Welsh rail network is worst in Britain

[The Planner]

Probably to Parkway and a taxi I'd have thought.

 

[Gareth Marston]

....but how many workers at Broughton or Wrexham Industrial Estate travel by train?

Virtually none due to location. Broughton and Bretton station was on the Chester to Mold route and though the NWML runs along the Hawarden airport complexes boundary there has never been a station.

The Wrexham estate was served by freight sidings off the Wrexham Central to Ellesmere line never had a passenger service.

 

[Arglwydd Golau]

Virtually none due to location. Broughton and Bretton station was on the Chester to Mold route and though the NWML runs along the Hawarden airport complexes boundary there has never been a station.

The Wrexham estate was served by freight sidings off the Wrexham Central to Ellesmere line never had a passenger service.

Yes, that's what I would have thought. There can't be many (if any) stations adjacent to Industrial complexes (if there are any left) used by train-travelling workers.....thinking about it, someone has probably written a book about 'blue collar' workers using the train to get to work in the past but when I try to picture such scenes I'm afraid that I find it hard to imagine....anyway, this is really getting off topic!

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

most journeys to Filton Abbey Wood are easier via Newport so they would use a Cardiiff train

If you have the time the Marches route is fine, but it doesn't compete with XC via Birmingham and Crewe for business travel from Bristol to Chester.

 

[merlodlliw]

I have received a copy of the Ministers promised letter sent to all AMs on Tuesday, on the WG decision plus reasons & cost savings for the Wrexham/Chester railway redouble.

If anyone would like a copy please PM me with an E Mail address.

 

[EbbwJunction1]

The eponymous station serving Trefforest Industrial Estate is still there.

However, the service is only every half an hour, despite other trains travelling through but not stopping on average every 10 to 15 minutes. I was due to work on the estate a couple of years ago, but elected not to because of this. In addition, the station is (or was then) a right mess and, I think, downright dangerous as well.

 

[Gareth Marston]

The eponymous station serving Trefforest Industrial Estate is still there.

However, the service is only every half an hour, despite other trains travelling through but not stopping on average every 10 to 15 minutes. I was due to work on the estate a couple of years ago, but elected not to because of this. In addition, the station is (or was then) a right mess and, I think, downright dangerous as well.

I've used it a couple of times the last few years and theirs been others at same time as me arriving 1000 ish not sure what peak flow is. Agree that the access and width of platform are issues.

 

[Quakers Yard]

From what I have seen and I have used it myself the width of Treforest Estate is fine for the amount of passengers using it.
The only trains stopping there are the Merthyr ones on Mon to Sat only.

 

[EbbwJunction1]

My "complaint" isn't actually about the width of the platform, as I agree that it's perfectly wide enough for the amount of use.

No, I was commenting about
1. the facilities on the platform - there are none, apart from a couple of not very nice shelters;
2. the tunnel under the platform - very dark and dingy, and not well maintained at all;
3. the approach to the station - ill lit and potentially dangerous in some places.

I visited the station as part of a recce prior to a possible move to an office on the industrial estate. I had no hesitation in reporting this back to my bosses (with photos).

I also said that I wouldn't want to be on the station early in the morning or late at night, especially on my own. I would also not recommend any female doing the same (and I'm really not being sexist when I say that - I genuinely believe that it wouldn't be safe).

Thankfully, the move hasn't happened for me, so I don't have to go there - thank goodness!

 

[Gareth Marston]

My "complaint" isn't actually about the width of the platform, as I agree that it's perfectly wide enough for the amount of use.

No, I was commenting about
1. the facilities on the platform - there are none, apart from a couple of not very nice shelters;
2. the tunnel under the platform - very dark and dingy, and not well maintained at all;
3. the approach to the station - ill lit and potentially dangerous in some places.

I visited the station as part of a recce prior to a possible move to an office on the industrial estate. I had no hesitation in reporting this back to my bosses (with photos).

I also said that I wouldn't want to be on the station early in the morning or late at night, especially on my own. I would also not recommend any female doing the same (and I'm really not being sexist when I say that - I genuinely believe that it wouldn't be safe).

Thankfully, the move hasn't happened for me, so I don't have to go there - thank goodness!

Unfortunately many stations get selected for /suggested for upgrade on the basis so existing footfall rather than potential. The Mid Wales local transport consortia put forward Machynlleth as a priority (based on existing footfall) though it was pointed out that once an hourly service was provided Welshpool and Newtown's footfall would far outstrip Machynlleths.

 

[merlodlliw]

Unfortunately many stations get selected for /suggested for upgrade on the basis so existing footfall rather than potential. The Mid Wales local transport consortia put forward Machynlleth as a priority (based on existing footfall) though it was pointed out that once an hourly service was provided Welshpool and Newtown's footfall would far outstrip Machynlleths.

Picture in this link by network rail of the landslip on the Cambrian cancelling all services. http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/strong-winds-flood-warnings-north-6444487

Similar footfall applies to Wrexham,current shambles of the redouble takes no account of potential footfall,

 

[Gareth Marston]

Picture in this link by network rail of the landslip on the Cambrian cancelling all services. http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/strong-winds-flood-warnings-north-6444487

Similar footfall applies to Wrexham,current shambles of the redouble takes no account of potential footfall,

Clear now had closure between Newtown and Welshpool yesterday, then the replacement coaches ordered from Lloyds in Machynlleth got blocked by fallen trees.

 

[merlodlliw]

Clear now had closure between Newtown and Welshpool yesterday, then the replacement coaches ordered from Lloyds in Machynlleth got blocked by fallen trees.

I live on a mountain, it was only when I traveled down into Wrexham I realised how much damage had been done, many roads blocked with flood water and fallen trees,one person had his house burned down in Bwlchgwyn down the road from me, firemen working in gale force winds stood no chance of saving the building.
Anyhow on a better note,spotted a brand new GHA coach on the X 94 Wrexham to Barmouth run yesterday,having taken over the WG contract Arriva gave up,
this service now calls at Ruabon Station.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I live on a mountain, it was only when I traveled down into Wrexham I realised how much damage had been done, many roads blocked with flood water and fallen trees,one person had his house burned down in Bwlchgwyn down the road from me, firemen working in gale force winds stood no chance of saving the building.

There were fire tenders from a number of areas who tried what they could with regard to the property near to you. It is said an electrical fault was to blame for the blaze.

Incidentally, are George Edwards & Sons still based in Bwlchgwyn and how many bus services do they run these days ?

 

[merlodlliw]

There were fire tenders from a number of areas who tried what they could with regard to the property near to you. It is said an electrical fault was to blame for the blaze.

Incidentally, are George Edwards & Sons still based in Bwlchgwyn and how many bus services do they run these days ?

Merry Christmas to you Paul & all on the forum.
George Edwards have given up all service runs & concentrate on Wrexham CC school runs and holidays etc. Yes the fire was thought to be electrical,both owners of the house were up North, the daughter was straying in the property & called 999 after smelling burning,the fire alarm went off,she presumed due to cooking, but then smoke appeared, picture here http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/bwlchgwyn-fire-house-gutted-blaze-6442619 fire brigade was very worried flames could spread in the gale.

I would have sent this as a pm,but with no trains running on Xmas Day,lets banter,

Bob

 

[Gareth Marston]

I live on a mountain, it was only when I traveled down into Wrexham I realised how much damage had been done, many roads blocked with flood water and fallen trees,one person had his house burned down in Bwlchgwyn down the road from me, firemen working in gale force winds stood no chance of saving the building.
Anyhow on a better note,spotted a brand new GHA coach on the X 94 Wrexham to Barmouth run yesterday,having taken over the WG contract Arriva gave up,
this service now calls at Ruabon Station.

10 wasted years in Wales when Arriva bus & trains could have worked togethar to create and improve integrated transport. Alas both lived in a silo only inrested in a narrow view of tomorrow's profits. Still Arriva are in retreat in Wales now. As for the Trawa Cambria network a lot of people point to Arrivas commercialism as a barrier why it struggled to take off now there out the way?

 

[Marcus1980]

Don' surprise me, in 2006 from Pwhelli they were using trains that felt really bumpy, looked old fashioned and it was hot outside. The train got hot really quickly and it stunk.

Also, this train was supposed to go to Birmingham New St but terminated at Maclleneth, only to get a train from there to Birmingham, which then terminated at Shewsbury, meaning from there go to Wolves, then to Brum.

Worse ever service that was, not forgetting two early terminations in succession.

 

[Gareth Marston]

Don' surprise me, in 2006 from Pwhelli they were using trains that felt really bumpy, looked old fashioned and it was hot outside. The train got hot really quickly and it stunk.

Also, this train was supposed to go to Birmingham New St but terminated at Maclleneth, only to get a train from there to Birmingham, which then terminated at Shewsbury, meaning from there go to Wolves, then to Brum.

Worse ever service that was, not forgetting two early terminations in succession.

The problems from oct 01 to dec 08 were primarily driven from how poorly thought the franchise split was but Arriva were slow beyond in coming up with a solution until extra orcats £ were involved

 

[merlodlliw]

10 wasted years in Wales when Arriva bus & trains could have worked togethar to create and improve integrated transport. Alas both lived in a silo only inrested in a narrow view of tomorrow's profits. Still Arriva are in retreat in Wales now. As for the Trawa Cambria network a lot of people point to Arrivas commercialism as a barrier why it struggled to take off now there out the way?

I agree ten wasted years, when Arriva they won the W & B franchise (lets keep it British),other bidders were from Europe,& would have been far better in my opinion.

 

[anthony263]

I agree ten wasted years, when Arriva they won the W & B franchise (lets keep it British),other bidders were from Europe,& would have been far better in my opinion.

I wish we kept National Express running the wales & borders franchise.

I do wonder who we will have next as I do wonder if Arrriva will bother bidding for the next franchise.

Hopefully we wont see the next operator constantly going to Cradiff Bay with the begging bowl

 

[Arglwydd Golau]

I wish we kept National Express running the wales & borders franchise.

I do wonder who we will have next as I do wonder if Arrriva will bother bidding for the next franchise.

Hopefully we wont see the next operator constantly going to Cradiff Bay with the begging bowl

Can't see that it would ever be anything different....why wouldn't any private company go begging to the Government (in any field, not just railways)? If a company can get the government to shell out rather than have to do it themselves, then it's a good win for the shareholders.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

10 wasted years in Wales when Arriva bus & trains could have worked togethar to create and improve integrated transport. Alas both lived in a silo only inrested in a narrow view of tomorrow's profits. Still Arriva are in retreat in Wales now. As for the Trawa Cambria network a lot of people point to Arrivas commercialism as a barrier why it struggled to take off now there out the way?

GHA seem to be the new Crosville (a fine example of Wales & Borders operation).
They (Crosville) were of course briefly owned by the LMS, and later the BTC, before being returned again to the bus/rail silos.

 

[merlodlliw]

GHA seem to be the new Crosville (a fine example of Wales & Borders operation).
They (Crosville) were of course briefly owned by the LMS, and later the BTC, before being returned again to the bus/rail silos.

I agree GHA are a very good example,operating in the North West/Midlands and their own base of North Wales,GHA are more like Stage Coach now,without a mask over their eyes.
Crosville once owned by LMS(Great Western also owned buses),can still be remembered at Loggerheads near Mold and Caergwle Castle Station on the Wrexham Bidston line.link here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-19519616

Could GHA be a contender for Wales & Borders franchise?