Extra morning train

[whole diary]

[willc]

Despite insisting earlier in the year that the 08.58 from Malvern had adequate capacity when operated by a Turbo, what do I find in the December timetable but an 09.29 from Moreton-in-Marsh to London, calling at Kingham and Charlbury only to Oxford, where it picks up the path of the current 10.07 stopper. However, by changing at Didcot, a Paddington arrival at 11.13 is possible.

Off-peak tickets appear to be valid, if the LM^▸ (London Midland - recent franchise) booking system is to be trusted.

This is not some blip in the system, I have had it confirmed that the train is going to run, though I'm not clear how the stock is getting to moreton, whether on the back of the previous train from Oxford, or ecs.

The 8.58 continues to operate as now, with the same calls.

[Btline]

Would it not make more sense to call this new train at Hanborough, and cut the Hanborough stop from the 0858?

As for Off Peak availability, I would not trust LM^▸ (London Midland - recent franchise)!

[willc]

No. You would lose the opportunity for people from further west to travel to Hanborough - not many do, but it does happen. Also, it would be hard to fit in a stop because the 8.58 will leave Moreton only 21 minutes behind it, so there isn't the time in hand for the first train to make a stop and ensure it is clear of the single-line section at Wolvercot by the time the 8.58 reaches Ascott.

As a relief train, it's clearly targeted at easing the pressure at the places where it is most obvious and the three stations which will be served can easily produce 100-120 passengers for the 8.58 on busy days, whereas Hanborough is typically 15-20 people. In any case, it should make using the 8.58 a more pleasant experience for those joining in Worcestershire, even if it is still a Turbo.

Not everyone will switch to the earlier service, as they won't want to change at Didcot if off to London, but some will appreciate the opportunity to get to Paddington before 11.30 while the return of an Oxford arrival just after 10am is certainly popular with me - and will be with others.

[Btline]

I suppose. Strange for Oxford slows to be entering the Cotswold line. I can see the benefits for Oxford commuters and taking relief off the first Off Peak train, but let's hope it's not a long term plan - esp for the Worcester trains.

[willc]

It's probably one of the few things that can be done to improve matters while the single-line sections still constrain operations and makes sense if it's using a train that would otherwise just be sat in Oxford sidings for an hour - which is the same way they would be providing stock for any extra short workings post-redoubling.

Also does something to plug a yawning hole in services, for at least part of the line, in the same way the mid-afternoon train out to moreton which started last December does. And remember, in the past, short workings, notably in mid-evening, have been tried out as far as Moreton, then extended on to Worcester. If this service works out, then it may well help shape the post-morning peak timetable from spring 2011 for everyone's benefit.

[IanL]

Great news, Thanks Will for pointing this out. I used to rely on the 0938 from Charlbury a couple of days a week, the change to 1008 has really stuffed my work schedule so anything to claw back some of this has to be worthwhile. If it reduces the passenger crowding then also to the good.

[IndustryInsider]

If it reduces the passenger crowding then also to the good.

That's the key point. Hopefully the 08:58 will still couple up to an empty set at Oxford.

[IanL]

If it reduces the passenger crowding then also to the good.

That's the key point. Hopefully the 08:58 will still couple up to an empty set at Oxford.

Shame this train (the 1008 from Charlbury) was cancelled last monday (according to CBY station staff) and today there wasnt a turbo waiting at Oxford to couple up to in order to relieve overcrowding. In both cased severe overcrowding again.

[willc]

The Monday cancellation was because the train got caught up by signal problems after overrunning overnight engineering work, so was halted at Oxford and never got to Worcestershire, so as not to mess up the peak trains heading towards Oxford.

[IndustryInsider]

The Monday cancellation was because the train got caught up by signal problems after overrunning overnight engineering work, so was halted at Oxford and never got to Worcestershire, so as not to mess up the peak trains heading towards Oxford.

And there was absolutely no effort made to run the empty set to either Evesham (coupled to the rear of the following train) or Moreton (as an ECS^▸ (Empty Coaching Stock)) to at least provide some passengers on the route with a train on this busy service. 

[willc]

Reviving an old thread merely to respond to the point Insider made about the 8.58. Travelled on it on thursday after the 9.29 from Moreton was cancelled due to staff shortages and yes, it does still couple to an extra set at Oxford.

Though it was a bit of a push-me pull-you performance due to snow in the coupling, which seemed to have involved use of a brush to assist efforts to get a proper electrical connection before we could get off. At least the duty manager was stood there next to the driving cabs with a brush in his hand when the doors finally opened.

[IndustryInsider]

A big bucket of hot water chucked strategically over the coupling pins also does the trick quite well!

[willc]

That's what someone else stood there had a mop bucket for then...

[Chris from Nailsea]

Indeed: high tech equipment for the modern railway!