whoops!

www.metro.co.uk/2014/01/02/trains-pantograph-crashes-into-roof-at-blackfriars-station-4247237/

(02 Jan 2014, 12:36 pm)andreos1 wrote whoops!

www.metro.co.uk/2014/01/02/trains-pantograph-crashes-into-roof-at-blackfriars-station-4247237/

Ooops. Only one person to blame there then.

(02 Jan 2014, 4:18 pm)aureolin wrote Ooops. Only one person to blame there then.

Only surprise is that it hasn't happened too many times before!

(02 Jan 2014, 4:18 pm)aureolin wrote Ooops. Only one person to blame there then.

Who would that be then? If you look at other pictures report of the incident the pantograph that hit the roof was the rear pantograph (2 x 319s joined together) and the lower one had lowered correctly. Actually looking more like a technical fault

http://timsfaces.tumblr.com/?utm_content=buffer7f491&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Someone seems to be obsessed with Tim O'Toole!

As from today, First Capital Connect no longer exists.....now part of Go Ahead

http://www.thameslinkrailway.com/

After a shaky start to the franchise, it seems problems are continuing...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-31026906

Problems continue at London Bridge.
Timetable changes made, to combat 'life threatening' situations.

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-31952392

http://londonist.com/2015/04/video-new-t...vealed.php

Class 700 unveiled

Whilst looking at the Go ahead shareholder website, I stumbled across the third quarter trading update.

It makes interesting reading (with references to NE bus operations), but the section about integration of Southern and the Gatwick Express into GTR caught my attention.

As well as currently receiving revenue support, the following jumped out:

As previously reported, GTR has faced inherited long term operational challenges since the franchise began in September 2014. In addition to this, the operating network has changed compared to that anticipated in the bid, resulting in incremental costs. As a result of these changes, GTR will employ the normal industry contract remedies to help mitigate these costs over time. This may lead to lower margins in the short term but any shortfall in profit is expected to be recoverable over the life of the franchise.

A consultation process in connection with the integration of Southern into the GTR franchise began in the third quarter which is expected to result in an exceptional charge of between £7m and £10m in redundancy costs in the full year.

Source: http://m.go-ahead.com/media/news/2015-ne...-2015.aspx

(02 May 2015, 11:59 am)Andreos1 wrote Whilst looking at the Go ahead shareholder website, I stumbled across the third quarter trading update.

It makes interesting reading (with references to NE bus operations), but the section about integration of Southern and the Gatwick Express into GTR caught my attention.

As well as currently receiving revenue support, the following jumped out:

Source: http://m.go-ahead.com/media/news/2015-ne...-2015.aspx

What is interesting about the quote, apart from the up to 10m in redudancy payments.

(02 May 2015, 1:09 pm)citaro5284 wrote What is interesting about the quote, apart from the up to 10m in redudancy payments.

That is the bit that jumps out.
The rest was included, to give context...

(02 May 2015, 1:11 pm)Andreos1 wrote That is the bit that jumps out.
The rest was included, to give context...

If the government wants to put the franchsies together, then there was going to be overlap, probably with a large number of back office systems like payroll, so I would have thought that this would not have came out of the blue unfortunately to some of the staff who work for either Southern or First Capital Connect when it was announced two would become one.

(02 May 2015, 1:19 pm)citaro5284 wrote If the government wants to put the franchsies together, then there was going to be overlap, probably with a large number of back office systems like payroll, so I would have thought that this would not have came out of the blue unfortunately to some of the staff who work for either Southern or First Capital Connect when it was announced two would become one.

The chances of it happening, was high.
In a deal/scheme which is supposed to benefit the taxpayer, the amount of money spent on redundancies - is staggering.
Appreciate the initial costs will be from the employer, however the potential burden on the taxpayer and economy, could be enormous.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-33779012

First new Thameslink trains arrive at Three Bridges

Class 700s are now ending there testing stage, does anyone know when they are entering service?

(15 Apr 2016, 5:37 pm)NK53 TKT wrote Class 700s are now ending there testing stage, does anyone know when they are entering service?

Early Summer the first will enter service.

(15 Apr 2016, 5:41 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote Early Summer the first will enter service.

Great, I am in London for the Farnborough Airshow so that is GREAT news for me, I have ridden on the new Class 387s as well

(15 Apr 2016, 5:43 pm)NK53 TKT wrote Great, I am in London for the Farnborough Airshow so that is GREAT news for me, I have ridden on the new Class 387s as well

I'm yet to ride them yet, apparently the seats are not comfortable though.

Is it the May timetable change they're being introduced?

Punctuality drops on services. TOC named bottom of list.Punctuality

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36306462

Possible strike action on network.

http://www.rmt.org.uk/news/southern-caug...ss-impact/

http://www.rmt.org.uk/news/govia-now-dec...ess-staff/

Commuters to stage protest at 'shambolic' Southern Rail
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport...71171.html

This whole situation has gotten extremely embarrassing for the franchisee, and it can't be doing the reputation any good at all. I hope they get back round the table and resolve the dispute once and for all, and they may be someway closer to resolving the underlying issues.

They certainly aren't doing it by alienating their staff.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-36601301

Aslef drops legal action and accepts 12-car Gatwick trains

(14 Jun 2016, 5:32 pm)Adrian wrote Commuters to stage protest at 'shambolic' Southern Rail
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport...71171.html

This whole situation has gotten extremely embarrassing for the franchisee, and it can't be doing the reputation any good at all. I hope they get back round the table and resolve the dispute once and for all, and they may be someway closer to resolving the underlying issues.

They certainly aren't doing it by alienating their staff.

Almost a month later...

Southern Rail: Developers create train cancellation game
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36825721

(18 Jul 2016, 5:08 pm)Adrian wrote Southern Rail: Developers create train cancellation game
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36825721

Just played it, I delayed and cancelled many trains

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36987040

Longest strike in decades begins.

£20m of public funds set aside to support the GTR network.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37245163

*shakes head and is left rendered speechless*

Edit: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/pol...20051.html The Independent have taken a slightly impartial view on the matter.