WSMR to finish

[shinkansen1966]

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

"The closure of the Wrexham and Shropshire service is an act of corporate vandalism and is a bitter blow to the UK rail industry. It is a scandal that a giant company like Deutsche Bahn can play fast and loose with our rail services in this way and then and cut run when they decide the profit margins aren't fat enough for their liking. "

Nurse - the screens...:roll:

Mr Crow would do well to raise his concerns with the Deparment for Motorists...err...sorry...Department for Transport.

Over the last decade there have been opportunities to allow rail passenger operations to make an orderly return to the public sector. Back in 2004, the Transport Secretary, at the time, decided persist with the current arrangements rather than let expired franchises return to the public sector.

So now we have a rail industry which has a mixture of open access operators and private companies running government franchises. With yet another transport secretary almost every year, there's little scope or interest for any kind political vision.

 

[ivanhoe]

Shrewsbury cannot justify regular Direct trains to London. The vast majority of demand is either to Wolves and Brum to the East , Chester and Wrexham to the North and the gateway to Mid Wales. Shrewsbury is a small town , has no University, and therefore the demand is not that great. Shrewsbury and Telford just need to ensure goodconnections at Wolves for London. The WSMR was a decent attempt but a friend who lives there has said that the timings for a business trip for London were not great. It was quicker to drive to Wolves for the Direct Service. Sorry for the staff who have lost jobs but a Direct London Service is not feasible now nor will it be in the future unless Wolves to Shrewsbury is wired. Can't see that happening in my lifetime!

 

[Mojo]

What sort of souvenirs, I know I got on to Studio 225 super quick to get a copy of their WSMR cab ride DVDs!

Mugs, fake £1 coin keyrings for supermarket shopping trolleys, pens and colouring pencils.

 

[merlodlliw]

At exactly 1328 the final train left Wrexham's platform three driven by RF member TDK, with very long blasts on both the 67s & DVTs sirens,it departed.
The train with a special brass WSMR badge on the front was packed with every available seat taken,both platform three and platform one saw hundreds of well wishers gathered for this celebration of WSMRs short life.
It was a tearful occasion to many especially staff, and I had the occasion to speak to many who contribute to this forum including Driver TDK as he prepared his train, many had travelled great distances both by car and train, some were making the return journey back to London, some had just started on the return journey due back into Wrexham just before 2300 this evening. I should add all the bridges were packed with fans and I am sure it will be same all along the track.

ITV Wales had a camera crew, filming the packed platforms and then leaving with the train, this will be shown on ITV Wales at 1800 this evening,those of you out of Wales can see it Via satellite. BBC & S4C were also filming.


Well that's it, I have started a new thread because photos will be uploaded soon.

Thanks WSMR, we enjoyed the fight to get you here, for three years you set the example of how it should be done. you will be missed, my collection of W/S mugs will now be hung up,too valuable to use now.


Bob

 

[Pumbaa]

I feel for all the staff, I really do. I'm personally gutted I never got to travel with them. This via BBC Radio Shropshire via Twitter:

http://audioboo.fm/boos/264347-jane-the-train-manager-on-one-of-the-last-wrexham-shropshire-trains

 

[ukrob]

Out of interest, how many staff were on each service, including the driver?

 

[Pumbaa]

5 I think. Driver, guard, head steward and 2 stewards.

 

[Fincra5]

Why did they cease operations?

 

[YorkshireRider]

Why did they cease operations?

It would appear its parent company DB railways pulled the plug due to poor profit margins.

 

[furryfeet]

What has the Government got to do with it?

Perhaps the govt could state why it imposed an anti-competition clause which prevented WSMR trains from calling at Birmingham New St / International at all and Wolverhampton for Marylebone passengers.

I know that this will not be the only reason why WSMR has failed, but I feel that it will be a significant one. Also if the govt makes Railtrack a fully accountable company under the FOI act, as the newspaper headlines suggest, then some answers may emerge as to what has been going on.

The trains today ARE full, even in 1st class - anyone without a reservation will probably have to stand. Just done a return trip today from Tame Bridge to Banbury, but was fortunate to grab one to the last spare seats, since someone with a reservation had not turned up !

Perchance it is not dead but sleepeth .......

 

[Geezertronic]

Also if the govt makes Railtrack a fully accountable company under the FOI act.......

Railtrack? Who are they? Get with the times...

 

[Invincibles]

Moderation of competition was seen as necessary for the upgrade of the WCML and while it has clearly had a negative impact on the potential for WSMR it is a negative impact they were able to budget for.

I do actually wonder how much competition WSMR actually would have represented to Virgin on Birmingham to London flows because of the differences in journey time and frequency. Virgin do now compete with slower London Midland trains (and formerly Silverlink services) on the Birmingham to London route so clearly they do have the ability to compete a little. (Is my understanding that ORCATS revenue would go to Virgin because they would overtake WSMR on the way to London?)

It is very sad to see the loss of what appears to have been a very good train company, but I think that government does not really have a case to answer on the moderation of competition clause.

Whether moderation of competition is used for any future upgrades to the MML or ECML (Welwyn avoidance, making Nottingham to London faster etc) could be reviewed but I expect it will be a tool used in negotiations on future rail projects.

At this stage the thoughts are with the human side of the business, those who have worked hard for the company but now find themselves without employment. I hope they can find something befitting of their skills soon.

 

[ukrob]

Perhaps the govt could state why it imposed an anti-competition clause which prevented WSMR trains from calling at Birmingham New St / International at all and Wolverhampton for Marylebone passengers.

I know that this will not be the only reason why WSMR has failed, but I feel that it will be a significant one. Also if the govt makes Railtrack a fully accountable company under the FOI act, as the newspaper headlines suggest, then some answers may emerge as to what has been going on.

The trains today ARE full, even in 1st class - anyone without a reservation will probably have to stand. Just done a return trip today from Tame Bridge to Banbury, but was fortunate to grab one to the last spare seats, since someone with a reservation had not turned up !

Perchance it is not dead but sleepeth .......

Not sure why you quoted me as your reply has nothing to do with the context of my post.

Railtrack would be the company that hasn't existed for about six or seven years.

 

[Crossover]

Thanks for the report merlodlliw and look forward to seeing pictures/videos.

I think it is actually quite amazing the support that is being shown for WSMR from what you have said about the platforms, bridges etc being full of people - and at that I expect a lot of them are the general public as well, which is great.

As a slight aside (hope you don't mind me adding it), from a post I have just put on the Facebook group, these are the times for the return working back to Wrexham this evening for anyone wanting to head to one of the stations then too (looks like it is calling at all stations that WSMR call at (bar the stadium):

Source: National Rail
London Marylebone - 18:30
Banbury - 19:34
Leamington Spa - 19:53
Tame Bridge Parkway - 20:39
Wolverhampton - 21:02 (Pick up only)
Cosford - 21:13
Telford - 21:21
Wellington - 21:27
Shrewsbury - 21:44
Gobowen - 22:16
Chirk - 22:21
Ruabon - 22:28
Wrexham General - 22:36

Unfortunately I am miles away from any of the stations so I won't be joining you all, but I will be following news on here as events take place

 

[duffman82]

Just grabbed a few photo's of it coming through Wolverhampton, the driver was a legendary guy, letting people off the train take photo's before leaving Wolverhampton what a guy, what a company, it will be sorely missed!

 

[swt_passenger]

Why did they cease operations?

For the reasons discussed in the other thread, that has links to all the WSMR press releases etc.

But basically because not enough demand for the service.

http://www.railforums.org.uk/showpost.php?p=570992&postcount=42

 

[Crossover]

Just grabbed a few photo's of it coming through Wolverhampton, the driver was a legendary guy, letting people off the train take photo's before leaving Wolverhampton what a guy, what a company, it will be sorely missed!

The driver is RF's own TDK so we have been informed
Sounds like a lot of people are giving them a great send off

 

[GodAtum]

BBC News report: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-12305519

 

[emoaconr]

Such a shame after such a short life an so much investment, particulary in Wrexham. I dread to think what'll become of General Station... a return to the state it was in pre-2008?

ITV Wales had a camera crew, filming the packed platforms and then leaving with the train, this will be shown on ITV Wales at 1800 this evening,those of you out of Wales can see it Via satellite. BBC & S4C were also filming.

Wrexham is well and truly within Granadaland. I would never opt to recieve South Wales TV when I'm up there (ironically, I live in Cardiff now and its very relevant to here with good coverage). Who really cares about traffic on the M4 on the Coryton exit if you lived in Rhyl? Most people up there are terrified when a train going through Cardiff from HHD says "Maesteg" on it. Hardly "local" news at all there.

 

[TomJ93]

No chance that we know will be driving the final service is there?

 

[Pumbaa]

It is very sad to see the loss of what appears to have been a very good train company, but I think that government does not really have a case to answer on the moderation of competition clause.

Whether moderation of competition is used for any future upgrades to the MML or ECML (Welwyn avoidance, making Nottingham to London faster etc) could be reviewed but I expect it will be a tool used in negotiations on future rail projects.

MoC (Moderation of Competition) ends on 1st April 2012, with the restrictions being lifted somewhat in May 2011, which basically shifts the ORCATS modal values, ie LM and other franchised operators who previously had set values could apply to change them. This would have not helped WSMR as when the agreement was written up for protected flows, they didn't exist.

ORR have stated that MoC is detrimental to the railway model we have at current, and I think the DfT agreed not to use it again in any situation where the Govt shoulders risk and responsibility in line with the franchisee.

Reading between the lines, when this was written in 2006 and again in 2009, this basically means DfT won't write it into any future franchise commitments unless the franchisee is willing to take no subsidy from the Govt, in return for a potentially higher return for both Govt and franchisee through protected income flow.

 

[Snapper]

I know that this will not be the only reason why WSMR has failed, but I feel that it will be a significant one. .

No way. WSMR knew all this before they put their business case together and went ahead with it. It was their choice...

 

[TomJ93]

What I don't understand is Virgin have the market all to themselves regardless of MOC.

Lets be realistic, the main bulk of most Intercity TOCs income is daily business commuters in 1st. Were they likely to travel on the slower wi-fi less train?

So that is the Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street and International MOC rendered pointless. Same story really as Coventry, though we'd benefit from a improved service to Leamington. Again WSMR would not cost VT any significant revenue, although it would be yet another route to New Street.

Let's not keep blaming it on MOC. As I see it, it would be nice to give Wrexham and Shrewsbury a direct service to London, but the passenger numbers were never enough. I wonder how many people used stops like Tame Bridge Parkway, Cosford etc.

As sad as it is, I wish the staff all the best and thank them for many pleasant journeys.

 

[Trainbuff]

Had this from my Trade Union RMT today



ALL STAFF employed by Wrexham and Shropshire railways will be on board the final 18.30 service from London Marylebone to Wrexham as corporate greed kills off Britain’s most popular railway.

The closure of the Wrexham Shropshire service was announced on Wednesday – the same day that Passenger Focus revealed it has been voted the best operator by passengers with a 96% satisfaction rating.

W&S is an 'open access' train operator set up about 5 years ago following a successful campaign led by RMT Wrexham branch with support from the Welsh Assembly government and DoT following a sustained campaign by communities and businesses in Mid and North Wales for a direct train to London other than Virgin's West Coast service.

RMT is demanding an inquiry into how German rail giant Deutcshe Bahn and their partners have been allowed to get away with pulling the plug on the Wrexham and Shopshire service leaving £1 million of public investment on infrastructure at the Wrexham end of the route to potentially rot into the ground. RMT this morning repeated the demand that the service be taken into public ownership.

The union is in discussions aimed at protecting the futures of the 55 staff employed by the company.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

"The closure of the Wrexham and Shropshire service is an act of corporate vandalism and is a bitter blow to the UK rail industry. It is a scandal that a giant company like Deutsche Bahn can play fast and loose with our rail services in this way and then and cut run when they decide the profit margins aren't fat enough for their liking.

"The UK Government should now step in and nationalise the route to protect both the jobs and the popular Wrexham & Shropshire services and there should be a full inquiry into how this operation, set up with Welsh government and taxpayer support, has been ground into the dust by Deutsche Bahn. Public ownership would protect that public investment rather than allowing the private rail asset strippers to walk away from the wreckage.”

 

[me123]

As I've said before, it's a sad day. I've heard nothing but praise from WSMR and, although I've never experienced their operation (and sadly, never will), it's clear that they were a cut above your standard TOC. Although I can understand that the operation was not profitable, and withdrawal had looked likely, I'm sure it came as a shock to most of us. A week ago, I'd never have believed that we'd be looking at the final service today.

Out of curiosity, how well loaded was/is the last train? Is it full of passengers and enthusiasts, or have numbers dwindled as the operation is wound up?

 

[CosherB]

Had this from my Trade Union RMT today

.....as corporate greed kills off Britain’s most popular railway.

......RMT this morning repeated the demand that the service be taken into public ownership.


RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

"The closure of the Wrexham and Shropshire service is an act of corporate vandalism.....

......."The UK Government should now step in and nationalise the route

........Public ownership would protect that public investment rather than allowing the private rail asset strippers to walk away from the wreckage.”

Will some one please tell Bob Crow that DBS is a German NATIONALISED operation! Far from being a 'private sector corporate' it is as publically-owned as BR was!

What a total ignoramus that man is!

 

[transportphoto]

With about 1 hour left before the final departure from London Marylebone I wish to repeat my words and others once again...

As said hopefully all staff will be on the service - good luck to all of you in the future, now all your hard work is being undone...nobody likes it, unfortunately life brings us these things and we have to live trough it... there seems to always be an end to a good thing... but this has just come to soon.
As Jane said the staff have been able to call others "not just colleagues but friends" would you be able to do that with another TOC? I feel the answer to that is no - it shows what a special company it is/was.

The 1830 is going to be a moving service not just for the staff but for everybody.

You have been a brilliant TOC which I haven't been able to step onto... :cry:

 

[Legzr1]

He does make sense in this instance.

DB,asset stripping and redundancy all in the same sentence.

Who'd have thought?

 

[transportphoto]

To the people booked on the 1830:

Can I make a suggestion that someone prepares a speech and asks to get on that PA as say thankyou on behalf of RailUKforums & everyone else????
:cry:

 

[CosherB]

I bet the wine will be flowing in 1st! (and probably Standard too) tonight.

Farewell WSMR. You will be missed; the only train journeys I've done in UK that compare are 'fine dining' specials at premium price.

Not the fastest way to get from Cheshire to London, but by far the most enjoyable!

Thank you!