The Swanage based 3TC unit updates

[yorksrob]

Yes that is the narrative being advanced by Swanage Railway as a reason for the trial(s) not being continued.

There is of course an alternative narrative which provides greater insight:

1. The very considerable cost of insurance for operating on the mainline. (Cover level of £155M).
2. SRC did not have the non mainline operating certificate and had to "hire in" West Coast Railways complete with certificate.
3. The lack of through fares from stations in the SWR operating area - despite this being advertised.
4. The schedule which effectively rendered the two middle of the day rotations redundant.
5. The lack of a marketing blitz.
6. Heritage Railway fare levels which were a huge disincentive to travel.
7. From memory not operating daily.

I do think that it's a concept with potential, however as you say, some of the baked in issues with our quasi privatised/nationalised railway system are barriers.

And it goes to say that good value through tickets would help.