No. Any views on what 170s would be used for is speculation. This thread states specifically "not speculation.
So unhelpful to just put a flat “No.” , without explaining the reason to the member.
Cardiff Edinburgh is almost certainly the same sort of thing as the daily Cardiff Manchester was. Instead of starting one at Bristol Temple Meads, they’re starting it at nearby (by comparison to other places) Cardiff to advertise direct connections.
How is it going to be better? just a different train in the same path.
The current Birmingham Manchester situation is difficult to replace as the service also provides connections to the South Coast and Reading from Birmingham and Coventry. Birmingham NS to Manchester only would lose connections from Coventry to Manchester and the South Coast and connections at Birmingham Intl.
GC still need their Track Access Agreement extended before taking on any more stock.
If you're so certain perhaps you could suggest how XC would look to introduce extra services on the 170 routes as the press release says without any additional rolling stock?
I was hoping they'd use the opportunity a new contract provides (rather than extensions as before) to finally begin to sort out the overcrowding that's plagued XC for the past 20 years. I'm not sure why my "hope" needs to have a basis?
It'll be nice if it stops at Chesterfield again after they cut the call on NE to SW services as it would strengthen services to Sheffield at 5tph and services to Derby at 3tph and re-instate the direct Birmingham service as that allows for much better interchange. Also strengthening Burton calls would be good as 2tph for Derby to Burton is too few considering they are commuter distance. Could also stop Worcestershire Parkway if it routes straight down which people wanted in the thread about Worcestershire Parkway
Would halving the first class sections to add more standard class seating help at all?
Good luck with that, though I have heard chatter about Worcestershire Parkway which has surprised a few including me.
Cutting the Chesterfield stops has not been good especially as it provided an easy same platform connection for journeys to and from Nottingham. Now everyone is having to change at Sheffield which is not such a convenient same platform connection. Chesterfield station also has such a wide catchment area for passengers in both North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire. Most of the trains now seem to have a longer dwell time at Derby so I don’t see the need to miss out Chesterfield.
There is a direct Chesterfield - Birmingham service, every 2 hours out of (mostly) alternate NE-SW services. Can't reinstate what's already there.
I was hoping they'd take on more than 7 ex-avanti Voyagers. Preferably the 18 units that will become available once the Class 805 enter service. This would make a meaningful impact to capacity and allow a reduction in 4-car running, which is frankly embarrassing.
Cross Country used to stop at least hourly at Chesterfield, so the pre covid full service can be reinstated.
Though both your and Bartsihmo's posts seem to read to the uninitiated as if Chesterfield has no calls in North East - South West XC services. I thought it worth clarifying for any readers less familiar with the route.
I think the issue remains of certain platforms not being able to take 10 coach trains so a larger fleet of 5 cars means less doubling up.
More 5s can free 4s to run 4+4s if that's the case. (although I've certainly seen some XC 221+221s)
Nope.
Had a feeling that would be the case. Thanks for the reply.