Cambrian hourly service consultation

[merlodlliw]

The mystery of where a 158 unit is coming from to make up the Cambrian extras is solved, a highly reliable source tells me the extra is using a 158 unit off routine maintenance at Machynlleth.

Later I have heard this from a Railway colleague.

Lots of displeasure coming from Craven Arms and Church Stretton as their 8am service is now re-timed for the Heart of Wales new services and now doesn't meet the needs of those that used to use it particularly for school and college. Another case perhaps akin to the 0747 off Wrexham,except they have had to wait until now to find out.

 

[Gareth Marston]

Upon further recalling and checking through, I think now that the front unit from Birmingham will come off at Shrewsbury to work 19 24 Shrewsbury to Chester (see my post #974). Don't take all this re last Pwllheli as gospel. Gareth, but just an idea. Seems ATW reluctant to give a full answer.
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I have been looking at National Rail Journey Planner for the May Timetable and have discovered that all the Coast Trains indicate passengers should change at Machynlleth onto the Aberystwyth service eastwards, whereas we all know that they are almost all through portions. This occurs in the reverse direction also. The current details are showing no change but through train.

Should be 5 UP and 6 DOWN with join/ split.
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Later I have heard this from a Railway colleague.

Lots of displeasure coming from Craven Arms and Church Stretton as their 8am service is now re-timed for the Heart of Wales new services and now doesn't meet the needs of those that used to use it particularly for school and college. Another case perhaps akin to the 0747 off Wrexham,except they have had to wait until now to find out.

Maintainence Unit expect a lot more short formed trains.....

 

[PHILIPE]

Later I have heard this from a Railway colleague.

Lots of displeasure coming from Craven Arms and Church Stretton as their 8am service is now re-timed for the Heart of Wales new services and now doesn't meet the needs of those that used to use it particularly for school and college. Another case perhaps akin to the 0747 off Wrexham,except they have had to wait until now to find out.

Already mentioned,Bob, on Heart of Wales thread:-

www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=112839
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I have E-Mailed ATW re the Machynlleth change problem.

 

[merlodlliw]

Should be 5 UP and 6 DOWN with join/ split.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Maintainence Unit expect a lot more short formed trains.....

Now that the extra unit is to come off maintenance according to very reliable reports,I imagine there may indeed be a few short formed trains on the Cambrian from May timetable,this option must have always been on the table in my opinion.

 

[berneyarms]

The extra unit should only be out for a few hours - I don't think that the impact will be that great.

Effectively it is required for one extra train.

 

[merlodlliw]

The extra unit should only be out for a few hours - I don't think that the impact will be that great.

Effectively it is required for one extra train.

You are probably correct on thinking about it, this will have been discussed in depth by ATW as their best option now.

 

[PHILIPE]

I think that this is what is going to happen from various observations on threads and systems:-

Additional 158 work:- 05 07 Machynlleth to Barmouth and return then Maintenance. Would be used High Summer for the usual strengthening on the Coast. 07 30 Aberystwyth to Birmingham Intl run as 2 cars to Shrewsbury instead of attaching above at Machynlleth but attaching at Shrewsbury off 06 30 ex Aberystwyth (former Barmouth unit). This theory is borne out through RTT showing this unit shunting at Shrewsbury then to Plf 4 to attach to 07 30 at Shrewsbury.
Orignally under ATW's plan this unit would have attached to Crewe portion at Shrewsbury to work at 08 31 to Birmingham Intl. but now, of course, 07 47 Wrexham will do so.
It would appear that the 0930 ex Aberystwyth would reduce from 6 cars to 4 cars as well as the reduction mentioned on the 07 30. In the evening the 18 09 ex Birmingham Intl (already mentioned in thread) would reduce from 4 to 2 forward from Shrewsbury.
Whereas there is a higher frequency of trains this has had to be achieved in some instances by reducing the number of units on existing services.

 

[merlodlliw]

I think that this is what is going to happen from various observations on threads and systems:-

Additional 158 work:- 05 07 Machynlleth to Barmouth and return then Maintenance. Would be used High Summer for the usual strengthening on the Coast. 07 30 Aberystwyth to Birmingham Intl run as 2 cars to Shrewsbury instead of attaching above at Machynlleth but attaching at Shrewsbury off 06 30 ex Aberystwyth (former Barmouth unit). This theory is borne out through RTT showing this unit shunting at Shrewsbury then to Plf 4 to attach to 07 30 at Shrewsbury.
Orignally under ATW's plan this unit would have attached to Crewe portion at Shrewsbury to work at 08 31 to Birmingham Intl. but now, of course, 07 47 Wrexham will do so.
It would appear that the 0930 ex Aberystwyth would reduce from 6 cars to 4 cars as well as the reduction mentioned on the 07 30. In the evening the 18 09 ex Birmingham Intl (already mentioned in thread) would reduce from 4 to 2 forward from Shrewsbury.
Whereas there is a higher frequency of trains this has had to be achieved in some instances by reducing the number of units on existing services.

#

Thats very well thought out Philipe, BTW the problems at Church Stretton & Craven Arms only reached me after a meeting was held with ATW Management on Tuesday with stakeholders.

 

[berneyarms]

#

Thats very well thought out Philipe, BTW the problems at Church Stretton & Craven Arms only reached me after a meeting was held with ATW Management on Tuesday with stakeholders.

As I think I said before, even with the best of intentions, you're never going to please everyone with a timetable change.

I'm surprised however, that there wasn't a wider consultation about this - whatever about the 15 minutes at Wrexham, 30 minutes is a massive change, particularly at that hour.

Extraordinary that they didn't test the water.
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I think that this is what is going to happen from various observations on threads and systems:-

Additional 158 work:- 05 07 Machynlleth to Barmouth and return then Maintenance. Would be used High Summer for the usual strengthening on the Coast. 07 30 Aberystwyth to Birmingham Intl run as 2 cars to Shrewsbury instead of attaching above at Machynlleth but attaching at Shrewsbury off 06 30 ex Aberystwyth (former Barmouth unit). This theory is borne out through RTT showing this unit shunting at Shrewsbury then to Plf 4 to attach to 07 30 at Shrewsbury.
Orignally under ATW's plan this unit would have attached to Crewe portion at Shrewsbury to work at 08 31 to Birmingham Intl. but now, of course, 07 47 Wrexham will do so.
It would appear that the 0930 ex Aberystwyth would reduce from 6 cars to 4 cars as well as the reduction mentioned on the 07 30. In the evening the 18 09 ex Birmingham Intl (already mentioned in thread) would reduce from 4 to 2 forward from Shrewsbury.
Whereas there is a higher frequency of trains this has had to be achieved in some instances by reducing the number of units on existing services.

Very well figured out - I have to say that ATW really do come up with some very clever set workings with the 158s - it's fascinating to see the splitting/joining across the day at various locations.

 

[Gareth Marston]

I think that this is what is going to happen from various observations on threads and systems:-

Additional 158 work:- 05 07 Machynlleth to Barmouth and return then Maintenance. Would be used High Summer for the usual strengthening on the Coast. 07 30 Aberystwyth to Birmingham Intl run as 2 cars to Shrewsbury instead of attaching above at Machynlleth but attaching at Shrewsbury off 06 30 ex Aberystwyth (former Barmouth unit). This theory is borne out through RTT showing this unit shunting at Shrewsbury then to Plf 4 to attach to 07 30 at Shrewsbury.
Orignally under ATW's plan this unit would have attached to Crewe portion at Shrewsbury to work at 08 31 to Birmingham Intl. but now, of course, 07 47 Wrexham will do so.
It would appear that the 0930 ex Aberystwyth would reduce from 6 cars to 4 cars as well as the reduction mentioned on the 07 30. In the evening the 18 09 ex Birmingham Intl (already mentioned in thread) would reduce from 4 to 2 forward from Shrewsbury.
Whereas there is a higher frequency of trains this has had to be achieved in some instances by reducing the number of units on existing services.

More often than not the 0930 is only 4 cars most days.

There maybe a 50% increase in services between Aberysywyth and Shrewsbury but we will only see around a 20% increase in seating.

 

[berneyarms]

More often than not the 0930 is only 4 cars most days.

There maybe a 50% increase in services between Aberysywyth and Shrewsbury but we will only see around a 20% increase in seating.

I'd love to know how that works out at the eastern end, as two of the sets continue to North Wales, while the third is supposed to end up on the 16:09 from Birmingham International, before splitting to do the 17:09 from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.

Does that mean that the 16:09 has been a 2 car set?

 

[PHILIPE]

I'd love to know how that works out at the eastern end, as two of the sets continue to North Wales, while the third is supposed to end up on the 16:09 from Birmingham International, before splitting to do the 17:09 from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.

Does that mean that the 16:09 has been a 2 car set?

Gareth has mentioned this re the 09 30 Aberystwyth before and I have researched through TOPS requests for a couple of days and established the identity of three unit numbers on this service. Return 13 09 ex Intl 2 through to North Wales and third attaches 14 33 ex Shrewsbury (ex Holyhead) so providing 2 on the `16 09.

 

[Gareth Marston]

Gareth has mentioned this re the 09 30 Aberystwyth before and I have researched through TOPS requests for a couple of days and established the identity of three unit numbers on this service. Return 13 09 ex Intl 2 through to North Wales and third attaches 14 33 ex Shrewsbury (ex Holyhead) so providing 2 on the `16 09.

Often seen a spare 158 in Shrewsbury the day it's runs as 4 presume that attaches up. It probably happens when theirs 158's stepping up to cover for 175 shortfalls.

So as theirs been no change in N Wales coast tt, how do ATW get four car unit going up to Llandudno Jnc from Shrewsbury? Answer the 1309 ex INTL now does not split at Salop all 4 cars instead of 6 go forward. The new 1230 ex ABR now joins up with the Holyhead train to go forward to Brum @ 1433.

 

[PHILIPE]

Often seen a spare 158 in Shrewsbury the day it's runs as 4 presume that attaches up. It probably happens when theirs 158's stepping up to cover for 175 shortfalls.

So as theirs been no change in N Wales coast tt, how do ATW get four car unit going up to Llandudno Jnc from Shrewsbury? Answer the 1309 ex INTL now does not split at Salop all 4 cars instead of 6 go forward. The new 1230 ex ABR now joins up with the Holyhead train to go forward to Brum @ 1433.

That's what I assume.

 

[berneyarms]

Gareth has mentioned this re the 09 30 Aberystwyth before and I have researched through TOPS requests for a couple of days and established the identity of three unit numbers on this service. Return 13 09 ex Intl 2 through to North Wales and third attaches 14 33 ex Shrewsbury (ex Holyhead) so providing 2 on the `16 09.

Often seen a spare 158 in Shrewsbury the day it's runs as 4 presume that attaches up. It probably happens when theirs 158's stepping up to cover for 175 shortfalls.

So as theirs been no change in N Wales coast tt, how do ATW get four car unit going up to Llandudno Jnc from Shrewsbury? Answer the 1309 ex INTL now does not split at Salop all 4 cars instead of 6 go forward. The new 1230 ex ABR now joins up with the Holyhead train to go forward to Brum @ 1433.

That would make more sense. Clearly one of the maintenance cover would have been used west of Machynlleth and then returned back into the depot (3 sets are needed - 1 from Pwllheli and 2 from Aberystwyth).

 

[merlodlliw]

As I think I said before, even with the best of intentions, you're never going to please everyone with a timetable change.

I'm surprised however, that there wasn't a wider consultation about this - whatever about the 15 minutes at Wrexham, 30 minutes is a massive change, particularly at that hour.

Extraordinary that they didn't test the water.

The problem with ATW is, consultation only commences on the release of the Consultative timetables, when the trains timings have usually been set in stone with Network Rail
30 minutes is a massive change to timings for commuters & students,I wonder if those in Welsh Governments rail division have really taken time to realise the effect 30 minutes can make,my understanding is ATW must agree new timetables with WG first, plus half an hour is a massive change,Marches lose out again,so it would appear.

 

[Gareth Marston]

Put other half on the 0846 at Newtown (0730 ex Aberystwyth) yesterday the thought of this going down to a 2 car even with extra trains either side of it is worrying. A 2 car would have been standing arriving at Newtown Saturday. In fact it's now clear that despite being 2 extra trains there won't be a single extra seat into Shrewsbury before 1200 with the new tt.

 

[berneyarms]

Put other half on the 0846 at Newtown (0730 ex Aberystwyth) yesterday the thought of this going down to a 2 car even with extra trains either side of it is worrying. A 2 car would have been standing arriving at Newtown Saturday. In fact it's now clear that despite being 2 extra trains there won't be a single extra seat into Shrewsbury before 1200 with the new tt.

But there will be a greater spread of trains so it should balance out.

 

[Gareth Marston]

But there will be a greater spread of trains so it should balance out.

in theory but the 0730 ex Aber has a coast connection.

 

[PHILIPE]

in theory but the 0730 ex Aber has a coast connection.

I don't we would have this situation on a Saturday as there is a little more flexibility in so much as no 07 47 ex Wrexham. Gerallt doesn't run ona Saturday so a Holyhead to Birmingham Intl runs via Wrexham instead of Crewe.

 

[Gareth Marston]

I don't we would have this situation on a Saturday as there is a little more flexibility in so much as no 07 47 ex Wrexham. Gerallt doesn't run ona Saturday so a Holyhead to Birmingham Intl runs via Wrexham instead of Crewe.

Yes one to watch though.

 

[Rhydgaled]

Seems to have been problems at Aberystwyth this morning. I was at the level crossing around 09:40-09:45 and 158841 (I think) came along leaving Aberystwyth slowly. The lights and barriers on the crossing did not operate so the unit halted before the crossing and lineside staff in high-vis stopped the road traffic before the unit continued. Didn't see any passengers on the train so my guess is it was an ECS move (did it fail to couple to the other that would presumably have formed the 09:30 off AYW?)

 

[PHILIPE]

Seems to have been problems at Aberystwyth this morning. I was at the level crossing around 09:40-09:45 and 158841 (I think) came along leaving Aberystwyth slowly. The lights and barriers on the crossing did not operate so the unit halted before the crossing and lineside staff in high-vis stopped the road traffic before the unit continued. Didn't see any passengers on the train so my guess is it was an ECS move (did it fail to couple to the other that would presumably have formed the 09:30 off AYW?)

Ran ECS to Shrewsbury to catch up with it's working so suspect coupling problem. Had a long wait at Machynlleth so could have been fitters attention.

 

[Gareth Marston]

Ran ECS to Shrewsbury to catch up with it's working so suspect coupling problem. Had a long wait at Machynlleth so could have been fitters attention.

RTT has had an ECS from Aber to Shrewsbury all week instead of the coupling up to from the 0930 ex Abr.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
5G04 0945 Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury Abbey Frgte Cs
Arriva Trains Wales service departing on 12th March 2015
Schedule Information
STP schedule UID V47133, identity 5G04
Runs SSuX between 09/03/2015 to 13/03/2015
Service code 25450000
Empty Coaching Stock
Operational Information
Schedule from ITPS
Timed for 90mph max
Pathed as Class 158 (Express Sprinter) DMU
WTT Realtime Route Allowances
Location Pl Arr Dep Arr Dep Dly Line Path Eng Pth Prf
Aberystwyth [AYW] 0945 0945
Llandre pass 0953½ pass 0953
Borth [BRH] 0957 0957 0957 0957
Dovey Junction [DVY] 1007 1007 1007 1007
Machynlleth [MCN] 1013 1058 1013 1058
Cemmes Road pass 1105 pass 1105
Llanbrynmair pass 1111½ pass 1111
Talerddig 1116½ 1117½ 1116 1117
Carno L.C. pass 1120½ pass 1120
Caersws [CWS] 1127½ 1127½ 1127 1127
Newtown (Powys) [NWT] 1135 1135 1135 1135
Fron Junction pass 1147 pass 1147
Welshpool [WLP] 1150 1151 1150 1151 1
Plas-y-court L.C. pass 1158 pass 1157
Westbury L C (Salop) pass 1200 pass 1200
Hanwood pass 1206½ pass 1206
Sutton Bridge Jn pass 1210½ pass 1210 8
English Bridge Junction pass 1219½ pass 1219
Severn Bridge Ce Sdgs pass 1220 pass 1220
Shrewsbury [SHR] 5 1221 1237 1221 1237
Severn Bridge Ce Sdgs pass 1238½ pass 1238
Shrewsbury Abbey Foregate [XSY] 1240 1244 1240 1244

 

[merlodlliw]

I am putting up the latest stakeholder letter from ATW to stakeholders,I am asked to share it with colleagues.It mentions the Cambrian,so I have placed it here.


Sent: 10
March 2015 15:40
Subject: Stakeholder update Winter 2014/15 - Diweddariad i
randdeiliaid Gaeaf 2014/15

Dear Colleague,

Annwyl Gydweithiwr,

Please
find below a brief summary of news relating to Arriva Trains Wales activities
for Winter 2014/15. You have been sent this email as a valued stakeholder.
Please get in touch if you would like to be removed from this email and receive no further updates from us. If you have any queries relating to anything below, please contact me at any time. Please feel free to share with your colleagues or invite them to get in contact with us directly.

I


Our proposed May 2015 timetable is now currently out to
consultation. This new May 2015 timetable, developed in partnership with Welsh Government and Network Rail, includes some important changes which will result in service improvements for many of our passengers.



As part of the development of the new May 2015 timetable, we have
been pleased to work with the Welsh Government to add these extra services to the Cambrian line and the Heart of Wales line. Working with limitations of
rolling stock available to us, our train planning team in partnership with
Network Rail has innovatively maximised the efficient use of our trains whilst
minimising the impact on existing services, in order to make trains available to
provide these extra services. There will be an extra 19:00 Machynlleth to
Pwllheli service (Monday - Friday). These changes will also result in the
creation of new Driver and Conductor roles serving the Cambrian and Heart of
Wales line. In addition to some of the major improvements, we have also used the timetable change to 'fine tune' operations to improve connections to other services and to make services more convenient for commuters. We are developing a detailed and robust marketing campaign in order to support the new Heart of Wales and Cambrian services which will enter market from May.


Full details of the final timetable will be published once the consultation process has been completed (13 March 2015). If you have any questions or comments relating to our proposed new timetable,
please get in touch.

New Engineering Apprenticeship opportunities available
throughout Apprenticeship week


We've extended the application dates for our successful Engineering Apprenticeship scheme throughout Apprenticeship week. We
are currently recruiting two fleet maintenance apprentices to join their fleet
engineering function based at Canton Maintenance Depot, Cardiff. The four year apprentice scheme open to young people aged between 18-24 years with 5 G.C.S.E s at Grade C or above covers a wide range of electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines and will lead to a HNC qualification. Matt Prosser, Engineering Director for Arriva Trains Wales said, "This is an exciting
opportunity for young people who are interested in a career in engineering
within an organisation that offers great career progression and training
development. The apprentices will go on to become fully qualified technicians, working on maintenance and engineering projects on Arriva Trains Wales's fleet of trains. The rail industry is renowned for providing high quality skilled jobs in communities all across Wales, and we want to provide entry ways for young people to access this type of high-value, high-skill job."



Passengers at Aberystwyth Rail Station will now experience improved access, a new waiting room and other benefits as the £3.1m Welsh Government and European-funded refurbishments were completed during February. The station improvements include step-free access to the platform area, new toilets, a larger waiting room and a new canopy from the side entrance to street front. Customer information has also been improved and CCTV installed. Network Rail also provided £50,000 towards maintenance work on the station canopy. The work is part of a wider £24m programme, funded by the Welsh Government, the European Regional Development
Fund, Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales to transform five railway stations
across Wales. Further details on the Aberystwyth Station project can be found
here<http://gov.wales/newsroom/transport/2015/9802960/?lang=en>.


Performance
Overall
PPM for the Arriva Trains Wales 4 week period 1 was 93.2%. This represented a really good result which exceeded our 'Ministerial' target (90.0%), raising us
up to second place in the national performance table. In addition to this, we
were awarded a Golden Whistle Award at the Modern Railways awards for Best Regional Right Time Operator. Each year the awards celebrate TOCs who have performed well over the past year. This represents a real improvement and highlights a real turnaround from what was a challenging summer for
ATW.



Wales v England Rugby Event
All went well with the Wales v England Rugby match despite the late kick off and its associated challenges. The next home rugby event in Cardiff is on Saturday 14 March with a 2:30 pm kick off, and we fully expect another busy day, challenging us to continue to deliver maximum capacity from our limited fleet of trains.


Mobile Multi-Flex tickets and
app
Mobile Multi-Flex, the innovative flexible season ticket delivered to
smartphone has grown exponentially since the start of our first major campaign
back in August. Since our initial launch, we have grown from 11,292 journeys on
the Cardiff and Valleys network in a 4 week period, to 53,676 journeys in the 4
week period up to the end of our 50% promotion. This now represents a
significant proportion of journeys on the Cardiff and Valleys network and
following on from customer surveys and focus groups, will be further developed throughout 2015. Currently, passengers can save a third by buying tickets through the app and a radio and outdoor campaign will rolled out from the week commencing 9th March to support this offer.


Name removed
Stakeholder Communication and Campaigns


Arriva Trains
Wales


Trenau Arriva Cymru

 

[Rhydgaled]

Passengers at Aberystwyth Rail Station will now experience improved access, a new waiting room and other benefits as the £3.1m Welsh Government and European-funded refurbishments were completed during February. The station improvements include step-free access to the platform area, new toilets, a larger waiting room and a new canopy from the side entrance to street front. Customer information has also been improved and CCTV installed. Network Rail also provided £50,000 towards maintenance work on the station canopy. The work is part of a wider £24m programme, funded by the Welsh Government, the European Regional Development

I have tried to enter the new waiting room on three occasions so far through the door marked 'waiting room'. On each occasion the door has been locked (there is a code pad thingy for staff to unlock it). Of course you can get into the waiting room through the 'ticket office' door, but presumably that is locked at 17:30 (when the ticket office closes), leaving nowhere free-of-charge to go if you have a long wait for a bus/train. I wonder how much of the £3.1m has gone into the 'step-free-access' (all three/four entrances to the station were already step-free before the work started) and associated new (not-in-keeping, modern) canopy?

 

[merlodlliw]

I have tried to enter the new waiting room on three occasions so far through the door marked 'waiting room'. On each occasion the door has been locked (there is a code pad thingy for staff to unlock it). Of course you can get into the waiting room through the 'ticket office' door, but presumably that is locked at 17:30 (when the ticket office closes), leaving nowhere free-of-charge to go if you have a long wait for a bus/train. I wonder how much of the £3.1m has gone into the 'step-free-access' (all three/four entrances to the station were already step-free before the work started) and associated new (not-in-keeping, modern) canopy?

I was under the impression,perhaps wrong,there was an entrance via Spoons.

 

[Rhydgaled]

I was under the impression,perhaps wrong,there was an entrance via Spoons.

Enterance to what? The station or waiting room?

The station platform can be accessed through 'spoons (and their 'beer garden') as you say, and from the Vale Of Rheidol car park if they haven't locked the gates. I think if you go through 'spoons there are steps. As well as these access routes, there are also three rather more official ways to access the station platform (all of which were step-free before the work started):

1. The 'main enterance' from the puffin/pelican crossing, threading between 'spoons and the Indian? resturant
2. The 'side enterance' from the station car park, where the new canopy is being erected
3. The 'rear enterance', also from the station car park but accesses the mainline station near the Vale Of Rheidol platform

The 'side enterance' is currently closed while they work on the canopy and altered ramps/stairs.

 

[merlodlliw]

I presumed to the waiting room,obviously not,It does seem wrong in my opinion the station is locked up at 1730 including the waiting room with all the funding that has been thrown at it,customers should come first at a terminus station.

 

[Llanigraham]

I presumed to the waiting room,obviously not,It does seem wrong in my opinion the station is locked up at 1730 including the waiting room with all the funding that has been thrown at it,customers should come first at a terminus station.

The problem is, who do you pay to look after it when the station is unmanned? It all costs money!

And TBH how many people are going to use it anyway? There are plenty of places to wait not that far away.