LNER Capacity Increase options/ideas

[Clansman]

LNER needs the government to invest in significant infrastructure upgrades and to rip up the current fleet and start again from scratch. No two ways about it. Any efforts to increase capacity somehow without these two things would fall wildly short of what is needed, and would only be painting over the cracks.

The 800/801s are a shambles of a design for anything that isn't related to driving performance and operating cost. While every single one of them should be 12 coaches IMO, even with the current design they need significant modifications from both passenger and staff points of view to be suitable in the event that were to happen.

 

[Bletchleyite]

LNER needs the government to invest in significant infrastructure upgrades and to rip up the current fleet and start again from scratch. No two ways about it. Any efforts to increase capacity somehow without these two things would fall wildly short of what is needed, and would only be painting over the cracks.

The 800/801s are a shambles of a design for anything that isn't related to driving performance and operating cost. While every single one of them should be 12 coaches IMO, even with the current design they need significant modifications from both passenger and staff points of view to be suitable in the event that were to happen.

I don't think that's at all true. They need new seats, sure. But they are largely competent at what they do.

I think the suggestion of ordering the CAFs two coaches longer and using them on the busiest services is a very good plan. It could also be worth investigating, while the lines are still open, looking at extending some 5 car 80x to 9 car.

 

[Clansman]

I don't think that's at all true. They need new seats, sure. But they are largely competent at what they do.

It depends how one defines 'competent' I suppose. Staff and passengers alike do not speak highly of them at all - unless its a driver.

Not just the seats... the luggage storage is inadequate particularly the lack of stacks and the lack of space for facilities which are becoming more commonplace in Europe - namely space for buggies, wheelchairs, and heavier luggage items rather than just lousy cupboards or floor markings.

The staff areas are too cramped with not enough room for stock (especially in the bar), and luggage cupboards become overwhelmed easily from both customer luggage demands or staff using it as an over spill area for stock or waste. The separation of the bar and kitchen, and the placement of both, are problematic both from a logistics point of view for staff and for passengers.

The IEPs are good enough trains providing their are purposed in the right way. In that sense, I'd say in LNER's case they fall way short of competent.

I think the suggestion of ordering the CAFs two coaches longer and using them on the busiest services is a very good plan. It could also be worth investigating, while the lines are still open, looking at extending some 5 car 80x to 9 car.

I definitely agree with this, at least it is something that LNER can do to smooth over the cracks. Even if it won't be perfect, it is still better than nothing.