Not so Greater Anglia

[O L Leigh]

Yes, but that requires the TOC controller to liaise with the NR controller to get this done, and that all takes time. And what about those drivers who are away from the cab at that moment for whatever reason?

The best answer is a relaxation of this rigid "no devices in the cab" rule to permit us to carry some sort of device like a Blackberry with limited functionality so that we can receive real-time information by BBM or similar. This is then free to use and can be done in moments by the controller and sent to all devices within a group. The problem is that the RSSB would never wear it.

O L Leigh

 

[andykn]

Yes, but that requires the TOC controller to liaise with the NR controller to get this done, and that all takes time. And what about those drivers who are away from the cab at that moment for whatever reason?

The best answer is a relaxation of this rigid "no devices in the cab" rule to permit us to carry some sort of device like a Blackberry with limited functionality so that we can receive real-time information by BBM or similar. This is then free to use and can be done in moments by the controller and sent to all devices within a group. The problem is that the RSSB would never wear it.

O L Leigh

Could the guard not be given it?

 

[Bellwater]

Most if not all Trains OL Leigh works are DOO.

 

[jon0844]

I doubt a BlackBerry would be approved, but do think a text based system would work better than an audio broadcast, as the driver might miss it for various reasons.

A text system is easier to refer to, and it could be in a format that can be announced to the passengers directly, thus allowing the driver to get on with other things.

 

[iphone76]

Another day of delays by the looks of it.

We were 20 mins late in via the GEML due to a broken down train first thing at Ilford and it seems that the WA side is now distrupted due to a fire damaging the OHLE at Hackney Down. (Not their fault)

After a 45 minute delay last night due to the power tripping at Billericay, they are going to be paying me to renew my season ticket.

 

[87015]

I doubt a BlackBerry would be approved, but do think a text based system would work better than an audio broadcast, as the driver might miss it for various reasons.

A text system is easier to refer to, and it could be in a format that can be announced to the passengers directly, thus allowing the driver to get on with other things.

The latest fad is a move to get control to send a text message direct to the trains PIS (probably just text and no audio though), which leaves both driver and signaller free to concentrate on operational matters...

 

[EM2]

A text system is easier to refer to, and it could be in a format that can be announced to the passengers directly, thus allowing the driver to get on with other things.

That sounds suspiciously like a pager!

 

[jon0844]

Well yes, but a pager has no way to confirm receipt (I know pagers used to attach sequential numbers, but that only works when you notice you missed on later on).

I was wondering if GSM-R had support for basic text messaging, or a group broadcast, which is placed on a display (perhaps even read out with text-to-speech) instead of a driver having to listen to an announcement.

Given there's a move to have messages sent directly to the PIS (but it should really have text-to-speech in order to provide information to the visually impaired) then I suppose my question has been answered, although I'd like to know what TOCs/trains will do this.

In the event of disruption, information (or the lack of) is nearly always the biggest complaint (before the 'dark ages' nonsense comes out). However, a driver or other train staff may have many other things to do than simply giving updates every now and then to give reassurance.

One benefit of GSM-R would surely be the ability to send back (automatically) confirmation that an alert was received, and broadcast, on the train. Useful for subsequent enquiries when people accuse the TOC of not giving information.

 

[O L Leigh]

Passenger behaviour is such that it appears that they would be more likely to listen to a human voice in times of disruption than a computer generated voice. Therefore the best system is still to send the information via the driver/guard, and the best way to do that is to send it to a personal device held by the driver/guard rather than sending it automatically to the train's PIS. It makes no difference to me whether it's a pager, a Blackberry or some other device, as long as we're permitted to use it in the cab so that we can receive information in real time. I only mentioned the Blackberry as an example because these are being issued on some TOCs so that staff can access notices and other important publications remotely, plus it has a built-in messenger service that would do the job nicely.

This is a real bugbear. The existing systems do not provide information to passengers at the time and place it is required, but we can't take advantage of modern technology because we can't have any devices switched on in the cab. Something somewhere has to give. GSM-R can receive text messages into the cab display, but not all trains are fitted, it still relies on the signaller to have the time to set it up and send it (I presume) and you would have to take your eyes off the road to read it. Plus what do you do if you're still outside the affected area or are away from the train and consequently don't receive the message?

Ironically, in a messroom of drivers at Liv St waiting for the recent derailment at Chingford to be sorted out, the best, most reliable and fastest source of information was actually NXEA's Twitter feed. It seemed to know more than any member of staff. While it's a commendable use of social networking media, it is not a particularly good state of affairs when the passengers are, not unreasonably, looking to the staff for information and advice.

O L Leigh

 

[jon0844]

Twitter is proving to be an excellent source of information when things go wrong (in any industry). It doesn't require the complex setting up of a comparable system, and people can 'opt in' (by following) and out as they see fit. It also allows people to send messages back, often directly to the people who can help.

From a time when TOCs didn't 'get it', it's quite a transformation. However, I totally agree that you now have passengers knowing more than some staff and that isn't really right.

 

[Electrostar]

True, compare Southern's Twitter service which responds to passenger questions with that of sister company Southeastern which merely tweets service updates if (and it's a big if) you're lucky. Little wonder there are so many disgruntled Southeastern passenger sites on Twitter. Anyway back to Greater Anglia...

 

[HH]

It seems that apology has now disappeared. I am told (by a reliable Abellio source) that the sheer volume of people wanting to check the service caused the website to crash.

I told him (or was it her?) that it wasn't good enough and they agreed. They won't be the last, and were certainly not the first, to get caught out like this though. Even businesses that make their living from 'teh interweb' get caught with their pants down.

One thing that may not have helped is that NX seem to have pulled their favourite tricks with staff on handover (same happened at FCC):

1. Minimal contact allowed with staff and none with managers prior to handover; and
2. Several key HQ staff poached for other operations (know of several that have gone to the NX bid team that were only found out about after Abellio took over).

 

[captainbigun]

The following trains are now 8-car 321 in lieu of 12-car 317/7.

06.19 Colchester Town to Liverpool Street
06.29 Ipswich to Liverpool Street
07.29 Witham to Liverpool Street
08.30 Chelmsford to Liverpool Street
08.11 Stowmarket to Liverpool Street
17.02 Liverpool Street to Norwich
17.40 Liverpool Street to Colchester Town
18.18 Liverpool Street to Ipswich
18.20 Liverpool Street to Harwich International

 

[SprinterMan]

The following trains are now 8-car 321 in lieu of 12-car 317/7.

06.19 Colchester Town to Liverpool Street
06.29 Ipswich to Liverpool Street
07.29 Witham to Liverpool Street
08.30 Chelmsford to Liverpool Street
08.11 Stowmarket to Liverpool Street
17.02 Liverpool Street to Norwich
17.40 Liverpool Street to Colchester Town
18.18 Liverpool Street to Ipswich
18.20 Liverpool Street to Harwich International

Are all 317/7s off lease now or is an odd one still lingering?
An 8 car 321 has more seats that a 12 car 317/7 so it isn't all bad tbh. Abellio just need to keep fleet reliability up and everybody wins.

 

[87015]

The following trains are now 8-car 321 in lieu of 12-car 317/7.

A number of those were not 317 operated but are now 2x321 vice 3x321 to release the units which replace 317s, which is a very definite reduction in capacity.

Not enough stock available to operate the booked service again this morning...

 

[iphone76]

Does the misery ever end?

Due to overhead wire problems between Rochford and Hockley. Services are suspended between Shenfield and Southend Victoria until further notice in both directions. There are delays of up to 60 minutes and short notice alterations and cancellations can be expected.

 

[ginger]

and I have just been whispered that despite the Dft including a funded "refresh" for the disgusting interiors of the ex 321/4s.............Abelio have gone in and said it doesnt need to be done.....therefore saving the Dft more cash and inflicting more lisery upon long suffering customers.......

watch this space if this one is true!

 

[Schnellzug]

Are all 317/7s off lease now or is an odd one still lingering?
An 8 car 321 has more seats that a 12 car 317/7 so it isn't all bad tbh. Abellio just need to keep fleet reliability up and everybody wins.

i'd prefer to stand that sit in the middle Seat of a 321.
Come to that, i'd rather stand that sit in any seat on a 321.

 

[LAX54]

So Greater Anglia don't have their own control centre like FGW at Swindon and instead this is done by Network Rail?

No, the TOC have their Control, and THEY tell Net Rail what THEY are going to do.

 

[VTPreston_Tez]

"not so Greater Anglia" more like "Greater Anglia are fighting through a host of problems and are putting other ToCs to shame" or of the sort

 

[LAX54]

Downside of a stupidly short franchise, they can't do anything apart from a few cosmetic changes.

 

[Bald Rick]

No, the TOC have their Control, and THEY tell Net Rail what THEY are going to do.

Incorrect. It is an integrated control, with a Route Control Manager running a team of NR and GA employees. The Route Control Manager has ultimate jurisdiction on the decisions taken, and they work for NR.

 

[GB]

I think you probably missed the subtle tone of swills's post.

 

[Bald Rick]

possibly!

 

[ginger]

even the replacement bus on the Braintree branch hit the railway bridge tonight! can it get any worse......poor so and sos! touch them for luck!!!!

 

[SprinterMan]

"not so Greater Anglia" more like "Greater Anglia are fighting through a host of problems and are putting other ToCs to shame" or of the sort

Couldn't agree more tbh! The infrastructure isn't there fault. They are really trying and are having so much bad luck its stupid atm. You would almost think NX put some sort of curse on them on the way out. They are the worst-equipped franchise in the UK (never thought I would be saying this - even worse equipped than Northern) and still they are struggling on better than NX ever did. Good luck to them

 

[iphone76]

Another day of delays on the WA side due to overhead lines and a broken down train.

It sure looks like they are cursed at the moment.

 

[captainbigun]

Couldn't agree more tbh! The infrastructure isn't there fault. They are really trying and are having so much bad luck its stupid atm. You would almost think NX put some sort of curse on them on the way out. They are the worst-equipped franchise in the UK (never thought I would be saying this - even worse equipped than Northern) and still they are struggling on better than NX ever did. Good luck to them

Having sampled a whole week I'd strongly debate that they are doing well under the circumstances. Short formations into double figures everyday so far up to today. That's poor, and it's self inflicted to some extent. Giving out duff information to passengers, that's nothing new, but is avoidable.

 

[djdave]

*sigh*

How is any of this Abellio's fault exactly? What do you want them to have done?

Mate, are "Greater Anglia" some sort of wet dream for you?

I've been on this poxy line for over 20 years. It doesn't matter who takes over - the line is a complete and utter joke of a service.

The point of the post was to say after all the noises of those Dutch clowns bleating on about customer service and communication. First major day live (Monday) and it was the usual pathetic organized chaos. Trains not turning up, other trains delayed, no communication, no information.

This line is a complete disgrace and will continue in the same vein like it has done for the last 25 years.

National Rail own the track mate. The whole set up cannot possibly work under the current status. The "franchise" leases everything off those cowboys, who I might add are supposed to be a non-profit making organization. Amazing how these lumpy bonuses appear for the bosses eh? (Even if they do claim to have "waived" them).
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

and I have just been whispered that despite the Dft including a funded "refresh" for the disgusting interiors of the ex 321/4s.............Abelio have gone in and said it doesnt need to be done.....therefore saving the Dft more cash and inflicting more lisery upon long suffering customers.......

watch this space if this one is true!

Chaps, I'm not with what trains are what.

Firstly can you tell me what the horrible green seats carriages are?

Followed by the even worse blue ones that just seem to a bad refurb of old seats. They look more inviting but the reality is that they provide even less space. It's considered poor if you sit in the middle of the green ones. Most people can't even fit on there properly.

I've also seen inter connecting carriage doors (that don't close properly due to faults/wear) swinging open during the journey. Very dangerous as I saw a passenger the other day get a wallop on his knee.

Great service. Been left to rot.

 

[Eagle]

Can you please go away and do some basic factfinding? Once you've gotten rid of all the ignorant inaccuracies in your post then it'll be possible for a sensible discussion.

National Rail own the track mate.

Network Rail are the company who own the track. National Rail is the name for the collection of all the TOCs, including GA.

The "franchise" leases everything off those cowboys,

The franchise leases trains off the (for-profit) rolling-stock operating companies, not Network Rail. The franchisee pays track access and electricity costs to Network Rail.

who I might add are supposed to be a non-profit making organization.

No, wrong again. Network Rail are a guarantee-limited company. Although that does put them in the same bracket as a charity or NPO, doesn't make them one.




But anyway, your rants read like you were blaming GA for all the awfulness of the service on their first couple of days, which I can see you clearly don't think is true.

You talk about their poor customer service... remember of course that these are exactly the same staff as were under NXEA; the only difference is which company's name appears on their paycheque. And may I say that this is your personal experience on one day (which happened to be their first day, ever heard of teething problems?). Stop with the anecdotal balls and stick them out for a couple of months to let them settle in before passing judgement!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I've been on this poxy line for over 20 years. It doesn't matter who takes over - the line is a complete and utter joke of a service.

And maybe GA are going to make it a brilliant service. You never know what they've got planned. But it certainly will take a lot more than one week to turn it around.