Thanks to LondonMidland's ParalympicsGB promotion, I was able to travel to London yesterday on the 0753 from Birmingham New Street First Class for the princely sum of £11.90 (Advance First Single with 34% discount). I wrote in August on the pros and cons of using LondonMidland and yesterday's journey was as good (and had the same weaknesses) as ever. As a way of getting to London before 1030 at a very cheap price, the 0753 cannot be beaten - just remember to take work or a good book!
The ParalympicsGB promotion runs until Sunday. Towards the end of October (20th - 4th November), LM are doing the Great Escape promotion once more: First Class Off-peak journeys for £25 using a voucher available from Monday.
Of course, one of the weaknesses of the LM service is the journey time, especially in the evening (who wants to sit on a train for over 2 hours after a long day?). Fortunately, Virgin Trains offers low-price First Class Advance fares on the 21.03 back to Birmingham from Euston. At £23.50, this fare is a veritable bargain compared to the ridiculous walk-on First Class fare of £92.70 (don't forget if you do walk-on to split the fare at Birmingham International), and, of course, offers so much more in addition to speed than LM's normal Advance First of £16 (free wifi, refreshments, First Class lounge).
Despite the low fare, First Class last night was virtually empty. Tim O'Toole is going to have his work cut-out to raise the patronage level of the WCML Pendolinos from the current 35% to his planned 50%...
Friday, 28 September 2012
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
LondonMidland Great Escape returns
LondonMidland continue their brilliant off-peak promotions by returning the 'Great Escape' over the October half-terms (Sat 20 Oct - Sun 4 Nov). £15 Standard and £25 First Class outside peak hours. 63,000 Vouchers available for download from Monday 1 October http://bit.ly/SAHKvo
Friday, 21 September 2012
A good week for the three TOCs but Christmas looms
Readers of Business Traveller magazine have for the sixth year in
succession voted Virgin Trains the Best UK Domestic Rail Operator. The award was presented on Monday (17th September) to Communications Director Arthur Leathley (press release from Virgin Trains here).
On Thursday (20th), Chiltern Railways scooped the Award as Passenger Operator of the Year at the National Rail Awards, and were Highly Commended in the Putting Passengers First category for the Barcode Ticket service (press release from Chiltern here).
The winners of this latter category were LondonMidland for Operation Synergy - the company's brilliant Social Media strategy.
Congratulations to all.
Not wishing to poop the party but Virgin Trains have just published plans for services in Christmas week "irrespective of who will actually be running long distance services on the West Coast Main Line by this time.” As work at Bletchley will close the southern leg of the WCML for part of the week (starting on Sunday 23rd), considerable disruption is expected, with no normal services New Street to Euston. WHY start before Christmas Day when the Sunday / Monday are likely to be seen as key travel days? Has anyone told Tim O'Toole?
On Thursday (20th), Chiltern Railways scooped the Award as Passenger Operator of the Year at the National Rail Awards, and were Highly Commended in the Putting Passengers First category for the Barcode Ticket service (press release from Chiltern here).
The winners of this latter category were LondonMidland for Operation Synergy - the company's brilliant Social Media strategy.
Congratulations to all.
Not wishing to poop the party but Virgin Trains have just published plans for services in Christmas week "irrespective of who will actually be running long distance services on the West Coast Main Line by this time.” As work at Bletchley will close the southern leg of the WCML for part of the week (starting on Sunday 23rd), considerable disruption is expected, with no normal services New Street to Euston. WHY start before Christmas Day when the Sunday / Monday are likely to be seen as key travel days? Has anyone told Tim O'Toole?
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Democracy in action: House of Commons scrutiny of the West Coast Mainline Franchise Decision
Monday 17th September saw a debate in Westminster Hall on the West Coast Mainline Franchise debacle following the successful raising of an e-petition by Ross McKillop. The three hour debate was opened by Rosie Cooper MP and closed for the Government by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Stephen Hammond.
The debate can be seen in full on parliament.tv and can be read in Hansard
The week before had seen Virgin Trains and First Group appear before the Transport Select Committee (my blog on which is here). The coverage on parliament.tv can be at found here whilst the uncorrected transcript can be read here (the corrected version will be published as HC 537-i (Session 2012-13).
Subsequently, the new Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick Mcloughlin, appeared before the Committee and stressed his “determination” to press ahead with the FirstGroup bid. The uncorrected transcript can be read here (the corrected version will be published as HC 584-i (Session 2012-13) whilst the parliament.tv coverage can be seen here.
Finally, the Department for Transport has let it be known that a team from the Directly Operated Railways company is being readied to take over the West Coast Main Line from December 9th... One does wonder if the Office of Fair Trading will have a view on one company running two main lines in direct competition?
The debate can be seen in full on parliament.tv and can be read in Hansard
The week before had seen Virgin Trains and First Group appear before the Transport Select Committee (my blog on which is here). The coverage on parliament.tv can be at found here whilst the uncorrected transcript can be read here (the corrected version will be published as HC 537-i (Session 2012-13).
Subsequently, the new Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick Mcloughlin, appeared before the Committee and stressed his “determination” to press ahead with the FirstGroup bid. The uncorrected transcript can be read here (the corrected version will be published as HC 584-i (Session 2012-13) whilst the parliament.tv coverage can be seen here.
Finally, the Department for Transport has let it be known that a team from the Directly Operated Railways company is being readied to take over the West Coast Main Line from December 9th... One does wonder if the Office of Fair Trading will have a view on one company running two main lines in direct competition?
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
LondonMidland Paralympic delight
Following on from the celebration of the Olympic gold rush, the Paralympians have done even better for LondonMidland passengers by enticing the company to give a 34% online discount on off-peak and advance tickets (including First Class once more) up to the end of September.
Don't forget that the 0753 LondonMidland service from Birmingham New Street is by far the cheapest way to get to London before 10.30 Monday to Friday as it is priced as an off-peak train AND, of course, there are NO peak restrictions in the evening back from Euston! Thus, with the discount, a Standard Class off-peak return would cost £18.50 (or £30.35 First) whilst Advance standard can be as cheap as £9.25 (or £10.55 First). Don't forget that journey times are 2 hours plus without refreshments or on-board wi-fi... however, the Desiros do ride well and aren't as claustrophic in Standard Class as the Pendolinos.
Don't forget that the 0753 LondonMidland service from Birmingham New Street is by far the cheapest way to get to London before 10.30 Monday to Friday as it is priced as an off-peak train AND, of course, there are NO peak restrictions in the evening back from Euston! Thus, with the discount, a Standard Class off-peak return would cost £18.50 (or £30.35 First) whilst Advance standard can be as cheap as £9.25 (or £10.55 First). Don't forget that journey times are 2 hours plus without refreshments or on-board wi-fi... however, the Desiros do ride well and aren't as claustrophic in Standard Class as the Pendolinos.
Chiltern Railways update from Meet the Managers...
I am told on good authority that Malcolm Holmes is NOT returning to London Overground but he has definitely relinquished his role as General Manager Mainline and will be leaving Chiltern at the end of October. Apologies for not cross-checking the Rail 705 new item
(Following on from Rail 705 news item on the return of Malcolm Holmes (General Manager Mainline) to London Overground,) Chiltern have confirmed that Chad Collins, currently General Manager South*, will become Head of Stations, and that Alan Riley, currently Head of On-Board Services, will become Head of Trains.
The latest refurbished Silver Set, currently undergoing testing, is to be split for the Autumn to provide extra coaches on the two existing Silver Set diagrams, the peak hours trips of which are nearing capacity**. Alas, hopes that overcrowding on the 1915 ex-Marylebone will be eased by deployment of a Silver Set are not to be realised.
Talking of the Silver Sets, the experimental meal service is set to continue on certain trains but it does depend on staff rotas as to when the meals will be available... Alas, the introduction of the Leamington Spa stop into the current 90 minute runs is confirmed from December so Chiltern's fastest south will be 93/94 mins (shame).
The December timetable is still being tweaked by Network Rail so the version of the online planners is correct in outline but may have minor timing changes in practice.
Finally, Chiltern are planning a robust response to Andi Swain's letter in Rail 705 about the confusion at Marylebone over the Silver Set Business Zone provision. No doubt, management are also taking the comments on board!
* Many thanks to Chris Bates for correcting the current designations of Malcolm and Chad
26 September: Chiltern have now confirmed that the full relevant management structure is:
Jenny Payne – Customer Services Director
Debbie Osborne – Regional Manager South (responsible for stations and staff south of Bicester
North)
** Additional capacity to be introduced from Monday 8th October. Each Silver Set to gain an additional standard class carriage http://bit.ly/Sm9IcL NOTE too that a Class 172 two carriage set will be added to the formation of the 0733 from Moor Street from the 8th. This set is NOT to Mainline standard (no WiFi etc) and is there to relieve overcrowding from Banbury. Chiltern will be advising Moor Street passengers not to use this portion of the train!
(Following on from Rail 705 news item on the return of Malcolm Holmes (General Manager Mainline) to London Overground,) Chiltern have confirmed that Chad Collins, currently General Manager South*, will become Head of Stations, and that Alan Riley, currently Head of On-Board Services, will become Head of Trains.
The latest refurbished Silver Set, currently undergoing testing, is to be split for the Autumn to provide extra coaches on the two existing Silver Set diagrams, the peak hours trips of which are nearing capacity**. Alas, hopes that overcrowding on the 1915 ex-Marylebone will be eased by deployment of a Silver Set are not to be realised.
Talking of the Silver Sets, the experimental meal service is set to continue on certain trains but it does depend on staff rotas as to when the meals will be available... Alas, the introduction of the Leamington Spa stop into the current 90 minute runs is confirmed from December so Chiltern's fastest south will be 93/94 mins (shame).
The December timetable is still being tweaked by Network Rail so the version of the online planners is correct in outline but may have minor timing changes in practice.
Finally, Chiltern are planning a robust response to Andi Swain's letter in Rail 705 about the confusion at Marylebone over the Silver Set Business Zone provision. No doubt, management are also taking the comments on board!
* Many thanks to Chris Bates for correcting the current designations of Malcolm and Chad
26 September: Chiltern have now confirmed that the full relevant management structure is:
Jenny Payne – Customer Services Director
Is reported to by:
Chad Collins – Head of Stations AND Alan Riley – Head of
Trains
Chad has reporting to him:
Sandra Harper – Regional Manager North (responsible for
stations and staff Bicester North northwards)
** Additional capacity to be introduced from Monday 8th October. Each Silver Set to gain an additional standard class carriage http://bit.ly/Sm9IcL NOTE too that a Class 172 two carriage set will be added to the formation of the 0733 from Moor Street from the 8th. This set is NOT to Mainline standard (no WiFi etc) and is there to relieve overcrowding from Banbury. Chiltern will be advising Moor Street passengers not to use this portion of the train!
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Chiltern Railways Business Zone or Virgin Trains First Class - which will First Group emulate?
In all the furore over the West Coast Franchise, it seems to be going unnoticed that Chiltern are quietly but steadily improving the Business Zone offering between Birmingham and London. I am told that the 0655 Silver Set Business Zone is packed more often than not and that alcohol flows freely on the return 1807 (presumably on Friday nights...). Alas, I cannot vouch personally for these stories but I can reveal that the company is trialling 'plated' meals on the off-peak 1055 from Moor Street and the return 1337 from Marylebone.
Yesterday, I travelled in a very quiet Business Zone on the 1055 and enjoyed Sweet and Sour Chicken with Noodles served to my seat after the Banbury stop. At £4 with 'complimentary' cold drinks and tea or coffee (actually included in the £10 BZ supplement), this seems good value and perhaps similar to what First Group may be planning for their West Coast premium standard class should they be awarded the franchise.
I am told that Chiltern are planning to introduce a range of meals over the next few weeks, which will include Chicken Tikka Masala, Chilli con Carne, and a range of jacket potato fillings. Another Silver Set is undergoing testing next week and should be in service by October, so it will be interesting to see how the meal service takes off. As a side note, I understand that the 'famous' bacon roll on the Clubmans is now joined by a sausage bap in the mornings.
Of course, the Chiltern 1055 service is available for a Super Off-peak walk-on return fare of £27.50 plus the £10 on the train supplement. Virgin don't have a comparable fare offering but I did come back on the 2103 Pendolino from Euston for £23.50 First Class advance last night.
As First Group keep pointing out, the trouble with Virgin Trains is that they don't know how to market a mid-range offering to passengers who don't want to be cramped in Standard but also don't want the full at-seat service. Last night's Pendolino was vaguely busy in First Class but one wonders why Virgin feel the need to cart empty First Class carriages around their network for most of the day and why they can't cater for an on-train upgrade...
Still to be fair to Virgin, I do think that the three trains an hour timetable is brilliant; the staff are efficient, and the journey is fast (which is always welcome mid-evening). The light snacks and drinks were fine, and, of course, WiFi is free both on-board and in the First Class lounge. Nevertheless, I do wonder if First Group won't do better still, at least in the first five years
Yesterday, I travelled in a very quiet Business Zone on the 1055 and enjoyed Sweet and Sour Chicken with Noodles served to my seat after the Banbury stop. At £4 with 'complimentary' cold drinks and tea or coffee (actually included in the £10 BZ supplement), this seems good value and perhaps similar to what First Group may be planning for their West Coast premium standard class should they be awarded the franchise.
I am told that Chiltern are planning to introduce a range of meals over the next few weeks, which will include Chicken Tikka Masala, Chilli con Carne, and a range of jacket potato fillings. Another Silver Set is undergoing testing next week and should be in service by October, so it will be interesting to see how the meal service takes off. As a side note, I understand that the 'famous' bacon roll on the Clubmans is now joined by a sausage bap in the mornings.
Of course, the Chiltern 1055 service is available for a Super Off-peak walk-on return fare of £27.50 plus the £10 on the train supplement. Virgin don't have a comparable fare offering but I did come back on the 2103 Pendolino from Euston for £23.50 First Class advance last night.
As First Group keep pointing out, the trouble with Virgin Trains is that they don't know how to market a mid-range offering to passengers who don't want to be cramped in Standard but also don't want the full at-seat service. Last night's Pendolino was vaguely busy in First Class but one wonders why Virgin feel the need to cart empty First Class carriages around their network for most of the day and why they can't cater for an on-train upgrade...
Still to be fair to Virgin, I do think that the three trains an hour timetable is brilliant; the staff are efficient, and the journey is fast (which is always welcome mid-evening). The light snacks and drinks were fine, and, of course, WiFi is free both on-board and in the First Class lounge. Nevertheless, I do wonder if First Group won't do better still, at least in the first five years
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Clash of the Titans? Sir Richard Branson and Tim O'Toole face the Transport Select Committee
Yesterday I was fortunate enough to secure a place in a packed Grimond Room in Portculllis House to witness the 'grilling' of Richard Branson and Tim O'Toole by the Transport Select Committee. Of course, being a mere member of the public, I was perched on a hard bench which ran along the back wall of the room - a foretaste of FirstGroup's new class of seating as one wag remarked...
As a piece of theatre, the event lived up to it's billing. Richard Branson swept in with his large retinue and played the 'I can't believe that this is happening / I just want to do what is right for my staff and passengers' cards, whilst Tim O'Toole and Vernon Barker stayed ice-cool and basically indicated that Virgin Group were sore losers who were mis-representing what FirstGroup were offering to the West Coast Mainline franchise.
So, ignoring the heat, was any light shed upon what is actually being offered by the two sides?
Well, Richard Branson and his team emphaised that
As a piece of theatre, the event lived up to it's billing. Richard Branson swept in with his large retinue and played the 'I can't believe that this is happening / I just want to do what is right for my staff and passengers' cards, whilst Tim O'Toole and Vernon Barker stayed ice-cool and basically indicated that Virgin Group were sore losers who were mis-representing what FirstGroup were offering to the West Coast Mainline franchise.
So, ignoring the heat, was any light shed upon what is actually being offered by the two sides?
Well, Richard Branson and his team emphaised that
- Virgin were looking to make £800 million of investment in the route as opposed to their claimed figure of £300 million for First Group.
- the benchmark passenger growth figure on which they based their bid was 7.9% per annum
- during the extension of the current franchise, the Olympics had generated £1m benefit to Virgin as opposed to the Dept of Transport's projected £15m (which would have been physically impossible to achieve...)
- Virgin have an absolute commitment to the new services offered - subject to the approval of the Office for Rail Regulation
Meanwhile, Tim O'Toole and Vernon Barker promised:
- growth as exemplified by their TransPennine franchise (the 'poster child' of rail franchises)
- 15% reduction in Anytime Standard fares by January 2014
- an additional class 'premium standard' for those who wanted more than Standard Class BUT didn't want the Virgin First Class experience
- use Off-Peak offers to drive up seat occupancy from Virgin's current 35% to TPE's 50% rate
- make £350m of investment in the first five years of the franchise, then roll forward as demand require
- Refresh the interiors of the existing fleet
- Free WiFi
- At-seat catering
- Use of new media to target offers to drive business
- staffing to stay the same for the first five years then to reflect growth AND changing patterns of use...
- 'Shoulder Peak' travel to be tackled through use of fare pricing around peak times (NOTE the peak times are not planned to be changed)
Overall, Virgin huffed and puffed and were clearly aggrieved but FirstGroup refused to be ruffled and seem supremely confident that they will deliver. Roll on the judicial review!
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