civilservant

The rain network here is falling apart, what with the CPI+3% yearly rises (6.3% rise scheduled for Jan 13) it's no wonder we are missing our Greenhouse targets as people are getting back in their cars.

I enjoy travelling on the train, but not at £13.60 per day for a 20 miles trip.

into_thewild

FirstGroup run Scotrail and the trains I get to work everyday. They are expensive and unreliable. There is a not a day goes by where the train isn't delayed by atleast a couple of minutes. I remember when it was really really col dhere two years ago and there was a couple of solid weeks with just no trains whatsoever.

GeoffM

An e-petition has topped 100,000 - eligible to be considered for discussion in Parliament. I doubt it will change fGW's winning of the service but it might start to raise some awkward questions for those that decide on the franchise winners.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/37180

tonrob

Is there a bugger off Virgin petition? The pathetic excuse for trains they inflicted on the West Coast (and Cross Country) are cramped, smelly rattling tins of shite.

GeoffM

The WC don't know how good they currently have it!

tonrob

While I don't approve of FGW's choice of interior refurbishment of their Mk.3s - at least they kept the most comfortable stock still in regular use on Britain's railways.

Scouse Express

An unusual offer from Virgin;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19386005


Jim.

GeoffM

First Group trial their new announcer for West Coast on home turf first...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=VP6-E617Pb4

Scouse Express

The Deal is now "On Hold" pending Virgin's Legal Action over decision to award contract to First;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19467510


Jim.

GeoffM

From what I understand, this isn't a case of them having a rethink of who should get the franchise but the legal action putting a giant spanner in the works. It'll be interesting to see what happens - I don't think anybody can call it one way or another at the moment!

GeoffM

West Coast Main Line deal ditched:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19809717

West Coast Main Line franchise competition cancelled:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-rel...ress-20121003a

Sounds like some of the jolly old boys in the club have been discovered.

yellowroom

Blimey, Beardy was right.

Jobs for the boys indeed. Good for him for digging his heels in - from the BBC looks like they're going to have to rethink the whole business of rail franchises. Good!!

GeoffM

I guess the "nudge, nudge, wink, wink" Virgin Christmas hamper wasn't good enough!

I hope it does shake up the franchising process. It's bad enough as it is, with too much government meddling and dictating (all parties). The dictat that each London terminus should have one operator (as far as possible) was bad enough - meaning zero competition.

materialcontroller

The railways should be renationalised. End of.

GeoffM

Really bad idea.