New Franchise - Statement for TransWilts

[whole diary]

[grahame]

From:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-deal-for-rail-passengers-in-west-of-england-and-wales

Swindon to Westbury
The benefits are:

timetable improvements from December 2018
additional services from December 2018
Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit)) cascade

[Lee]

If I were to sound one note of caution, it would be that the improved TransWilts services are still not included in the base spec, which leaves the decision on this where it has always been - 2016 or when third party funding expires (whichever is sooner) - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/great-western-franchise-response-to-the-2014-consultation

However, the document also states that there are no plans to reduce the services, which they see as "performing well and attracting new passengers", while FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are already looking beyond 2016, describing the TransWilts services as secure, and citing plans to strengthen the service to two carriages from May 2017.

Finally, the document makes clear that the number of representations made in the consultation on behalf of the TransWilts was a crucial factor. As they put it - "We received a large number of responses welcoming and supporting the continuation of these new services."

[grahame]

An update / newsletter - http://atrebatia.info/20150324.pdf - very quickly thrown together to have a handout sheet for tonight's West Wilts Rail User Group AGM^▸ (Annual General Meeting) and meeting

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thanks for that update, grahame. 

Noting that the document was 'very quickly thrown together', I offer the constructive comment that several of the dates in the text on page 2 should be '2015' rather than '2014' - if that document is to be used again in the future. 

[grahame]

Thanks for that update, grahame. 

Noting that the document was 'very quickly thrown together', I offer the constructive comment that several of the dates in the text on page 2 should be '2015' rather than '2014' - if that document is to be used again in the future. 

I've changed three occurrences of "2014" to "2015" on that page and re-uploaded ... thanks!

[grahame]

And a further update to correct other typos and font issues ...

[John R]

I'm left speculating just how busy the 1736 Swindon to Westbury will be in April 17 in its last full month as a Class 153 working.

[phile]

What's happening ?   Is it going over to 150 in May ?

[Adelante_CCT]

What's happening ?   Is it going over to 150 in May ?

I believe John R meant in April 2017 before the upgrades across the network in May 2017, rather than April 17th

[grahame]

What's happening ?   Is it going over to 150 in May ?

I believe John R meant in April 2017 before the upgrades across the network in May 2017, rather than April 17th

The question as I read it is "with current growth and a nearly-full 17:36 already, how do we maintain growth / not turn people off using the service in the period prior to a strengthening of that train in 2 years time?".  There have been some discussions already, but at an exploratory stage, and now is a good time to make practical suggestions (or suggestions that you don't know about, but may turn out to be practical  ).

[John R]

Indeed Graham, that's exactly what I was thinking. My only thought was perhaps there is a pacer diagram in Devon where a 153 would suffice, so they could be swapped. Would mean ecs working each day between Exeter and Westbury though with the extra costs that entails.

[phile]

Misunderstood the post re 153 on 17 36.    Thinking of April 17th rather than April 2017 !!!   Apologies.