Jack
Forum Member
Posts: 1,244
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Post by Jack on Jan 26, 2011 10:34:21 GMT 1
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Post by driver6540 on Jan 26, 2011 11:39:43 GMT 1
I think thats a shame, but sadly no real surprise. In these difficult economic times most TOCs will struggle to get bums on seats due to the relatively high cost of rail travel, and more open access operators like Grand Central and possibly Hull Trains will be more than a little concerned. I have thought for a while now perhaps the way forward, might be to follow the bus industrys lead in introducing low-cost operations like Stagecoaches Megabus for example. I admit i dont know enough about the railways to know whether this could be feasible, but i do know confirmed car users like me could definately be tempted to use the trains more often on longer journeys if i thought it was financially viable. Personally i love train travel, but i often drive between 15-20000 mls per annum visiting friends and family throughout Scotland and Wales. Therefore due to the current cost of rail travel i couldnt possibly afford to go by train. Even discounted internet priced tickets are beyond my reach and thats compared to the high cost of fuel that we pay. No doubt there are many thousands like me, which means many thousands of potential customers. |
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Post by glennh2 on Jan 28, 2011 0:16:14 GMT 1
The other reason why it's no surprise is WSMR was taken over by Chiltern which is part of DB's operation.
So is Arriva Trains Wales- neither of whom wanted WSMR to get the go ahead in the first place
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Post by mollman on Jan 28, 2011 18:32:54 GMT 1
I don't think Virgin going to Wrexham helped much
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Post by Burnside on Jan 30, 2011 0:52:11 GMT 1
I actually think WSMR's biggest problem was the competition protection Virgin have.
They couldn't run to Euston, having to settle with a lengthy route to Marylebone and were not allowed to call at places such as Birmingham or Coventry.
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Jan 30, 2011 1:15:36 GMT 1
Yes, I suppose the routes duplicates DB's francises Arriva Trains Wales and Chiltern Rail.
I was impressed that all seats even in standard class had tables. These are better than the fold-down ones you get in modern and other refurbished stock.
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