MidnightFlyer
Veteran Member
- Joined
- 16 May 2010
- Messages
- 12,857
I think it is obvious that in any race to / from somewhere that isn't in West London Virgin will win by quite a margin.
I think it is obvious that in any race to / from somewhere that isn't in West London Virgin will win by quite a margin.
Although the endpoint at Birmingham end will also be significant; if for instance you chose to start the big bronze bull in front of the Bullring you could get to a train at Moor Street faster than at New Street on account of the former being closer, smaller and easier to navigate.
Of course this race is never going to be fair as you can't make the trains depart when you want; one person will inevitably be waiting on their platform for as much as 20 minutes, which will almost certainly lose them the race.
The clocks outside Canary Wharf would be ideal, the car could easily catch up whilst the Chiltern user has the jubilee, but the VT user has to change at bank onto the DLR.
Indeed, similarly you also have more trains an hour on Virgin. Unless it is not done simultaneously (as in they are done at separate times so no one way has an advantage) then it is never going to be a balanced and fair test.
I think London Midland's advertising is a little bit questionable in saying 'three per hour' when cleverly not mentioning that it's only two per hour on the way back. LM offer fantastic fares though, if you are prepared to sit on a 350 with your knees up your nose for fifty five million years.
In this case "Fifty five million years" is actually [on average] ~2h20m a whole 15-20 minutes longer than Chiltern - flagship services excluded.
London to Gatwick and Brighton is also highly competitive at the moment, although the 2015 franchise merger will see that off.
(Can't find a thread on this...)
Euston LU station is currently full of Chiltern's London - Birmingham advertisments. Made me smile that they've put these here!
It's all part of a back-and-forward game.
The good news is that ultimately, the customer will win.
Don't forget the shareholders.
The shareholders of the TOC that 'wins', yes.
Obviously the TOC that loses out will have shareholders which also lose out as a result.