Recent content by CapitalStar378

But it's GWR who was objecting, a private company owned by First Group, who don't get any revenue share.

I don't understand their objections at all. GWR are a service provider to the government, so they aren't going to lose revenue from a TfW service, all revenue goes directly to the government. All seems a bit petty and pointless really, especially as they're also a few months away from...

A few thoughts on some of these plans. Seems a missed opportunity to put in a park and ride at M4 J32 for what seems a relatively short extension to the Coryton line, with track bed in place, but priorities I guess. It would reduce traffic flows into town though. The Coryton to Penarth...

Also, does anyone know what the engineering works were that closed Queen Street last weekend? TfW were being elusive and didn't go into any detail that I could see.

Oh, maybe that one is pre-sticker application.

I notice this photo in a Rail article about London Overground and First Rail London, that the 378 has a full orange front. Looks much better, have the lights been upgraded now?

I think that from the perspective of access to the Bay from the city centre, having a tram stop easily accessible would be a better solution. I know that the city centre is very compact, but I don't think walking to the back of Central station or to Queen Street station for a quick 3-5 minute...

The Central to Bay tram line section will not have OLE so will be battery powered only. I'm not sure if there's going to be a charging option at Central or if the Bay OLE will be sufficient along with regenerative braking.

The 398s are using regenerative braking to top up the batteries while away from the wires. I spoke to an TfW engineer on the train at Cardiff Bay last week after my first ride from Queen Street. He said they only use 2 miles of battery power off the wires due to this.

My first trip on a 398 today from Queen St to Cardiff Bay. The trains are really nice, new train smell, comfy seats, fast acceleration, big windows, plenty of space. There is definitely not the suspension of a 756 as there was a sharp bump a little way onto the Bay branch. They're running on...

That bridge is an eyesore, why can't TfW get it painted? (Sorry, bit OT).

I'm home for a few days tomorrow so will try and get one to check them out. Are they still just doing mornings?

Got the Heath LL shuttle from Rhiwbina today. There seemed to be a few TfW staff around to guide people. Unfortunately, once we got to platform 2 at Heath High Level, there were many delays. The Bridgend and Penarth trains were both shown as late, and then further delayed, on the PIS. The...

This would have been a much, much better scheme which would provide broader transport opportunities within the city centre, as well as to the Bay. I believe that the MTR bid for the Wales & Borders franchise included a lot more city centre street running, although am not sure of the detail...

Yes, so 22 months to get it done. Sounds reasonable as long and the contractor doesn't take any inspiration from the current Bay line work schedule.