First Capital Connect Stations

[Aictos]

I do have some good news concerning First Capital Connect and railway photographers on their stations

I had emailed the MD of my company about a few issues and one of them was the fact that PCSOs, BTP, NR and Station Staff all say something different when it comes to this matter and would we be able to follow SWT's lead by publishing posters advising all of what they can and shouldn't do.

To my surprise, he agreed 100% with me with the words more or less stating that "They are welcomed on our stations as long as they behave themselves" with posters going into production and a staff brief going out advising all on where they stand, what can they do and how to react.

So three cheers for the boss 8)

And no I've not been drinking either....

 

[anthony263]

Good on your boss, maybe someone should write to rail magazine, i am sure they will be pleased

 

[Aictos]

Indeed, but the play word is Behaving so people standing on the ends of the platforms on the trackside to take that perfect photo is not on nor trespassing onto the line as seems to be the case when a certain loco is about!

Just thought that since there's been quite a few incidents happening across the UK, I ask my MD about the issue and I'm happy he's came back with the response that he did.

 

[Jim]

Indeed, but the play word is Behaving so people standing on the ends of the platforms on the trackside to take that perfect photo is not on nor trespassing onto the line as seems to be the case when a certain loco is about!

Just thought that since there's been quite a few incidents happening across the UK, I ask my MD about the issue and I'm happy he's came back with the response that he did.

I think that FGW (just to compare) actually treat very fairly - I haven;t (please correct me!) heard of any real incidents of 'neds' being 'bullied' at their stations?

 

[thefab444]

A number of their staff at Bath need an education on the difference between "Passengers must not cross the line" and "Passengers must not pass this point" though.

 

[anthony263]

The first great western staff at Bristol Temple Meads seem to be very nice although i have heard of someone being shouted at Tuanton for taking a photo of the loco hauled train.

apart from that Arriva trains wales are brilliant with railway enthusiasts especially at my local station of Bridgend where staff will even annouce over the tanoy where a steam special of other railtour is and how long it will be til it passes through

besides isnt ealing broadway where some train spotters had some problems run by first great western?

anyway the only time i have a problem is at old street where i was photographing a great northern class 313 leaving on its way to moorgate

 

[GB]

Good on your boss, maybe someone should write to rail magazine, i am sure they will be pleased

I think AJ deserves a bit of credit too

If only every TOC took this kind of initiative.

 

[Aictos]

I think AJ deserves a bit of credit too

If only every TOC took this kind of initiative.

Why thank you,

The official staff newsletter for this week has a bit on it from the MD which states in black and white that the MD has agreed with my point on the confusion within the industry and what the company will be doing to tackle the problem.

There is confusion within the industry about how to best accommodate enthusiasts. FCC adheres to the National Rail guidelines and we are happy to accommodate enthusiasts at stations provided they conduct themselves in a safe manner and do not inconvenience customers.

A staff brief will be issued shortly to all staff and posters will be going up at all major locations so Bedford, Stevenage, Finsbury Park, St Albans etc...will all have this poster issued to them.

 

[jon0844]

What does FCC think about drivers going along with their internal cab doors open?

In just over a month, I've been on two 365s where the door into the first class cabin has been open. Nice to be able to get a view of the track ahead, but surely a security risk?

The service this morning into London (won't say which one) meant there were a few people standing in first class to look through!!

 

[Aictos]

What does FCC think about drivers going along with their internal cab doors open?

In just over a month, I've been on two 365s where the door into the first class cabin has been open. Nice to be able to get a view of the track ahead, but surely a security risk?

The service this morning into London (won't say which one) meant there were a few people standing in first class to look through!!

I can't really comment on that as it's a issue for the driver and their manager.

 

[GB]

What does FCC think about drivers going along with their internal cab doors open?

In just over a month, I've been on two 365s where the door into the first class cabin has been open. Nice to be able to get a view of the track ahead, but surely a security risk?

The service this morning into London (won't say which one) meant there were a few people standing in first class to look through!!

I do not know many drivers that would willingly want to have the internal cab door open. Most drivers I know want to be seperated from the passengers as far as possible, particulary while the train is in motion. Perhaps there was a fault with the door lock?

 

[jon0844]

I should add that 365s are rarely turned around - and one open door was at the country end, the other at the London end - so unless someone is going around breaking the locks...

...but the door was shut just before arriving in to King's Cross, so I'd rule out the broken lock theory. I am quite certain that this was deliberate - and possibly for the people who were there looking through? If it was for a bunch of enthusiasts, then it's a nice gesture - but what if the driver was caught out?

I've seen the cameraphone video of a colleague at work who was allowed to ride in the front cab of a Central Line tube train at the start of the year because he had a small step ladder that the driver spotted - and told him to come up front so not to cause problems for other passengers. He was then told to get out when the train came out into the open in case he was seen!!

 

[anthony263]

I think the managing director at First capital connect must have said something to their staff as i wasnt bothered once yesterday when i was taking photos at Moorgate & Drayton park, even managed to have a nice chat with a member of staff yesterday afternoon.

 

[Aictos]

I think the managing director at First capital connect must have said something to their staff as i wasnt bothered once yesterday when i was taking photos at Moorgate & Drayton park, even managed to have a nice chat with a member of staff yesterday afternoon.

Well there was a entry added to the latest issue of ENews which is the staff newsletter from the MD stating FCC's policy on this plus there was a another entry on the Ask the MD's FAQs pages about it.

A staff brief will be issued in due course to all FCC staff regardless of location not to mention posters as well on the platforms.

It's good to see you had a good time, just remember the FCC policy that we are happy to accommodate enthusiasts at stations provided they conduct themselves in a safe manner and do not inconvenience customers.

Go by that and you shouldn't encounter any problems at any FCC station.

 

[Aictos]

Just a update on the topic here:

All staff have now got a briefing on the subject (these with access to the company intranet that is) plus a poster will be coming out, I've got a screenshot of the poster which is basically the same as the SWT ones but with FCC's own little touches to it.

The screenshot is attached and will be at all major haunts known by the company, sadly Hertford North will not have one as there's not enough people going though taking photos

So get moving down there, it might just be 313s at time but it's just as good as anywhere plus you're got Hertford East as well about 15 to 20 minutes away.

One small thing though although you are more then welcome to take photos for personal use, if you wish to take any for commercial use - then you do need to go though the proper channels ie the press department via any staff at any FCC location.

 

[jon0844]

It may just be old 313s and the like, but given the amount of FCC trains that seem to have been covered in graffiti in the last week or so, I guess there's something to look out for!

 

[Aictos]

Very true, still it will be nice to see some of you lot down here and grace the station with your being there.

Most of my YouTube stuff was shot on location there so it's not such a bad place, I've even made a cameo appearance in one video that a train euthusiast took,

 

[TGVDUDE]

apart from that Arriva trains wales are brilliant with railway enthusiasts especially at my local station of Bridgend where staff will even annouce over the tanoy where a steam special of other railtour is and how long it will be til it passes through

I totally agree, ATW are the best! tehy have never approched me in a bad manor before