GEML franchise 2016

[Dave1987]

Just off the top of my head I can think of six morning peak GE services that are 8 cars that could really do with being 12 cars.

 

[87015]

Just off the top of my head I can think of six morning peak GE services that are 8 cars that could really do with being 12 cars.

Of course, some of them were under NX before Abellio and their great mentality got in...

 

[Dave1987]

Of course, some of them were under NX before Abellio and their great mentality got in...

Let me guess the infamous 317's that got taken off lease? The services I am thinking of were always 8 cars.

 

[Wolfie]

That will all depend on the rolling stock plan of the winning bidder, the DfT hasn't specified which stock can/cannot be used in the same way they did for Northern & TPE. If I were a betting man I'd have money on a replacement fleet for the 90s+Mk3s & additional DMUs - new or cascaded - given the requirement for direct Lowestoft - Liverpool Street services and the extension of Norwich - Cambridge services to Stansted.

I wonder if any bidder will offer an option of Pacers (and/or D-Trains) for the rural lines....

 

[samuelmorris]

It was suggested that Vivarail had been in contact with the bidders for the next franchise about using them - I'd welcome the idea of using them to replace the 153s.

 

[Trainfan344]

I wonder if any bidder will offer an option of Pacers (and/or D-Trains) for the rural lines....

Believe it has been mentioned on here before Pacers can't run to Lowestoft due to the curve at Reedham.

 

[hassaanhc]

The have started replacing seat moquette on Class 321 units. I am currently sat on 321318 (1513 Liv St to S'end Vic) which is done, and I remember seeing 321356 done at least 3 months ago.

 

[samuelmorris]

And about time really. The previous ones had been on since pretty soon after FGE took over. I don't really get the fuss over seat covers, I consider it routine maintenance, not on a par with a refurbishment, or even refresh. The fact that by virtue of it being a different operator the seat covers are now a different colour is neither here nor there.

 

[Alfie1014]

The have started replacing seat moquette on Class 321 units. I am currently sat on 321318 (1513 Liv St to S'end Vic) which is done, and I remember seeing 321356 done at least 3 months ago.

About a dozen have so far been feacelifted, a couple of the latest seem to be to a higher standard, travelled home in 321331 this week, very new car smell. Leather covered seats in first class, new carpets and wall coverings replacing the horrible grubby brown stained carpet effect on the walls by the doors.

 

[Class 170101]

It's been very quiet on this thread, no rumours about who will get the franchise? (which is due to be awarded in June)

Unless its before purdah in connection with EU referendum I doubt we will see it until July.

 

[HH]

There are plenty of rumours.

First Group; currently winning the rumour race. Rumoured that First Bus in Norfolk has recently become First Bus and Rail Norfolk.

Sounds like rubbish to me. First Bus and First Rail are different organisations; you don't see First Bus and Rail in Devon, do you?

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Unless its before purdah in connection with EU referendum I doubt we will see it until July.

It's officially due in June, and that's a delay on the original timing due to a DfT cock-up. Can't see DfT wanting to delay it any further as it would interfere with their August hols!

 

[Sleepy]

Sounds like rubbish to me. First Bus and First Rail are different organisations; you don't see First Bus and Rail in Devon, do you?

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


It's officially due in June, and that's a delay on the original timing due to a DfT cock-up. Can't see DfT wanting to delay it any further as it would interfere with their August hols!

A Dft cock up ! Surely not, probably busy adding dates / routes to go DOO.....

 

[Class 170101]

Unless its before purdah in connection with EU referendum I doubt we will see it until July.

It's officially due in June, and that's a delay on the original timing due to a DfT cock-up. Can't see DfT wanting to delay it any further as it would interfere with their August hols!

Well the DfT will have to get a move on
Purdah for EU referendum

This doucument says its starts on 27 May 2016. Thats a fortnight away from today as I write this post.

 

[3141]

Well the DfT will have to get a move on
Purdah for EU referendum

This ducument says its starts on 27 May 2016. That's a fortnight away from today as I write this post.

But does the award of a rail franchise make any difference to the decision whether to stay in the EU or leave it?

What might have a bearing is when one of the bidders is based in the EU, like Abellio. The government might not want to announce an award to them because it might provoke a relatively small-scale backlash against foreign rail organisations running British TOCs. But if they postponed the announcement for that reason it wouldn't really have much to do with the "purdah" regulations, though they might offer that as an excuse.

 

[Class 170101]

It could be considered a major decision affecting the impartiality of the civil service. This decision won't be made during the purdah period.

 

[Set_DRA]

Poor old West Anglia always gets left out of GA franchise discussion hehe =)

And in real life....just saying. :roll:

 

[Dave1987]

Just heard a rumour that the First bid (unsurprisingly so) includes another rather massive order of Hitachi stock.

 

[phoenixcronin]

Just heard a rumour that the First bid (unsurprisingly so) includes another rather massive order of Hitachi stock.

Hmm, if that means Class 801s then that's good.

However, I am absolutely not a fan of Hitachi suburban stock, like the Class 385, they are far too ugly IMHO, whereas the 379s looks nice.

Of course I realise this is a very subjective judgement.

 

[Trainfan344]

Hmm, if that means Class 801s then that's good.

However, I am absolutely not a fan of Hitachi suburban stock, like the Class 385, they are far too ugly IMHO, whereas the 379s looks nice.

Of course I realise this is a very subjective judgement.

If this means 801s then that's horribly bad.

 

[HH]

It could be considered a major decision affecting the impartiality of the civil service. This decision won't be made during the purdah period.

I think that's a very large stretch, but a public announcement might be delayed if the winner is Abellio.

 

[CosherB]

Hmm, if that means Class 801s then that's good.

However, I am absolutely not a fan of Hitachi suburban stock, like the Class 385, they are far too ugly IMHO, whereas the 379s looks nice.

Of course I realise this is a very subjective judgement.

Thank goodness that all train orders are based soley on aesthetics. :roll:

 

[Dave1987]

I just hope other rumours that I've heard are not true.

 

[CosherB]

I just hope other rumours that I've heard are not true.

Like what?

 

[phoenixcronin]

Thank goodness that all train orders are based soley on aesthetics. :roll:

ahaha indeed, which is why I should never be left in charge of procurement!

 

[Darandio]

I just hope other rumours that I've heard are not true.

Has to be loco hauled 442's..........

 

[Kite159]

Has to be loco hauled 442's..........

Or D-trains for the Norfolk branch lines

 

[grumblingalong]

Has to be loco hauled 442's..........

Think you'll find it starts with N and E.

As an aside no-one knows what will happen, my money remains on Abellio but we shall see.

 

[Wivenswold]

Think you'll find it starts with N and E.

As an aside no-one knows what will happen, my money remains on Abellio but we shall see.

First are well regarded in these parts from their time with the first Great Eastern franchise. It would make sense if their proposal included bus/train integration as they are the biggest bus operator in East Anglia.

As for new trains, any bidder is going to have to come up with a solution for maximizing available space on the Norwich paths and 12 car long-distance EMUs seem like the sensible option. Some of the Clacton and Ipswich paths could do with something more appropriate than the somewhat suburban 321s. Refurbished or not.

 

[chubs]

First are well regarded in these parts from their time with the first Great Eastern franchise. It would make sense if their proposal included bus/train integration as they are the biggest bus operator in East Anglia

This is said often but a lot has changed in the past 12 years, presumably all the old First Great Eastern management are long gone. I suppose they would get back the same stock they had in First Great Eastern days.

 

[306024]

......presumably all the old First Great Eastern management are long gone.

Gone as in happily retired yes. Mostly in their 60s or even 70s now, but nevertheless are watching this latest bun fight with some detached amusement.

I just hope other rumours that I've heard are not true.

The only rumour I haven't heard is National Express are going to win. So I'm off to the bookies to see if I can get the same odds as Leicester City.