Extremely limited service on some Thameslink routes NYE

[43066]

It certainly wasn't THAT much but when managers are being paid £450 additional per day to drive you get an idea why no one volunteers. The basic timetable runs on overtime and goodwill, there's none of the latter left. Absolutely no chance of running additional services for NY without significant rest day working.

Totally foreseeable and (somewhat) avoidable but management/DfT simply don't give a sh*t. A bit like the Brighton Pride fiasco they are more interested in attempting to generate headlines blaming drivers than running a train service.

I can’t find the thread where that figure was claimed, annoyingly.

Out of interest what was the previous rate offered? GTR are already on circa. £500 for a Sunday, so double that isn’t that much more for Xmas eve/NYE, in the scheme of things.

 

[bramling]

I can’t find the thread where that figure was claimed, annoyingly.

Out of interest what was the previous rate offered? GTR are already on circa. £500 for a Sunday, so double that isn’t that much more for Xmas eve/NYE, in the scheme of things.

I’d be intrigued to know if the revenue brought in by Sunday services is sufficient to cover such bonus payments.

 

[Mojo]

TfL are no longer in dispute with their staff, and are free to provide the necessary incentives to ensure sufficient staff coverage.

You are right in that there is presently not a dispute with TfL, but this is a bit of a red herring as a TfL dispute isn't going to have a large impact on the day-to-day operation of the Underground network as most staff critical to the operation of the Underground will be on LUL contracts and Elizabeth line on RfL(I) contracts, or employed by MTR.

In terms of disputes affecting transport services it is probably the other way around in that there is very much a dispute ongoing to the point that the LU network is likely to be severely disrupted for a week with effect from a week's time due to strikes called by the RMT. This relates to the pay deal for staff on LUL contracts. It just so happens that New Years Eve for most grades is can be covered by existing staff who are already working nights, via duty changes (which for some grades can be mandatory in the event there are insufficient volunteers), or via overtime.

 

[johncrossley]

GTR will presumably have to spend a lot in refunding taxi fares.

 

[Surreytraveller]

GTR will presumably have to spend a lot in refunding taxi fares.

Don't think GTR care. Probably cheaper and easier for them to do that than run their organisation properly

 

[londonbridge]

According to the Mail Thameslink is operated by LNR!

Image shows a portion of page five from the Mail On Sunday dated 31st December 2023, and includes the wording:

“there will be no overnight Thameslink trains to Bedford or Brighton due to a shortage of train crew. London Northwestern Railway, which runs Thameslink, warned passengers it is expecting crowding and disruption to its other services today.

 

[infobleep]

I’m going to guess this one but they probably knew for a while. I assume they have been trying to rally more drivers out to cover services before announcing their very limited service, which is what looks to be happening. Originally, the Bedford to Brightons were going to be cut completely when I checked on Friday but when O checked this afternoon, it was revised to be an every hour service instead.

I was chatting to someone who said the issue is its a Sunday and for many working dor Thamealink, rest thwy working isn't compulsory.

It certainly wasn't THAT much but when managers are being paid £450 additional per day to drive you get an idea why no one volunteers. The basic timetable runs on overtime and goodwill, there's none of the latter left. Absolutely no chance of running additional services for NY without significant rest day working.

Totally foreseeable and (somewhat) avoidable but management/DfT simply don't give a sh*t. A bit like the Brighton Pride fiasco they are more interested in attempting to generate headlines blaming drivers than running a train service.

They today they were saying the issue was due to levels of sickness. I suspect that may be playing a part to an extent, along with staff not wanting to work overtime.

View attachment 149481
According to the Mail Thameslink is operated by LNR!

Image shows a portion of page five from the Mail On Sunday dated 31st December 2023, and includes the wording:

“there will be no overnight Thameslink trains to Bedford or Brighton due to a shortage of train crew. London Northwestern Railway, which runs Thameslink, warned passengers it is expecting crowding and disruption to its other services today.

I wonder if they will print a correction later on?