Govia get Thameslink Franchise

Abpj17 · 20 Oct 2014

DelayRepay said:
You were lucky - you obviously missed the couple of cancellations due to lack of train queue, delays caused by signal problems at Kentish Town and the trespass incident at Radlett at lunchtime.

My journey in was ok this morning but there were huge queues for tickets at St Albans. My train home left London on time, I got a seat, but by St Albans we were 9 minutes down. The cause of this delay was not explained, nor was an apology offered.

It was well before lunchtime (but that and signals knocked out for a few more hours) I was on the 9.43 out of Leagrave. It took us 30 mins to get between Luton Airport Parkway and Harpenden. The guy at Blackfriars said there was a fatality (don't think true). The incident was described by the control centre as a 'suicidal female running about on the line'. I believe the police managed to get her and trains started to move again. The 30 min wait meant trains were queuing and a lot weren't in the right place.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/G71577/2014/10/20

http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/...-threatening/story-23273702-detail/story.html

Evening could well have been signals (again), slight oddities from the morning disruption or just heavy flow of passengers!

RailUK Forums

DelayRepay · 20 Oct 2014

Abpj17 said:
It was well before lunchtime (but that and signals knocked out for a few more hours)

That all depends on what time you eat your lunch :lol:

I'm glad to hear the lady involved is ok though and we're not reading about another fatality on the route.

Bald Rick · 20 Oct 2014

The signalling problem was at Carlton Road Jn and mercifully brief. The trespasser at Radlett was apparently intent on harming themselves; the incident lasted approx an hour. The only issue all day has been damaged points at West Hampstead, but those have been easily worked around, except when concurrent with the issue at Carlton Road above.

So no problems tonight, indeed all peak northbound trains were reasonably punctual at St Albans. Mine was on time.

Abpj17 · 20 Oct 2014

I leave home for work usually after the school run, so breakfast is usually around 11!

And yes, someone did well to stop the trains before there was a fatality. It looks like the trains were moving again within 10 mins of them getting the lines back.

There were a few cancelltions/tweaks due the incident - e.g. I heard a Sutton service get cancelled and the train I was on was apparently fast from Blackfriars to Brighton (but it appears to have stopped according to RTT)

Mutant Lemming · 21 Oct 2014

Day Two ; trains okay out and back though no seat in either direction.
Getting soaked by a heavy shower on the walk from station to home hasn't helped sway me back to rail though.

Bald Rick · 21 Oct 2014

Mutant Lemming said:
Day Two ; trains okay out and back though no seat in either direction.
Getting soaked by a heavy shower on the walk from station to home hasn't helped sway me back to rail though.

Assuming you are an Albanista, you can guarantee a seat (if it is important) by getting one of the semi-fasts on the way in. 8 mins longer, but more comfy.

And invest in a big umbrella

asylumxl · 21 Oct 2014

Bald Rick said:
Assuming you are an Albanista, you can guarantee a seat (if it is important) by getting one of the semi-fasts on the way in. 8 mins longer, but more comfy.

They're not too bad from St Albans, though they begin to fill up around Radlett. Also, isn't the term for someone from St Albans an Albanian? If not the rugby club needs to change the name...

jon0844 · 21 Oct 2014

All the Albanians I know are in Waltham Cross...

Bald Rick · 21 Oct 2014

asylumxl said:
They're not too bad from St Albans, though they begin to fill up around Radlett. Also, isn't the term for someone from St Albans an Albanian? If not the rugby club needs to change the name...

Albanian is such an Old term (OARFC excepted), I'm trying to start something fresher!

Deerfold · 21 Oct 2014

Bald Rick said:
Albanian is such an Old term (OARFC excepted), I'm trying to start something fresher!

Fresher Albanista? Sounds like a sanitary product to me.

asylumxl · 21 Oct 2014

Deerfold said:
Fresher Albanista? Sounds like a sanitary product to me.

I thought a fresh Albanista a newly trained barista from St Albans?

AM9 · 21 Oct 2014

Why not just call us Saints?

Deerfold · 22 Oct 2014

AM9 said:
Why not just call us Saints?

I think Southampton got there first.

Saint66 · 22 Oct 2014

Our local football team (St Albans City) are the Saints, so I like that

... Who cares about Southampton!

ntg · 22 Oct 2014

physics34 said:
The final release of the TSGN franchise agreement, sadly info about the train fleets have been omitted, and i don't think there is anything major to report, just 661 pages of spew.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/govia-thameslink

Good to get further evidence of the agreement to extend the Oyster card system out to Welwyn, Epsom airports etc. (page 248).

Mutant Lemming · 22 Oct 2014

Day Three - outward on time , noticed a smattering of cancellations on the N/B.
Return 2 minutes late.

philjo · 22 Oct 2014

On the GN side, overhead problems so buses ELy-Kings Lynn.
The overhead problems were between Cambridge & Ely yesterday afternoon.

user15681 · 22 Oct 2014

I've been through the Franchise Agreement in full and picked out some interesting bits. I know most of you probably don't want to trawl through 661 pages, so I thought a summary of some points might be helpful. I'm sure one or two have been mentioned before, so sorry, but I can't remember which, and there are also some dates added.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/govia-thameslink

Stock

Class 313 replacement units

6.2 The Franchisee shall procure 25 units in 6 vehicle formation (the "Class 313 Replacement Units") in line with the following output specification:
- a 'metro' configuration
- dual voltage;
- 1/3 2/3 door configuration;
- ERTMS fitted from build;
- driver advisory system;
- real time remotely updated PIS;
- remote on train monitoring and recording downloads;
- energy metering;
- saloon and cab air conditioning;
- passenger counting equipment
- full regenerative braking capability in both AC and DC mode.

ERTMS will be fitted to...

17 units of Class 377/5 rolling stock and 19 units of Class 365 rolling stock forming part of the Train Fleet on a basis that is consistent with the ERTMS Programme.

Electrical sockets will be fitted 1 for every 2 seats on Class 313 replacement units and the additional HLOS phase 2 units or Class 442 replacement units (Class 387/2).

Branding

- by 31 January 2015, the rebranding of Stations at which the FCC Franchisee was the lessee and the rebranding of a train used on the ‘Great Northern’ route; and
- by 20 April 2015, the issue of full new uniforms to relevant Franchise Employees.

Oyster

Oyster PAYG to those areas bounded by and including the Stations located at Epsom, Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport Parkway, Welwyn Garden City and Hertford North by 30 September 2015

ITSO smart ticketing/The Key

...on or before 30 September 2015 introduce and operate an ITSO Certified Smartmedia ticketing system (namely the smartcard currently known as "The Key" which is to be introduced by the Franchisee and is compliant with the ITSO specification)

Stations

- on or before 31 December 2016 repaint all stations
- on or before 31 December 2018, deep clean major stations
- on or before 31 March 2016 introduce free WiFi for up to 30 mins at 104 stations.
- on or before 31 July 2017 improve retail and catering at 35 stations
- endeavor to remove graffiti within 24 hours
- provide all platform staff with radio microphones for announcements

Delay Repay

- on or before 30 April 2017 introduce facilities whereby holders of 'The Key' will automatically be notified if their journey is eligible for Delay Repay
- Delay Repay same as existing BUT for Gatwick Express tickets, delays of 120+ minutes will be eligible for 100% full refund and 50% discount on next journey.
(Note: there may be more changes to Delay Repay for GTR, but I can't say for sure. There will be at at least one other TOC.)

Deerfold · 22 Oct 2014

Temple said:
Plug sockets will be fitted 1 for every 2 seats on Class 313 replacement units, HLOS phase 2 units (Class 387/1) and the Class 442 replacement units (Class 387/2)

Or, as most people (and the document) call them "Electrical sockets".

ainsworth74 · 22 Oct 2014

Actually most people I know would just call them plug sockets. But in any case does it actually matter?

physics34 · 22 Oct 2014

Temple said:
I've been through the Franchise Agreement in full and picked out some interesting bits. I know most of you probably don't want to trawl through 661 pages, so I thought a summary of some points might be helpful. I'm sure one or two have been mentioned before, so sorry, but I can't remember which, and there are also some dates added.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/govia-thameslink

Stock

Class 313 replacement units

ERTMS will be fitted to...

Plug sockets will be fitted 1 for every 2 seats on Class 313 replacement units, HLOS phase 2 units (Class 387/1) and the Class 442 replacement units (Class 387/2)

Branding

Oyster

ITSO smart ticketing/The Key

Stations

- on or before 31 December 2016 repaint all stations
- on or before 31 December 2018, deep clean major stations
- on or before 31 March 2016 introduce free WiFi for up to 30 mins at 104 stations.
- on or before 31 July 2017 improve retail and catering at 35 stations
- endeavor to remove graffiti within 24 hours
- provide all platform staff with radio microphones for announcements

Delay Repay

- on or before 30 April 2017 introduce facilities whereby holders of 'The Key' will automatically be notified if their journey is eligible for Delay Repay
- Delay Repay same as existing BUT for Gatwick Express tickets, delays of 120+ minutes will be eligible for 100% full refund and 50% discount on next journey.
(Note: there may be more changes to Delay Repay for GTR, but I can't say for sure. There will be at at least one other TOC.)

thanks

Deerfold · 23 Oct 2014

ainsworth74 said:
Actually most people I know would just call them plug sockets. But in any case does it actually matter?

Well, any socket is a "plug socket" if you want it to be - it's an odd phrase that doesn't really mean anything. Calling it an electrical socket is more accurate. Apologies if that's not what we're looking for.

Skimble19 · 23 Oct 2014

Must admit I'm looking forward to the ex FCC stations being rebranded.. They really do need it! Peeling paint and rust is unfortunately far too common a sight at the moment

user15681 · 23 Oct 2014

Skimble19 said:
Must admit I'm looking forward to the ex FCC stations being rebranded.. They really do need it! Peeling paint and rust is unfortunately far too common a sight at the moment

If it's anything like the SE one, it'll be around 30 every 2 months.

Aictos · 23 Oct 2014

Temple said:
- endeavor to remove graffiti within 24 hours
- provide all platform staff with radio microphones for announcements.

Graffiti deadline should also apply to Network Rail equipment if within station limits like signalling cabinets.

Radio Microphones equipment is all well and good BUT they need to have proper site surveys and ensure its fit for purpose, no good installing it and it's not used because it's not fit for purpose as it's wasted funds.

I am surprised about 313 replacements having power plugs, half expected them to have wifi too...

Mutant Lemming · 23 Oct 2014

Day Four : Outward & Return jouries on time though no seat either direction.

asylumxl · 23 Oct 2014

Mutant Lemming said:
Day Four : Outward & Return jouries on time though no seat either direction.

Lucky you. Today, cancellation on the way in and southbound delays. On the way out, northbound delays. When it doesn't rain it...

Saint66 · 23 Oct 2014

asylumxl said:
Lucky you. Today, cancellation on the way in and southbound delays. On the way out, northbound delays. When it doesn't rain it...

Is probably sunny? :lol:

Stats · 23 Oct 2014

Temple said:
Plug sockets will be fitted 1 for every 2 seats on Class 313 replacement units, HLOS phase 2 units (Class 387/1) and the Class 442 replacement units (Class 387/2)

While your all arguing over whether to call them plug or electrical sockets, perhaps I should correct the above statement by pointing out that the franchise agreement actually says fitted to the additional HLOS phase 2 units or Class 442 replacement units (as applicable).

In essence, this means whatever units replace the Class 442s.

user15681 · 23 Oct 2014

Stats said:
While your all arguing over whether to call them plug or electrical sockets, perhaps I should correct the above statement by pointing out that the franchise agreement actually says fitted to the additional HLOS phase 2 units or Class 442 replacement units (as applicable).

In essence, this means whatever units replace the Class 442s.

So it does. Sorry, my mistake, must have misread that bit.

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