Defective unit on the Marlow- Bourne End - Maidenhead branch (05/06)

[Jamiescott1]

For those not familiar with this branch line, during off peak times trains run through between Marlow and Maidenhead hourly, reversing at Bourne End.

During peak times the line is split into two, with separate trains running half hourly between Marlow & Bourne End and between Bourne End & Maidenhead.

Both of these sections have their own token.

This evening, the driver took the train operating Marlow - Bourne End out of service, and returned it to the depot.

Once this train had cleared the Bourne End - Maidenhead section, the Maidenhead - Bourne End shuttle ran as usual every 30 minutes, with no onward travel to Marlow.

Is there any reason operationally that the branch didn't switch to off peak working, to provide through services?

 

[ANDREW_D_WEBB]

If the unit from Maidenhead is a 3 car unit it cannot reverse at Bourne End to access Marlow

 

[Jamiescott1]

If the unit from Maidenhead is a 3 car unit it cannot reverse at Bourne End to access Marlow

OK, it was a 2 car when operating the 1716. Was it swapped ?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

OK, it was a 2 car when operating the 1716. Was it swapped ?

Doesn't look like it from going through Real Time Trains.

It's been only 165 119 and 165 122 on the branch today - both are two car units.

 

[mickey]

Apologies for not seeing this sooner, but it’s to maintain frequency. There are 3 stations between Maidenhead and Bourne End and only one on the donkey, which means for the majority of peak-time commuters it’s better to maintain the half-hourly service. It physically can’t be that frequent if it continues to Marlow.

Bourne End also operates DOO during peak-time but Marlow can’t, so it’s also possible a guard wasn’t available (albeit unlikely here, as they could presumably have transferred from the failed unit).

They have been known to offer taxis from Maidenhead when it’s happened previously, rather than insisting on people going to Bourne End first and then needing one from there.

 

[Jamiescott1]

Thanks. That makes sense