|
Post by snoggle on Aug 11, 2016 10:47:43 GMT
I've been a critic of AGA, I'm an Essex commuter and a huge fan of nationisation. But I'm delighted. Some of the real gains have not been picked up on. For example, a lot of off peaks will be 10 car instead of 8. 42 full length trains verses 26 scheduled now (and that includes the 9-car Norwich trains). Aircon throughout, free Wifi, 3 tph to Norwich, dedicated long distance EMUs for Essex lines (I remember the 309s too). I could scream at some of my fellow commuters. Given you pop up on Railforums.co.uk I can think of one person there worth screaming at. We haven't even got a train spec yet and already the new Norwich trains are an unmitigated failure according to said person. Unbelieveable. This is clearly a very ambitious package for Abellio to deliver but if it all works then there will be a step change in services in about 5 years time (after everything has bedded in). The other clever thing is that there is an element of future proofing in the rolling stock decisions which makes a pleasant change from the old "just enough to cope for now" approach employed for so many years.
|
|
|
Post by wivenswold on Aug 11, 2016 16:18:22 GMT
Ha, yes, I know who you mean. Incredible reaction from some we could mention on there.
Currently sat on an AGA train. It's clean, loads of seats available and bang on time. It's really not a bad service most of the time.
|
|
|
Post by tony4387 on Aug 14, 2016 9:03:46 GMT
...so not selling their London bus operations any time soon? In all seriousness, well done Abellio- East Anglia isn't the easiest of franchises to operate and some of the issues they've had haven't been their fault (lack of DMUs caused by collisions, poor overhead line infrastructure etc.) I was a fairly regular user of NXEA and AGA and the latter certainly made some improvements, despite what some Twitter accounts might have you believe
|
|
|
Post by tony4387 on Aug 14, 2016 9:05:50 GMT
In order to what thin Lizzy said I can still see Abellio selling there London bus operations given the fact that national express said that they weren't selling the London business and that they where rebranding it and then all of a sudden they sold the company. All though I could be wrong just have to wait and see what happens I guess
|
|
|
Post by ServerKing on Aug 17, 2016 4:25:33 GMT
Nice to see Stadler 'flirting' with the UK rolling stock market Don't they also make biros? #confused Typical. You wait for a decent train on the GEML, then hundreds come along at once They will be replacing the 1950s OHLE next Still it's nice to see some investment in the area, and soon the 315's will be gone from the Overground so that's something to look forward to The firm I worked for (Daisy Group) lost the Abellio contract so no excuses to go to Liverpool Street to fix their computers Now stuck in a van out and about so very rarely use the train. Well done to Abellio, sad to see Greater Anglia name go, East Anglia sounds a little bit dull
|
|
|
Post by snowman on Aug 24, 2016 5:19:52 GMT
There is a News article in German (I have used google translate) with the boss of Stadler and he says the contract for Anglia hasn't been signed Hence why there is no Press release or details
Sounds like the UK rail minister was a little premature in announcing that Stadler had agreed to build part of the fleet
|
|
|
Post by snoggle on Aug 24, 2016 9:27:43 GMT
There is a News article in German (I have used google translate) with the boss of Stadler and he says the contract for Anglia hasn't been signed Hence why there is no Press release or details Sounds like the UK rail minister was a little premature in announcing that Stadler had agreed to build part of the fleet Isn't it the case that there is always a " stand still" period for all major public sector contracts? I haven't seen anything that says that the DfT and Abellio have signed the franchise contract yet so no one is going to sign rolling stock deals until that happens. The announcement was purely one of "preferred bidder".
|
|
|
Post by snoggle on Aug 24, 2016 14:33:52 GMT
|
|
|
Post by snowman on Oct 5, 2016 18:18:00 GMT
The Stadler order has now been agreed Norwich trains are 12 car with 628 standard + 80 First Class + Bistro Stansted trains are 12 car 710 standard and no First class Regional / local trains 24 4-car and 14 3-car electro diesel units Stadler press releaseRailway Gazette
|
|
|
Post by TNL33036 on Feb 10, 2017 15:20:02 GMT
|
|
|
Post by TNL33036 on Apr 3, 2017 11:38:04 GMT
|
|
|
Post by T.R. on Apr 3, 2017 12:08:16 GMT
Nice livery IMO. However, it's points off for the "ironing board" seats in the Aventras!
|
|
|
Post by snoggle on Apr 3, 2017 14:17:14 GMT
Nice livery IMO. However, it's points off for the "ironing board" seats in the Aventras! Shame the seat layout doesn't align with the windows in First Class on the Norwich line and as for tip up seats in Standard Class. I can hear the riots starting already. The external livery looks decent *provided* trains are washed regularly and properly. It will look ghastly if the trains end up with the usual metalic streaking from repeated running in rainy conditions as afflicts much of the older rolling stock. I understand why they've retained 3+2 seating on commuter stock but those seats don't look comfortable and don't reflect the fact that people's body sizes are getting progressively larger. I'm also dubious about the use of 3+2 seating when so many routes have large numbers of standees regardless of train lengths. Makes it very hard for people to get to / from seats if they are alighting at intermediate stops. That then increases dwell times which reduces line capacity which is the last thing that's needed on many of Greater Anglia's given the ambition to run more services without infrastructure investment. Doesn't add up I'm afraid.
|
|
|
Post by TNL33036 on Jul 11, 2017 12:50:34 GMT
|
|
|
Post by wivenswold on Jul 12, 2017 1:22:35 GMT
Next up are the Aventras which were also included in the consultation.
Rumours abound that GA are reconsidering the loss of first class on the Aventras. I think some influential types may have voiced discontent at having to sit with the commoners in 3+2 seating. It was a brave decision but as I pointed out in my response to the consultation, some people I know have 1st class tickets not because they are rich but because of health problems that mean they need a guaranteed seat with plenty of legroom. And if my arthritis gets any worse (it's keeping me awake tonight) I'll be one of them.
|
|