06 May 2013, 1:19 pm
A bit like the ferries thread, just trying to start some discussion about trips on trains. Anyone been on any unusual trips, sleepers or even a trans-European trek?
06 May 2013, 1:19 pm
13 May 2013, 2:47 pm
Did this a few years back after getting the ferry from North Shields to Bergen for a weekend away. www.norwaynutshell.com/en/explore-the-fjords/norway-in-a-nutshell/
Really recommended and worth the money (although we paid £70 for the day each opposed to the £120 it is now.)
The 8/9 hour day included a train journey to Voss, a change onto the Flam Railway (search for it if you havent seen/heard about it), onto a ferry for a trip through the fjords, onto a coach to travel via some hairpin bends to the station for the train back to Bergen - with time to stroll about and appreciate the sights all along the way.
The only other rail journey abroad was a few trips in Holland, including a return trip on a double decker train.
Really recommended and worth the money (although we paid £70 for the day each opposed to the £120 it is now.)
The 8/9 hour day included a train journey to Voss, a change onto the Flam Railway (search for it if you havent seen/heard about it), onto a ferry for a trip through the fjords, onto a coach to travel via some hairpin bends to the station for the train back to Bergen - with time to stroll about and appreciate the sights all along the way.
The only other rail journey abroad was a few trips in Holland, including a return trip on a double decker train.
19 Jun 2013, 9:18 am
Probably the best place to put this: www.passengerfocus.org.uk/research/national-passenger-survey-introduction
A link to the spring National Rail Passenger survey
A link to the spring National Rail Passenger survey
11 Jul 2013, 6:47 am
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22700805?ocid=socialflow_twitter_bbcnews
Just been reading this. Not as in depth as it could be, but strangely one argument carries a lot more weight than the other.
Just been reading this. Not as in depth as it could be, but strangely one argument carries a lot more weight than the other.
11 Jul 2013, 8:32 am
(11 Jul 2013, 6:47 am)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22700805?ocid=socialflow_twitter_bbcnews
Just been reading this. Not as in depth as it could be, but strangely one argument carries a lot more weight than the other.
Interesting article, and I have to say, I agree with the points in both arguments. Real competition and open markets could only be a huge positive.
11 Jul 2013, 10:00 am
Some of the arguments against nationalisation are over-simplified.
For example, the question isn't asked why passenger journeys decreased by 250 million between 1948 and 1995.
We must take into consideration the challenge posed by road transport. Although private ownership of cars had been steadily increasing since the 1920s, the mid-1950s saw the average family wage rise while the onset of mass consumerism saw the prices of many luxury goods (including cars) decrease. The car was viewed as a symbol of freedom for people both is status and in convenience. Also, the railways were viewed as an antiquated mode of transport - a relic from the Victorian era. Transport policy was geared largely towards roads and road-building projects, although the government did invest some money into the railways (see The Modernisation Plan of 1955) - this money which was largely wasted on vanity projects. As more and more people started to own cars, it was inevitable that the railways were going to suffer as a result.
The images below are from a 1967 booklet published by the BRB entitled 'Facts and Figures about British Rail'.
[attachment=4469][attachment=4470][attachment=4471]
When looking at the period between 1948 and 1962, we see that the amount of passengers carried actually fluctuated. It was not until the Beeching era, passenger journeys started to decline and I'll leave you come up with your own theories as to why.
But lets look at passenger receipts. In 1948 they stood at £123 million and by 1967 they were at £179 million. By 1970, if you look at the BRB accounts for that year, you'll see that passenger receipts had risen to £227 million. So, BR might have been losing passengers but they were not losing money from passenger revenue as it was increasing.
Freight traffic, on the other hand, is another story. Freight traffic was the bread and butter for the railways and it was declining from the mid-1950s onwards, mainly because the demand for coal (the traffic which prodcued the most tonnage) was declining. The revenue created from passenger traffic was not enough to offset this balance and overall profitabilty declined as a result.
For example, the question isn't asked why passenger journeys decreased by 250 million between 1948 and 1995.
We must take into consideration the challenge posed by road transport. Although private ownership of cars had been steadily increasing since the 1920s, the mid-1950s saw the average family wage rise while the onset of mass consumerism saw the prices of many luxury goods (including cars) decrease. The car was viewed as a symbol of freedom for people both is status and in convenience. Also, the railways were viewed as an antiquated mode of transport - a relic from the Victorian era. Transport policy was geared largely towards roads and road-building projects, although the government did invest some money into the railways (see The Modernisation Plan of 1955) - this money which was largely wasted on vanity projects. As more and more people started to own cars, it was inevitable that the railways were going to suffer as a result.
The images below are from a 1967 booklet published by the BRB entitled 'Facts and Figures about British Rail'.
[attachment=4469][attachment=4470][attachment=4471]
When looking at the period between 1948 and 1962, we see that the amount of passengers carried actually fluctuated. It was not until the Beeching era, passenger journeys started to decline and I'll leave you come up with your own theories as to why.
But lets look at passenger receipts. In 1948 they stood at £123 million and by 1967 they were at £179 million. By 1970, if you look at the BRB accounts for that year, you'll see that passenger receipts had risen to £227 million. So, BR might have been losing passengers but they were not losing money from passenger revenue as it was increasing.
Freight traffic, on the other hand, is another story. Freight traffic was the bread and butter for the railways and it was declining from the mid-1950s onwards, mainly because the demand for coal (the traffic which prodcued the most tonnage) was declining. The revenue created from passenger traffic was not enough to offset this balance and overall profitabilty declined as a result.
11 Jul 2013, 1:51 pm
Competition across all industries should give us consumers a better deal, but I'm not aware of any of the industries privatised or introduced to the open market, from the mid-80's onwards, no matter what the promises, that have made things better for consumers.
We all know of these industries and we all know that there are some which have no competition and some where prices seem to be questionable.
Trains - revenue increased, pre-privatisation the figures are there to prove it.
East Coast have set the standard with regard to re-nationalisation and the folly of privatisation.
Whatever our thoughts are following the Beeching Report, we all know about Marples and how he benefitted from some of the decisions.
Car was the king during that period and following the failure to invest in rail following the war - but spending fortunes on the road, there was only going to be one winner. There are all of the socio-economic factors to throw in too.
Looking at the train v car debate now, they are both struggling to cope. Privatisation of the railways hasn't brought in the revenue into Government coffers like we were promised and very few routes have an alternative operator, giving us choice.
If you look at freight, the demand from Port of Tyne to transport imported coal via rail, it is massive. However, the infrastructure heading south to places like Drax can't cope with that demand
We all know of these industries and we all know that there are some which have no competition and some where prices seem to be questionable.
Trains - revenue increased, pre-privatisation the figures are there to prove it.
East Coast have set the standard with regard to re-nationalisation and the folly of privatisation.
Whatever our thoughts are following the Beeching Report, we all know about Marples and how he benefitted from some of the decisions.
Car was the king during that period and following the failure to invest in rail following the war - but spending fortunes on the road, there was only going to be one winner. There are all of the socio-economic factors to throw in too.
Looking at the train v car debate now, they are both struggling to cope. Privatisation of the railways hasn't brought in the revenue into Government coffers like we were promised and very few routes have an alternative operator, giving us choice.
If you look at freight, the demand from Port of Tyne to transport imported coal via rail, it is massive. However, the infrastructure heading south to places like Drax can't cope with that demand
12 Aug 2013, 12:01 pm
Someone has just pointed this out to me. Www.actforrail.bluestatedigital.com/page/event/search_simple
Several events and promotional activities are being organised with regard to bringing the train network back into public ownership
Several events and promotional activities are being organised with regard to bringing the train network back into public ownership
26 Aug 2013, 2:52 pm
Just stumbled across this. I had never heard of it.
If you are just going from A-B, then possibly not for you, but for someone wanting to see the country, sample the complimentary food (and drink) on Virgin or East Coast, enjoy the delights of a sleeper service between London & Cornwall or London & Scotland, whilst exploring the country when your at it, then this ticket may just be for you.
Www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/pr20780b0a0400020167ed620a7e504e.aspx
It isn't possible to use it on the Metro, DLR or underground - but still excellent value, especially with the discounts available if your a railcard holder.
I've held the friends and family one for a few years now and had my moneys worth back, several times.
If you didn't have a railcard, it would be worth investing in one, just to get the massive discounts on this.
edit: Just for info, here is the entire list of rovers available to purchase - www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/rangers_and_rovers.aspx
If you are just going from A-B, then possibly not for you, but for someone wanting to see the country, sample the complimentary food (and drink) on Virgin or East Coast, enjoy the delights of a sleeper service between London & Cornwall or London & Scotland, whilst exploring the country when your at it, then this ticket may just be for you.
Www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/pr20780b0a0400020167ed620a7e504e.aspx
It isn't possible to use it on the Metro, DLR or underground - but still excellent value, especially with the discounts available if your a railcard holder.
I've held the friends and family one for a few years now and had my moneys worth back, several times.
If you didn't have a railcard, it would be worth investing in one, just to get the massive discounts on this.
edit: Just for info, here is the entire list of rovers available to purchase - www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/rangers_and_rovers.aspx
26 Aug 2013, 3:18 pm
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fare...af335.aspx
I used this one last week whilst on my travels.
£33.50 for the child one - great value for money. I used my POP card to get from Sunderland to Metrocentre daily, and purchased an off-peak return daily from Metrocentre to Hexham. The Rover was valid from Hexham onwards. Luckily, nobody knew that it was only valid after 0845 Mondays to Fridays and anytime weekends/Bank Holidays - I certainly didn't either! Could have led to an awkward situation.
I had daily trips to Carlisle (inevitably), but in the four days, managed to go to:
- Manchester
- Preston
- Blackpool
- Dumfries
- Windermere
- Kendal
- Oxenholme
- Lancaster
- Warrington
- Chester
- Leeds
- Wigan
- Liverpool
Only on one day did the train inspector write in the date in which I was travelling. If I had wanted to, I could have had three extra days of travel for free. I didn't mind, I was shattered and needed the day of rest in between :p
I used this one last week whilst on my travels.
£33.50 for the child one - great value for money. I used my POP card to get from Sunderland to Metrocentre daily, and purchased an off-peak return daily from Metrocentre to Hexham. The Rover was valid from Hexham onwards. Luckily, nobody knew that it was only valid after 0845 Mondays to Fridays and anytime weekends/Bank Holidays - I certainly didn't either! Could have led to an awkward situation.
I had daily trips to Carlisle (inevitably), but in the four days, managed to go to:
- Manchester
- Preston
- Blackpool
- Dumfries
- Windermere
- Kendal
- Oxenholme
- Lancaster
- Warrington
- Chester
- Leeds
- Wigan
- Liverpool
Only on one day did the train inspector write in the date in which I was travelling. If I had wanted to, I could have had three extra days of travel for free. I didn't mind, I was shattered and needed the day of rest in between :p
26 Aug 2013, 3:25 pm
That's really good value to be honest. I'm sure I pay about £77.00 return from Newcastle to Blackpool North.
26 Aug 2013, 3:29 pm
(26 Aug 2013, 3:18 pm)Daniel wrote [ -> ]http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fare...af335.aspx
I used this one last week whilst on my travels.
£33.50 for the child one - great value for money. I used my POP card to get from Sunderland to Metrocentre daily, and purchased an off-peak return daily from Metrocentre to Hexham. The Rover was valid from Hexham onwards. Luckily, nobody knew that it was only valid after 0845 Mondays to Fridays and anytime weekends/Bank Holidays - I certainly didn't either! Could have led to an awkward situation.
I had daily trips to Carlisle (inevitably), but in the four days, managed to go to:
- Manchester
- Preston
- Blackpool
- Dumfries
- Windermere
- Kendal
- Oxenholme
- Lancaster
- Warrington
- Chester
- Leeds
- Wigan
- Liverpool
Only on one day did the train inspector write in the date in which I was travelling. If I had wanted to, I could have had three extra days of travel for free. I didn't mind, I was shattered and needed the day of rest in between :p
To be honest, with the range of tickets available, I'm not surprised they didn't know the restrictions or need to write the date down.
I have only ever been asked once (East Coast) to show my family and friends card and when I asked one guard if they needed to see it (South West Trains), the reply was 'yeah, if you have it with you'.
The inspector just gave a look of puzzlement, when I showed him the Tyne Tees Day Ranger a few weeks back, as though he had never seen one before in his life.
26 Aug 2013, 3:34 pm
(26 Aug 2013, 3:29 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]To be honest, with the range of tickets available, I'm not surprised they didn't know the restrictions or need to write the date down.
I have only ever been asked once (East Coast) to show my family and friends card and when I asked one guard if they needed to see it (South West Trains), the reply was 'yeah, if you have it with you'.
The inspector just gave a look of puzzlement, when I showed him the Tyne Tees Day Ranger a few weeks back, as though he had never seen one before in his life.
Received that look quite a lot in the four days, and that's from a ticket I assumed would be fairly popular.
I mean, I didn't help by having my Nexus CAT ticket purchased on the first bus I got on to Park Lane followed by my return and then the Rover on top of that...
By the end of it, I got bored of them looking so confused and just started showing them the Rover - not bothering with the return or Nexus CAT... They didn't know the boundary, so it was all good.
20 Sep 2013, 11:14 am
www.metro.co.uk/2013/09/19/cow-on-the-tracks-delays-trains-at-nailsea-and-backwell-station-4055712/
"Mooooove along, there's nothing to see" - said the guard.
The disgruntled passenger replied with a curt look on her face "Pull the udder one!"
bdum tish!
"Mooooove along, there's nothing to see" - said the guard.
The disgruntled passenger replied with a curt look on her face "Pull the udder one!"
bdum tish!
21 Sep 2013, 8:11 am
(20 Sep 2013, 11:14 am)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]www.metro.co.uk/2013/09/19/cow-on-the-tracks-delays-trains-at-nailsea-and-backwell-station-4055712/
"Mooooove along, there's nothing to see" - said the guard.
The disgruntled passenger replied with a curt look on her face "Pull the udder one!"
bdum tish!
Was it waiting for the milk train?
Marxista Fozz
21 Sep 2013, 8:39 am
(21 Sep 2013, 8:11 am)fozzovmurton wrote [ -> ]Was it waiting for the milk train?
Marxista Fozz
They tried honking its horn.
21 Sep 2013, 10:56 pm
It was chaos for co-moo-ters
22 Sep 2013, 8:44 am
(21 Sep 2013, 10:56 pm)Adam wrote [ -> ]It was chaos for co-moo-ters
One was given a pat on his head for his efforts
09 Oct 2013, 5:23 pm
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-f...rail-fares
The Transport Minister outlined his plans regarding train ticket prices today.
The Transport Minister outlined his plans regarding train ticket prices today.
09 Oct 2013, 6:48 pm
(09 Oct 2013, 5:23 pm)Andreos1 wrote [ -> ]https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-f...rail-fares
The Transport Minister outlined his plans regarding train ticket prices today.
Capping at 6.1% is still almost double the current rate of inflation, and is way beyond what average workers are getting in the private sector. Public sector on the other hand still has pay frozen at 1% if anything at all. They really haven't gone far enough.
09 Oct 2013, 8:36 pm
(09 Oct 2013, 6:48 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]Capping at 6.1% is still almost double the current rate of inflation, and is way beyond what average workers are getting in the private sector. Public sector on the other hand still has pay frozen at 1% if anything at all. They really haven't gone far enough.
I agree, it isn't enough - hopefully a start.
The part season tickets seem a good idea, shame it is limited to the South East though
28 Oct 2013, 8:51 am
After the 'UK' Storm (has anyone seen how nice it is outside?), the following rail disruptions have occurred.
South West Trains have advised people not to travel on Monday with most services not
running until at least 10:00 GMT to allow
Network Rail to check lines. A reduced
timetable will be in operation, with some trains
limited to speeds of 50mph
East Coast has no trains running south of Peterborough due to flooding in the tunnel at Potters Bar, and trees on the line at Barnet and Hertford. It says it is looking to resume a limited service later this morning operating via Hertford
First Great Western and Virgin West Coast main line are also running an amended service until 10:00 GMT and 09:00 GMT respectively.
First Great Western has suspended the service
between Guildford and Gatwick Airport. Virgin
West Coast said journey times may be extended by up to 70 minutes
First Capital Connect and C2C said services are unlikely to begin until 09:00 GMT. Greater Anglia, Southern, Stansted Express and Gatwick Express have also said services will not run until after 09:00 GMT
London Overground will not run a service on
Monday before 09:00 GMT, while Southeastern said services might not start until 09:00 or
10:00 GMT, and then with an amended
timetable
Transport for London (TfL) said there was disruption to six Underground lines due to debris from the storm on the tracks. The
Bakerloo, Central, Jubilee, Metropolitan,
Northern and Piccadilly lines were all partially
closed
Meanwhile, Chiltern Railways, which earlier said it was hoping to run a near normal
timetable, has cancelled services.
31 Oct 2013, 8:31 am
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24754358
Train punctuality: Tougher targets set
by regulators inc 96-97% of intercity trains and 90% of local services needing to run within 30mins of timetable or on time.
Network Rail must do this, whilst making savings of £1.7bn.
Train punctuality: Tougher targets set
by regulators inc 96-97% of intercity trains and 90% of local services needing to run within 30mins of timetable or on time.
Network Rail must do this, whilst making savings of £1.7bn.
05 Nov 2013, 4:19 pm
If anyone has a spare £420,000 lying about - this could be yours!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-24772706
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-24772706
11 Nov 2013, 3:57 pm
As with other surveys of a similar nature and ignoring all advertising propaganda, I have attached a link to the Passenger Focus TOC companies survey - for you to make your own mind up.
Having used 7 different TOC's this year, I have my own opinions, but the findings make interesting reading!
Having used 7 different TOC's this year, I have my own opinions, but the findings make interesting reading!
28 Nov 2013, 12:22 pm
www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H02199/2013/11/25/advanced
Does anyone know about this train?
Saw it passing through Durham, but was on other platform and there was a Crosscountry pulling out at the same time - even though it states the run was cancelled.
There were two old school loco's at either end, which makes me think it was a flask train, but the end point indicates otherwise.
Does anyone know about this train?
Saw it passing through Durham, but was on other platform and there was a Crosscountry pulling out at the same time - even though it states the run was cancelled.
There were two old school loco's at either end, which makes me think it was a flask train, but the end point indicates otherwise.
28 Nov 2013, 7:07 pm
(28 Nov 2013, 12:22 pm)andreos1 wrote [ -> ]www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H02199/2013/11/25/advanced
Does anyone know about this train?
Saw it passing through Durham, but was on other platform and there was a Crosscountry pulling out at the same time - even though it states the run was cancelled.
There were two old school loco's at either end, which makes me think it was a flask train, but the end point indicates otherwise.
What was it pulling? Anything to Drax is generally coal freight, and the specified load on that site would suggest the same.
28 Nov 2013, 7:22 pm
(28 Nov 2013, 7:07 pm)aureolin wrote [ -> ]What was it pulling? Anything to Drax is generally coal freight, and the specified load on that site would suggest the same.
It was a couple of trucks (one smoking/steaming) sandwiched between two loco's.
Def wasn't a coal train.
As you say, Drax is coal and this wasn't carrying coal.
My timings were def right, because the Newcastle bound CrossCountry was just pulling away from the platform as this one chugged (looking similar to a Deltic, but sounding totally different - poss class 37) through.
When I got on my HST East Coast, there was another larger freight train went in the opposite direction (which also tallies with a train on that site).
Edit:
Just realised I forgot to say Hunterston has a nuclear site BUT there is also a coal terminal there.
Just found this: www.stv.tv/news/scotland/250746-port-worker-dies-in-accident-at-hunterston-coal-terminal-after-fall/ which ties in with Drax and the 'mishap'.
So it looks like this train didn't run afterall and whatever went through, wasn't listed on the real trains site!
13 Dec 2013, 1:36 pm
25 years since Clapham.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-25331840
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-25331840
15 Dec 2013, 4:04 am
(28 Nov 2013, 7:22 pm)andreos1 wrote [ -> ]It was a couple of trucks (one smoking/steaming) sandwiched between two loco's.
The train you seen was the RHTT train (leaf buster) which on the 28/11 was worked by 47805/47810 with two wagons sandwiched between them.
3S77 Carlisle - Carlisle via the world due south through Durham 08:30 back north 13:53.
Off Carlisle 03:35 due back..........16:45 the smoking/steaming would be the jets on the wagons blasting the crap (if any) off the tracks.