Recent content by AlastairFraser

Hmm, perhaps replaced by one of those automatic gates

I know it is, but there's good roads from the M4 near Newport to Abergavenny and it connects to the M4 at the other end. Maybe full grade separation of sections of the A48 and a SOV toll M4 24-28 is the answer.

Was it a while ago? I flew with them on a return trip Heathrow - Glasgow between the lockdowns in 2020, my license was given a cursory check when I dropped my bag and I did the swish security set up they have at T5.

Yes, this is why it is slightly initiating that Ryanair doesn't accept them for CTA flights at least

Maybe you could work out a scheme to toll traffic heading for West Wales (including Swansea/NPT) through the worst bit at Brynglas once the Heads of the Valleys dualling is complete?

It doesn't help when EasyJet/BA/Aer Lingus/Loganair will all let you on with a driving license I believe.

I don't think that'll be an issue if there's a significantly better offer for the tender by one of the cheaper manufacturers. 1713695999 That's a question you need to ask of the Westminster govt - the Welsh government made that choice to significantly subsidise purchase of the new units and...

Thanks for your considered view, I've only ever done it by train personally.

I doubt the funding from TfGM will stretch to separate sets of new units (if you aren't already aware Northern are starting the process of a bi-mode order to replace all but the newest 195/331 units - so you may not get your FLIRTs but a form of bi mode unit in any case), I think you could well...

Perhaps because the Arriva experience is inconsistent and unreliable, especially if you're travelling from outside where you may have experience of their even worse divisions?

Only issue is the FLIRTS are too expensive for the TOC concerned (Northern).

The X52 Wharfe Connection edges out Harrogate to Weeton station by a min. 13 vs 14 mins

Northern are better off speaking to High Peak and getting them to run it lol

The gradient of the route is too steep to allow reasonable times on battery all the way from Hazel Grove, that's why I suggested wiring to Chapel station and battery/diesel from there onwards. You could also look at electrifying to Whaley Bridge only, with a longer layover at Buxton to ensure...

Electrification is the only viable improvement out of what you've mentioned really. The Bridgemont station would be good location-wise for PDNP visitors (it would be difficult to build and access though), but the schedule on the line is tight as it is and prone to delays, so you'd need to...