Busy HST services in Cornwall

[whole diary]

[Kernowman]

The 08.38 Penzance to Paddington yesterday morning had standing room only by the time it reached Par. Come the new order I hope that services such as this are either 2 x 5 car 802s or a 1 x 9 car 802 (or an HST^▸ (High Speed Train)). A single 5 car train would have presented severe over-crowding issues in Cornwall on this service.

[grahame]

The 08.38 Penzance to Paddington yesterday morning had standing room only by the time it reached Par. Come the new order I hope that services such as this are either 2 x 5 car 802s or a 1 x 9 car 802 (or an HST^▸ (High Speed Train)). A single 5 car train would have presented severe over-crowding issues in Cornwall on this service.

But remember to add the coming of 2 trains an hour to the Cornwall main line, where there are currently gaps (as I recall) of around 80 minutes at some times of day.   There's going to be skill required not only for timetabling the services, but also timetabling them so that the load is spread between the trains.

[AMLAG]

Out and about in the Exeter area yesterday Sat 19/8 having arrived on time on the 0943 Barnstaple formed of 3 cars as booked, but still with over 60 passengers standing, it was noticeable how Paignton main line through services were generally poorly loaded, bearing  in mind this is supposedly a peak summer Saturday.
Of particularly note (in addition to 0838 Pz) was the 1100 Penzance to Paddington 'wedged' on departure (right time) from St D, whereas the following very limited stop 1100 Newquay to Paddington  was a big disappointment and the HST^▸ (High Speed Train) would have been far better employed working the 0843, 0943 or 1043 from Barnstaple !

One would hope (not least for the benefit of their passengers and shareholders) now that First Rail operates the Exeter to Waterloo service that greate prominence, as a start with regards to station announcements at St D,  will be given to the generally more reliable, more comfortable and better maintained trains (all thanks to the current dedicated staff at the Salisbury depot ) on this unjustly classified 'secondary' main line .

[eightf48544]

One would hope (not least for the benefit of their passengers and shareholders) now that First Rail operates the Exeter to Waterloo service that greate prominence, as a start with regards to station announcements at St D,  will be given to the generally more reliable, more comfortable and better maintained trains (all thanks to the current dedicated staff at the Salisbury depot ) on this unjustly classified 'secondary' main line .

Shades of the 1960s when the Western Region took over the line from Salisbury to Exeter.  We all know what happened then!

Another non answer to the "Wolmar Question". "What are Franchises for?"

[Kernowman]

But remember to add the coming of 2 trains an hour to the Cornwall main line, where there are currently gaps (as I recall) of around 80 minutes at some times of day.   There's going to be skill required not only for timetabling the services, but also timetabling them so that the load is spread between the trains.

That's true, but also at certain times of the day there already is a, kind of, half hourly service. Up trains in the morning and down trains in the evening, for example.