Recent content by JetStream

Wales has just done it with TfW.

Something I've heard in passing, is apparently the current 230s are simply the prototypes; literally a beta (no jokes please..!). Similarly, I'm not surprised that besides certain issues (heat mainly?) the only real flaw with their running is the new technology, not the 40+ year old engineering...

Completely agree.

Travelled on my first 230 yesterday - whilst I quite like the interior, and think there's been more consideration given than the 197s, the bulk of the time lost seemed to be around Buckley (still no provision for the crawling pace it must do there) and from Shotton to Bidston - it seemed to lose...

Sorry to hijack, but the toilets on the 197s keep failing. What legislation/aspect of the franchise agreement covers accessible toilets (I vaguely remember them not being required, but also that on shorter journeys it's definitely allowed?)?

I don't know if 006 is the one that's been cannibalised? My main concern with the 230s is that whilst the theory/interiors are sound, especially compared to 150s, is the amount of money that's been thrown at the project - tens of millions is what I've heard (including training etc). It just...

I believe 4 are unlikely to work again, at least for TFW, and 1 is off lease. I'd expect a 15x more than a 175 on any journey going forward now, at least until more 197s are rail worthy.

Likewise. There's apparently further issues with the 230s and timings, which could potentially kick them back beyond January, but I've heard the 197s are simply not capable of running such a stop-start route.

My understanding is that the 197s will not be used on the Borderline at all due to gearing issues.

In saying this you've reminded me - they were due down the Conwy Valley Line on Monday just gone weren't they?!

I'm surprised Chester-Liverpool via Helsby isn't going back to an hourly service, especially with the 197 introduction.

That must be fun for the guard on local services with regular stops!

TfW drivers are going to be balloted re strike/action short of. https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/20279574.transport-wales-drivers-balloted-strike-action/

I give them a fortnight, max.

I just can't see any new stations being used (regularly at least) along that line for the foreseeable. At a push, maybe around 7-8am and 5-7pm?