Forum Topic

Our New Railway how satisfied are we?

Today seemed pretty bad. What do others think?

Nicholas Beard ● 2806d10 Comments

I dont think the customers last nightwould agree with you. It was carnage. With customers not being allowed in at one point.

Nicholas Beard ● 2608d

What a load of rubbish, anything for a post

Bernard Allen ● 2608d

Once again our trains are failing to run to time. The weather once again is being blamed. Too hot. With Xmas on the horizon  it will be frozen points!!!!!!

Nicholas Beard ● 2609d

So our new railway is subject to a possible bid by Apollo. What do people think?

Nicholas Beard ● 2684d

Here we are again. Terrible today.

Nicholas Beard ● 2757d

I see the new year will start with new strikes.

Nicholas Beard ● 2795d

The changes to the Piccadilly Line are...there are no changes.The order for new trains is deferred indefinitely, but it is not the trains that are the problem. Trouble is Shiny new trains looks good for politicians but it's the big lumps of steel, concrete and cables and stuff inside boxes that needs renewing and that is not so appealing as it does not get noticed.  No cigars all round in political back rooms for that.The maintenance is just that. Maintenance. The train stock whilst old is robust and highly reliable and not really outdated in terms of passenger use and comfort. But is in need of a heavy  major overhaul and update on some systems.Prudently, this would give another 15- 20 years service. The planned new trains would have far less seating, and less comfortable seating. They will look shiny and new, but not really provide a more comfortable or faster journey. Air Con is still off the menu for tube stock. The walk through which has very successful on surface stock may not work on the tight tunnel curves without posing danger to passengers in overcrowded cars.The signalling needs a complete upgrade and some of this will happen.The track and infrastructure is in dire need of attention. Far more than is budgeted for.So the intention is to run the line down and hope that passengers in large numbers migrate to the Elizabeth Line.It sounds nuts but there is some logic.  Lower usage means that the overstretched stock can possible overhauled ( But at such a slow pace that it might not be viable) and that track and infrastructure can be released for the works.It is also hinted to push home the necessity for funds to cover the costs.There is a possibility that the Uxbridge - Rayners Lane branch will be adapted and transferred to the District Line or become a shuttle service. With the District lIne signal upgrade already in progress, the higher speed and volume of trains may mean extra terminus requirements.This in hand would fill the shortfall of 8 -12 trains that the Piccadilly is short of to provide a more intense service.LU are being very quiet indeed about the Piccadilly, but a few google searches will lead you to a fair bit of technical stuff.

Raymond Havelock ● 2804d

Hi - what changes are planned to the Piccadilly Line.  I have not read anything nor can I find by a google search.

Gareth Mitchell ● 2804d

Today I was daft enough to try to make a return rail journey from Brentford to Woking, via Clapham. Both of the morning trains on the outward journey were late, apparently because of the Siberian and monsoon-like weather conditions.The return journey in the late afternoon was chaotic due to a trackside fire at Waterloo. Such things will happen but my main concern was the very dangerous overcrowding at Wimbledon where the train to Clapham terminated without explanation. There was not a single member of staff in sight, any public announcements were indecipherable, and the visual display boards gave no information. At this point it became apparent that a train to Clapham was due to arrive on the adjacent platform but the way to the platform was blocked by a fixed metal barrier. I very much hope that no injuries resulted from this situation.I was pleased to arrive at Clapham but not so pleased to find that the next train to Brentford was delayed by at least 90 minutes. Again there were no staff to be found, no useful or audible announcements, and the display boards gave inaccurate and useless information.  I eventually managed to get a train to Richmond where I jumped on the good old 65 bus to Brentford. The entire return journey lasted 4.5 hours rather than the expected time of about 1 hour.Let's hope that the South Western franchise pulls its socks up and does something to manage such situations in the future. I am very concerned about the quality of service but much more worried about the risks to life and limb.

Jim Storrar ● 2805d

There have been a series of bad delays in the last 8 days on both the Brentford and Richmond lines.  Broken down trains, which have become quite rare over the last few years.But it's far too early for a change in franchise to make an effect.Worst thing. The horrid new livery and the logo that looks like a rearranged Swastika and the intention to make the seating less comfortable " To be in line with other modern operators"  Crowding before comfort.It's the imminent decline of the Piccadilly Line that worries me. It seems almost deliberate and no-one seems to be bothering about it.

Raymond Havelock ● 2806d