ATW stock allocation questions

[pdq]

On a journey from Whitland to Manchester on a 150 last year, there was no catering despite the symbol in the timetable. In these circumstances I would have expected at least an announcement to apologise and the opportunity to get off at Cardiff to buy a drink. I had a single 500ml bottle of water with me, thank God, or I would have passed out. It taught me not to trust that drinks will be available, and always to carry plenty.

 

[PHILIPE]

On a journey from Whitland to Manchester on a 150 last year, there was no catering despite the symbol in the timetable. In these circumstances I would have expected at least an announcement to apologise and the opportunity to get off at Cardiff to buy a drink. I had a single 500ml bottle of water with me, thank God, or I would have passed out. It taught me not to trust that drinks will be available, and always to carry plenty.

Again, the fact it was a 150 would have had nothing to do with lack of trolley. The symbol refers to all or PART of journey.

 

[plastictaffy]

Who gives a monkeys' about the lack of a trolley if you're travelling on a 150?? I used to sign 'em, thank christ I don't any longer. I pity the poor staff that have to do three+ hours on them.

Lots of people whinging about the diagramming will be the exact same people that have absolutely no idea exactly how the railway works. If it SHOULD be a 158/175 and isn't, drive the journey you wish to make. Then you wouldn't have to put up with the conspiracy of ATW leaving all their 175's in Canton!!

 

[pdq]

Again, the fact it was a 150 would have had nothing to do with lack of trolley. The symbol refers to all or PART of journey.

But there was no catering for ANY of the journey.

 

[craigybagel]

But there was no catering for ANY of the journey.

Would you rather the train was cancelled because no steward was available? Again, I'm not saying its ideal, but sometimes for various reasons trains that should have catering on them don't.

 

[Llanigraham]

It is when I was ill at the time!

Also, it's not about catching the next service an hour later as we were on Advanced tickets.

If you were ill at the time of the journey then you should take some responsibility for yourself and carry a small amount of food, just in case. You can NEVER presume that food will be available.
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But there was no catering for ANY of the journey.

So what?
Why do people think the railway has to be responsible for feeding them?

 

[6Gman]

Perhaps the catering steward was ill too and phoned it that morning?

No time to find a replacement. So cancel the train? (And, presumably, the return)

 

[Jez]

I would much rather have a 150 than a cancelled train.

I didnt find the seating too bad on the 150, I think it was an ex valley lines one, not an ex wessex trains. It was unrefurbished and looking rather drab and in need of a clean. Not great rolling stock for what is arriva's main and longest distance service (that and Cardiff-Holyhead) But it wasnt so bad. Just a 175 is nicer to travel on.

As for catering, I always take a cold drink and a sandwich with me when travelling long distance, mainly cos of the price they charge on the train, I usually buy a coffee as its easier than taking coffee.... I think its reasonable to expect a trolley service if advertised in the timetable. To be fair Whitland-Manchester is practically the entire journey. i almost always find a trolley on the Manchester trains between Cardiff-Shrewsbury, sometimes they put another on from Shrewsbury onwards. Its not as if we dont pay for the refreshments and are expecting them for free like in first class. There should be the opportunity for those that want it. There should be a trolley but no i dont think the train should be cancelled just for no trolley thats just silly. They should announce it at stations there there is no catering available so at least people have a chance to buy something at the station if there is time.

 

[headshot119]

It wasn't a step too far at all; to have no catering on a journey of almost four hours is completely unacceptable, regardless of the excuse. Not only was there too short of a dwell time at stations along the route to pop into a station cafe and get a drink, but it was also the 0540 from Cardiff on a Saturday morning, of which there were no shops open in Cardiff at that hour beforehand to stock up on provisions! Furthermore, I was ill anyway at the time and was dehydrated!

In fairness to ATW they replied, apologising and agreeing that it was not acceptable, which it wasn't!

Vending machines on platforms 6/7, as a regular user of the city line you must have seen them!

 

[Phil from Mon]

I remember about 15 months ago doing Bangor to Cardiff on Gerald, which was substituted by a 175 with no catering all the way down. I complained vigorously, agreeing with the OP here that no catering, and especially the lack of something hot, that time on a winter morning, when I had to leave the house too early for breakfast, was not on, questioning why passengers boarding in Bangor could not have been warned and bought something in the station cafe, and why nothing could have been laid on at Shrewsbury. ATW agreed, and also said it was unacceptable, and sent vouchers.

The problem is that they never seem to learn from situations like this, and so it just continues.

 

[craigybagel]

I remember about 15 months ago doing Bangor to Cardiff on Gerald, which was substituted by a 175 with no catering all the way down. I complained vigorously, agreeing with the OP here that no catering, and especially the lack of something hot, that time on a winter morning, when I had to leave the house too early for breakfast, was not on, questioning why passengers boarding in Bangor could not have been warned and bought something in the station cafe, and why nothing could have been laid on at Shrewsbury. ATW agreed, and also said it was unacceptable, and sent vouchers.

The problem is that they never seem to learn from situations like this, and so it just continues.

And what exactly are they supposed to learn? Do you expect them to hire an extra trolley steward and keep them on standby just in case Gerald breaks down? When it happens, they try their best to shuffle around the stewards so as many trains as possible get a trolley service for at least part of the journey. Again I'll ask the question: do you want a train with no catering, or no train at all?

 

[Arglwydd Golau]

And what exactly are they supposed to learn? Do you expect them to hire an extra trolley steward and keep them on standby just in case Gerald breaks down? When it happens, they try their best to shuffle around the stewards so as many trains as possible get a trolley service for at least part of the journey. Again I'll ask the question: do you want a train with no catering, or no train at all?

No...I think the point Phil from Mon was making was that, with advance warning, passengers could have purchased food/drinks from Bangor's wonderful buffet...which opens before the first train of the day. Surely that would have been possible and acceptable in the circumstances?

 

[Robertj21a]

I remember about 15 months ago doing Bangor to Cardiff on Gerald, which was substituted by a 175 with no catering all the way down. I complained vigorously, agreeing with the OP here that no catering, and especially the lack of something hot, that time on a winter morning, when I had to leave the house too early for breakfast, was not on, questioning why passengers boarding in Bangor could not have been warned and bought something in the station cafe, and why nothing could have been laid on at Shrewsbury. ATW agreed, and also said it was unacceptable, and sent vouchers.

The problem is that they never seem to learn from situations like this, and so it just continues.

Not sure how anybody 'has to leave the house too early for breakfast' - don't people just get up a bit earlier ?

 

[Phil from Mon]

And what exactly are they supposed to learn? Do you expect them to hire an extra trolley steward and keep them on standby just in case Gerald breaks down? When it happens, they try their best to shuffle around the stewards so as many trains as possible get a trolley service for at least part of the journey. Again I'll ask the question: do you want a train with no catering, or no train at all?

No, but they could log that a phone call through to Bangor (or whereever) would result in happier passengers.
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Not sure how anybody 'has to leave the house too early for breakfast' - don't people just get up a bit earlier ?

Can't face food at ridiculously early times of the morning I am afraid!
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No...I think the point Phil from Mon was making was that, with advance warning, passengers could have purchased food/drinks from Bangor's wonderful buffet...which opens before the first train of the day. Surely that would have been possible and acceptable in the circumstances?

Absolutely!

 

[PHILIPE]

Gerald 05 33 Holyhead to Cardiff diverted via Crewe this morning so now in reverse formation (67002 working, replaced 023 yesterday). ATW Journey Check stated "Unable reverse Chester due points problem" but NRE state "operating incident" and which had affected earlier trains at Chester West. It was 27L Shrewsbury and connection would have been made out of 07 47 ex Wrexham for passengers along that route.

 

[Greenback]

While I might buy a hot drink from the trolley, I always take my own cold drink and snacks on a journey of more than a couple of hours. Not only might there not be a trolley at all, but there might not be one when I get hungry. Having my own food means I can eat it whenever I want.

The high prices also contribute to me taking my own food. I'll treat myself to an occasional tea, but for a sandwich, crisps or any other food, the cost soon adds up.

Do I want a train to be cancelled because there's no refreshments as advertised? Certainly not!

 

[ValleyLines142]

If you were ill at the time of the journey then you should take some responsibility for yourself and carry a small amount of food, just in case. You can NEVER presume that food will be available.

Thanks for the advice on life, Jeremy Kyle, however I was dehydrated as a result of there being no catering. I also cannot eat before 8am anyway, as my body doesn't feel ready enough to swallow any food.

Vending machines on platforms 6/7, as a regular user of the city line you must have seen them!

I didn't think of that at the time actually. But my point still stands.

In general, however,I must admit that some of you are being very unsympathetic. Stop condoning ATW for their actions! If ATW even agree that lack of catering is a problem, you can't turn around and say they shouldn't have had to give you vouchers!

You also need to accept that certain individuals have their own way of doing things, such as me being dehydrated or Phil from Mon finding it too early to have breakfast at 0530. Everyone is different and is entitled to do/feel what they want. Stop trying to influence people's opinions please

If I think a lack of catering is poor, then that is that. End of. Do not try and make me think otherwise. Similarly, if you think I was wrong for complaining, that is fine, but I will not howver make you think differently.

 

[Jonfun]

And what exactly are they supposed to learn? Do you expect them to hire an extra trolley steward and keep them on standby just in case Gerald breaks down? When it happens, they try their best to shuffle around the stewards so as many trains as possible get a trolley service for at least part of the journey. Again I'll ask the question: do you want a train with no catering, or no train at all?

I have to say, I don't think it is unreasonable for a network the size of Arriva's to have spare catering staff at a couple of strategic depots, even if not all of them. What happens if a member of staff has a bump on the drive to work and buggers up their back or has to go to hospital?

 

[ValleyLines142]

I have to say, I don't think it is unreasonable for a network the size of Arriva's to have spare catering staff at a couple of strategic depots, even if not all of them. What happens if a member of staff has a bump on the drive to work and buggers up their back or has to go to hospital?

Agreed.

I also did not state that I wished for a train to be cancelled for having no catering; not quite sure where that assertion came from.

 

[PHILIPE]

There is no way I can blame ATW for no trolley aboard on the day. As can be seen from the symbol in the Timetable the intention is there. One might find the absence of one somewhat inconvenient but if there is nobody to operate the trolley on any given day and for whatever reason, such as staff sickness or failure to report for duty is one of those things that do happen. Perhaps, I would respectfully suggest that one travels by FGW from Cardiff to Portsmouth Hbr (similar journey time as Cardiff to Manchester) after lunchtime on a Saturday or on a Sunday when no catering is present nor advertised and when passengers are still travelling on similar journeys as the remainder of the week.

 

[Phil from Mon]

....or Phil from Mon finding it too early to have breakfast at 0530..

Breakfast at 0500 if I am to get to Bangor in time for Gerald! Can't even face a coffee then, just a tea, and no way in the world could I eat anything. Others may be different, as Dan says,

 

[ValleyLines142]

Breakfast at 0500 if I am to get to Bangor in time for Gerald! Can't even face a coffee then, just a tea, and no way in the world could I eat anything. Others may be different, as Dan says,

Even earlier then! I feel as if we're being judged by our own personal preferences.

 

[Greenback]

I also can't face anything to eat for a couple of hours after getting up, even if I don't have to start off at the middle of the night. But I do take some food with me, assuming I'm going from home where I have the means to make it. If I'm in a hotel, I'll usually buy something the previous day and take it with me, as with a bottle of water or pop. I've got in the habit of always carrying something with me.

 

[craigybagel]

Who gives a monkeys' about the lack of a trolley if you're travelling on a 150?? I used to sign 'em, thank christ I don't any longer. I pity the poor staff that have to do three+ hours on them.

Worked a150 yesterday and it removed me I needed to reply to this. From a guards point of view, our 150s are actually pretty nice to work - large spacious cabs, you're never very far from a door panel, and they're pretty straightforward, there's not much on them to break! They aren't so great for the passengers, but I prefer working them over 158s.

 

[Robertj21a]

I also can't face anything to eat for a couple of hours after getting up, even if I don't have to start off at the middle of the night. But I do take some food with me, assuming I'm going from home where I have the means to make it. If I'm in a hotel, I'll usually buy something the previous day and take it with me, as with a bottle of water or pop. I've got in the habit of always carrying something with me.

Quite. My assumption was that most people would ensure that they had some food or drink available to them during a long journey. It now seems that not all do.

 

[ValleyLines142]

Quite. My assumption was that most people would ensure that they had some food or drink available to them during a long journey. It now seems that not all do.

For me personally, I usually do. However, as it was early and I was focused on getting the train itself, I didn't have time to grab anything. Then to have no catering was a disappointment. I don't even rely on catering normally, as prices are astronomical (such a £2 for a cold drink on FGW!), but I did rely on this occasion and was let down.

 

[PHILIPE]

Talking of trollies, they can't always get through the train if it is overcrowded but almost came across a new one today for a little humour. We were travelling from Cardiff to Swansea and sitting at a table in the 175 but opposite a grossly obese girl and probably only in her twenties who was sitting at the opposite table with her mother (also very large) sitting inside her. She could only get one cheek on the seat, the other one and the rest of her body were completely blocking the aisle !!! We were looking forward to the trolley which was on it's way through and wondering what was going to happen regarding it's passage but fortunately she alighted at Bridgend before the trolley actually reached us.
She did eat a packet of a couple of chicken sandwiches so eating healthily at the time.

 

[Gareth Marston]

Talking of trollies, they can't always get through the train if it is overcrowded but almost came across a new one today for a little humour. We were travelling from Cardiff to Swansea and sitting at a table in the 175 but opposite a grossly obese girl and probably only in her twenties who was sitting at the opposite table with her mother (also very large) sitting inside her. She could only get one cheek on the seat, the other one and the rest of her body were completely blocking the aisle !!! We were looking forward to the trolley which was on it's way through and wondering what was going to happen regarding it's passage but fortunately she alighted at Bridgend before the trolley actually reached us.
She did eat a packet of a couple of chicken sandwiches so eating healthily at the time.

Was it Annie Fanny Burger Chops from Newtown? (you can still watch her Jeremy Kyle appearance on YouTube)

 

[PHILIPE]

Was it Annie Fanny Burger Chops from Newtown? (you can still watch her Jeremy Kyle appearance on YouTube)

Just seen her picture now .

 

[Greenback]

It's very true that a packed train causes problems for the trolley. I've had quite a few pleasant chats with ATW trolley staff when I've been standing in the vestibule with them, and they were unable to move down the train.

In a perfect world the trolley would always be on the train when it's supposed to be. Realistically, though, that's going to be impossible, as all sorts of things can go wrong on the day.