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Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
Watford Euston train services Press release from Claire Ward MP for Watford March 24th 2009 MP sees light at the end of the tunnel for Watford Commuters There was good news for commuters using the Watford to Euston train services following talks in London today between Watford MP, Claire Ward, and train boss, Steve Banaghan. The MP was told that at least nine new services will be introduced for Watford, Bushey and Harrow over the next few months after she had received hundreds of complaints about an "appalling service" with poor time keeping, overcrowding and missed connections. Ms Ward presented the findings of her Better Trains survey to Mr Banaghan ,the Managing Director of London Midland which took over local train services from the previous operator Silverlink in December last year. Claire said “My survey clearly shows that people remain very unhappy with the services as they currently run. There are too many delays and cancellations and carriages are at times dangerously overcrowded. The survey also displayed that more than anything passengers want an increased number of train services at peak times. Mr Banaghan has thanked me for the useful contribution my survey has made and notes that its findings are similar to London Midlands own research.” “I am pleased to say that thanks to my efforts and the outrage expressed by so many commuters, London Midland are reasonably confident that they will be able to introduce nine new “bounce back” train services which will go directly from London Euston to Watford Junction and then back via Bushey and Harrow at peak times. This could mean as many as 2,500 extra seats per day and will make a huge difference directly to those commuters who use those stations as well as indirectly to passengers travelling from stations like Kings Langley.” “I made it clear to Mr Banaghan that things are still not good enough but these extra services will be a good start to resolving the problems with rail services in my constituency. Mr Banaghan will contact me in the next few weeks to let me know if he receives approval for the services.” If successfully introduced, the nine new services (five in the morning, four in the evening) will be brought in from May 2009 onward. Ends Claire's website can be found at www.claire-ward.org.uk ------------------- John Burke WRUG |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
wrote in message ... Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May Watford Euston train services Press release from Claire Ward MP for Watford March 24th 2009 MP sees light at the end of the tunnel for Watford Commuters There was good news for commuters using the Watford to Euston train services following talks in London today between Watford MP, Claire Ward, and train boss, Steve Banaghan. The MP was told that at least nine new services will be introduced for Watford, Bushey and Harrow over the next few months after she had received hundreds of complaints about an "appalling service" with poor time keeping, overcrowding and missed connections. Ms Ward presented the findings of her Better Trains survey to Mr Banaghan ,the Managing Director of London Midland which took over local train services from the previous operator Silverlink in December last year. Claire said “My survey clearly shows that people remain very unhappy with the services as they currently run. There are too many delays and cancellations and carriages are at times dangerously overcrowded. The survey also displayed that more than anything passengers want an increased number of train services at peak times. Mr Banaghan has thanked me for the useful contribution my survey has made and notes that its findings are similar to London Midlands own research.” “I am pleased to say that thanks to my efforts and the outrage expressed by so many commuters, London Midland are reasonably confident that they will be able to introduce nine new “bounce back” train services which will go directly from London Euston to Watford Junction and then back via Bushey and Harrow at peak times. This could mean as many as 2,500 extra seats per day and will make a huge difference directly to those commuters who use those stations as well as indirectly to passengers travelling from stations like Kings Langley.” “I made it clear to Mr Banaghan that things are still not good enough but these extra services will be a good start to resolving the problems with rail services in my constituency. Mr Banaghan will contact me in the next few weeks to let me know if he receives approval for the services.” If successfully introduced, the nine new services (five in the morning, four in the evening) will be brought in from May 2009 onward. Ends Claire's website can be found at www.claire-ward.org.uk ------------------- John Burke WRUG 12 years in power and finally Claire Ward is getting off her backside and doing something. They are even doing something about the ****e schools in Watford. Anybody would think there was an election in a couple of years. Kevin |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
"Zen83237" wrote:
12 years in power and finally Claire Ward is getting off her backside and doing something. They are even doing something about the ****e schools in Watford. Anybody would think there was an election in a couple of years. Welcome to politics! ;-) The election must be held by mid-June 2010, so less than 15 months away. |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On Mar 24, 8:38*pm, "Zen83237" wrote:
wrote in message ... Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May Watford Euston train services Press release from Claire Ward MP for Watford March 24th 2009 MP sees light at the end of the tunnel for Watford Commuters There was good news for commuters using the Watford to Euston train services following talks in London today between Watford MP, Claire Ward, and train boss, Steve Banaghan. The MP was told that at least nine new services will be introduced for Watford, Bushey and Harrow over the next few months after she had received hundreds of complaints about an "appalling service" with poor time keeping, overcrowding and missed connections. ------------------- John Burke WRUG 12 years in power and finally Claire Ward is getting off her backside and doing something. They are even doing something about the ****e schools in Watford. Anybody would think there was an election in a couple of years. Except for the fact the LM managers where talking about this a month or two back at their meet the manager session (there was a post from Neil Williams a month or two back about this). Just like a politician, take the credit for someone else's idea ;) |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:38:40 -0000, "Zen83237"
wrote: 12 years in power and finally Claire Ward is getting off her backside and doing something. Talking to London Midland about something they were going to do anyway, you mean? It was their idea, and they told me about it at a Meet the Manager about 6 months ago, though at that point it was planned to start in December, not May. It was one of the reasons for their request to retain further 321s, a figure which I now believe is up to 10 rather than the original 7. Neil -- Neil Williams Put my first name before the at to reply. |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
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Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On Mar 24, 9:11*pm, (Neil Williams)
wrote: On Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:59:22 GMT, (Neil Williams) wrote: Talking to London Midland about something they were going to do anyway, you mean? *It was their idea, and they told me about it at a Meet the Manager about 6 months ago, though at that point it was Actually possibly it wasn't that long ago. *But still... Neil -- Neil Williams Put my first name before the at to reply. Steve Banaghan did mention it at an Abfly meeting last October, but said it would probably come in December 2010. John Burke |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
Steve Banaghan did mention it at an Abfly meeting last October, but said it would probably come in December 2010. John Burke Sorry December 2009! |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
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Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:49:08 -0000, "Paul Scott"
wrote: I wonder if back then they were not expecting to retain any 321s once the 350/2s had all arrived. They were - they let slip that they were keeping 7 at the MtM before the one when they mentioned the Watford services, as I recall. Neil -- Neil Williams Put my first name before the at to reply. |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
"Neil Williams" wrote in message
... On Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:38:40 -0000, "Zen83237" wrote: 12 years in power and finally Claire Ward is getting off her backside and doing something. Talking to London Midland about something they were going to do anyway, you mean? It was their idea, and they told me about it at a Meet the Manager about 6 months ago, though at that point it was planned to start in December, not May. It was one of the reasons for their request to retain further 321s, a figure which I now believe is up to 10 rather than the original 7. Neil -- Neil Williams Put my first name before the at to reply. It might even have had something to do with me and colleagues freezing our butts off on stations and squeezing on to rush hour trains to come up with the actual loading figures for managers to make a decision! MaxB |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On Mar 24, 9:51*pm, (Neil Williams)
wrote: On Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:49:08 -0000, "Paul Scott" wrote: I wonder if back then they were not expecting to retain any 321s once the 350/2s had all arrived. They were - they let slip that they were keeping 7 at the MtM before the one when they mentioned the Watford services, as I recall. Maybe LM persuaded DfT that it was a bit silly to be trumpeting an increase in capacity without LM actually having any more units to run their services. I assume that the 321s will be kept at least until LM get their share of the 1300 DfT vehicles (although that was only an extra 4 x 4 coach units for Euston - Northampton) or maybe until the planned IEP units arrive to replace the Northampton Fasts. |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
"Batman55" wrote It might even have had something to do with me and colleagues freezing our butts off on stations and squeezing on to rush hour trains to come up with the actual loading figures for managers to make a decision! Southeastern 375s have load wighing to give the managers this information. What other TOCs use this system? Peter |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On 24 Mar, 21:49, "Paul Scott" wrote:
wrote: On Mar 24, 9:11 pm, (Neil Williams) wrote: On Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:59:22 GMT, (Neil Williams) wrote: Talking to London Midland about something they were going to do anyway, you mean? It was their idea, and they told me about it at a Meet the Manager about 6 months ago, though at that point it was Actually possibly it wasn't that long ago. But still... Steve Banaghan did mention it at an Abfly meeting last October, but said it would probably come in December 2010. I wonder if back then they were not expecting to retain any 321s once the 350/2s had all arrived. Originally all 37 321s were lined up for other TOCs in the DfT rolling stock plan. So the extra services would require the later additions planned for the LM fleet. It is still possible that however many 321s they initially retain, they will subsequently be replaced by more 350s anyway. Paul S Yes, there's an OJEU notice out for between 8 and 11 four-car trains (to replace the retained 321s?) and 18 3-car trains. The guess (and it really is a guess) is that the DfT has decided to send the 323s to Northern, rather than order new trains there, and put new trains into the West Midlands. Assuming these trains have to work with the existing fleet the spec all but says "Desiro" on it, and this would be quite sensible - give two TOCs a single-train-type fleet rather than splits. Tony |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On 25 Mar, 07:57, "Peter Masson" wrote:
"Batman55" wrote It might even have had something to do with me and colleagues freezing our butts off on stations and squeezing on to rush hour trains to come up with the actual loading figures for managers to make a decision! Southeastern 375s have load wighing to give the managers this information. What other TOCs use this system? Peter Southern 377s and, I thought, LM 350s...! (I'm sure its a franchise commitment?). There are others - possibly on SWT? Tony |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On 24 Mar, 21:41, wrote:
Steve Banaghan did mention it at an Abfly meeting last October, but said it would probably come in December 2010. The logical conclusion to this in my view is that the infrastructure work should be done to allow through running to St Albans on a half- hourly 8-car service to/from Euston throughout the day with a few peak extras, and to withdraw all stops south of Watford (and some at Watford) from other services. Neil |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On 25 Mar, 10:01, Neil Williams wrote:
On 24 Mar, 21:41, wrote: Steve Banaghan did mention it at an Abfly meeting last October, but said it would probably come in December 2010. The logical conclusion to this in my view is that the infrastructure work should be done to allow through running to St Albans on a half- hourly 8-car service to/from Euston throughout the day with a few peak extras, and to withdraw all stops south of Watford (and some at Watford) from other services. 8 coach services to St. Albans looks expensive!! All of the stations would need extended platforms and St. Albans Abbey might be a bit cramped to fit a longer platform in. I'm not saying that it isn't a good idea, but it would be easier to get the 30 min service running first, with the loop at Bricket Wood (which was the original plan) and maybe adding 4 coaches at Watford Junction. I.e. work the service like the Birmingham services which detach / attach at Northampton. |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
"Neil Williams" wrote in message ... On Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:38:40 -0000, "Zen83237" wrote: 12 years in power and finally Claire Ward is getting off her backside and doing something. Talking to London Midland about something they were going to do anyway, you mean? It was their idea, and they told me about it at a Meet the Manager about 6 months ago, though at that point it was planned to start in December, not May. It was one of the reasons for their request to retain further 321s, a figure which I now believe is up to 10 rather than the original 7. Neil -- Neil Williams Put my first name before the at to reply. Well there you go, a politician for you. Kevin |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
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Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
8 coach services to St. Albans looks expensive!! All of the stations would need extended platforms and St. Albans Abbey might be a bit cramped to fit a longer platform in. I'm not saying that it isn't a good idea, but it would be easier to get the 30 min service running first, with the loop at Bricket Wood (which was the original plan) and maybe adding 4 coaches at Watford Junction. I.e. work the service like the Birmingham services which detach / attach at Northampton. Fair point, and you'd require 2 fewer units (I think), as the two that were on the branch while 1 is sitting in the platform at Watford would only be 4-car. Plus realign the track from the St Albans Abbey line back into platform 10 at Watford Junction and save plenty of money on having to re-signal from the main line into the existing platform 11, and while they are at it, they can put the track back in next to platform 10! John Burke |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:30:43 -0700 (PDT),
wrote: Plus realign the track from the St Albans Abbey line back into platform 10 at Watford Junction and save plenty of money on having to re-signal from the main line into the existing platform 11, and while they are at it, they can put the track back in next to platform 10! Why was it moved? Neil -- Neil Williams Put my first name before the at to reply. |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On Mar 25, 10:41*pm, (Neil Williams)
wrote: On Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:30:43 -0700 (PDT), wrote: Plus realign the track from the St Albans Abbey line back into platform 10 at Watford Junction and save plenty of money on having to re-signal from the main line into the existing platform 11, and while they are at it, they can put the track back in next to platform 10! Why was it moved? So they could extend the car park across the trackbed, if you look at Google Maps satellite view, you can see the route of the original alignment, which went down the back of the Homebase carpark (the curve of the wall was the original alignment). You can clearly see the station car park has two parts, the original bit between Platforms 9 and 10 and the extension between 10 and the newer platform 11, with a short connection between them around the end of platform 10. Part of the council's road plans would involve fiddling with the car- park access, which might make reinstating the original alignment easier, although this isn't mentioned in the plans (large pdf: http:// www.watford.gov.uk/ccm/cms-service/download/asset/?asset_id=14946050 |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
In article
, wrote: Plus realign the track from the St Albans Abbey line back into platform 10 at Watford Junction and save plenty of money on having to re-signal from the main line into the existing platform 11, and while they are at it, they can put the track back in next to platform 10! While spending more than they would save on making the car park accessible over the reinstated tracks. It is a very busy car park and losing it would damage the attractiveness of Watford unction for many users. -- David Wild using RISC OS on broadband www.davidhwild.me.uk |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
On 26 Mar, 09:38, wrote:
In article , * wrote: Plus realign the track from the St Albans Abbey line back into platform 10 at Watford Junction and save plenty of money on having to re-signal from the main line into the existing platform 11, and while they are at it, they can put the track back in next to platform 10! While spending more than they would save on making the car park accessible over the reinstated tracks. It is a very busy car park and losing it would damage the attractiveness of Watford unction for many users. The extra part of the car park would then be accessible from the Imperial way side, around the end of the remaining sidings in the yard (only a short stretch of new road would be needed). Access this way is planned in the Hertfordshire Council improvement scheme anyway and would involve a new road with a bridge over the line, linking St. Albans Road to Imperial Way, with access from this road into the car park. |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
I thought about this for a bit, and came up with:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=...06545&t=h&z=18 ...though I seem to have forgotten to add a turnback siding beyond my new terminal platforms. The general idea is clear though. Conceivably you could do the same to the fast line platforms to provide loops, but given Virgin don't want to stop there at all even if stops didn't reduce capacity, it's probably pointless. |
Extra Watford Junction - Euston services from May
wrote in message ... On 26 Mar, 09:38, wrote: In article , wrote: Plus realign the track from the St Albans Abbey line back into platform 10 at Watford Junction and save plenty of money on having to re-signal from the main line into the existing platform 11, and while they are at it, they can put the track back in next to platform 10! While spending more than they would save on making the car park accessible over the reinstated tracks. It is a very busy car park and losing it would damage the attractiveness of Watford unction for many users. The extra part of the car park would then be accessible from the Imperial way side, around the end of the remaining sidings in the yard (only a short stretch of new road would be needed). Access this way is planned in the Hertfordshire Council improvement scheme anyway and would involve a new road with a bridge over the line, linking St. Albans Road to Imperial Way, with access from this road into the car park. It sure is a pain having to negotiate the congestion around the station to get to the car park. Even a car park on the Imperial Rd side and a foot bridge would help. Kevin |
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