ATW to Rebrand Gerald Premier Service

[merlodlliw]

For your bedtime reading,I asked what was the problem with Gerald failing so often,I did the request via one of my AMs, in fact after the reply, there has been yet another 2 failures.Now this is letting the cat out of the bag,no wonder no sign of the new loco and stock has been seen out and about, I can only think ATW have plundered Gerald/WG spare stock for the new Manchester run.

I can confirm on the day in question here was a
locomotive failure and our spare locomotive was undergoing Driver training and
helping transport empty coaches to the North.

Please see the ATW response below.

Kind regards

Mark

From:name removed@arrivatw.co.uk]
Sent: 10 December 2014 14:56
To: Isherwood, Mark (Assembly Member)
Cc:
Subject: Re: Arriva Trains Wales' Gerald of Wales premier service

Dear Mark,

We have gone away and investigated the issue which you have drawn attention to
below and am now in a position to provide you with some feedback. Many thanks
for the email. It is disappointing when we have to alter stock especially our
North South Express service ('Y Gerallt Gymro'), however on occasion, where
unforeseen circumstances arrive, we have to do this in order to be able to
deliver our timetable reliably. I can confirm on the day in question here was a
locomotive failure and our spare locomotive was undergoing Driver training and
helping transport empty coaches to the North. This is in advance of the
introduction of our new service which is coming in as part of our 15 December
timetable change. Information on the full change is here<http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/191114NewTimetables/>.

On Thursday 4th December specifically, I can also confirm that we had no spare
175s. This is due to the limited number of trains we have allocated to our
franchise. Although we were able to substitute the train with a 3 car 175 this
was at the cost of another service and resulted in on-going changes for the
remainder of the day and into the following morning. Having reviewed some of the
figures for the last period, the North South Express service ('Y Gerallt Gymro')
was planned to run 48 times. Out of these planned journeys, it has achieved an
overall punctuality of 93.8%. We had a total of 3 cancelations during this
period, one on the 21st due to a freight train failure and two part
cancelations, one at Flint on the 22nd November (staff issue) and one at Rhyl
on the 3rd November which was a locomotive issue.

Please rest assured that our Fleet Engineering team are continuing to work
diligently to ensure that our service continues to improve in regard to
reliability across all our fleet, as well as ensuring the North South service
continues to deliver high levels of quality and reliability for passengers.

I trust this information is sufficient to reassure you personally as well as
your constituent, and should you wish to have any further investigation in to
this matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Regards,

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
heres the cut down breakfast menu, the rest is on the ATW web site,
Looks to me like the Chef is still overnighting in Rhyl.

Business Class Breakfast

Choose from a selection of:

Chilled fruit juices and Breakfast Cereals/Porridge
Warm Croissants with Butter
Choice of Omelettes - Plain or Cheese & Tomato
Toast & Preservatives
Tea & Coffee

link http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/PremierService/

At least ATW are now advertising the service, however the link remains Premier Service

 

[trainophile]

Loving "Toast & Preservatives" .

 

[merlodlliw]

Loving "Toast & Preservatives" .

Lost in translation Cardiff Bay style breakfast perhaps

they have now changed the menu to a fry up.some one must have spotted the error

 

[Llanigraham]

Does anyone know what the time of the Northbound is on the new timetable?
Hoping to catch it back to Salop one day next week.

 

[merlodlliw]

heres some ATW news with the times/ Note the wording selected trains,there is only one,an advertising agency spinning the spin,catering staff now become customer hosts.

Business Service - Arriva fast, fresh and fit to work between North & South Wales

Arriva Trains Wales is delighted to offer our flagship Business Class on selected trains between Holyhead & Cardiff. Completing the full journey in just 4 hours 17 minutes, this is half an hour faster than other standard services operating on the same route. On Business Class trains the journey from Bangor to Cardiff takes under 4 hours and offers a fantastic experience for business travellers. Click here to see the Business Class Timetable and information.

Offering Business Class facilities from 15 December 2014, including power sockets, table space and freshly cooked meals by our travelling Chef in the morning and evening, passengers will be able to enjoy their journey between North and South Wales in comfort and style. Click here to see a sample Business Class menu and wine list.

Business Class Menu

Business Class passengers will be treated to a complimentary hot breakfast on the morning service and a three course meal on the north bound service in the evening, freshly cooked by our on-board Travelling Chefs and made with locally sourced ingredients. Arriva Trains Wales Customer hosts will be on hand to serve Business Class passengers at their table. Hot and cold snacks will be available for purchase from the buffet for standard class passengers.




Business Class Tickets

A standard single or return ticket from Holyhead to Cardiff is valid for this service. Business Class travel is available for an extra supplement on the standard fare, priced from as little as £10 depending on the length of the journey being made. There are also some excellent deals available for passengers booking in advance with Business Class Advance single tickets, priced between £59 and £76, available for purchase subject to availability.












Business Class Timetable

The service leaves Holyhead at 0533 arriving at Bangor half an hour later at 0601. The journey from Bangor to Cardiff Central takes just under four hours – arriving at 0958. The evening service leaves Cardiff at 1716 arriving Holyhead 2145. These timings provide plenty of opportunities to spend time in Wales capital city whether for business or pleasure.

For passengers, it means there is now a faster, greener and more comfortable alternative to travelling by car between North and South Wales. They can sit at tables to work and conduct their business arriving at their destination relaxed and refreshed.





For the Welsh economy the service provides improved transport links between North and South Wales, which in turn improves access to employment and leisure activities. It is also playing a role in tackling climate change by providing opportunities for long distance sustainable travel. The train service is funded by the Welsh Government and will be regularly reviewed by Arriva Trains Wales as its popularity grows and develops.

Anyone know why Gerald was stuck between Chester and Rhyl for 40 minutes last evening(Friday).

 

[krus_aragon]

Does anyone know what the time of the Northbound is on the new timetable?
Hoping to catch it back to Salop one day next week.

No change, still at 17:16. It was only the catering that was revised, although some wondered if the train itself was threatened.

 

[PHILIPE]

The problems re 67s on this seem minimal when comparing the frequently severe problems involving FGW 57s (Hauling, no DVT) on the West of England sleeper.

 

[merlodlliw]

The problems re 67s on this seem minimal when comparing the frequently severe problems involving FGW 57s (Hauling, no DVT) on the West of England sleeper.

I have to say the 67s, also ageing, are far more reliable than 57s,when 57s pulled Gerald via Crewe, the failure rate was high.
ATW drivers told us they hated the 57s, VT drivers were not too keen either.
The major problem seems to be with the DVT/loco connections on Gerald now.
Geralds efficiency rate is 93.8%, but this is two runs X 5 days a week less than 500 miles a day.

 

[Erniescooper]

heres some ATW news with the times/ Note the wording selected trains,there is only one,an advertising agency spinning the spin,catering staff now become customer hosts.



Anyone know why Gerald was stuck between Chester and Rhyl for 40 minutes last evening(Friday).

Dragging brakes on 67002.

 

[merlodlliw]

Dragging brakes on 67002.

Thanks for that, poor exit for WG/ATWs attempt at Premier First Class.
Hope the new Business Class train does better from Monday and becomes more reliable.

 

[Muzer]

So what's actually changing stock-wise? Are they going to do a super-fast refurbishment of the First Class section to say "Business Class" this weekend, or have they got different Mk 3s that they're going to use?

 

[krus_aragon]

So what's actually changing stock-wise? Are they going to do a super-fast refurbishment of the First Class section to say "Business Class" this weekend, or have they got different Mk 3s that they're going to use?

Given that Arriva have always marketed it as "Premier Class", I'm not sure if they have anything that reads "first"...

But no, there's no refurbishment that I'm aware of. This was only ever about catering and staffing.

 

[merlodlliw]

Given that Arriva have always marketed it as "Premier Class", I'm not sure if they have anything that reads "first"...

But no, there's no refurbishment that I'm aware of. This was only ever about catering and staffing.

The diner and the spare diner both have 1st logos on them, I am sure these will have new business vinyl's put on.

The stock remains the same, diner/3 x mark3s/dvt plus loco.

Heres a media release from a North Wales AM, when Gerald raised its head in the Chamber last week

Press release /

Datganiad i’r wasg





Email: name removed





Saturday December 13th 2014



WELSH GOVERNMENT SLAMMED FOR SUBSIDISING BUSINESS CLASS NORTH-SOUTH RAIL MEALS



North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has hit out at Welsh Government Ministers for using public money to fund expensive luxury meals for those travelling business class on the north-south premier express rail service.



Raising the matter with the Minister for Government Business and Finance, Jane Hutt AM, in the Assembly Chamber this week Mr Isherwood said:



“What consideration did you give to the funding within the Economy, Science and Transport portfolio that is subsidising the north-south premier express rail service, and particularly the decision not to take out the first class, or what is now called business class, dining facilities?



“Given the very low usage on the train thus far, what consideration of the break-even levels will be needed to ensure that public money is not being used to buy expensive luxury meals for people when others are going without?”



The Minister replied: “This not a matter for me as Minister for finance. I think it is very important that you recognise who has the responsibilities, which are, of course, partly devolved, and we will be taking our responsibilities much further forward when we get full power over the franchise.”



Mr Isherwood added: “I can understand why the Minister wished to deflect attention from the Welsh Government’s responsibility for subsidising Business Class meals, especially when it is understood that some AMs, including Welsh Government Ministers, use the service, but the reality is that this was entirely a Labour Welsh Government decision. They have the power and they made the decision, subsidising the privileged rather than the food poor.”



ENDS

 

[headshot119]

Thanks for that, poor exit for WG/ATWs attempt at Premier First Class.
Hope the new Business Class train does better from Monday and becomes more reliable.

I don't see why you think a couple of stickers is going to change the service in any way, I doubt they would solve issues with dragging brakes. :roll:

 

[Rhydgaled]

I don't agree with Mark Isherwood objecting to the Welsh Government funding Gerald. Given the additional funding given to Ieuan Air, it would be unacceptable in my view to scrap the rail option.

 

[merlodlliw]

[

QUOTE=Rhydgaled;2004531]I don't agree with Mark Isherwood objecting to the Welsh Government funding Gerald. Given the additional unding given to Ieuan Air, it would be unacceptable in my view to scrap the rail option.

[/QUOTE]

I think he is objecting to the complimentary food WG is giving away to those upgrading to business class.I agree with you about the air service.

 

[trainophile]

I think he is objecting to the complimentary food WG is giving away to those upgrading to business class.I agree with you about the air service.

It's hardly "giving away" if people are paying to upgrade?

Just done another booking check, and although I could buy a HHD-CDF First Class ticket on Gerald for next Tuesday from the ATW website (£78 each way for Advances), this is not possible on the Eastcoast website.

Or is it considered that £78 does not cover the cost of the journey plus the meal?

 

[Rhydgaled]

I think he is objecting to the complimentary food WG is giving away to those upgrading to business class.

Ah, ok. I can understand some wanting to complain about the extent complimentary offer. I suppose complimentary drinks and pay for the meal might be considered more appropriate, or maybe the GW Pullman model where you pay for a meal and are allowed to sit in the higher standard of accomadation while they eat.

It's hardly "giving away" if people are paying to upgrade?

I suppose the £25 upgrade is quite a price and would help pay for the meal. If the meal wasn't included, the upgrade price probably should be lower.

 

[merlodlliw]

The upgrade from some stations is only £10, and this includes a meal.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Ah, ok. I can understand some wanting to complain about the extent complimentary offer. I suppose complimentary drinks and pay for the meal might be considered more appropriate, or maybe the GW Pullman model where you pay for a meal and are allowed to sit in the higher standard of accomadation while they eat.

I suppose the £25 upgrade is quite a price and would help pay for the meal. If the meal wasn't included, the upgrade price probably should be lower.

Has you mention GW Pullman, everyone pays for the food, breakfast £18 and dinner equivalent to Gerald three course is £46 thats on top of the 1st class fare. I would suggest GW Pullman and Geralds dinner are about the same in comfort.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It's hardly "giving away" if people are paying to upgrade?

Just done another booking check, and although I could buy a HHD-CDF First Class ticket on Gerald for next Tuesday from the ATW website (£78 each way for Advances), this is not possible on the Eastcoast website.

Or is it considered that £78 does not cover the cost of the journey plus the meal?

Whats the price of the standard ticket,out of interest

 

[Rhydgaled]

Has you mention GW Pullman, everyone pays for the food, breakfast £18 and dinner equivalent to Gerald three course is £46 thats on top of the 1st class fare.

But, I think, you don't need to pay a 1st class fare to sit in the Pullman resturant car if you've paid for the meal, a standard class ticket can surfice I think.

 

[Starmill]

I was under that impression too, Rhydgaled.

Wonder what will happen tomorrow!

 

[trainophile]

Whats the price of the standard ticket,out of interest

Current cheapest Standard Advance for next Tues is £33 each way. So £45 for a seat in the dining car, plus the meal (assuming meal is still included, now the "upgrade" system is coming in).

More questions than answers... I may have to go on it soon to find out!

 

[merlodlliw]

But, I think, you don't need to pay a 1st class fare to sit in the Pullman resturant car if you've paid for the meal, a standard class ticket can surfice I think.

I am told, in Pullman standard class passengers can dine,however there is no guarantee of space has First Class ticket holders are given priority, so you takes your chance to fork out for the £46 three course dinner.

I am still intrigued by the £10 upgrade between I think Cardiff & either Abergavenny or Hereford, for a three course dinner costing treble that at least.so the food price can not be included in that price,which is contrary to what the Minister said.
Its all intriguing. the spin is below

A standard single or return ticket from Holyhead to Cardiff is valid for this service. Business Class travel is available for an extra supplement on the standard fare, priced from as little as £10 depending on the length of the journey being made. There are also some excellent deals available for passengers booking in advance with Business Class Advance single tickets, priced between £59 and £76, available for purchase subject to availability.

 

[Starmill]

I don't see why it's so confusing. There has always been an upgrade. It's just that it has gotten cheaper, as I predicted it would!

 

[Rhydgaled]

I am still intrigued by the £10 upgrade between I think Cardiff & either Abergavenny or Hereford, for a three course dinner costing treble that at least.so the food price can not be included in that price,which is contrary to what the Minister said.

Would there be time to have 3 courses cooked and eaten between Cardiff and Abergavenny or Hereford? Maybe you only get one course for that price?

 

[trainophile]

Would there be time to have 3 courses cooked and eaten between Cardiff and Abergavenny or Hereford? Maybe you only get one course for that price?

We managed three courses between Cardiff and Hereford, but it was a rush and lucky that the train was running about 10 late. Also we were served as a priority on boarding (they'd have known our destination from our seat reservations). Would be a different matter with a full coach I'm sure.

That cost £19.65 with railcard so presumably £30 without. Superb value.

 

[merlodlliw]

Current cheapest Standard Advance for next Tues is £33 each way. So £45 for a seat in the dining car, plus the meal (assuming meal is still included, now the "upgrade" system is coming in).

More questions than answers... I may have to go on it soon to find out!

From which station? to Station

 

[trainophile]

From which station? to Station

CDF to HHD.

There might have been cheaper Advances when first released, I should have checked end of Feb. On phone currently so cba to battle with ATW website!

 

[ScotTrains]

Is the 16-25 railcard valid on first class tickets? I can't get it to work.

 

[higthomas]

Is the 16-25 railcard valid on first class tickets? I can't get it to work.

No, but you can get a discounted upgrade it seems.
Have a look here, try it both with and without a railcard.