Eire Sprinter
Member
Just wondering the reason why this train has 12 minutes dwell time at Cardiff Central (05.02-05.14).
Following the same sectional timings and stopping pattern of other HSTs on the same route it would seem possible to depart Cardiff Central at 04.55 and arrive into Paddington at 07.04 (instead of 07.32).
Last time I travelled over (from Ireland) the train arrived into Cardiff Central at 04.50.
Here are possible reason/s I've thought of in order of what I think is their likelihood of being the explanation:
* the train sets out very early so extra time is inbuilt into the schedule in case engineering possessions on the South Wales mainline require bus substitution for a part of the journey (e.g. next Friday morning there's bus substitution Swansea - Neath with the train commencing at Neath).
* so that it can use the Vale of Glamorgan line if required.
* pathing constraints closer to London.
* crewing arrangements.
* connectional reasons (though there is nothing as far as I know on the Valley Lines this early or any other connection into Cardiff Central. The Fishguard boat train is very punctual and there's nearly a half hour margin between its arrival into Swansea and the departure of the London train).
Following the same sectional timings and stopping pattern of other HSTs on the same route it would seem possible to depart Cardiff Central at 04.55 and arrive into Paddington at 07.04 (instead of 07.32).
Last time I travelled over (from Ireland) the train arrived into Cardiff Central at 04.50.
Here are possible reason/s I've thought of in order of what I think is their likelihood of being the explanation:
* the train sets out very early so extra time is inbuilt into the schedule in case engineering possessions on the South Wales mainline require bus substitution for a part of the journey (e.g. next Friday morning there's bus substitution Swansea - Neath with the train commencing at Neath).
* so that it can use the Vale of Glamorgan line if required.
* pathing constraints closer to London.
* crewing arrangements.
* connectional reasons (though there is nothing as far as I know on the Valley Lines this early or any other connection into Cardiff Central. The Fishguard boat train is very punctual and there's nearly a half hour margin between its arrival into Swansea and the departure of the London train).