New station: Wixams, Bedfordshire. How many platforms and what should the service be like?

[Class15]

Can they take some 350/2s to deliver 2tph, 12-car service?

Could even have an EMR Connect service to Leicester.

 

[Energy]

Can they take some 350/2s to deliver 2tph, 12-car service?

Could even have an EMR Connect service to Leicester.

They have enough 360s to deliver the Corby service with 12 car trains at 2tph. Doing so would need 18/21 units, the maintenance just hasn’t been great.

 

[Haywain]

They have enough 360s to deliver the Corby service with 12 car trains at 2tph. Doing so would need 18/21 units, the maintenance just hasn’t been great.

And they don't have a staffing agreement to use 12 cars. This is what's so frustrating about the refurbs not happening - as there is plenty of slack in the fleet without that agreement.

 

[wanderingriver]

More likely they'll retcon the Harry Potter books and run a Hogwarts Express themed shuttle from St. Pancras...

Sticking to the Harry Potter theme, guess they could also run that Triple Decker bus from the movies from Victoria Coach Station

On a more serious note, if they were to theme a train from St. Pancras after one of the Universal properties, there could be some more interesting choices than just the Hogwarts Express

 

[Zomboid]

I can imagine there will be some publicity vinyls on a bunch of trains. I'm looking forward to the Tremors or Dune themed massive-horror-worm 700.

 

[Tobberz]

Would the timetable allow an express shuttle St. Pancras - Luton Airport Parkway - Wixams, stopping at nowhere else? And, if it would, would that be wise?

 

[The Ham]

I can imagine there will be some publicity vinyls on a bunch of trains. I'm looking forward to the Tremors or Dune themed massive-horror-worm 700.

You perhaps don't want to encourage people turning up at stations with thumpers in the hope that their train turns up on time.

 

[chris2]

In the documents uploaded this seems to point to Universal having a direct Eurostar service

Is there even a physical connection between HS1 and the MML?

 

[flitwickbeds]

Is there even a physical connection between HS1 and the MML?

Yes. One single track between Eurostar platforms at St Pancras at approx 51.5381358, -0.1291930. Requires reversal at StP.

 

[Zomboid]

Would the timetable allow an express shuttle St. Pancras - Luton Airport Parkway - Wixams, stopping at nowhere else? And, if it would, would that be wise?

It's unlikely that there'll be the demand for that kind of thing.

 

[flitwickbeds]

It's unlikely that there'll be the demand for that kind of thing.

Why not?

If EMR continue operating their mainline routes as now, ie last stop before London is Kettering, and EMR connect drops the Luton Town stop in favour of Wixams-Universal, then it would provide an excellent connection to the theme park for most Midlands and northern cities through a change at Kettering.

 

[duffield]

Would the timetable allow an express shuttle St. Pancras - Luton Airport Parkway - Wixams, stopping at nowhere else? And, if it would, would that be wise?

I'd say as it stands, no. I think the MML is pretty much full at the southern end and you'd have to sacrifice or adapt an existing service. ETCS on this section of the MML might allow more services but that's a long way off.

 

[Zomboid]

Why not?

If EMR continue operating their mainline routes as now, ie last stop before London is Kettering, and EMR connect drops the Luton Town stop in favour of Wixams-Universal, then it would provide an excellent connection to the theme park for most Midlands and northern cities through a change at Kettering.

That's a different question though. Maybe at whatever the peak times are for entry and exit from the park the EMR Connect trains calling could be worthwhile, but that's not the same thing as a dedicated shuttle from St Pancras.

 

[flitwickbeds]

That's a different question though. Maybe at whatever the peak times are for entry and exit from the park the EMR Connect trains calling could be worthwhile, but that's not the same thing as a dedicated shuttle from St Pancras.

I interpreted the original question as

"Would the timetable allow an express shuttle St. Pancras - Luton Airport Parkway - Wixams, stopping at nowhere else *before then continuing on to Corby*? And, if it would, would that be wise?"

Apologies to the OP if that's not what was intended.

 

[Haywain]

I interpreted the original question as

"Would the timetable allow an express shuttle St. Pancras - Luton Airport Parkway - Wixams, stopping at nowhere else *before then continuing on to Corby*? And, if it would, would that be wise?"

Apologies to the OP if that's not what was intended.

I didn’t, I read it as being additional to the Connect services. And in that context I would ask where on earth it would be finding space at St Pancras.

 

[Zomboid]

Personally I would expect the Thameslink service to be sufficient for demand from the London direction, as it will be against the peak flow direction and those are big trains.

From the north I can imagine a scenario where some of the Connect services call at Wixhams, but as the demand is likely to be during the peaks (especially the afternoon), I wouldn't like to predict whether it would be a good thing overall. Potentially more of a weekend thing. At other times a change at Bedford is likely to be very easy, with EWR services as well as Thameslink there will be loads of trains.

 

[flitwickbeds]

At other times a change at Bedford is likely to be very easy,

Not from the north.

 

[Verulamius]

In part 4 appendix 5 of the planning application documents there is an assessment of travel. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/request...ord-part-4-environmental-statement-appendices

In particular Appendix 5.1 Annex 14 there is an assessment of Wixams station operational and demand by AtkinsRéalis. I attach the pdf below for ease of access, as appendix 5 is set up as a zip document on the website.

The analysis is based on the requirement (set by the Department of Transport) of 2 trains per hour non stop from St Pancras with a 30 minute journey time, 2 trains with a 45 minute journey time with a stop at Luton Airport Parkway and all passengers to have a seat.

This requires the Corby and Nottingham services to stop, as the Thameslink trains would take 60 mins.

No additional services are recommended from platforms 1-4 at St Pancras on the basis that the current East Midlands Railway services fully utilise the platform availability.

Stopping Thameslink services provides minimal trade offs for other rail users.

However, calling EMR services introduces significant trade offs as all EMR services traveling north of Wixams would have a 2-4 minute delay including the Sheffield services which would not stop but would be held up by the stopping Corby services as a result.

The peak daily demand in 2030 (opening) would be around 9,200 passengers from the South with 94% of rail passengers using Wixams from the South and 72% of arrivals between 0800-1100. The return in the evening peak would be 87% between 17:00-22:00. By 2050 there could be a 87% increase in visitors.

Summary of Demand Analysis Findings

▪ In general, the weekday contra-peak nature of demand to the theme park would prove beneficial to an underutilised timetable offering and generate additional revenue for the railway. ▪ AM ‘high-peak’ demand in 2030 can be wholly accommodated on GTR services with minimal standing required, meaning that as a minimum existing GTR capacity can meet capacity requirements for theme park-related demand. On a ‘typical’ day, with c.20% less demand, all park patrons should be able to have a seat (meeting the promoter’s aspiration). In the evening, there is an opportunity to flexibly extend the current off-peak 4tph GTR service pattern to meet late-evening demand requirements (current GTR service pattern drops to 2tph post-19.00). ▪ EMR services do not provide sufficient capacity for Wixams to be served by EMR services only. With the theme park, demand would materially exceed total capacity. ▪ Calling both East Midlands Railway (EMR) and GTR services at Wixams in 2030 would meet the promoter's aspirations for both headline journey times and seats. It would also help to relieve the pressure on GTR services (the analysis indicates that in a GTR only scenario all seats would be fully occupied). Demand management would be required to ensure loadings were balanced across all services, particularly on high demand days. ▪ The impacts on long-distance passengers on EMR services could be mitigated by calling northbound EMR services at Wixams in the AM peak only (up to 11.00) and inserting additional calls into southbound EMR services post-19.00 in the evening to meet the promoter’s journey time aspirations. This would minimise the number of long-distance passengers impacted by the additional time added to services calling at Wixams. The demand profile for visitors to the park indicates little justification for calls to be provided all-day (in both directions) as, for example, arrivals demand drops off after 11am in the morning. Conversely, rail demand from visitors leaving the park does not start to ramp-up until after 17.00 in the afternoon.

▪ In 2050 combined seating capacity would be exceeded, although all passengers could be accommodated but would require a large number of passengers to stand for the full journey between London and Wixams. ▪ Between c.1,500-2,300 additional seats would be required to meet the promoter’s seating aspiration. More significant strengthening and demand management collaboration with the park operator [to spread demand more evenly across services] would therefore need to be considered to ensure all passengers getting a seat on their journey. ▪ Potential mitigations could include calling additional EMR services (i.e. STP<>SHF) at Wixams but would need to verify whether this is operationally feasible. This would provide around 500 extra seats, but there would still be a significant shortfall. Future demand requirements should be considered within the capacity specification for future fleet replacement programmes for the Cl.360s and Thameslink fleets at the appropriate time. ▪ Current engineering access requirements present a particular challenge for meeting demand requirements on Sunday mornings. The demand analysis has identified a significant capacity shortfall due to the reduced service on a Sunday morning, with only two GTR services operating per direction in this time-period. No EMR services operate at this time. ▪ There is timetable capacity to include up to 4 Thameslink services during the morning period where fewer trains run on a Sunday. This would meet the demand requirements in 2030 but would not meet the journey time aspirations at the start of the day. Meeting the capacity shortfall in 2050 will be a significant challenge given the additional weekday requirements noted above, and the restriction on the number of services that can be operated on Sunday mornings currently.

 

[LLivery]

In part 4 appendix 5 of the planning application documents there is an assessment of travel. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/request...ord-part-4-environmental-statement-appendices

In particular Appendix 5.1 Annex 14 there is an assessment of Wixams station operational and demand by AtkinsRéalis. I attach the pdf below for ease of access, as appendix 5 is set up as a zip document on the website.

The analysis is based on the requirement (set by the Department of Transport) of 2 trains per hour non stop from St Pancras with a 30 minute journey time, 2 trains with a 45 minute journey time with a stop at Luton Airport Parkway and all passengers to have a seat.

This requires the Corby and Nottingham services to stop, as the Thameslink trains would take 60 mins.

No additional services are recommended from platforms 1-4 at St Pancras on the basis that the current East Midlands Railway services fully utilise the platform availability.

Stopping Thameslink services provides minimal trade offs for other rail users.

However, calling EMR services introduces significant trade offs as all EMR services traveling north of Wixams would have a 2-4 minute delay including the Sheffield services which would not stop but would be held up by the stopping Corby services as a result.

The peak daily demand in 2030 (opening) would be around 9,200 passengers from the South with 94% of rail passengers using Wixams from the South and 72% of arrivals between 0800-1100. The return in the evening peak would be 87% between 17:00-22:00. By 2050 there could be a 87% increase in visitors.

Very interesting report.

While at least a Nottingham service was always going to be an aspiration, I can see the issues. I'm surprised it doesn't consider Intercity calls at Bedford, with people changing onto Thameslink, EMR Connect or EWR, if Nottingham calls aren't practical. Although, it does seem to be more focused on achieving 30-45min journey times for London.

From the Midlands, I still can't help thinking it's a mistake not to have an Reading/Oxford EWR - Nottingham stopper. I would make up for not achieving Nottingham Intercity calls at Wixams for Midland connections. I know an OAO is proposed, but an hourly GBR operated stopper could avoid blocking the MML Fasts at Wixams. Even better if the Bedford - Kettering slows linespeed could get raised.

 

[158756]

If the Nottingham trains are going to stop somewhere south of Kettering is Wixams really the best place? Outside of the peak arrival/departure times on summer weekends and school holidays I really doubt it. But then if EMR don't call with the current service pattern it'd be two changes to get anywhere north of Kettering.

The report mentions the possibility of mitigating the impact on longer distance journeys by calling EMR services at Wixams only to accommodate peak demand from London, which seems a bit pointless given Thameslink exists except for this "aspiration of the promoter" to have journey times under 30 minutes. How much have the government promised Universal on that front?

Connections on the southern MML are already a bit of a mess, and bearing in mind EWR should reach Bedford in a similar timescale to the theme park I would say the whole timetable needs to be reviewed. But if Wixams is being looked at in isolation it might just become even more of a mess.

 

[Brubulus]

If the Nottingham trains are going to stop somewhere south of Kettering is Wixams really the best place? Outside of the peak arrival/departure times on summer weekends and school holidays I really doubt it. But then if EMR don't call with the current service pattern it'd be two changes to get anywhere north of Kettering.

The report mentions the possibility of mitigating the impact on longer distance journeys by calling EMR services at Wixams only to accommodate peak demand from London, which seems a bit pointless given Thameslink exists except for this "aspiration of the promoter" to have journey times under 30 minutes. How much have the government promised Universal on that front?

Connections on the southern MML are already a bit of a mess, and bearing in mind EWR should reach Bedford in a similar timescale to the theme park I would say the whole timetable needs to be reviewed. But if Wixams is being looked at in isolation it might just become even more of a mess.

It does seem focused on London journey times to the exclusion of all else. Most London passengers should reach Wixams via the 4tph Thameslink services which have high capacity and are perfect for the relatively time inelastic family and leisure customers.

There should be a link to the Midlands, preferably provided by an EWR service.

 

[cle]

The park is planned to open in 2031. It is now 2025. I am not sure 6 years is enough for EMR/DfT to get 21 trains tarted up and running reliably.

Perhaps somebody here can do the Clappedouttrainio Refurbum spell?
I am told that when used correctly, a ghastly (Oops, I meant ghostly) apparition of the EMR mascot, Miles, will appear and start re-upholstering the seats.

Back on topic, I would expect majority of demand is likely to counter-peak so from London in the morning and toward London in the evening, so this might tend to equalise passenger flows so perhaps the need for 12 car services will be more about general demand growth?

Honestly, this is a dream fit for Thameslink. Fixed formation 12 car trains packed out to St Albans and beyond, now have a great purpose when they turn at Bedford and return towards London.

4tph at all times, with some peak extras (a few which run a bit faster) - should really be sufficient. Maybe the extras run back in service as extras, or somehow they can get Bedford to 6tph.

But I don’t think stopping Corbys is worthwhile (or drop Luton Town) - as they don’t really go anywhere useful. A Nottingham or a post HS2 Sheffield (if a link is ever made to the Derby line)

And definitely hurrying up EWR route provision. The EWR station, if it had an additional platform, could also terminate services from the north - eg the Bedford-Leeds service envisaged after the HS2 Leg, now cancelled, but still could be useful. Take on a Corby or the Nottingham-Leicester stopper maybe, but Bedford can’t turn feasibly from the north now so this Wixams EWR station could be a smart option for that.

 

[flitwickbeds]

Under the current timetable, the only EMR services regularly calling at Bedford are the Corby trains.

Therefore, if Universal was open now, to get from Leicester to Wixams would be 3 trains.

Leicester-Kettering (EMR)
Kettering-Bedford (EMR Connect/Luton Airport Express)
Bedford-Wixams (Thameslink)

If this arrangement is to continue, it absolutely makes sense to stop the Corby trains at Wixams. That journey would then become two trains (Leicester-Kettering, Kettering-Wixams), it provides connectivity from further north eg Nottingham and Derby, and would be the most direct and fastest route from both London and Luton Airport.

 

[Zomboid]

I think the best idea I've seen for serving Universal from the north is through a Nottingham to Oxford/ Bristol service calling at Stewartby, like the recent OA proposal. Which means the MML service wouldn't need to change, and Wixhams station would be for travel to/from London (probably the biggest market by a decent margin), whilst Stewartby would be for the North, East and West.