Grand Central 5th path

[Goatboy]

No, it's because there's not enough time to get the train to Sunderland and back, without adding a completely new diagram (which is not possible given GC's small fleet).

How does it manage on the Saturday?

 

[Darandio]

I must admit, I had thought it was down to pathing but not freight. I anticipated it to be more to do with the Metro.

 

[Eagle]

How does it manage on the Saturday?

Because the return journey is about an hour later on Saturday.

 

[wensley]

It is possible weekdays, but you would be bringing a fresh set off depot to work 1A66, as well as suffering the slow journey as far as Hartlepool.

 

[Stats]

No, it's because there's not enough time to get the train to Sunderland and back, without adding a completely new diagram (which is not possible given GC's small fleet).

Rubbish, it has nothing to do with diagramming issues - they applied to run to/from Sunderland. They do not have the rights because there is no Southbound path available between Sunderland and Hartlepool.

Subsequently, potential paths were identified for the additional services which Grand Central was seeking (subject to performance modelling and safety assessment), but the southbound Weekday path could only start from Hartlepool and one of Grand Central’s existing services would have to terminate at Hartlepool in order to form the return service. On 4 July 2012 Grand Central confirmed that the paths would be acceptable (though it was continuing to work with Network Rail to try to improve one of the paths).

43. This explains why we can only grant Firm Rights for the Weekday services between Hartlepool and King’s Cross. However, if in a future timetable it is possible to timetable the trains to run to and from Sunderland, we would be happy to consider making the rights between Hartlepool and Sunderland firm.

 

[s'land]

So when are GC going to try to get the 5th path To Sunderland Monday to Friday, will it be in May?