does tfw still need more coaches?

[Anonymous10]

so im aware that tfw have acquired quite a few extra 153s to cover and strengthen services but my question is do they need more i keep catching 2 car trains to tenby which only a few years ago was fine but nearly all recently have been full to capacity seated and many standing room only services I'm presuming it's the same elsewhere

 

[Caaardiff]

Understatement of the century. I'm sure there's plenty of forums on here where you can read about TfW's issues lately. Take a trip to their twitter too.
I don't think however it necessitates another discussion on it though.

 

[Furryanimal]

Probably....I dread a two car unit turning up in a Cwmbran.Usually have to stand.
Never fail to get a seat on a three car!

 

[wobman]

Just stand at Chester or Shrewsbury station and watch the chaos on services going to any coastal resort, people left behind and trains full and standing is a daily occurance.

 

[Anonymous10]

Just stand at Chester or Shrewsbury station and watch the chaos on services going to any coastal resort, people left behind and trains full and standing is a daily occurance.

trains in tenby are full most days atm and on pretty much any service which is not common even the trains to Pembroke dock

 

[iantherev]

Where do you anticipate these extra coaches coming from and in particular which services should be reduced or replaced by buses so that your line can have the capacity you argue it deserves?

 

[Anonymous10]

Where do you anticipate these extra coaches coming from and in particular which services should be reduced or replaced by buses so that your line can have the capacity you argue it deserves?

i think you are taking this the wrong way at no point have i said that any services should have buses instead and i know theres a shortage of rolling stock needing more and getting more are two different things

 

[iantherev]

Your question was 'do they need more?' The answer of course is yes. However the only way they can get more is by taking units from elsewhere which means someone else has to suffer. It's not right, it's not fair but I'm afraid it's reality. Hopefully the new stuff coming in will release 150s and 153s but somehow I suspect that won't be the right answer either.

 

[Anonymous10]

Your question was 'do they need more?' The answer of course is yes. However the only way they can get more is by taking units from elsewhere which means someone else has to suffer. It's not right, it's not fair but I'm afraid it's reality. Hopefully the new stuff coming in will release 150s and 153s but somehow I suspect that won't be the right answer either.

the right answer would have been the trains to all be 3-4 car minimum in my opinion but that hasnt happened now meaning they likely will need to retain the 158s and 175s to support the new fleet while more are built

 

[Bletchleyite]

the right answer would have been the trains to all be 3-4 car minimum in my opinion but that hasnt happened now meaning they likely will need to retain the 158s and 175s to support the new fleet while more are built

To be fair, unlike Northern they have specced gangways, which means 2s and 3s give you good flexibility of being able to form any length from 2 upwards with through access. Hopefully there won't be too many 2s on their own.

 

[Anonymous10]

To be fair, unlike Northern they have specced gangways, which means 2s and 3s give you good flexibility of being able to form any length from 2 upwards. Hopefully there won't be too many 2s on their own.

have they got the number's tho to make use out of this on the entire network that's my worry

 

[Caaardiff]

Pembroke Dock/Tenby trains may be busy but they very rarely leave people behind.
Valleys and Vale of Glamorgan trains again are very busy and on peak/warm days can be seen to leave people behind more often and queueing systems can be in place.
Cambrian trains are often full and standing and often leave people behind, relying on coaches because of the frequency.
North Wales Coast trains are often full and standing and either utilise coaches for capacity or people wait for the next train due to higher frequency, but are probably the busiest trains on the network at the moment.
So in summary, Pembroke Dock is way down the list.

 

[Anonymous10]

Pembroke Dock/Tenby trains may be busy but they very rarely leave people behind.
Valleys and Vale of Glamorgan trains again are very busy and on peak/warm days can be seen to leave people behind more often and queueing systems can be in place.
Cambrian trains are often full and standing and often leave people behind, relying on coaches because of the frequency.
North Wales Coast trains are often full and standing and either utilise coaches for capacity or people wait for the next train due to higher frequency, but are probably the busiest trains on the network at the moment.
So in summary, Pembroke Dock is way down the list.

i would like to remind you that Pembroke dock has limited bus provision and train provision and is the busiest i have ever seen it which is good but if we keep it full and standing in an area where most people prefer to drive no one will take it over the car

 

[Caaardiff]

I'm well aware of that. The topic of conversation however is providing enough capacity on the routes that need it right now.

As I said, the Pembroke Dock line is coping as it is, very busy yes, but leaving people behind, no.
On many parts of the network demand is far exceeding supply. If you want more capacity in West wales then other parts of the network will suffer more, requiring more buses running around and disgruntled customers unable to board their train of choice.