate, perhaps they are too good for short journeys on the Harrogate line!

 

[150249]

What the bloody hell is that? Is it intentionally terrifying?

Meant to keep passengers away from Nottingham to decrease crowds

 

[Dr Hoo]

Meant to keep passengers away from Nottingham to decrease crowds

At Sheffield last week. Closer inspection shows that Miles is also sticking its tongue out and trampling on people’s luggage.

 

[Kite159]

At Sheffield last week. Closer inspection shows that Miles is also sticking its tongue out and trampling on people’s luggage.

I still think it would be better if the arms were by the side rather than out folded. Would be more welcoming in my eyes

 

[150249]

At Sheffield last week. Closer inspection shows that Miles is also sticking its tongue out and trampling on people’s luggage.

Please do not climb on Miles

 

[QSK19]

At Sheffield last week. Closer inspection shows that Miles is also sticking its tongue out.

Probably the DfT’s mouthpiece for telling EMR passengers that shortformed services and unrefurbished trains are here to stay - as in, if you don’t like it, tough

 

[Baxenden Bank]

I still think it would be better if the arms were by the side rather than out folded. Would be more welcoming in my eyes

Agreed.

Your not coming in here mate, the club's already full.

 

[QSK19]

Agreed.

Your not coming in here mate, the club's already full.

Ah so that’s the real purpose of Miles… short formed services are so overcrowded that he’s stopping passengers from travelling

 

[STINT47]

I think Miles body language and facial expression has been taken from the average EMR passenger.

After cancellations, dirty, tatty and overloaded trains most passengers look annoyed and mildly hostile when they use EMR.