Extra Trains for the Olympics, or not?

[Cherry_Picker]

There are plenty of examples where business and services have said they will be unable to meet public demand. The fact that the railway is sensible enough to suggest alternatives so that everything keeps moving during the games should be applauded, not sneered at.

 

[Schnellzug]

As if anyone really believes that there'll be overwhelming demand to watch the Sailing events, so it's all really academic anyway, isn't it. I suppose being seen to be making a (however token) gesture will satisfy LOCOG, who appear to have more power than the actual Government does.

 

[TEW]

Indeed, the 1003 last Friday was one. It did couple to another one at Bournenmouth, though. Although the Poole stoppers seems to be predominantly 444s, i'd have thought 450s were just right for that.

Until earlier this year there were only two 450s booked to Weymouth in each direction, all early morning and only one ran through to Waterloo. The Poole stoppers are a mix of 450s and 444s. The reduction in 444 usage means that more 444s are being stabled in between the peaks with less 450s stabled, with the 450s running on old 444 diagrams. The 444 mileage had gone above the limit agreed with Siemens for the current maintenance contract, so a new one had to be negotiated. The price of the maintenance contract taking the higher mileage in to account was a lot more expensive than the current one as Siemens hiked the price because the current contract was unprofitable to them. SWT decided to stay on the current, more affordable contract which meant they had to reduce 444 mileage. The 450 fleet takes up the slack with extra mileage but it is still within the limits of the maintenance contract agreed with Siemens for the 450 fleet.

 

[swt_passenger]

Until earlier this year there were only two 450s booked to Weymouth in each direction, all early morning and only one ran through to Waterloo. The Poole stoppers are a mix of 450s and 444s. The reduction in 444 usage means that more 444s are being stabled in between the peaks with less 450s stabled, with the 450s running on old 444 diagrams. The 444 mileage had gone above the limit agreed with Siemens for the current maintenance contract, so a new one had to be negotiated. The price of the maintenance contract taking the higher mileage in to account was a lot more expensive than the current one as Siemens hiked the price because the current contract was unprofitable to them. SWT decided to stay on the current, more affordable contract which meant they had to reduce 444 mileage. The 450 fleet takes up the slack with extra mileage but it is still within the limits of the maintenance contract agreed with Siemens for the 450 fleet.

Much of what you've just written was denied in the webchat:

Question: 181

There have been rumours that the 444 fleet that you lease have exceeded their contracted mileage and to overcome this issue you have been putting out 450 outer suburban units onto the main line. Your bid franchise was based on running the Wessex Electric fleet, why should I put up with your naked greed? If I am forced onto a 450 unit on the main line, what arrangements will you offer so I can obtain a partial refund of my ticket?

Answer:

We have not exceeded the contractual mileage of the Class 444s.

Our franchise bid was not based on running the Wessex Electric fleet. And the DfT selected our offer.

We do not guarantee that a specific type of rolling stock will run on a specific route. Therefore a change in rolling stock does not qualify for partial refund.

Question: 141

I see you are reducing mileage on white 444 trains to save maintenance costs. Does this mean we will have to endure more suburban trains on your long distance routes?

Answer:

We had a number of modifications done to the 444s. Additionally we had a number of units effected by fatalities.

We have the full fleet back in service and run the normal service.

 

[TEW]

It was denied, but the 444 usage dropped and still has. Saying they have the full fleet back in service now is correct, but planned usage compared to 6 months ago is less. I'd be inclined to believe the maintenance cost story but even if you don't, diagrammed 444 usage has fallen.

 

[swt_passenger]

It was denied, but the 444 usage dropped and still has. Saying they have the full fleet back in service now is correct, but planned usage compared to 6 months ago is less. I'd be inclined to believe the maintenance cost story but even if you don't, diagrammed 444 usage has fallen.

They aren't right about the full fleet again either - as the 444s are still going through Eastleigh aren't they? I think they just lost another unit temporarily with significant cab damage within the last few days (another Surbiton fatality I think it was).

 

[TEW]

I believe so, but the 444s going through Eastleigh hasn't affected availability before, that project has been going on for quite a while.

 

[swt_passenger]

As if anyone really believes that there'll be overwhelming demand to watch the Sailing events, so it's all really academic anyway, isn't it.

That's been my view for years, and by sheer coincidence, tonight's BBC South Today had a piece with a Weymouth B&B owner complaining about his bookings for the summer being down...

 

[Schnellzug]

Until earlier this year there were only two 450s booked to Weymouth in each direction, all early morning and only one ran through to Waterloo. The Poole stoppers are a mix of 450s and 444s. The reduction in 444 usage means that more 444s are being stabled in between the peaks with less 450s stabled, with the 450s running on old 444 diagrams. The 444 mileage had gone above the limit agreed with Siemens for the current maintenance contract, so a new one had to be negotiated. The price of the maintenance contract taking the higher mileage in to account was a lot more expensive than the current one as Siemens hiked the price because the current contract was unprofitable to them. SWT decided to stay on the current, more affordable contract which meant they had to reduce 444 mileage. The 450 fleet takes up the slack with extra mileage but it is still within the limits of the maintenance contract agreed with Siemens for the 450 fleet.

Ah, naked greed. Isn't it good to see that someone at least is making nice profits out of the way the Rail industry is organised.

 

[87015]

Ah, naked greed. Isn't it good to see that someone at least is making nice profits out of the way the Rail industry is organised.

Most people do quite well out of it apart from taxpayers/farepayers...
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I
Yes, i know, in effect, "Please don't use our trains but drive instead". Can you imagine any other business that would ask people not to use them? :roll:

c2c seem to be competent enough to have a game plan... http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/2012_games