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Title: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: RichardB on January 14, 2016, 11:30:47 Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway, to speak at Plymouth University
In the wake of weather-related service disruptions and questions over its long-term resilience, now is a critical time for the railway in the far South West. Join Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of GWR, the region's largest train operator, for his talk about the transformation of the former 'First Great Western' into the new Great Western Railway. With a new franchise until the end of the decade, this is much more than a re-badging exercise, and GWR has a far reaching plan to transform the railway in the South West. Mark will describe the thinking behind this transformation, which includes the complete replacement of the high speed train fleet across the region. He considers the challenges being met along the way, including the need for GWR to play its part in promoting the economic and social well-being of the South West. The talk will take place on 11 February in Lecture Theatre 2 in the Roland Levinsky Building. Doors open 5.45pm with the lecture starting at 6.15pm. A wine reception will follow. It is free to attend the lecture, but registration is essential: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MarkHopwood Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: Chris from Nailsea on January 17, 2016, 20:53:13 Many thanks for posting that diary entry, RichardB. :)
Unfortunately, I'll be working that day, so will be unable to attend. ::) However: may I recommend it to anyone else with an interest in railways and their place in the economy of the South West. A gentle 'bump' there. :P ;D Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: JayMac on January 17, 2016, 23:43:59 I'd be interested to hear about this far reaching plan that GWR have. Reaching all the way to April 2019. First Group can't reach any further.
I'd also be interested to hear about the real reasons for the re-badging exercise. Not that Mr Hopwood will admit to the discussions behind closed doors at First Group being largely concerned with how to distance themselves from what had become a toxic brand. And then the decision to cynically appropriate a much loved historical name for their own ends. I'd also like to hear the reasons behind riding on the coat tails of Network Rail and consistently putting out the message that somehow it was First Group who were making the largest investment since Brunel. I won't hear any of that though. What I will hear is what I've heard in the past at events where Mr Hopwood has spoken. Corporate guff. "Look at us, ain't we brilliant?" So anyone. Go if you want. You'll not find me there. Waste of time. Cynical? Moi? Damn right. Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: broadgage on January 19, 2016, 15:39:02 Whist I somewhat agree with the cynical views posted above, I would still be interested in reports from anyone who does attend.
Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: TaplowGreen on January 19, 2016, 19:09:09 I'd be interested to hear about this far reaching plan that GWR have. Reaching all the way to April 2019. First Group can't reach any further. I'd also be interested to hear about the real reasons for the re-badging exercise. Not that Mr Hopwood will admit to the discussions behind closed doors at First Group being largely concerned with how to distance themselves from what had become a toxic brand. And then the decision to cynically appropriate a much loved historical name for their own ends. I'd also like to hear the reasons behind riding on the coat tails of Network Rail and consistently putting out the message that somehow it was First Group who were making the largest investment since Brunel. I won't hear any of that though. What I will hear is what I've heard in the past at events where Mr Hopwood has spoken. Corporate guff. "Look at us, ain't we brilliant?" So anyone. Go if you want. You'll not find me there. Waste of time. Cynical? Moi? Damn right. Hear hear.......and he'll have to get away pretty sharpish, last London train is at 1942! Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: grahame on January 19, 2016, 19:54:17 Hear hear.......and he'll have to get away pretty sharpish, last London train is at 1942! ? - my timetable shows a 23:54 .... ;) Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: TaplowGreen on January 20, 2016, 06:00:59 Hear hear.......and he'll have to get away pretty sharpish, last London train is at 1942! ? - my timetable shows a 23:54 .... ;) If he's not home by midnight he turns into a pumpkin. Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: plymothian on February 11, 2016, 04:17:17 Anyone going?
Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: TaplowGreen on February 11, 2016, 13:43:01 Anyone going? Only if he paints himself GWR green (as a fellow Janner I'm sure we'd both appreciate it!) :) Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: plymothian on February 11, 2016, 16:39:01 Well I decided to bite the bullet earlier this week and registered to go.
Hope it's interested as thanks to GWR I am knackered now! ...and yes, I'm very glad they chose green! Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: TaplowGreen on February 12, 2016, 08:38:24 Well I decided to bite the bullet earlier this week and registered to go. Hope it's interested as thanks to GWR I am knackered now! ...and yes, I'm very glad they chose green! How did it go? Did he take everyone down to Cap'n Jaspers afterwards? Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: grahame on February 12, 2016, 14:14:45 How did it go? Did he take everyone down to Cap'n Jaspers afterwards? See Western Morning News (http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/1bn-rail-investment-Devon-Cornwall/story-28718709-detail/story.html) Quote Great Western Railways, working with Network Rail, is set to deliver huge improvements to its South West services, managing director Mark Hopwood said. He told an audience at Plymouth University on Thursday evening of the company's plans, which include electrification of the main line from London to Bristol and Cardiff. [snip] "There have been a lot of complaints over the years by people in the South West about the level of investment in the region, with some justification," he said. A major timetable change in December 2018 will see quicker train journeys across the route with a reduction of journey times between South Wales, Bristol and London, shaving travel time into Bristol by up to 17 minutes and Cardiff by up to 14 minutes. These new services will also see more direct trains into Devon and double the number of trains into and out of Cornwall. Mr Hopwood said a new early train from Penzance would get passengers to Plymouth by 9.45am. The new trains, due in 2018, would have 24 to 26 per cent greater capacity, better wifi and better kitchens ^ "We are committed to catering on board trains", he said. Some Cross Country trains are unable to pass Dawlish in South Devon when storms send waves crashing over the sea wall. Mr Hopwood said GWR had specified with the manufacturers that their new trains should not be affected in the same way. Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: SandTEngineer on February 12, 2016, 15:18:14 I hope thats a mis-quote there and they mean a new fast train from Paddington to Plymouth to arrive by 0945 ::)
Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: plymothian on February 12, 2016, 15:31:58 I hope thats a mis-quote there and they mean a new fast train from Paddington to Plymouth to arrive by 0945 ::) Yeah it is a misquote. The lecture was full, and more people arrived on spec. But TBH, I don't really think there was much that isn't already in the public domain. If anyone can think of anything specific you might have thought he would mention, I'll see if I can recall. Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: JayMac on February 12, 2016, 15:43:17 First Group's tumbling share price?
The real reasons for the FGW re-brand? The staff morale? Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: TaplowGreen on February 12, 2016, 16:46:30 I hope thats a mis-quote there and they mean a new fast train from Paddington to Plymouth to arrive by 0945 ::) Yeah it is a misquote. The lecture was full, and more people arrived on spec. But TBH, I don't really think there was much that isn't already in the public domain. If anyone can think of anything specific you might have thought he would mention, I'll see if I can recall. Well that's a considerable improvement on the current earliest arrival in Plymouth, shame it's still the thick end of 3 years away..........I'll be interested on how many of the "more direct trains into Devon" will terminate at Exeter St Davids though? Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: JayMac on February 12, 2016, 16:58:15 Well that's a considerable improvement on the current earliest arrival in Plymouth, What? 0514? :P Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: TaplowGreen on February 12, 2016, 17:08:48 Well that's a considerable improvement on the current earliest arrival in Plymouth, What? 0514? :P If it were still the case that a sleeper carriage was detached at Plymouth and customers were allowed to slumber until a reasonable hour, that might be a valid point, as it is, it's a totally unrealistic option, unless you fancy pounding the streets for a couple of hours till shops etc start to open (........in my younger days during my misspent youth in Plymouth I did, but that was generally on my way home after a night out in Union Street!) - for all practical purposes, the first train is one that leaves London and arrives in Plymouth on the same day.......0945 is still rather late for my money, but it is an improvement on 1030........best option is to schedule one leaving London 0530 arriving 0830, for normal business hours - if they run it as a Pullman serving breakfast, might even get you out of bed for that one BNM! ;) Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: John R on February 12, 2016, 17:43:40 .....0945 is still rather late for my money, but it is an improvement on 1030........best option is to schedule one leaving London 0530 arriving 0830, for normal business hours - if they run it as a Pullman serving breakfast, might even get you out of bed for that one BNM! ;) I'm not sure how attractive that would be, at least from Paddington. Bear in mind you have to get to the station, and make sure you have time to spare, and the tube will only just be starting up. You might get more trade from Reading I guess, but whether enough to make it viable I doubt. In most instances a 0945 arrival will be fine (if on time) for a 1000 or 1030 meeting. Yes meetings are sometimes scheduled earlier, but in my experience most people will try to be accommodating with timing if they understand the constraints of the attendees. Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: IndustryInsider on February 12, 2016, 18:17:17 I would probably say a 9am-9:30am would be sufficient, especially if there was a breakfast option on the train, but 9:45am is certainly a very welcome improvement on the current dismal 10:33! It would likely have to make several stops en-route to be viable, so a departure time of around 6am would likely be necessary to achieve that anyway - even with the new trains shaving a few minutes off of the running times.
Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: ChrisB on February 12, 2016, 21:10:21 0514 @ Plymouth or 0530 @ Paddington? Isn't that the same problem, TG?
Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: TaplowGreen on February 12, 2016, 22:01:30 0514 @ Plymouth or 0530 @ Paddington? Isn't that the same problem, TG? Not really.......getting turfed out at Plymouth at 0514 as opposed to getting on at Paddington at 0530 is somewhat different I'd say.....Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: JayMac on February 12, 2016, 22:54:21 0514 @ Plymouth or 0530 @ Paddington? Isn't that the same problem, TG? At Paddington you can stay aboard until 0700. Something you used to be able to do at Plymouth in the days when there was portion working of the Night Riviera. Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: ChrisB on February 13, 2016, 01:43:06 I was referring to how one gets to Pad/Gets away from PLY really.
Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: Rhydgaled on February 14, 2016, 10:06:41 I'd also be interested to hear about the real reasons for the re-badging exercise. Not that Mr Hopwood will admit to the discussions behind closed doors at First Group being largely concerned with how to distance themselves from what had become a toxic brand. And then the decision to cynically appropriate a much loved historical name for their own ends. Is it First as a whole which has become a toxic brand, for reasons outside First Great Western, or is it 'First Great Western' itself that has a problem. If the latter, then why change the brand before you have made changes to ensure the new brand doesn't come to stand for the same quality of service as the old one and hence the new brand would also become toxic?Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: broadgage on February 14, 2016, 11:57:53 IMHO, It is first group that has become a toxic brand in general. I would consider that FGW, now GWR is actually one of the better bits.
Until fairly recently, first group ran the Thameslink route in London and it would seem that many shared my very negative views of that operation. The public at large do not really understand rail franchising, but a lot of them DO think that First group means short overcrowded trains that regularly get stuck in tunnels! When it was announced that first group had won the west coast franchise from virgin, a fair number of people seemed to expect that the west coast route would be operated by 4 car class 319s ! Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: plymothian on February 15, 2016, 09:58:16 There were celebrations when FCC lost Thameslink and GTR hailed as the saviours, now GTR are getting the same treatment as FCC.
Title: Re: Mark Hopwood to speak at Plymouth University 11 February Post by: Timmer on February 15, 2016, 09:59:29 There were celebrations when FCC lost Thameslink and GTR hailed as the saviours, now GTR are getting the same treatment as FCC. That will be reduced significantly when they get their shiny new trains and 24tph running through the heart of London.This page is printed from the "Coffee Shop" forum at http://gwr.passenger.chat which is provided by a customer of Great Western Railway. Views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that content provided contravenes our posting rules ( see http://railcustomer.info/1761 ). The forum is hosted by Well House Consultants - http://www.wellho.net |