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GN Class 717

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hwl

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Why can these have plugs and 700s can't, n
because the base specification for the Thameslink rolling stock was done in 2006/7 before DfT though about things like that for standard class commuters...
 

Failed Unit

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because the base specification for the Thameslink rolling stock was done in 2006/7 before DfT though about things like that for standard class commuters...
They would slow down dwell times (as they are more intrusive than seat back tables). Not seen anyone use them on the 717s anyway.
 

hwl

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They would slow down dwell times (as they are more intrusive than seat back tables). Not seen anyone use them on the 717s anyway.
It works as an encouragement factor when they are there for occasional use.
 

jon0844

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What about tables in standard, that's gonna be uncomfortable if going BHN-CBG

How many people do this? I have when they first started running just to try it out, but besides the very occasional leisure trips I can't see many people going end-to-end. And if you are and starting at either Brighton or Cambridge then you can easily get a table by getting to the train in good time. Simples.
 

jon0844

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not many of them. Shame seat back tables were never ordered on either fleet. Before anyone says the 313s didn’t have them - they didn’t have air-conditioning either. Should they not have put it in the 717s either?

While I think there was a good reason for the DfT thinking tables (and I guess power sockets) might impact boarding and alighting in the core, we can say that it hasn't been a disaster on the 700s so equipped - with tables at least.

However, I think on a 717 you really would have problems. Not of course if you board at WGC or Hatfield to go all the way to Moorgate and you've got a window seat, but once you're going into London (say Hadley Wood south) then the trains do fill up and having someone setting up their laptop and plugging it in to charge is not likely to end well.

Look at London Overground that has only put charging sockets in places where you won't hinder the flow of people.
 

Failed Unit

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While I think there was a good reason for the DfT thinking tables (and I guess power sockets) might impact boarding and alighting in the core, we can say that it hasn't been a disaster on the 700s so equipped - with tables at least.

However, I think on a 717 you really would have problems. Not of course if you board at WGC or Hatfield to go all the way to Moorgate and you've got a window seat, but once you're going into London (say Hadley Wood south) then the trains do fill up and having someone setting up their laptop and plugging it in to charge is not likely to end well.

Look at London Overground that has only put charging sockets in places where you won't hinder the flow of people.

don’t dispute this. But which is more important power or the table. I would say the later. The tables are well used on the 700s when they are fitted.
 

jon0844

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don’t dispute this. But which is more important power or the table. I would say the later. The tables are well used on the 700s when they are fitted.

What people most likely want more than anything else is a cup holder, as you get on many coaches. This could be a far cheaper retrofit item, and stop the biggest problem where coffee gets spilled all over the floor.

Make it suitable for flasks, McDonald's drinks and so on and I bet a lot of people would be happy.

I would love to see such a thing on the 717s (to get back on topic!). Easier to clean too!
 

Failed Unit

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I would love to see such a thing on the 717s (to get back on topic!). Easier to clean too!

speaking of 717s. I am going to curse them. It is October. They are not breaking down as much. They are keeping to time. Are they actually on the up? Will they match the reliability of a well maintained 313 soon? Certainly this is one of the best leaf fall seasons for a while. Yes it isn’t over but enjoying it so far.
 

EE Andy b1

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What people most likely want more than anything else is a cup holder, as you get on many coaches. This could be a far cheaper retrofit item, and stop the biggest problem where coffee gets spilled all over the floor.

Make it suitable for flasks, McDonald's drinks and so on and I bet a lot of people would be happy.

I would love to see such a thing on the 717s (to get back on topic!). Easier to clean too!

Spot on, totally agree. Many people like a tea or coffee on there way to work especially in a morning so a holder to be able to actually put it down would be a big help.
Obviously saved a lot of money not having cup holders fitted.
 

jon0844

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Spot on, totally agree. Many people like a tea or coffee on there way to work especially in a morning so a holder to be able to actually put it down would be a big help.
Obviously saved a lot of money not having cup holders fitted.

I don't know if those seats even have a cup holder option. It was just my idea.
 

jon0844

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What if it's full?

What if any table is occupied on any train where you can't make a reservation? Most trains now have fairly few tables in favour of airline seating, so it's just the way it goes.

387s have quite a few tables, which is all very good but limits capacity somewhat.
 

Failed Unit

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What if any table is occupied on any train where you can't make a reservation? Most trains now have fairly few tables in favour of airline seating, so it's just the way it goes.

387s have quite a few tables, which is all very good but limits capacity somewhat.
Does it. I thought a table and 2x airlines took up the same space.
 

jellybaby

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The problem I have with the 717 seats is they are too thin. When the chap behind you pushes his knee into the seat back you feel it.
 

Mcq

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The problem I have with the 717 seats is they are too thin. When the chap behind you pushes his knee into the seat back you feel it.
Agree - I also think the back is too high and makes it difficult to see which ones are vacant - or have less than desirable occupants.
 

hwl

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Agree - I also think the back is too high and makes it difficult to see which ones are vacant - or have less than desirable occupants.
High backs are crash safety, comfort and personal safety (making it difficult to get grabbed from behind) requirement so that is never going to change now.
 

Meerkat

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Surely the personal safety angle is negative - the lack of easy sight lines makes it more unsafe?
 

D1012

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Plus 3 more cancelled - same reason
What a terrible Friday night - anyone know any reason?
32 services shown as cancelled already on Journey Check for tomorrow afternoon, Friday. This service will never improve or be reliable for as long as GTR run it.
 

transmanche

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This service will never improve or be reliable for as long as GTR run it.
Whether operated by Eastern Region, NSE, WAGN, FCC or GTR, over the years this service has had periods of extreme unreliability. I really don't think that simply changing the operator would make any difference whatsoever.
 
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