An interesting question arose from reading on of the comments on that photo, Anthony. That question is "Where are run-round loops on the ATW network?"
We know from Gerald that run-round is possible at Cardiff and Holyhead, but what other Welsh routes could be run using LHCS? Sadly I don't think Swansea has a run-round facility, so Swansea - Manchester would require TDM-fitted diesel locos and refurbished DBSOs or more 67s and compatable DVTs. Does Manchester have such a facility though, could Manchester - Llandudno be an LHCS route without push-pull. Carmarthen - Cardiff via the Swansea District Line might be possible, but running round in the platform would probably occupy it for too long, and going to Pembrokeshire would require a very long Carmarthen dwell (allowing the loco to run-round) or ommiting Carmarthen altogether. Also does Pembroke Dock have run-round or would it be restricted to Milford or Fishguard?
I understand Manchester does have the facilities, Loco Haul was common in FNW days to Nth Wales.
I presume the DVT may be on test with Chiltern, or otherwise its the same DB family.
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I saw two 2-car 175s at Alstom Chester the other day, plus at least one more hiding in there yesterday. Perhaps they're having a service or a checkup or something.
I worked both a 150/158 combo and a 150/153/153 combo last week, which is very unusual for me.
150/158 combos are now an everyday happening on the Cardiff Holyhead run,as are 150/153 combos, due to shortage of 175s.
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It surprises me that they are finding stock to extend some North Wales services / introduce additional West Wales services when the Wales & Borders franchise seems to be struggling to find appropriate stock just to maintain existing services, stretching things even further.
TBTC
Ill try and put up what ATW bragged about it. I have sent the full version to those who asked for it by e mail.
Bob
here it is
Arriva Trains Wales 14th May Timetable Improvements set to add almost a quarter of a
million extra seats and new/extended services in response to passenger demand.
Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) is responding to continued growth in public demand for its
services on major routes by increasing the number of seats available, extending existing
services with new stopping points and improving the timing of key trains.
Steady increase in public demand over the past year has enabled Arriva Trains Wales to
review its planning and allocation of resources in order to generate increasingly efficient
services. This has provided an opportunity to extend existing Monday to Saturday services
and add additional seating capacity to popular routes as follows:
• Shrewsbury to Birmingham corridor in the morhirig peak
• Chester to Llandudno Junction in the mid-afternoon and evening peak
• North Wales mid-afternoon and evening peak
• High summer services on the Cambrian Coast
• West Wales & Swansea services to Cardiff.
• Improved connections with ferry services to Ireland at Holyhead.
These changes, that will make significant capacity improvements on some of the most
popular routes on the ATW network, have been achieved as a result of reallocating existing
rolling stock to better match demand and through an increasingly astute use of the limited
resources available to this rail franchise.
In addition, the contractual requirements of providing further increased capacity due to major
events occurring during the year, namely the Olympics and Royal Welsh Show which
overlap in this summer, will be achieved alongside these enhanced operations. Seasonal
increases in the number of services and seating capacity during the high summer holiday
travel peak will also be a welcome addition to the timetable later in the year.
These new improvements have been provided in addition to the operating requirements
defined by the Wales and English Borders Rail Franchise agreement operated by ATW and
represent a substantial investment, made possible as a result of enhanced planning and
increasingly efficient use of trains and personnel.
A senior ATW spokesperson said
"We are delighted to be able to deliver this great new investment in additional seats,
extended services and improved train timings to our customers. Arriva Trains Wales
remains committed to the enhancement of services above and beyond our Franchise
commitments. These 223,500 extra seats and new/extended services have been made
possible by our willingness to respond to rising customer demand, manage the business in
increasingly efficient ways and make significant investments in the future of rail services
throughout Wales and the English Borders".
Consultation relating to these changes is in progress with Network Rail (who provide track
access), stakeholders and Public user groups. All new and strengthened services will
commence as from 14th May 2012 as will any other timetable changes that may arise due to
the consultation process. The public reminded that these improvements may result in
alterations to services used on a routine basis and so are advised to check the new
timetable information published on the Arriva Trains Wales website
(
www.arrvatrainswales.co.uk) and to see the relevant posters and publications available at
stations on the network. ATW customer service staff can also provide passengers with help,
advice and guidance about the changes during booking office opening hours.
The extra seating capacity and extended services are as detailed in the attached
information.