Hiring Trains

[MCR247]

Something puzzles me, when trains are hired to other TOCs, like NXEA having 2 LM 153s and SWT 158s being hired all over the country, if they can afford to hire them, do they need them in the first place.

I understand there is exceptions, like the 7(?) 142s with FGW that are Northerns.

But one that immediately comes to mind is SWT. I mean I'm sure they've had 2 158s on hire to EMT at the same time before, so why do they need them? I dont think this had anything to do with the DfT, so why would SWT hire them out if they really need them?

The ATW 150 on hire to FGW, does ATW really need it?

And then, well you have ScotRails 158s, but don't get me started on them....:roll::roll::-x

So anyway, what I'm saying is if TOCs can afford to hire stock out, couldn't they cope with losing that stock?

 

[Failed Unit]

It is all about cash unfortunately. Central trains also used to hire out stock to other TOCs while there own passengers were wedged like sardines. They got more money for the hire than the lost for overcrowding fines. That is if they got any overcrowding fines. Sane story with Northern and the 158s transport Scotland could force northern to give them up just made it worth there while.

 

[MCR247]

Surely the DfT could do something about this? I mean they micromanage everything else

 

[rail-britain]

It is all about short-term management

If you take the SWT Class 158 units
In the past these were used, but are now surplus to requirement
Another TOC has negotiated their use as either their existing rolling stock was not available or their franchise commitment has been exceeded

This is what happened at ScotRail, plans were expanded without due consideration to where the rolling stock was coming from
Most of the temporary rolling stock has now been transferred to long term lease from the relevant RoSCo
This will then see an end of the temporary loco hauled services within Scotland

The next issue is "wear and tear"
This can often leave a TOC at the limit of the rolling stock availability
An accident can then leave them with a shortfall, so stock has to be temporarily hired in
The same applies with refurbishment programs, such as with East Coast hiring in HSTs

Even in the past BR would operate similar temporary loans
I remember an air con Mk2D set operating on the GSW for three weeks whilst a set of Mark 1 coaches was out of use

 

[Crossforth]

It is interesting to see another livery in an area such as 158888 in the Northern area

 

[tbtc]

I suppose that the "guaranteed" revenue (from another TOC) is more important than your own standing passengers being able to find a seat

Says it all about priorities...

 

[starrymarkb]

I suppose that the "guaranteed" revenue (from another TOC) is more important than your own standing passengers being able to find a seat

Says it all about priorities...

Less so with SWT, their 158s and 159/1s meant the fleet almost doubled. A couple of the 158s were for Exeter to Honiton shuttles, but that requires a new development with a new station and passing loop near Whimple which the developer is funding.

The development has been on hold partly for the economy and partly because the Highways agency has been slow to approve the road improvements required before construction can commence. (Mostly access to/from the A30 and M5)

Construction was due to start in 2007-2008. The junction 'improvements'* have only just started.

*from what I can gather its going to be traffic lights on the sliproads...