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Title: Maybe we should be glad we didn't get National Express Post by: John R on December 15, 2008, 21:26:13 http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2008/12/bring_back_british_rail.html#more
Not the first horror story about poor customer service on National Express either. Title: Re: Maybe we should be glad we didn't get National Express Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 15, 2008, 21:35:40 On the other hand, the BBC were rather more supportive:
Quote BBC producer Rob Lawrence was on a train from York to London which was held up for about six hours. While still on board he said: "The train company have been pretty good. They have been pretty clear from the outset, they have been very apologetic, they have been doing their best to keep people as happy as possible in the circumstances by ensuring that food and drink were given out at the bar and the buffet. All the stations have had staff who have done their best to field queries and try to give the best answers they can." The 1830 GMT Hull Trains service from Hull to London was one of the worst-hit, finally arriving at London Kings Cross at 0305 GMT, some six hours late. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7783020.stm Title: Re: Maybe we should be glad we didn't get National Express Post by: Btline on December 16, 2008, 20:08:30 http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2008/12/bring_back_british_rail.html#more Not the first horror story about poor customer service on National Express either. I wonder why the person took the ECML to London? Title: Re: Maybe we should be glad we didn't get National Express Post by: G.Uard on December 17, 2008, 06:37:26 I seem to remember that Wessex Trains was a National Express franchise.
Title: Re: Maybe we should be glad we didn't get National Express Post by: Electric train on December 17, 2008, 08:14:08 http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2008/12/bring_back_british_rail.html#more Not the first horror story about poor customer service on National Express either. I wonder why the person took the ECML to London? Title: Re: Maybe we should be glad we didn't get National Express Post by: grahame on December 17, 2008, 09:23:21 Quote Maybe we should be glad we didn't get National Express It's hypothetical - we can speculate as to what would have been, but that's all. I have speculated that with franchise bid dramatically lower (300 million at least, it is said) than the First Group one, that one or more of the following would have occurred: a) There would have been much poorer marketing of services leading to fewer passengers b) Directors, shareholders (and staff? but I doubt it) would have got more money c) Services that First cut would not have been cut, with (example) TransWilts remaining at a more reasonable service and the Cardiff - Portsmouths not being cut back to 2 cars d) Fares would have on average been lower. But which ones? Title: Re: Maybe we should be glad we didn't get National Express Post by: Btline on December 17, 2008, 15:26:37 The article does say he started from Glasgow. It takes at least an hour longer on NXEC!
National Express is funny company- Incompetent: Central Trains, Silverlink, NXEA, NXEC, Scotrail, Wales and West Competent: c2c, Wessex, Midland Mainline. If NX had taken over, the local trains would have been better, but I don't think NX have the ability to run express trains. Title: Re: Maybe we should be glad we didn't get National Express Post by: Electric train on December 17, 2008, 17:18:08 I know there are some major issues with the OHLE (overhead line equipment) on stretches of the ECML Claypole is one such area. There is a planned campaign change of components which has been going on for a few years starting in the London to Hitchin areas, also there are some power supply problems as well which are being addressed as well as control and protection equipment renewals in the line side switching stations over the last few years and there is a power supply up grade planned.
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