New South Western franchise: Awarded to First/MTR

[Bigfoot]

It was reported (by reputable rail journalists and industry insiders) that First/MTR were looking at negotiating with Stagecoach and the DfT for a later start date due to the Waterloo blockade.

Journalists and insiders, so therefore using my logic this is a pinch of salt nugget of rumour based information, as I stated never believe unless it is direct from the company or person involved.

 

[Mainline421]

Signing of the contract is blocked by purdah.

I should imagine that soon there'll be a big press launch with whoever the Transport Secretary is (hopefully not Grayling) where the new image and winner of the new trains contract will all be unveiled. But I could be completely wrong.

The contract has already been signed without ceremony.

 

[Goldfish62]

The contract has already been signed without ceremony.

Thanks for the update.

 

[Goldfish62]

It was reported (by reputable rail journalists and industry insiders) that First/MTR were looking at negotiating with Stagecoach and the DfT for a later start date due to the Waterloo blockade.

If the blockade actually take place...

 

[Bigfoot]

If the blockade actually take place...

Yet another unfounded rumour.

 

[theironroad]

The contract has already been signed without ceremony.

Do you have an online source/link for this please?

 

[adamello]

Well I was on this train this morning,
could it be?
:-P:-P

 

[theironroad]

Well I was on this train this morning,
could it be?
:-P:-P

Could be, but as that name plate has been there for years, it also might not be

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Will we hear anything late Friday (once Purdah has ended) or will it likely be Monday at the earliest that we hear anything?

 

[fairysdad]

If the blockade actually take place...

Why would it not?

 

[swt_passenger]

Could be, but as that name plate has been there for years, it also might not be

Yes, that was a named unit done at the start of the short period of the SWT/Network Rail 'deep alliance', which used that name for some purposes.

Nothing to see here.

 

[adamello]

Yes, that was a named unit done at the start of the short period of the SWT/Network Rail 'deep alliance', which used that name for some purposes.

Nothing to see here.

yes obviously, it was a tongue in cheek poke at all the other unfounded "this is whats happening" posts

 

[hotelmode]

There's some stuff in the local press about improved service to Camberley etc today. Some news is creeping out.

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/new-south-western-railway-franchise-13139328

 

[swt_passenger]

There's some stuff in the local press about improved service to Camberley etc today. Some news is creeping out.

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/new-south-western-railway-franchise-13139328

The article has a lot to say about new (455/458/707 replacement) and refurbished (442) trains.

I don't think either will appear on the line they are actually talking about. I'd put my money on Guildford - Aldershot - Farnham - Ascot under First/MTR being operated by 450s as has been planned for a while.

 

[adamello]

Update from the first mtr staff site:

This to me suggests they're not going to have a militant re-brand overnight, but also may suggest that they're going to complement the existing colours, rather than being to clashing.

http://firstmtrswstaff.com/index.php/franchise-updates/

Uniforms in the new franchise
From previous experience, we know that for some employees, uniform can be a passionate topic and it is an area we are giving some serious thought to. From day one, you’ll receive welcome packs from First MTR with newly branded items and messages welcoming you to the new franchise. Within the first few weeks we’ll distribute new ties, scarves and name badges. From previous experience we believe it’s better to take a little bit of time over these things to make sure we get them right – such as your preferred name for name badges as well as preferred style of tie/scarf.
Once we’re through the first few weeks we will be looking to rebrand more completely over time – including a new uniform. For this we want to get staff involved. We’ll hold a consultation asking for you to let us know what parts of the uniform are important for you. For example, what parts of your current uniform do you not want to lose? Or what uniforms have you seen from other companies that you really like the look of? We want your ideas and feedback to make sure the uniform is suitable for your role.
After we’ve taken your feedback on board, we’ll get the new uniform designed. Once we believe we’ve got a uniform that reflects our brand and the new franchise, we’ll get some produced and start the trial stage. From here, a cross section of staff across the business will trial the new uniform, giving their feedback on all aspects from fabric quality to pocket depth.
Once we’ve made amendments reflecting staff comments, we’ll make sure all parties involved are happy and then get them made for everyone. Uniform wearing employees will get to order their uniform, choosing between different options that may be available (e.g. type of tie, type of shirt etc.).
From previous uniform projects that we’ve experienced in TPE and GWR, this process will take about 18 months from start to finish. While this is happening you’ll still be able to order replacement uniform if needed. We hope at the end of this process you’ll have a uniform that you are happy to wear, is suitable for your role and makes you proud ambassadors for the franchise.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

What's special about 444038?

Look at the nameplate on it...

 

[Goldfish62]

Yet another unfounded rumour.

Care to elaborate? Reported as possible in Modern Railways, plus SWT have stopped broadcasting about it in recent weeks and removed the banner from the top of their website. Also, if you've looked at WIT recently, do you think it's going to be ready to receive passengers in eight weeks time?

 

[Bigfoot]

Care to elaborate? Reported as possible in Modern Railways, plus SWT have stopped broadcasting about it in recent weeks and removed the banner from the top of their website. Also, if you've looked at WIT recently, do you think it's going to be ready to receive passengers in eight weeks time?

Whole page dedicated to it on the swt website found on the homepage ://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/plan-your-journey/planned-improvements/wswupgrade/

There are also countless banners at affected stations (coupled with stickers on doors and windows of much of the swt fleet warning the passengers) that will receive little or no service coupled with the planning and communication that staff are undertaking and receiving within swt.

The terminal only needs to be usable. It is well documented that it will close again to be finished properly ready for 1-24 usage from Dec 2018

If anyone is gullible enough to think that this blockade and works will not take place after the years of planning by network rail for hlos then perhaps they should go and visit a medical professional.

 

[theironroad]

Care to elaborate? Reported as possible in Modern Railways, plus SWT have stopped broadcasting about it in recent weeks and removed the banner from the top of their website. Also, if you've looked at WIT recently, do you think it's going to be ready to receive passengers in eight weeks time?

Well the 750dc con rail all the way to the buffers is due to be re engerised in the shortly, so would seem work is progressing. Let's not forget that wit will only be open for the blockade and then is due to close again for many more months to complete the final job.

I'd expect lots of unfinished areas during the blockade and lots of hoardings to drop be in place. Opening 20-24 during the blockade is about having some extra track/platform capacity while 1-8 are closed. It's not the finished job in august.

 

[HarleyDavidson]

Well the 750dc con rail all the way to the buffers is due to be re engerised in the shortly, so would seem work is progressing. Let's not forget that wit will only be open for the blockade and then is due to close again for many more months to complete the final job.

I'd expect lots of unfinished areas during the blockade and lots of hoardings to drop be in place. Opening 20-24 during the blockade is about having some extra track/platform capacity while 1-8 are closed. It's not the finished job in august.

From the latest WON.(Suitably redacted)

FROM 2000 HOURS ON FRIDAY 30 JUNE 2017 THE EQUIPMENT IDENTIFIED BELOW WILL BE ENERGISED AND MUST BE REGARDED AS LIVE AT ALL TIMES WATERLOO STATION PLATFORM 20-24 TO SIGNALS W911 AND W915

NOTE: The conductor rail from W911 and W915 to International Junction was energised on 14 May 2017.

 

[swt_passenger]

Just a thought, but will they eventually change the name of 'International Junction', or just not name it at all?

Once all the S&C changes are made won't it just be part of the overall station throat, where individual junctions aren't normally named? AIUI the normal route from the Windsor side will be towards platforms 19-24, although obviously there will be other routes into lower numbered platforms as well as there are now.

 

[infobleep]

There's some stuff in the local press about improved service to Camberley etc today. Some news is creeping out.

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/new-south-western-railway-franchise-13139328

Are any of the trains to and from Camberley regularly overcrowded?

 

[infobleep]

Whole page dedicated to it on the swt website found on the homepage ://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/plan-your-journey/planned-improvements/wswupgrade/

There are also countless banners at affected stations (coupled with stickers on doors and windows of much of the swt fleet warning the passengers) that will receive little or no service coupled with the planning and communication that staff are undertaking and receiving within swt.

The terminal only needs to be usable. It is well documented that it will close again to be finished properly ready for 1-24 usage from Dec 2018

If anyone is gullible enough to think that this blockade and works will not take place after the years of planning by network rail for hlos then perhaps they should go and visit a medical professional. Or maybe just stop being a blithering rumour believing idiot.

I'm surprised they don't have a banner at the top of their Web Site. It is in the changes and events page but neat the bottom.

It is being advertised at stations though. Maybe that's enough.

 

[infobleep]

Does anyone think there might be a chance that the new TOC might introduce a 19.02 fast service from Guildford that stops at Clapham Junction. Most hours off peak three is an 02 and 34 services. However once the 18.34 service leaves, the next train isn't until 18.55, there being no 18.47 fast. The 18.55 skips Clapham Junction.

The next train is the 19.21 and that too skips Clapham Junction.

To reach Clapham Junction around this time, they recommend getting the 18.55 and waiting at Woking for the 19.22. The total journey time is 46 minutes. That's 15 minutes longer than a direct fast train and only 4 minutes slower than the stopping service. At lest it has loos.

Of course once the new franchise has its new rolling stock, even the metro services from Guildford will have loos so the mainline trains won't hold an advantage in that respect. I suspect that may make a different to which trains I use.

Cureenrlt I'm inclined to get trains with loos on. I will rush to catch the 23.45, following a gig at the O2, in order to avoid the final train with no loos. Be so nice when that is no longer the case.

Of course, going back to the 18.55, some might say there is the headway to stop at Clapham Junction. But if the 19.02 can, why can't the 18.55? Also the 18.17 from Waterloo never stopped at Clapham, despaired the 18.20 being over crowded for quite some years. Suddenly it is. Maybe the Exeter train has become even more crowded but I'd argue it was already crowded enough to justify stopping the 18.17 at Clapham Junction.

So if that can suddenly stop at Clapham Junction, surely the 18.55 could, even if it meant delayed the train behind it for an extra minute.

The reason for mentioning this now is that I wish to go to Tooting Broadway for 8pm and the best train to travel to get their for 8pm is on a fast train at aekund 19.00 and changing at Clapham Junction. Alas no such service exists then.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

If the transfer of the franchise between franchisees happens during the Waterloo blockade, will First/MTR's formal launch of their new brand happen at Waterloo or will it happen at another station (would probably have to be one that could handle a launch train or 2 parked up all day for the press to look at)?

 

[Suraggu]

If the transfer of the franchise between franchisees happens during the Waterloo blockade, will First/MTR's formal launch of their new brand happen at Waterloo or will it happen at another station (would probably have to be one that could handle a launch train or 2 parked up all day for the press to look at)?

You cannot leave a train stabled at Waterloo all day Monday to Friday.

 

[Malcolmffc]

If the transfer of the franchise between franchisees happens during the Waterloo blockade, will First/MTR's formal launch of their new brand happen at Waterloo or will it happen at another station (would probably have to be one that could handle a launch train or 2 parked up all day for the press to look at)?

I'm sure the new franchise will be 100% focussed on ensuring the rest of the blockade runs smoothly rather than launching a brand. Otherwise they run the risk of starting with a massive PR disaster.

Leaving a unit stabled at Waterloo for a whole day would be silly even under normal conditions, let alone in a week where half the station is out of use!

 

[pompeyfan]

Woking down bay possibly?

 

[Bigfoot]

If the transfer of the franchise between franchisees happens during the Waterloo blockade, will First/MTR's formal launch of their new brand happen at Waterloo or will it happen at another station (would probably have to be one that could handle a launch train or 2 parked up all day for the press to look at)?

If? If?! It IS going to transfer. Why can't anyone read.

 

[swt_passenger]

You cannot leave a train stabled at Waterloo all day Monday to Friday.

Although you would have been able to do so before the Waterloo International upheaval started.

But SpacePhoenix's suggestion was pretty ridiculous given the date for changeover is known to be right in the middle of the Waterloo alterations, when it is already known that 8 platforms are out of action and a massively reduced timetable is running...