(30 Jun 2016, 7:02 pm)8222 wrote I wonder if we are any closer to seeing a branding...

Clearest image I can find of the new Northern livery. White seems to be a theme for most operators these days.

156454 has received vinyls for Northern's latest promotion, albeit plastered over the old Northern Rail livery. 

Photos - Michael Mccalla/The Real Railway Photography Group on Facebook.

I really hope they hurry themselves up and do something. Has anyone else noticed any improvements since Arriva took over? All I notice is that the old Northern stickers have been patched over and that's it. Saying that, Arriva (GC) haven't pulled their finger out with regards to the GC class 180s either apart from their first class. Still tatty old First moquette all over in standard and heating that doesn't turn off in the summer.

(28 Jul 2016, 12:08 pm)8222 wrote I really hope they hurry themselves up and do something. Has anyone else noticed any improvements since Arriva took over? All I notice is that the old Northern stickers have been patched over and that's it. Saying that, Arriva (GC) haven't pulled their finger out with regards to the GC class 180s either apart from their first class. Still tatty old First moquette all over in standard and heating that doesn't turn off in the summer.

There was never set to be any radical changes or improvements; much the same as when any other franchise ownership changes hands.
Units are continually being refurbished with the addition of DDA-compliant toilets, addition of PIS screens with associated auto announcements, etc etc etc...

(27 May 2016, 3:26 pm)Andreos1 wrote http://www.passengertransport.co.uk/2016...franchise/

Who mentioned a monoploy?

On a separate note, the title of the thread keeps changing.
I note there is no reference to previous ops within the title now - despite 99% of the thread being dedicated to the previous operator  (as opposed to the VTEC thread, which maintains previous TOC details in the title).

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) provisional report into the Arriva Northern Franchise makes interesting reading. CMA have raised concerns in relation to the overlap of some Arriva Bus operations with the rail franchise.

Quite a large document so for those that don't want to read it all the pages relating to North East Bus Services are 133, 142 & 146.

(14 Sep 2016, 8:53 am)GuyParkRoyal wrote The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) provisional report into the Arriva Northern Franchise makes interesting reading. CMA have raised concerns in relation to the overlap of some Arriva Bus operations with the rail franchise.

Quite a large document so for those that don't want to read it all the pages relating to North East Bus Services are 133, 142 & 146.

Cheers. Will have a look later.

Staff and seat samples are currently in Central Station.
There's a choice of three seats (all showing plug sockets) labeled a, b and c.
Customers are being asked to vote for their favourite.

(14 Sep 2016, 8:53 am)GuyParkRoyal wrote The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) provisional report into the Arriva Northern Franchise makes interesting reading. CMA have raised concerns in relation to the overlap of some Arriva Bus operations with the rail franchise.

Quite a large document so for those that don't want to read it all the pages relating to North East Bus Services are 133, 142 & 146.

I read intently (dying to know what the redacted info is) up to a point and then gave up, skimming accordingly.

There are lots of interesting comments and some areas/routes (I may have missed when reading) where trains compete with bus, that seem to be missed out of the anlysis. X66/X67 - filtered? York-Selby services on bus and rail along with train services between York and Leeds.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/tr...ufferd7a17&utm_medium=social&utm_source=plus.google.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Looks like this is going mainstream now.

Been on the trains today as been to Washington to get some Solo photos and they've got Travel Safe Officers on board, not seen this before


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

(05 Oct 2016, 2:40 pm)TEN 6083 wrote Been on the trains today as been to Washington to get some Solo photos and they've got Travel Safe Officers on board, not seen this before


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

http://www.stmsecurity.com/ivac/457-trav...astle.html
A little bit more about the role. Lots of responsibility for a pittance in pay.
Never seen them locally, but have noticed them prior to the franchise changing, across Yorkshire.

A broken rail today just east of Haltwhistle has caused a fair bit of disruption on the Tyne Valley - probably just as well there are no ECML diversions today!

Can anyone confirm if a 156 has been repainted in to the new scheme?
Saw one from a distance (in the dark) and it appeared to be a lot more 'white'.

With it being from a distance, I was unable to get its Id, checking whether or not it was a visitor or a native.

(22 Oct 2016, 8:58 pm)Andreos1 wrote Can anyone confirm if a 156 has been repainted in to the new scheme?
Saw one from a distance (in the dark) and it appeared to be a lot more 'white'.

With it being from a distance, I was unable to get its Id, checking whether or not it was a visitor or a native.

The new livery is heavily white based, I'm trying to rack my brains to remember if there was a 156 attached to the 150 that crossed the Tyne Valley a few month back.

158752 is at Heaton depot in the new livery at the moment I believe. The other units in for refurb at Kilmarnock are a 150 and 155 I believe.

(23 Oct 2016, 5:19 am)GX03 SVC wrote The new livery is heavily white based, I'm trying to rack my brains to remember if there was a 156 attached to the 150 that crossed the Tyne Valley a few month back.

No as the move started from Neville Hill.

Having seen the new livery which is 90% white, I just can't help but think no-one has learned from the likes of AGA and VTEC with regards to white liveries. It doesn't take long for it to mucky up, and with a fair amount of Northern workings merely being outstationed at various places, they won't get washed nearly much as often!

(23 Oct 2016, 3:42 pm)northern156 wrote No as the move started from Neville Hill.

As the S&C is shut between Armathwaite and Petteril Bridge Junction, all moves between Neville Hill and Kilmarnock go via York, Low Fell , Tyne Valley and The Glasgow South Western.

(23 Oct 2016, 5:17 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote As the S&C is shut between Armathwaite and Petteril Bridge Junction, all moves between Neville Hill and Kilmarnock go via York, Low Fell , Tyne Valley and The Glasgow South Western.

I'm well aware of that working for a FOC myself
My point being there are no 156s based at Neville Hill. Heaton and Allerton are the depots that have them; therefore a maintenance/refurb move starting from Neville Hill would not have a 156 on.

(23 Oct 2016, 5:21 pm)northern156 wrote I'm well aware of that working for a FOC myself
My point being there are no 156s based at Neville Hill. Heaton and Allerton are the depots that have them; therefore a maintenance/refurb move starting from Neville Hill would not have a 156 on.

Ah right haha

Yes indeed The majority of Neville Hill drivers don't sign 156s ( some might have traction knowledge from the early 00s )
I'm sure the first working was a 155 and 158, Though there's supposedly a 150 there now so there might have been another working since then.

Not sure if I'm too late, but stumbled on these:

https://www.facebook.com/northernassist/...18/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/northernassist/...65/?type=3&theater

(24 Oct 2016, 3:48 pm)8222 wrote Not sure if I'm too late, but stumbled on these:

https://www.facebook.com/northernassist/...18/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/northernassist/...65/?type=3&theater

I like the new livery, i also like the refurbishment they've done.

I wonder which of the 3 seat choices have been used?

None. This set was refurbished before the seat roadshows. The new seats will be used on the new trains. Northern haven't yet decided if they will use them on refurbs.

(24 Oct 2016, 9:08 pm)markydh wrote None.  This set was refurbished before the seat roadshows.  The new seats will be used on the new trains.  Northern haven't yet decided if they will use them on refurbs.

Talking of roadshows, Northern were at Central Station today showing off their 'Queue Jumper' game

https://queue-jumper.com/

AUTUMN: The #timetables on certain routes have changed to accommodate the effect of #LeafFall on our trains:-

https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/news/l...ble-change

https://be803fe5c416e39d38ae-aa21086260d...16_WEB.pdf

Had this latest customer report emailed through earlier this week. I believe it is on the website too.

Will I be the only one sad to see the pacer trains go?  On a cold morning you can't beat having your legs roasted by the heating. I much prefer them over the 152/156's.

I would think the drivers prefer them too as the cabs on the 152/156 look very cramped!

I note the automated announcements have been switched off on the trains that had them installed.  The destination just scrolls across the screen so at least we can enjoy a peaceful journey.  Does anyone know if this was done deliberately or has the new franchise not got to grips with the system?

https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/corpor...elistening

Following on from the VTEC Customer Panel selection event held a few weeks back, Northern are looking to introduce something similar.

(01 Dec 2016, 9:14 am)Ted320 wrote Will I be the only one sad to see the pacer trains go?  On a cold morning you can't beat having your legs roasted by the heating. I much prefer them over the 152/156's.

I would think the drivers prefer them too as the cabs on the 152/156 look very cramped!

I note the automated announcements have been switched off on the trains that had them installed.  The destination just scrolls across the screen so at least we can enjoy a peaceful journey.  Does anyone know if this was done deliberately or has the new franchise not got to grips with the system?

If they think a 156 or 142 cab is cramped they want to try a 'small end' of a 153!       

Wasn't sure where to put this but:

Network Rail to begin Middlesbrough station repairs in the spring


Network Rail has confirmed that the long-awaited £2.7million refurbishment of Middlesbrough station will begin in the spring next year.
A contractor has now been appointed and is working on a programme that will see the station roof and stonework repaired in a 13-month project.
Passengers travelling from Middlesbrough this festive period are also being reminded that Wood Street car park is now fully open.
Wood Street has 97 spaces, is fully lit and provides direct access to the platforms. It can be reached by travelling down Exchange Square and following the signposts.
Lisa McGuinness, commercial scheme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The repairs to the roof at Middlesbrough station will begin in the new year.
“Lots of work has happened behind the scenes to get the specialist contractor in place to work on this Grade II listed building, and we will provide further updates in the new year.

“We will continue to work with TransPennine Express and Middlesbrough Council to minimise the disruption caused by our improvement work.”
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough Council is in the process of commissioning a masterplan study for Middlesbrough station which will focus on transport connectivity and the regeneration of the area surrounding Middlesbrough station.
Funding for the masterplan study, which will go out to tender in early January 2017, has been secured from the Tees Valley Combined Authority, with Network Rail, train operators TransPennine, Northern and Virgin Trains East Coast working alongside Middlesbrough Council and Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald.
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Middlesbrough Railway Station is at the heart of the town’s historic quarter and is central to our aspirations for the town centre and the wider area.

“It’s an iconic building that reflects the town’s rich heritage while having a pivotal role to play as a key gateway to its future growth and prosperity.
“I’m delighted that these important upgrades and refurbishments are due to start in the new year, and am confident they will further enhance the station’s role as one of the region’s most important transport hubs.”
Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said: “This is an important milestone and further evidence of the commitment there is to breathe new life into the centre of our town.
“The station is an important part of our heritage but will also be a new 21st century portal into the evolving city-scape right in the heart of Tees Valley.
"The repaired and revitalised railway station has to be a fitting gateway to our town for commuters, businesses, students and leisure visitors alike.
“What we want to achieve is an impressive rail terminal which matches our ambition and aspiration and which is fit to receive the first London King’s Cross direct service in 2020.

“This announcement today sets us out on that path and is most welcome."
Graham Meiklejohn, Regional Development Manager for TransPennine Express, said: “These roof works by Network Rail will be welcomed by our many passengers who use Middlesbrough station every day.
With our new trains and also additional services coming for Middlesbrough these works will complement the improvements our passengers will see on the tracks.”

Northern are closer to getting their Customer Panel started.

1300 applications have been made by those interested in taking part, with Northern keen on making the groups smaller.

Sessions will be held in Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Preston in March.