2017 Predictions

[fredk]

We see testing of driverless trains on the heavy rail network.

 

[Thebaz]

The government's feasibility study on the reopening of Uckfield-Lewes etc recommends...

..another feasibility study after Windmill Junction has been rebuilt.

 

[eastwestdivide]

The thread on the D78 - D-Train - 230 conversion will run to another 100 pages of "no it can't - yes it can"...




...by February.

 

[Class 170101]

More threads and uses for 442s?

 

[Lankyline]

At least one thread each about Beeching, lines that shouldn't have closed/need reopening will be posted.
SELRAP to continue to talk and talk and talk and another year goes by and nothing happens:roll:
Network Rail suddenly realise that competitive tendering and proper planning could actually save money.
Blackpool wires are switched off in winter as the town is shut due to hotel/guest house owners having gone to Spain for the duration, all services replaced by Pacers

 

[Class455]

Here are my predictions for now and the future (some are fantasy and likely to never happen, as much as I would love it to happen):
The ongoing Southern dispute will end soon as a deal will be reached (somehow!) or they are forced to abandon their plans for now.
Southern Class 455's will be made 2020 compliant following the 313's completion of the work at Wolverton.
Plans for the C6X Overhaul for Southern Class 377's (which i believe should be due next year) are revealed
442's moving to Wales Valley Lines
The remaining Class 319's on Thameslink, SWT Class 455/8's and all 456's (if it is announced they are to be replaced within the next SW franchise) to move to Southern to boost capacity on the Metro services and introduce 12 car services on Metro. All to undergo a "Renatus" programme similar to what the Class 321's are having. 456's would help form 10 car trains. 319's to be used on Horsham/Tonbridge/Reigate services with some on Metro.

Stagecoach to lose the South West Franchise to First.
Upcoming strikes on Northern drag on longer than on Southern.
377/3's to be cascaded to Coastway services to replace the Class 313's.
All remaining PEP design units to be scrapped.

 

[whittlesfordok]

Planning will be approved for Cambridge South i.e. Addenbrooke's as AstraZeneca will paid for it

 

[dk1]

Planning will be approved for Cambridge South i.e. Addenbrooke's as AstraZeneca will paid for it

If ever a location has been crying out for a station then that's it. Fingers crossed.

 

[Melancholia]

Stagecoach to lose the South West Franchise to First.

I want and don't want this to happen. On one hand, Stagecoach has had the franchise for such a long time, and has been doing (relatively) well, it would really not be necessary to have a franchise change.

On the other hand, I work for GWR and it'd be nice not to buy tickets (as I often go to Portsmouth) and also take a friend for £6.

 

[40129]

The DOO debate and dispute to take a surprise twist when a near carbon copy of the recent Watford accident occurs on Southern/Thameslink.

Political uncertainty due to an early general election after Brexit talks stall/fail leading to a hung parliament with the Liberal Democrats refusing to join a coalition unless they hold a second referendum