Overcrowding on Holyhead services

[whole diary]

[rogerw]

Traveĺled up to Llandudno today to start my short break in north Wales, travelling via Hereford. The Newport to Shrewsbury train was a 3 coach 175, about 60% full so social distancing not a real problem. From Shrewsbury I was due to catch a Birmingham International to Holyhead service. This was reported as late and a 150 arrived from the north very full. It appeared that a set swap was to take place with the two units returning whence they came. Joining ar Shrewsbury I had the advantage of getting on an almost empty train. Then the passengers off the Birmingham train arrived, suitably encumbered with large suitcases, pushchairs etc. Everyone squeezed on although there were standing passengers. Running around 15 minutes late we arrived at Chester to a a crowded platform. Somehow they got everyone on although there was standing throut my coach. The usual musical chairs took place at every station to allow people to get off, not easy as a double buggies had to be taken off and on each time. Social distancing certainly did not exist, the train was crowded even by pre-covid standards. TfW really needs to get its act together and restore n Wales services to their previous levels. One 2 coach train an hour west of Chester is just not adequate with people being encouraged not to holiday abroad.

[grahame]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

Wales' train operator has been accused of "empty words" after failing to enforce social distancing rules.

Arfon MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) Hywel Williams said Transport for Wales (TfW) had pledged to make the safety of customers an "absolute priority".

However, he said the rail service then issued guidance to staff telling them not to enforce social distancing rules.

TfW said that as passenger demand increases, social distancing "will not always be possible" during busy times.

[snip]

He said it was important passengers planned ahead and made "responsible decisions" on their need to travel.

But Mr Williams said: "Expecting ticket-paying travellers to cram into overcrowded trains is unacceptable under normal circumstances, but to allow those conditions when Covid cases are on the rise is totally irresponsible.

"TfW and the Welsh government must urgently reassess their guidance so that staff, as well as passengers, are protected as journeys increase over the summer."

Nia Jones, who lives in Mr Williams' constituency of Arfon, also called for action after describing a trip from Crewe to Bangor as "an extremely uncomfortable experience".

[rogerw]

Elsewhere in that article TfW wrre quoted as saying that all their trains were in operation. Seeing that they have reduced frequencies on most long distance services there must have been spare trains which clearly are not being used to strengthen remaining services where necessary. However the mk4 set which sits at Holyhead all weekend was used for a relief service to Crewe (and back to Bangor) last saturday. the snag was that because they ran under STP provisions they didn't show up in journey planners.

[grahame]

Elsewhere in that article TfW were quoted as saying that all their trains were in operation.

If that is correct, it does leave me wondering if the withdrawal of the Pacers, limitations in use of the 153s with derogations expired and perhaps later than planned entry into service of class 230 and a bumpy start with low availability on 769s may have lead to them simply not having enough trains to run services to meet current socially distanced needs.  "We are using all our trains" is far more positive than "we don't have enough trains available ..."

[jamestheredengine]

Elsewhere in that article TfW were quoted as saying that all their trains were in operation.

If that is correct, it does leave me wondering if the withdrawal of the Pacers, limitations in use of the 153s with derogations expired and perhaps later than planned entry into service of class 230 and a bumpy start with low availability on 769s may have lead to them simply not having enough trains to run services to meet current socially distanced needs.  "We are using all our trains" is far more positive than "we don't have enough trains available ..."

It's a shame that the 442s are being scrapped. Having them hauled by 67s around Wales would be quite fun.