The London Midland Staff Shortage and Cancellation/Bustitution Thread

[Tomonthetrain]

Tomorrows Update (via Email)

We hope you find the information useful, but apologise in advance if your journey is disrupted. Routes not listed are expected to run normally.

FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2012

We currently have 8 shifts uncovered across the network and as a result the following trains are likely to be cancelled (or amended as stated):

Bedford - Bletchley

1455 Bedford - Bletchley
1637 Bedford - Bletchley
1825 Bedford - Bletchley
1935 Bedford - Bletchley
2055 Bedford - Bletchley
2156 Bedford - Bletchley

1401 Bletchley - Bedford
1547 Bletchley - Bedford
1731 Bletchley - Bedford
1831 Bletchley - Bedford
2001 Bletchley - Bedford
2101 Bletchley - Bedford

London Euston - Northampton - Birmingham/Crewe

0641 Northampton - Crewe
1146 London Euston - Birmingham New St terminates at Northampton
1354 London Euston - Northampton terminates at Bletchley
1535 Northampton - Birmingham New St
1812 London Euston - Tring
1834 London Euston - Bletchley
2054 London Euston - Northampton
2134 London Euston - Milton Keynes
2204 London Euston - Milton Keynes

0739 Northampton - London Euston
0933 Crewe - London Euston starts at Northampton
1413 Birmingham New St - London Euston starts at Northampton
1433 Crewe - London Euston terminates at Northampton
1533 Birmingham New St - London Euston terminates at Northampton
1553 Birmingham New St - London Euston terminates at Bletchley
1900 Tring - London Euston
1853 Birmingham New St - London Euston terminates at Bletchley
2047 Milton Keynes - London Euston terminates at Bletchley

Once again, we are very sorry if your journey is disrupted by any of the above alterations.

 

[MK Tom]

2047 Milton Keynes - London Euston terminates at Bletchley

That's going to be one short journey!

 

[Tomonthetrain]

That's going to be one short journey!

The delay repay though!

 

[Metrailway]

Anyone know if there will be problems over the weekend?

I'm heading to Coventry from London on Saturday and returning on Sunday and intend to take LM if there are no problems.

 

[dvboy]

http://www.londonmidland.com/about-us/latest-news/traincrew-shortage-update-sat-3-november-2012/

Traincrew shortage update: Sat 3 November 2012

Due to a temporary shortfall of qualified train drivers, we have had to cancel a number of trains over recent weeks. We’re sorry if you have been affected.

click here to go to straight to Saturday's list of alterations

It takes well over a year to become a qualified train driver, but several of our trainees are now approaching the end of the course; this - along with a number of efficiencies - will ensure the shortfall is addressed by mid-December. However, we are working hard to ensure the impact on our passengers in the meantime is kept to an absolute minimum.

We have a dedicated team focusing on delivering the train service on a day by day basis and as a result we have been able to run a near-normal timetable on most days. This has been possible by making the best use of drivers who volunteer for overtime.

In addition, our people have agreed to a number of changes to the way we resource our train services in the short term, which will further reduce the need to cancel trains.

However, on those occasions when we don’t have enough drivers available to run the full timetable, our priority is to ensure you have the information you need to plan your journey as early as possible.

As a result, until 11 December, we will be providing daily cancellation updates for the following day's service, which will be listed on this page each day by 1700hrs. The information for our weekday alterations will also be sent out through our free JourneyCheck email alert system. https://www.journeycheck.com/londonmidland/registration

Timetable alterations on Saturday 3 November

The following list shows the trains at risk of cancellation on 3 November. There are currently 14 shifts affected, which means 82 of the 1,220 trains we are scheduled to run are subject to alteration. All others are expected to run as normal.

Where there is a significant wait for the next train we will try to provide road transport or stop faster trains at intermediate stations – please listen for announcements or see the information screens on the station. However, if your travel plans are flexible, we suggest avoiding the affected times.

Remember, if you are delayed by 30 minutes or more as a result of these alterations, you can claim compensation at londonmidland.com/DelayRepay.

THE FOLLOWING TRAINS ARE CANCELLED unless otherwise stated.

Birmingham - Coventry - Northampton - Milton Keynes - London Euston

click here to download the full Birmingham-Northampton revised timetable (pdf) http://www.londonmidland.com/download/71498.7/traincrew-birmingham-northampton-031112/
click here to download the full Northampton-London Euston revised timetable (pdf) http://www.londonmidland.com/download/71526/traincrew-northampton-euston-031112/

southbound

0640 Bletchley - London Euston
1047 Milton Keynes - London Euston terminates at Bletchley
1033 Birmingham New St - London Euston starts at Northampton
1256 Tring - London Euston -
1133 Crewe - London Euston terminates at Rugby
1233 Birmingham New St – London Euston terminates at Northampton
1405 Milton Keynes - London Euston does not convey carriages from Crewe/Birmingham -
1333 Birmingham New St - London Euston starts at Northampton
1413 Birmingham New St - London Euston starts at Bletchley
1513 Birmingham New St - London Euston terminates at Coventry
1625 Northampton - London Euston does not convey carriages from the West Midlands
1647 Milton Keynes - London Euston
1733 Birmingham New St - London Euston starts at Northampton
1813 Birmingham New St - London Euston terminates at Northampton
1833 Birmingham New St - Northampton
1853 Birmingham New St - London Euston starts at Bletchley
1913 Birmingham New St - London Euston terminates at Northampton
2013 Birmingham New St - Coventry
2113 Birmingham New St - Coventry
2153 Birmingham New St - London Euston starts at Northampton
2213 Birmingham New St - Coventry
2253 Birmingham New St - Northampton

northbound

0754 London Euston - Birmingham New St
1113 London Euston - Birmingham New St terminates at Northampton
1146 London Euston - Birmingham New St terminates at Northampton
1204 London Euston - Tring
1513 London Euston - Birmingham New St terminates at Bletchley
1524 London Euston - Milton Keynes terminates at Bletchley
1613 London Euston - Birmingham New St
1725 Northampton - Birmingham New St
1746 London Euston - Birmingham New St terminates at Rugby
1846 London Euston - Birmingham New St terminates at Northampton
2111 Coventry - Birmingham New St 2211 Coventry - Birmingham New St
2055 Northampton - Birmingham New St
2154 London Euston - Northampton

Please note that passengers with London Midland tickets can use Virgin services from Birmingham New St to London Euston at 1810, 1830, 1850 and 1910. London Midland tickets will also be accepted on the 1946, 2007 and 2043 Virgin services from Milton Keynes to London Euston.

Watford Junction - St Albans Abbey

click here to download the full Watford-St Albans revised timetable (pdf) http://www.londonmidland.com/download/71553.3/traincrew-watford-stalbans-031112/

1658 St Albans Abbey - Watford Junction
1744 St Albans Abbey - Watford Junction
1917 St Albans Abbey - Watford Junction
2003 St Albans Abbey - Watford Junction
2053 St Albans Abbey - Watford Junction
2154 St Albans Abbey - Watford Junction

1635 Watford Junction - St Albans Abbey
1721 Watford Junction - St Albans Abbey
1854 Watford Junction - St Albans Abbey
1940 Watford Junction - St Albans Abbey
2030 Watford Junction - St Albans Abbey
2131 Watford Junction - St Albans Abbey

Road transport will run in the place of cancelled trains

Coventry - Nuneaton

click here to download the full Coventry-Nuneaton revised timetable (pdf) http://www.londonmidland.com/download/71471.4/traincrew-coventry-nuneaton-031112/

1342 Coventry - Nuneaton
1442 Coventry - Nuneaton
1415 Nuneaton - Coventry
1515 Nuneaton - Coventry

Road transport will run from 1330-1530hrs

Redditch - Lichfield via Birmingham New St

click here to download the full Redditch-Lichfield revised timetable (pdf) http://www.londonmidland.com/download/71444.1/traincrew-cross-city-031112/

towards Lichfield

1452 Longbridge - Four Oaks
1552 Longbridge - Four Oaks terminates at Birmingham New St
1632 Longbridge - Lichfield City
1657 Redditch - Lichfield Trent Valley starts at Birmingham New St
1757 Redditch - Lichfield Trent Valley
1927 Redditch - Lichfield Trent Valley starts at Birmingham New St
2127 Redditch - Lichfield Trent Valley
2330 Longbridge - Birmingham New St

towards Redditch

1343 Lichfield City - Longbridge terminates at Birmingham New St
1520 Lichfield Trent Valley - Longbridge terminates at Birmingham New St
1547 Four Oaks - Redditch
1647 Four Oaks - Redditch
1743 Lichfield City - Longbridge starts at Birmingham New St
1920 Lichfield Trent Valley - Birmingham New St
2000 Lichfield Trent Valley - Redditch terminates at Birmingham New St
2100 Lichfield Trent Valley - Redditch starts at Birmingham New St
2253 Birmingham New St - Longbridge
2256 Lichfield Trent Valley - Longbridge

Wolverhampton - Birmingham - Walsall/Rugeley

click here to download the full (LM) Wolverhampton-Birmingham revised timetable (pdf) http://www.londonmidland.com/download/71389.5/traincrew-wolves-birmingham-031112/
click here to download the full Birmingham-Walsall/Rugeley revised timetable (pdf) http://www.londonmidland.com/download/71416.8/traincrew-birmingham-rugeley-031112/

towards Walsall/Rugeley

1449 Wolverhampton - Walsall terminates at Birmingham New St
1749 Wolverhampton - Walsall terminates at Birmingham New St
1849 Wolverhampton - Birmingham New St
1949 Wolverhampton - Birmingham New St
2117 Birmingham New St - Rugeley Trent Valley
2119 Wolverhampton - Birmingham New St
2249 Wolverhampton - Birmingham New St

from Rugeley/Walsall

1601 Walsall - Wolverhampton starts at Birmingham New St
1731 Walsall - Wolverhampton terminates at Birmingham New St
1831 Walsall - Wolverhampton terminates at Birmingham New St
1901 Walsall - Wolverhampton starts at Birmingham New St
2039 Birmingham New St - Wolverhampton
2208 Birmingham New St - Wolverhampton
2235 Rugeley Town - Birmingham New St

Sorry

Once again, apologies if any of these alterations affect you.

Remember, if you need any help with your journey, you can get in touch with us via our award-winning Twitter account. Just send a tweet to @londonmidland and we'll do our best to help.

Please note that the above list details planned cancellations. Other external issues may of course still affect train services, so we advise you - as always - to check londonmidland.com/live or download our free iPhone App to check how things are running before you set off.

 

[87015]

They've even managed to upset the "yes men" at Crewe now, wouldn't expect much to move around there Sunday...

 

[MK Tom]

LM don't seem to have put Sunday's one up yet... Does anyone have any info? I'm particularly concerned with 10:30 arrival into BHM from Euston and the 10:42 and 11:42 departures from BHM to Liverpool.

 

[dvboy]

LM don't seem to have put Sunday's one up yet... Does anyone have any info? I'm particularly concerned with 10:30 arrival into BHM from Euston and the 10:42 and 11:42 departures from BHM to Liverpool.

Usually by 5pm though Sundays generally seem to be OK lately.

 

[172212]

The Snow Hill lines seem the least effected line when it comes to cancellations, on a normal day no trains are cancelled, if so, very little diagrams are cancelled. Anyone know why this is?

 

[Qwerty133]

7 alterations tomorrow mainly on tring services

 

[Tomonthetrain]

The Snow Hill lines seem the least effected line when it comes to cancellations, on a normal day no trains are cancelled, if so, very little diagrams are cancelled. Anyone know why this is?

Different depot. Of course the Stourbridge Branch Line gets no cancellations because its staffed by Pre Metro Operations staff.

 

[D1009]

Different depot.

So why is one depot so much happier with the same rates of pay and conditions than another ?

 

[O L Leigh]

It has nothing to do with drivers leaving to join other operators. The numbers that have actually migrated does not account for the large number of cancellations currently being experienced.

O L Leigh

 

[Qwerty133]

It has nothing to do with drivers leaving to join other operators. The numbers that have actually migrated does not account for the large number of cancellations currently being experienced.

O L Leigh

they have said on twitter that XC have taken 34 of their drivers so if you can find me a day where there have been 35 or more un-covered shifts i may be able to see you're point.
you have also mentioned other commuter TOCs dont have these promblems- does anyone else share the same building with another TOC that pay 10k more.

 

[172212]

Different depot. Of course the Stourbridge Branch Line gets no cancellations because its staffed by Pre Metro Operations staff.

That's great then . They say the cancellations should cease come December the 8th, I'm not sure how though

 

[O L Leigh]

they have said on twitter that XC have taken 34 of their drivers so if you can find me a day where there have been 35 or more un-covered shifts i may be able to see you're point.
you have also mentioned other commuter TOCs dont have these promblems- does anyone else share the same building with another TOC that pay 10k more.

Some facts.

This year XC at New Street have taken 6 or 7 drivers from LM, so quite where LM have got this figure of 34 from I cannot imagine. That's a figure far in excess of the total number of drivers recruited this year by XC at New Street.

LM and XC do not share the same building.

LM's problems have more to do with it's management of it's existing workforce and it's ability to recruit and train new entrants.

O L Leigh

 

[Qwerty133]

Some facts.

This year XC at New Street have taken 6 or 7 drivers from LM, so quite where LM have got this figure of 34 from I cannot imagine. That's a figure far in excess of the total number of drivers recruited this year by XC at New Street.

LM and XC do not share the same building.

LM's problems have more to do with it's management of it's existing workforce and it's ability to recruit and train new entrants.

O L Leigh

all the info in my post LM have been giving out on their twitter page so as far as i was aware it was true. they even said drivers saw it as the same company from CT days

 

[O L Leigh]

Then they don't know what they're talking about. Drivers know exactly what the difference is between the two companies.

O L Leigh

 

[maniacmartin]

Passenger Focus have issued a press release about this

“We understand the problem but you need to compensate your passengers” – that is the message from Passenger Focus to London Midland as the driver shortage continues to cause frustration for many, and looks set to continue at least until mid-December. [...]

 

[SS4]

Passenger Focus have issued a press release about this

That the word tells is used instead of orders/demands says a lot about passenger focus

 

[Roverman]

They don't need to share a building to know that other TOCs pay better! Drivers know each other, they read the papers, the Union probably keeps them update too!

 

[O L Leigh]

Just a related thought.

Given that LM seem to be operating emergency drivers diagrams in order to minimise the number of cancellations, I am assuming that at least some the units are off their normal diagrams. Are LM using any of the units freed up by the planned cancellations to strengthen services (e.g. doubling-up Cl323s on the Cross City) in order to make back at least some of the capacity?

O L Leigh

 

[the sniper]

Just a related thought.

Given that LM seem to be operating emergency drivers diagrams in order to minimise the number of cancellations, I am assuming that at least some the units are off their normal diagrams. Are LM using any of the units freed up by the planned cancellations to strengthen services (e.g. doubling-up Cl323s on the Cross City) in order to make back at least some of the capacity?

O L Leigh

Where possible, yes. Tonight for example, one of the services for LTV was terminated at BHM with the next LTV service half an hour later attaching to it before going forward.

 

[87015]

Where possible, yes. Tonight for example, one of the services for LTV was terminated at BHM with the next LTV service half an hour later attaching to it before going forward.

...Largely because Network Rail have told them in no uncertain terms to stop littering New St with units that aren't going anywhere blocking the platforms.

 

[A-driver]

May be of interest, seems to pin the blame mainly on XC poaching drivers, backed up by ASLEF.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20253435

 

[O L Leigh]

I refer you back to post #196 in this thread, your honour.

O L Leigh

 

[A-driver]

I refer you back to post #196 in this thread, your honour.

O L Leigh

Not trying to argue with you, just summarising the article I linked to. Just stating the bbc says aslef are blaming it on poor conditions and bad pay.

 

[O L Leigh]

I don't see it that way, if I'm honest. I would say that ASLEF are explaining rather than blaming.

O L Leigh

 

[the sniper]

...Largely because Network Rail have told them in no uncertain terms to stop littering New St with units that aren't going anywhere blocking the platforms.

There is the alternative of ferrying the spare units back to or via Soho, which has also been done.

 

[telstarbox]

Yesterday I was waiting at Lichfield Trent Valley for the 11.37 Crewe service (from Euston), which did turn up. I was at LTV from about 11.15. Both the 10.37 and 12.37 services were shown as "Delayed" on the PIS.

Any passengers who had been intending to travel on the 10.37 would have boarded the 11.37 (or used an alternative route) anyway once it turned up, so are LM being disingenuous and was it actually cancelled? Is there a different penalty for LM if they describe a train as "delayed" rather than "cancelled", regardless of what actually happens to the service?