Scotrail Franchise - Abellio

[Altnabreac]

IEP may be considered a bit luxuriant for Scottish internal routes, when I'm sure there'll be good options for them elsewhere. Given that Scotrail will continue to need diesel stock for many routes for the foreseeable future, I wonder if an order of new dual-mode trains could be considered for Scotland, that could run Inverness based services. Dual mode would be useful for Central Belt & Aberdeen - Inverness runs, whilst they could be used as diesels in the long term on the Far North and Kyle runs (and, perhaps, WHL too).

If HS2 does happen, I thought that the current plan was to withdraw direct London-Aberdeen services, with the traditional ECML running to Edinburgh once hourly with more stops (the theory being that you provide a better service to the smaller stations North of York, whilst not disadvantaging end-end travel, which will be attracted more to HS2. Aberdeen passengers are expected to transfer onto HS2).

The HS2 Base Case assumed through services North of Edinburgh would cease because of lack of electrification.

HS2 limited refuse to plan any services to currently unelectrified destinations (Chester, Blackpool, Hull, Aberdeen) for fear of electrification being added to the HS2 bill.

If/When any of these lines are electrified you'd expect them to be back on the shortlist for HS2 services. Certainly Aberdeen - London services via HS2 are something that Transport Scotland are lobbying to have included once electrification takes place.

 

[me123]

I certainly hope North of Scotland - London services do continue, and routing via HS2 is hopefully a viable option. Even with a reverse in Aberdeen, it's going to be a much more competitive at sub-6 hours (although air is still going to be the quickest option over this distance).

I think that, ultimately, there is far too much potential for the North of Scotland to be ignored.

 

[92002]

I certainly hope North of Scotland - London services do continue, and routing via HS2 is hopefully a viable option. Even with a reverse in Aberdeen, it's going to be a much more competitive at sub-6 hours (although air is still going to be the quickest option over this distance).

I think that, ultimately, there is far too much potential for the North of Scotland to be ignored.

Don't hold your breath for HS2 services to anywhere soon

Given the current price tag, its very doubtful to be going anywhere soon.

 

[Agent_c]

Don't hold your breath for HS2 services to anywhere soon

Given the current price tag, its very doubtful to be going anywhere soon.

The price tag of not building it is even greater.

 

[Skimble19]

That's absolutely right about the uniforms. The company branding stops it being classed as a benefit in kind for tax purposes.

In BR days any manager getting his unbranded suit issue would have to stick the value on his annual P11D return and be taxed accordingly.

Taxmen like to pick up on these things so my advice, as an ex union rep, is not to cut off or obscure any company branding before seeking advice from your union, who should be onto this already.

Interesting.. When GTR replaced FCC we were all told to do essentially what Scotrail staff have been told (I assume we were probably wearing either the same or very similar First Group uniforms).. Some people went a little de-branding crazy and cut, coloured in or taped over every trace of First and that "F", the rest of us decided not to waste our time and simply covered any visible logos up with name badges or hi viz vests as necessary..


Then again we are luckily supposed to be getting new uniforms soon - and not before time as everyone's uniforms are starting to look a little worn seeing as hardly anyone has been able to get any replacement uniform for nearing a year now..

 

[Blindtraveler]

I must admit that consulting staff on the new Scotrail uniforms is a very smart move - as a regular SR User things like staff contentment with what they wear to work dont go unoticed!

 

[GaryMcEwan]

Has Abellio mentioned anything with regarding disruptions? At the present moment if there is disruption to services, First Bus will accept train tickets on any acceptable route if the bus route also serves the train stations.

What will happen to this arrangement as from Wednesday, has Abellio came to any arrangement with First or will this now stop?

 

[380gk]

Gary, this will continue.

 

[jonnysr]

Gary, this will continue.

Surprised this is continuing tbh. Is that definite? Will other operators in Scotland be included also ie Lothian Buses/Stagecoach etc? Why limit the deal only to First buses?

 

[170401]

Surprised this is continuing tbh. Is that definite? Will other operators in Scotland be included also ie Lothian Buses/Stagecoach etc? Why limit the deal only to First buses?

Yes, this is definite. It was always a commercial arrangement between Scotrail and First Glasgow and not an 'in kind' gesture. This will presumably continue as long as it's profitable to First.

I believe talks were held with Stagecoach in the past but presumably commercially was not beneficial to them.

 

[GaryMcEwan]

Surprised this is continuing tbh. Is that definite? Will other operators in Scotland be included also ie Lothian Buses/Stagecoach etc? Why limit the deal only to First buses?

From what I understand, it's a relatively new thing that First Glasgow and the outgoing First Scotrail set up for passengers that had train tickets to utilise the bus services that also served the train stations.

Do First Aberdeen do anything similar?

 

[me123]

First Aberdeen don't. But First Aberdeen operate only a city network, so the only route where it would be helpful anyway would be between Dyce and Aberdeen. If you were going to do a similar thing up here, you'd need to speak to Stagecoach (who, as already mentioned, aren't interested).

 

[380gk]

Yes this is definite.

 

[thealexweb]

Have Scotrail's new Class 68s been discussed yet? Seen here on the move https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB9I4_Erkwk

At 0:12. Thats a DBSO isn't it?

 

[Bodiddly]

Have Scotrail's new Class 68s been discussed yet? Seen here on the move https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB9I4_Erkwk

At 0:12. Thats a DBSO isn't it?

The Saltire livery definitely suits the class 68 and the Mk2 will give an idea what the HST mk3's will look like.

 

[Scotrail84]

Have Scotrail's new Class 68s been discussed yet? Seen here on the move https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB9I4_Erkwk

At 0:12. Thats a DBSO isn't it?

I dont think that's a dbso, I think it's a guards van with no gangway connection at one end. There was talk of a dbso coming up here though so the loco hauls would not be restricted to full circles for additional pathing issues.

 

[laseandre]

Semi-off topic, but First Glasgow now have buses in a dedicated livery for the 398 Central Station - Queen St - Buchanan St route.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mse062/16359280393/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mse062/16978466971/

Looks like they've been done in 5 minutes, typical First.

 

[Sadsmileyface]

Semi-off topic, but First Glasgow now have buses in a dedicated livery for the 398 Central Station - Queen St - Buchanan St route.



https://www.flickr.com/photos/mse062/16359280393/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mse062/16978466971/



Looks like they've been done in 5 minutes, typical First.

Well it's a bus that's arranged by Transport Scotland for ScotRail isn't it, so should be expected to be branded? Am I wrong?

And what's wrong with the livery? I can't see anything wrong with it to suggest it was a quick job?

 

[Bodiddly]

Well it's a bus that's arranged by Transport Scotland for ScotRail isn't it, so should be expected to be branded? Am I wrong?

And what's wrong with the livery? I can't see anything wrong with it to suggest it was a quick job?

I agree, what's wrong with it? I think it looks very smart. The Saltire branding is turning out to be very striking on anything it's applied to. Personally, I think it's great.

 

[cf111]

Travelling THS-INV today and return tomorrow at short notice. Don't imagine much will change straight away but I don't think I've ever actually travelled on the last/first days of a franchise before.

As a passenger I think First have done well, I can't think of any real complaints and any small ones I have had over the last ten years have been resolved professionally. Hopefully Abellio will carry on the good work.

 

[ADRboy]

I agree, what's wrong with it? I think it looks very smart. The Saltire branding is turning out to be very striking on anything it's applied to. Personally, I think it's great.

Only thing I can see wrong is the wrap on the doors, old white coming through. Other than that it's good.

 

[Bodiddly]

Only thing I can see wrong is the wrap on the doors, old white coming through. Other than that it's good.

I didn't notice that. Maybe that's what Laseandre meant by a rushed job. This looks like the vinyl has stopped short of the seals. A touch of Saltire blue paint will do the trick.

 

[Scotrail88]

Notices advising of a launch day offer being given out tomorrow.
Does anyone have any idea what it is??

 

[gunn13]

Abellio are giving away free train tickets (£1mil worth).

 

[laseandre]

Well it's a bus that's arranged by Transport Scotland for ScotRail isn't it, so should be expected to be branded? Am I wrong?

It's SPT supported, not Transport Scotland. (Unless that's changed with the new franchise, but I doubt it)

Only thing I can see wrong is the wrap on the doors, old white coming through. Other than that it's good.

The white on the doors, some pink showing through the front.

 

[GaryMcEwan]

It's SPT supported, not Transport Scotland. (Unless that's changed with the new franchise, but I doubt it)



The white on the doors, some pink showing through the front.

I always thought the 398 was ran in conjunction with First Glasgow and First Scotrail and not by SPT as it does not appear on the SPT website as a tendered service...

 

[laseandre]

I always thought the 398 was ran in conjunction with First Glasgow and First Scotrail and not by SPT as it does not appear on the SPT website as a tendered service...

It started way back in the 70s or 80s, run by Strathclyde Transport/Strathclyde's Buses, what is now SPT/First Glasgow. Until a few years ago it was run by First with the same style of buses (from a different, newer 2005 batch) in SPT colours, so I'm assuming they funded it at least until then. It now seems that it's just a commercial agreement between First Glasgow and Scotrail.

 

[Altnabreac]

It's SPT supported, not Transport Scotland. (Unless that's changed with the new franchise, but I doubt it)



The white on the doors, some pink showing through the front.

It is in the Franchise Agreement:

30.8 Relaunch of the Glasgow Central / Queen Street Shuttle

From the Franchise Commencement Date, the Franchisee shall relaunch the Glasgow Central – Glasgow Queen St – Buchanan St Bus Station bus service with a clearer brand identity and thereafter procure that such service is maintained during the remainder of the Franchise Term.

The frequency as at the Franchise Commencement Date will be maintained but the Franchisee shall brand the service as the ‘Glasgow Shuttle’ and will promote its connectivity with the bus station and Glasgow Subway services.

The vehicles will be branded with the ScotRail livery. Onboard facilities will be consistent with the modern ScotRail Train Fleet, with better access/egress and more luggage space, plus a live train departures screen. New prominent station signage will be introduced, with supporting network maps and leaflets. On train announcements on arrival at the terminals will also direct customers to clearly identified Shuttle pick up points.

 

[Scotrail88]

What sort of free tickets they are giving away tomorrow.

Might need to pop along

 

[Scotrail84]

Abellio are giving away free train tickets (£1mil worth).

No idea but the launch I think is at stirling station.