|
|
Post by Burnside on Nov 26, 2013 20:46:16 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by Kenton Schweppes on Dec 1, 2013 10:52:28 GMT 1
I have to ask myself why has it taken so long? All we've ever had is the cascading of the 158's, ok we've had a few new electrics but they are exclusive the the Airedale Line and can't be widely used across the network.
We've had 'well past their sell by date' Pacers and Sprinters for yonks on what are extremely busy services. The current stock is totally unsuitable and the customer just does not get value for money for their fare.
Another question, I notice when I've been out and about in other parts of the country the 158's that belong to other TOC's have been refitted to high standards (EMT's and South West) whilst Northern's remain practically in the same state that they were delivered in, aside form recovering of the seats?
|
|
wbc
Forum Member
Posts: 38
|
Post by wbc on Dec 1, 2013 12:03:13 GMT 1
Another question, I notice when I've been out and about in other parts of the country the 158's that belong to other TOC's have been refitted to high standards (EMT's and South West) whilst Northern's remain practically in the same state that they were delivered in, aside form recovering of the seats? I think that unfortunately is the extent of Northern's 'refurbishments', the same could be said for all of their Sprinters, the difference to others is quite noticeable, especially when the condition Northern have let them get into is considered (Even though they have been recovered many look quite worn/ tatty). |
|
|
|
Post by Burnside on Dec 1, 2013 20:03:53 GMT 1
It all comes down to cash.
The franchise was let with no agreement for new/extra rolling stock, the additional 158's received a few years back funded by Yorkshire Forward, and as for refurbishments, there is no incentive for the franchisee to spend money doing a complete refresh if they are gonna lose the franchise soon after (and the Northern franchise was supposed to end in 2014), so new seat covers and floor coverings is about as good as it will get before the new franchise begins.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kenton Schweppes on Dec 7, 2013 10:14:32 GMT 1
It all comes down to cash. The franchise was let with no agreement for new/extra rolling stock, the additional 158's received a few years back funded by Yorkshire Forward, and as for refurbishments, there is no incentive for the franchisee to spend money doing a complete refresh if they are gonna lose the franchise soon after (and the Northern franchise was supposed to end in 2014), so new seat covers and floor coverings is about as good as it will get before the new franchise begins. That was Whitehall's fault though, they mess up and we all suffer!! If the 158's had a total refurb it would be like having new trains anyway,like I said the 158's on the Liverpool/Norwich route run by EMT are a cracking standard after their refurb. Hopefully with the new partnership between Rail North and the DfT we might see some progress on all aspects of rail travel in our area. |
|
|
|
Post by stevieinselby on Dec 8, 2013 12:47:21 GMT 1
I have to ask myself why has it taken so long? All we've ever had is the cascading of the 158's, ok we've had a few new electrics but they are exclusive the the Airedale Line and can't be widely used across the network. We've had 'well past their sell by date' Pacers and Sprinters for yonks on what are extremely busy services. The current stock is totally unsuitable and the customer just does not get value for money for their fare. And do you think it's better anywhere else? Compare Northern Rail with the non-IC parts of First Great Western. They have 8 × Class 143, 45 × Class 150, 12 × Class 153, 16 × Class 158, 36 × Class 165 and 21 × Class 166. The newest trains there are 20 years old, nearly twice as old as the trains used on the Aire and Wharfe lines. Or how about Arriva Trains Wales? They have 15×142, 15×143, 36×150, 8×153, 24×158 and 27×175. While Northern Rail may have a slightly higher proportion of Pacers, it isn't completely out of step with other similar franchises. And it's all very well to demand new trains, but are you going to be happy to pay the higher fares that will be needed to pay for them? |
|
|
|
Post by Kenton Schweppes on Dec 8, 2013 20:57:32 GMT 1
I have to ask myself why has it taken so long? All we've ever had is the cascading of the 158's, ok we've had a few new electrics but they are exclusive the the Airedale Line and can't be widely used across the network. We've had 'well past their sell by date' Pacers and Sprinters for yonks on what are extremely busy services. The current stock is totally unsuitable and the customer just does not get value for money for their fare. And do you think it's better anywhere else? Compare Northern Rail with the non-IC parts of First Great Western. They have 8 × Class 143, 45 × Class 150, 12 × Class 153, 16 × Class 158, 36 × Class 165 and 21 × Class 166. The newest trains there are 20 years old, nearly twice as old as the trains used on the Aire and Wharfe lines. Or how about Arriva Trains Wales? They have 15×142, 15×143, 36×150, 8×153, 24×158 and 27×175. While Northern Rail may have a slightly higher proportion of Pacers, it isn't completely out of step with other similar franchises. And it's all very well to demand new trains, but are you going to be happy to pay the higher fares that will be needed to pay for them? Just cos it isn't any different elsewhere doesn't make it right!!! The passenger always pays higher fares, its nowt new, whether we get new rolling stock or not the fares increase year on year. So if we are going to pay higher fares we might as well and try and get something for the higher fares!!! |
|
