WAG Express

[lm321412]

Question about this, do they have plugs in First Class?


Thanks!

 

[jones_bangor]

Question about this, do they have plugs in First Class?


Thanks!

No. But they may after December...........

 

[merlodlliw]

Question about this, do they have plugs in First Class?


Thanks!

no, but there is a conference section that seats six on WAG 1, WAG 2 starting Monday
is all standard 175 without plugs.

The advance fares on WAG 2 have been slashed to get people to use it, EG
Wrexham £12 each way.

Wag 2 is supposed to be class 67/dvt from December, so may have them,this is the only one of the two
known to be running after December, WAG 1 contract ends in Dec this year.


Bob

 

[TheWalrus]

WAG 1 contract ends in Dec this year.
Bob

Does this mean it will cease operation?

 

[ainsworth74]

Does this mean it will cease operation?

Unless the WAG renew it then yes.

 

[merlodlliw]

Unless the WAG renew it then yes.

Correct.

 

[krus_aragon]

no, but there is a conference section that seats six on WAG 1, WAG 2 starting Monday
is all standard 175 without plugs.

Do you mean to say that there are sockets provided in that small section, or is that just a political poke?

 

[merlodlliw]

Do you mean to say that there are sockets provided in that small section, or is that just a political poke?

yes there are sockets fitted in the six seat self contained section built into the Premier Class.The Daily Post reporter(Eryl Crump) travelled on the first day & took photos of this section featured on North Wales Rail website, one picture showed The Speaker of WAG Ellis Thomas A.M & Ieuan Wyn Jones seated in this private section having breakfast, the story also described how this separate section in Premier class can be booked for small conference meetings on the move, described as containing A/V & power points.


Bob[/QUOTE]

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

My wife saw the title WAG Express and asked was this a train taking the players better-halves to a match

Been reading the free METRO paper too much.... She normally reads the Daily Telegraph.

 

[jones_bangor]

Does this mean it will cease operation?

I think some posters on here wish for it to cease operation! Unfortunately, some posters have had it in for the WAG Express / Gerald from day one because it doesn't stop at Wrexham / Hereford.

I think most people who live along the North Wales coast, and for whom the service was intended, think better of it.

The reality is probably that it will continue, but with 67 + DVT. The rumour is Mark 3 stock in standard as well, but we shall see! Plugs?...I hope so!!

I think it's an excellent example of what will be possible across the network once Mk 3 HST stock gets cascaded down by electrification programmes.

 

[The Planner]

Still hasnt addressed the fact that the Dec 67 set will not keep the same path as the May 11 175 set. Ive not heard anything about ATW getting around that yet...

 

[jones_bangor]

Still hasnt addressed the fact that the Dec 67 set will not keep the same path as the May 11 175 set. Ive not heard anything about ATW getting around that yet...

This being the speed restrictions on the Marches?

Presumably someone's looking at it? I assume it's more of a signalling issue?

The whole line needs an upgrade in my book, dangerous level crossings etc etc.....

 

[Greenback]

I think some posters on here wish for it to cease operation! Unfortunately, some posters have had it in for the WAG Express / Gerald from day one because it doesn't stop at Wrexham / Hereford.

I think most people who live along the North Wales coast, and for whom the service was intended, think better of it.

The reality is probably that it will continue, but with 67 + DVT. The rumour is Mark 3 stock in standard as well, but we shall see! Plugs?...I hope so!!

I think it's an excellent example of what will be possible across the network once Mk 3 HST stock gets cascaded down by electrification programmes.

I am sure that many people find the WAG Express useful and very good to have. But why don't we also have a Premier train from other parts of Wales to Cardiff? People in Milford Haven, haverfordwest, Carmarthen, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth would probably enjoy such a service as well, but they don't get one as they neve rhad the Tramsport Minister and Speaker representing them!

 

[Squaddie]

I am sure that many people find the WAG Express useful and very good to have. But why don't we also have a Premier train from other parts of Wales to Cardiff? People in Milford Haven, haverfordwest, Carmarthen, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth would probably enjoy such a service as well, but they don't get one as they never had the Tramsport Minister and Speaker representing them!

So you think that because not all parts of Wales can have nice trains no-one should have them?

I really don't understand the sneering attitude that some contributors to this forum adopt when discussing this service. I would have thought that any improvement to our rail service is to be welcomed, however limited it is. And this is undoubtedly an improvement - I had the misfortune to travel from Chester to Wrexham earlier this week on an ATW train and the accommodation was utterly unspeakable. I simply would not travel on a train like that for more than 20 minutes, no matter how cheap the ticket. As merlodlliw says in a previous post (although he naturally puts a negative spin on it), the premier train is available for the same fare as the other north-south services. Furthermore, it offers first class accommodation for those who are prepared to pay for it, and that is to be applauded.

 

[Arglwydd Golau]

I am sure that many people find the WAG Express useful and very good to have. But why don't we also have a Premier train from other parts of Wales to Cardiff? People in Milford Haven, haverfordwest, Carmarthen, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth would probably enjoy such a service as well, but they don't get one as they neve rhad the Tramsport Minister and Speaker representing them!

....but the places that you mention are much closer to Cardiff and would not take the four hours that it takes from Bangor by train (even longer by road), unless one actually lives in N West Wales it is not possible to feel the isolation from our capital city - Dublin is nearer than Cardiff and London is quicker by train with Edinburgh not far behind!

 

[jones_bangor]

I am sure that many people find the WAG Express useful and very good to have. But why don't we also have a Premier train from other parts of Wales to Cardiff? People in Milford Haven, haverfordwest, Carmarthen, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth would probably enjoy such a service as well, but they don't get one as they neve rhad the Tramsport Minister and Speaker representing them!

An early morning and evening return express from Milford Haven to Cardiff, picking up Haverfordwest and Carmarthen, would be an excellent idea.

My understanding is that the opportunities for a LHCS service from Aberystwyth to Cardiff just isn't there, that the line is unsuitable for such stock. Nevertheless, there's no reason why a direct service can't be provided using the refurbished 158 stock.

The WAG Express was genuinely an attempt to improve North - South connectivity, and has and will continue to be a huge step forward for railways in Wales.

I really think the first class issue is a small distraction - personally never used it, but the buffet's good!

 

[Squaddie]

I really think the first class issue is a small distraction - personally never used it, but the buffet's good!

Every train should have first class, even if it's just half a dozen seats around a couple of tables. It would tempt those who are put off train travel by the dirty, overcrowded and noisy standard accommodation and would raise additional revenue for the train operating companies.

The Heart of Wales line, in particular, is crying out for a first-class section, perhaps with panoramic windows, to make the most of the scenery on that long journey. I'm sure there are many people who would be prepared to pay a supplement of £10-20 each way for the additional comfort.

 

[Greenback]

An early morning and evening return express from Milford Haven to Cardiff, picking up Haverfordwest and Carmarthen, would be an excellent idea.

My understanding is that the opportunities for a LHCS service from Aberystwyth to Cardiff just isn't there, that the line is unsuitable for such stock. Nevertheless, there's no reason why a direct service can't be provided using the refurbished 158 stock.

The WAG Express was genuinely an attempt to improve North - South connectivity, and has and will continue to be a huge step forward for railways in Wales.

I really think the first class issue is a small distraction - personally never used it, but the buffet's good!

A premier service does not have to be LHCS - but there does need to be proper catering (at least a buffet) and a first class product.

I fully agree with the political aspiration to improve connectivity between North and South Wales, but this should be extended to South West Wales and Mid Wales as well!

Every train should have first class, even if it's just half a dozen seats around a couple of tables. It would tempt those who are put off train travel by the dirty, overcrowded and noisy standard accommodation and would raise additional revenue for the train operating companies.

The Heart of Wales line, in particular, is crying out for a first-class section, perhaps with panoramic windows, to make the most of the scenery on that long journey. I'm sure there are many people who would be prepared to pay a supplement of £10-20 each way for the additional comfort.

I agree. In the late 1970's we saw off a relative who had come over from Australia and wanted to travel on the HoW line. To my surprise, the DMU had a buffet (though I don;t know if it was actually used on that service).

Putting a premier section in to the service, with large windows at a supplementary fare would certainly appeal to the Americans I have seen and spoken to using the line, and I'm sure it would be just as popular with other nationalities, including us Brits!

Wasn't this the sort of innovation that privatisation was supposed to bring?

 

[merlodlliw]

Still hasnt addressed the fact that the Dec 67 set will not keep the same path as the May 11 175 set. Ive not heard anything about ATW getting around that yet...

Good to hear this from an expert, in the know

Bob
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

So you think that because not all parts of Wales can have nice trains no-one should have them?

I really don't understand the sneering attitude that some contributors to this forum adopt when discussing this service. I would have thought that any improvement to our rail service is to be welcomed, however limited it is. And this is undoubtedly an improvement - I had the misfortune to travel from Chester to Wrexham earlier this week on an ATW train and the accommodation was utterly unspeakable. I simply would not travel on a train like that for more than 20 minutes, no matter how cheap the ticket. As merlodlliw says in a previous post (although he naturally puts a negative spin on it), the premier train is available for the same fare as the other north-south services. Furthermore, it offers first class accommodation for those who are prepared to pay for it, and that is to be applauded.

Well you travelled on an ATW train that is not unique, the majority of 158s
are filthy that pass through Wrexham, WAG2 will have six hours in Cardiff, so time to clean it, as it wont be used elsewhere between 1230 & 1830
it will be interesting to know which service the 175 stock is taken off & replaced with a sprinter or even worse.
Bob

 

[jones_bangor]

The Heart of Wales line, in particular, is crying out for a first-class section, perhaps with panoramic windows, to make the most of the scenery on that long journey. I'm sure there are many people who would be prepared to pay a supplement of £10-20 each way for the additional comfort.

It's a shame that there's no longer a class 24 / 25 equivalent locomotive, something that would happily run at 75mph, maybe even up to 90mph, with 3 / 4 mark 3's in tow......would be ideal for Wales!

Thinking about this - is there any reason why 8 coach HST sets can't be cut in half and a DVT put on each end?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Well you travelled on an ATW train that is not unique, the majority of 158s are filthy that pass through Wrexham, WAG2 will have six hours in Cardiff, so time to clean it, as it wont be used elsewhere between 1230 & 1830 it will be interesting to know which service the 175 stock is taken off & replaced with a sprinter or even worse.
Bob

The same 158s that are currently being refurbished?

 

[IanXC]

Every train should have first class, even if it's just half a dozen seats around a couple of tables. It would tempt those who are put off train travel by the dirty, overcrowded and noisy standard accommodation and would raise additional revenue for the train operating companies.

I'd buy a first class season for my commute to work if it were available... Especially for returning home in the summer where it feels like you're on a creshe with all the screaming children! Bring Bingo (158888) back to Northern!!

 

[merlodlliw]

It's a shame that there's no longer a class 24 / 25 equivalent locomotive, something that would happily run at 75mph, maybe even up to 90mph, with 3 / 4 mark 3's in tow......would be ideal for Wales!

Thinking about this - is there any reason why 8 coach HST sets can't be cut in half and a DVT put on each end?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


The same 158s that are currently being refurbished?

The same 158s will need cleaning inside, which is lacking & always as been
on the Holyhead to Birmingham run, the passengers can not always be blamed when the bins are overflowing.

Bob

 

[1V53]

The problem tends to be that cleaning is mainly scheduled in short breaks eg at Chester and Shrewsbury, so there is seldom time on busy trains to empty bins. It needs more travelling cleaners eg Chester to Wrexham/Ruabon to do a proper job.

 

[cymro inside]

the 175s seem to be dirtier since refurbishment as some of the bins seem to have vanished and the nets for magazines on the seat backs have gone so people just dump rubbish on the floor.

 

[animationmilo]

Me and my mate Tom have worked out by train spotting at Chester and Shrewsbury

Manchester-Carmarthen/Milford both ways take 12 175's
Holyheads to Cardiff need 5 175's
and Warrington's need 6 175's

so that makes 23 of 27, so they have some spare.

 

[anthony263]

the 175s seem to be dirtier since refurbishment as some of the bins seem to have vanished and the nets for magazines on the seat backs have gone so people just dump rubbish on the floor.

I have also noticed that recently with the class 175's.

I think they should have left the nets for the magazines, all they had to do was give them new carpets & seat covers and a deep clean but they seemed to have messed it up somewhat.

personally i think all of the services in west wales should be operated by new 2 carriage class 172's while some 3 carriage sets with a 1st class section should be ordered to run a Swansea - Shrewsbury/Crewe services.

A few of the trains on the Cardiff - Holyhead route only take 4 hours 45 minutes this could be reduced by making the service limited stop maybe by not calling at Cwmbran, Pontypool etc, how about once the Ebbw Vale - Newport service starts extend it to Abergavenny to service Cwmbran & Pontypool allowing the holyhead & manchester services to be sped up.

if they want to use a class 67 & dvt for the WAG then why not get some more MK2/MK3 stock and make all of the Cardiff - Holyhead services loco hauled.

Thus this would allow the displaced class 175's to be used to increase capacity on the Haven/Carmarthen - Manchester & Llandudno - Manchester services.

 

[sprinterguy]

Me and my mate Tom have worked out by train spotting at Chester and Shrewsbury

Manchester-Carmarthen/Milford both ways take 12 175's
Holyheads to Cardiff need 5 175's
and Warrington's need 6 175's

so that makes 23 of 27, so they have some spare.

Yeah, 4 units acting as the maintenance contingent, not likely to be available for passenger use. A daily deployment of 23 units out of 27 (85% of the total fleet) is a fairly respectable figure, especialy given how many teething troubles the 175s had in their early years.

 

[animationmilo]

Yeah, 4 units acting as the maintenance contingent, not likely to be available for passenger use. A daily deployment of 23 units out of 27 (85% of the total fleet) is a fairly respectable figure, especialy given how many teething troubles the 175s had in their early years.

Although on Good Friday they had 24 out, as 175007 2 car was on Chester-Crewe Local all day, and then they put 175102 on the 175004 on the 16:22 Chester to Cardiff.

 

[merlodlliw]

Me and my mate Tom have worked out by train spotting at Chester and Shrewsbury

Manchester-Carmarthen/Milford both ways take 12 175's
Holyheads to Cardiff need 5 175's
and Warrington's need 6 175's

so that makes 23 of 27, so they have some spare.

what about the Chester/Manchester 175s, that is only run between Chester & Manchester. Also some 175s are used on the Crewe run during the day,I have been on them
how do you work out 6 via Warrington? also you don't mention the 175 Birmingham to Holyhead via Stafford or the 175 Carmarthen to Chester
There are no spare 175s from what" ATW" staff tell me,

 

[Gareth Marston]

what about the Chester/Manchester 175s, that is only run between Chester & Manchester. Also some 175s are used on the Crewe run during the day,I have been on them
how do you work out 6 via Warrington? also you don't mention the 175 Birmingham to Holyhead via Stafford or the 175 Carmarthen to Chester
There are no spare 175s from what" ATW" staff tell me,

The fact that most days you can see a 158 on Manchester to West Wales and Holyhead to Cardiff turns confirms this. ATW have clearly got the £ from WG but the question is who will suffer for it? The Bay Shuttle has been a Pacer for ages - no bubblecar.

The cleaning staff based out of Shrewsbury are very good at clearing rubbish on route especially down the Marches they ride down to Ludlow and Craven Arms - its the deeper cleaning thats the issue. The lack of stock is again part of this problem as everything is always in service. Theirs no getting around more stock must be ordered for all sorts of reasons.