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A question if I may. Why are we going for a purely diesel loco rather than a bi-mode? Are the particular routes these trains are planned for the ones with no real length of wire (unless and until Grayling's vague statements stop and some sort of certainty on plans for further electrification...

As we approach another series of blockades, a question. We are always told that the timing is good around Bank Holidays etc because far less people use the system then. However, is this correct? In particular, is it correct of long distance services, which seem to bear the brunt of such...

Could one of the hypothetical reinstated platforms make it to the required length, providing the same end result plus 2 new platforms? I can personally see an increase in long-distance services from Liverpool over the coming years. We already know of Scotland services. This in addition to HS2...

How capacity constrained is the throat now? Is one option for future expansion to move the taxi rank and short-stay car park and reinstate the original platforms that sat on that part of the site? I wonder whether there is space to extend old platform 1 out as far as possible and use that...

Having just taken a look at the map, the potential re-use of the Fiddlers Ferry line appears to be very interesting in terms of rationalising services into something really good. However, I am not sure I would use it for NPR. Maybe instead as part of a HS2 spur into Liverpool by bringing...

I have just done some digging and it would appear that for some reason they are locking people using a Two Together Railcard from a discount if booking a bed as opposed to a seat. This seems to alter the position from how it is now and also other railcards, which will continue to receive a...

The station at Halifax is sub-standard and ha been for years. 3 platforms seems like the minimum required for operational resilience and the passenger environment is dreadful for a major town. I massively support the idea of the eastbound platform (which is the main 'waiting' platform for...

They need to get back in to the DfT with the data and these incidents and make it clear that they will be clear with the public as to the situation if the DfT block it again. I would go further and say NR should refuse to pay out compensation for any incident involving trees. As soon as you...

There has been talk on here of diverting local trains underground. Despite being a regular of user of both the overground into Lime Street (or South Parkway yesterday (from London)) and the underground in Liverpool, I am really struggling to get my head around the proposed route from the main...

If NR have their wits about them, they will cross-refer the downed trees to the predictions on the survey they carried out. If they all show as a high risk, it will bolster the argument that either you carry out some chopping or accept you are going to put up with the inconvenience.

Incredible insight duly noted. However, could it be a useful system within the UK context - to deal with that awkward space between light rail, rail and bus? I am not aware that we currently have miles of electric guided buses, and certainly none that are articulated over 3 sections and this...

There could be immediate calls for this post to be deleted as not only is the subject not heavy rail, there are no rails at all!! Disgraceful. What do people think of the "Smart Train" concept recently unveiled and running in China...

I think my biggest problems are as follows: 1. Northern is being forced to operate one of the most mixed fleets on the network and that mixed fleet is old. Surely that is more expensive to do - and that translates to the subsidy required to run the franchise. 2. I would love to see a...

Hi all, I have tried to understand some of the more detailed postings above but I think I am a bit thick. I am presuming that there are lots of options in terms of what is offer in terms of digital signalling Therefore, some simple questions if I may, to try and ascertain whether Grayling's...

On the flat cloth issue a few questions if I may. 1. Is this particular version definitely worse than moquette? Is it possible there have been advances in flat cloth that make it more durable? 2. Are there any standards in the franchise agreements for the refurbishment - for instance that the...

Okay, not quite my journey today but planning a future one. I had not realised that Huddersfield had lost its connection to Wakefield Westgate. This feels like a downgrade for Huddersfield to London, particularly as the Huddersfield to London directs must now be in doubt. I can't remember the...

If they don't win the Tube order, is the most likely future for Newton Aycliffe as a service centre for the IEP and IEP variant fleets? They will have the people that know the trains and there are enough of this fleet that additional capacity to ease pressure on existing depots might turn out...

I am probably being thick, but does that not mean the average flush on non-train toilets is well above 1.5l? In the range of 4l to 6l for a newer toilet (with duo flush) and possibly above 6l for older toilets, of which there are plenty around. I have always presumed vacuum and non-vacuum...

Are there problems with Vacuum toilets being used on trains? I understand that they are more prone to breakdown due to blockage? Is this the reason for all the silly announcements on Virgin Trains West Coast?

Hi all, There appears to be an acknowledged problem with toilets on trains. The tanks seem to be logistical difficult to empty (and I am sure there is quite a cost to the process) and also there appears to be a problem with tanks filling up and so toilets being locked out of use. I am not 100%...