Great Western Coffee Shop

Journey by Journey => To Oxford, Didcot and Reading from West => Topic started by: grahame on March 29, 2010, 14:06:06



Title: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on March 29, 2010, 14:06:06
The Go! Co-operative will be launching its first (Open Access) route from Yeovil Junction to The Midlands on 20th and 21st April in Yeovil, Trowbridge, Swindon and Oxford.   Filling in a few places on the route, they state "Our first route will run from Yeovil Junction to the Midlands via Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Frome, Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham, Swindon and Oxford."

I've had a chance to meet with several of the team behind this initiative in the past, including quite a recent meeting at which I was very impressed by the case made and all the background work done. Their brief website simply gives you no idea of just how carefully the proposal has been worked out.

http://www.go-now.coop/
http://www.go-now.coop/plans/

Didn't know where to post this - it goes across so many of our boards - but I would love to be able to make my Melksham to Oxford journeys without changes at Swindon and Didcot!



Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Phil on March 29, 2010, 14:22:53
I like everything I've read about this so far. Sounds an excellent plan.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on March 29, 2010, 14:37:06
I like everything I've read about this so far. Sounds an excellent plan.

I've been surprisingly impressed - though not being an industry expert I'm not well placed to ask the hard questions. We'll have to have a chat about it when we meet next  ;)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: thetrout on March 29, 2010, 17:43:49
Do we know a date in which we'll see the first trains running...?! or is that hush hush atm...?! ;)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on March 29, 2010, 18:28:58
Do we know a date in which we'll see the first trains running...?! or is that hush hush atm...?! ;)

Ah ... when was anything ever definite until it happens, especially when it come to trains  ;) - seriously, I do have an idea of proposed timescales, but I wouldn't want to pre-empt a press release / launch, nor to give you data which may have been tuned since I was given it.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Phil on March 29, 2010, 18:40:26
Do we know a date in which we'll see the first trains running...?! or is that hush hush atm...?! ;)

According to Page 18 of the document which is linked on their website, and is presumably therefore no secret, driver recruitment and training commences December 2010 and mainline services in May 2011


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: inspector_blakey on March 29, 2010, 18:49:11
From the Railway Eye (http://railwayeye.blogspot.com/2010/03/open-access-without-orr-approval-way-to.html)...posted for information and without comment ;)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Btline on March 29, 2010, 18:58:09
The Go! Co-operative will be launching its first (Open Access) route from Yeovil Junction to The Midlands on 20th and 21st April in Yeovil, Trowbridge, Swindon and Oxford.   Filling in a few places on the route, they state "Our first route will run from Yeovil Junction to the Midlands via Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Frome, Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham, Swindon and Oxford."

I've had a chance to meet with several of the team behind this initiative in the past, including quite a recent meeting at which I was very impressed by the case made and all the background work done. Their brief website simply gives you no idea of just how carefully the proposal has been worked out.

http://www.go-now.coop/
http://www.go-now.coop/plans/

Didn't know where to post this - it goes across so many of our boards - but I would love to be able to make my Melksham to Oxford journeys without changes at Swindon and Didcot!


;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Excellent news for the region! Finger's crossed. (and if I'm a coop member, does that mean I get point when I travel with "The Coop"?
 :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on March 29, 2010, 19:13:20
From the Railway Eye (http://railwayeye.blogspot.com/2010/03/open-access-without-orr-approval-way-to.html)...posted for information and without comment ;)

Thanks ... I rather suspect that The Fact Compiler isn't familiar with this application, its status with the ORR, the area through which it runs, and perhaps certain other things ... that this invite has come to him unexpectedly. He may be making one of two assumptions more that are justified.   I'll admit that I wondered if Wrexham to Marylebone was a bit unlikely (but I don't recall being brave enough to post my doubts  ;) )


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Btline on March 29, 2010, 19:32:22
Hang on, is it starting next ??? :o month?

If so, how?


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: inspector_blakey on March 29, 2010, 19:45:24
Come on Btline, keep up and read what's already been posted!

The proposals are being "launched" next month, with a series of meetings over a few days in different towns along the proposed route. As Phil posted above, recruitment projected for 2010 and services starting in 2011.

I really would love this project to get off the ground, but for the moment it does strike me that there is at least a slight whiff of Trotter Trains (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/3569902.stm) about it (with apologies to the Fact Compiler (http://railwayeye.blogpot.com) for pinching his observation...)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: devon_metro on March 29, 2010, 19:46:23
What can only be described as a "barmy" route!


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Timmer on March 29, 2010, 19:57:41
When I saw Trotter Trains the first thing I thought of was Del Boy Trotter until I read the BBC article  :o Whoops!


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: smokey on March 29, 2010, 20:03:38
What can only be described as a "barmy" route!


As Rail IS first choice option for a large % of people, the setting up of Direct Trains between Yeovil Junc and Oxford will create NEW traffic flows, indeed it might generate a small flow from Yeovil Junc and Yeovil Pen Mill, could be just what the doctor ordered for someone.

Take Wrexham & Shropshire I bet Wrexham to London jounerys have snowballed since W & S started, I know last time I travel W & S the train had an extra TSO and was well loaded.

There are still a lot of people who won't travel by train if a connection has to be made.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: John R on March 29, 2010, 20:46:20
http://www.go-now.coop/workspace/uploads/files/go!_launch_invitation_final_draft.pdf

Maybe I'm being picky, but I would have thought they could have got the geography right, unless there's a line off to South Wales at Thingley sidings that I've failed to notice. (And the line to Bristol from Westbury should actually diverge after Trowbridge).

Still, good luck to them. It will be interesting to see FGW's reaction.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on March 29, 2010, 22:17:42
If this does turn out to be true then i wish them luck, although i wonder where the stock will come from unless they order some DMU'S


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Btline on March 29, 2010, 22:34:52
Yeah - what stock? Hopefully 100 mph, so paths aren't gulped down on fast stretches of mainline.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: ReWind on March 31, 2010, 10:14:47
Personally I think this is a brilliant proposal.

It would link Yeovil Pen Mill with Yeovil Junction, thus providing quicker journey times between Weymouth/Dorchester and the South West ( connections pending of course ).

It would provide Melksham with a train service.  Enough said!  ;D

It would provide Swindon with a direct service to Oxford.

As well a North - South direct Wiltshire service.

Im all for it!!!   :P


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on March 31, 2010, 15:50:00
I think it is a good porposal but i think they  will have to wait a while if they plan on purchasing new rolling stock unless they are hiring in loco hauled trains. Another good idea if this proposal does go ahead is to perhaps extend the service from Oxfod through to Milton Keynes.

Personally i would think  that they would be better off running a service between Oxford & Bristol but that depends on paths being available


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: John R on March 31, 2010, 17:21:24

Personally i would think  that they would be better off running a service between Oxford & Bristol but that depends on paths being available

That would be unlikely to pass the "not predominately abstractive" test of the ORR, and it would be difficult to prove that new markets were being catered for. Whereas the route chosen, as Rick says, caters for new markets and flows, and as an added bonus would meet the demand of a certain town in Wiltshire.

Also, by running non stop Swindon to Oxford, it would not abstract any FGW revenue on either Swindon to Didcot or Didcot to Oxford, with the exception of those actually travelling from Swindon and points west to Oxford.   


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on March 31, 2010, 17:46:44
Good point and i do hope that this idea does come off  as i wouldnt mind using this service to travel to oxford especially if it means that i dont have to change trains at Didcot Parkway


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: smokey on March 31, 2010, 17:50:58
http://www.go-now.coop/workspace/uploads/files/go!_launch_invitation_final_draft.pdf

Maybe I'm being picky, but I would have thought they could have got the geography right, unless there's a line off to South Wales at Thingley sidings that I've failed to notice. (And the line to Bristol from Westbury should actually diverge after Trowbridge).

Still, good luck to them. It will be interesting to see FGW's reaction.

I can't download the above, but maybe UR being picky, anyone can make mistakes.

Was it not FGW that produced information maps with a Redruth to Falmouth line????


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: devon_metro on March 31, 2010, 17:57:18
http://www.go-now.coop/workspace/uploads/files/go!_launch_invitation_final_draft.pdf (http://www.go-now.coop/workspace/uploads/files/go!_launch_invitation_final_draft.pdf)

Maybe I'm being picky, but I would have thought they could have got the geography right, unless there's a line off to South Wales at Thingley sidings that I've failed to notice. (And the line to Bristol from Westbury should actually diverge after Trowbridge).

Still, good luck to them. It will be interesting to see FGW's reaction.

I can't download the above, but maybe UR being picky, anyone can make mistakes.

Was it not FGW that produced information maps with a Redruth to Falmouth line????

If you copy the whole address then you will be able to see it, as it stands only part of it has a link to the document.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Btline on March 31, 2010, 19:08:06
Ah, some sense - no stop at Didcot.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 31, 2010, 23:32:33
From the Oxford Mail (http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/6242867.Direct_Oxford_Swindon_rail_link_planned/):

Quote
Direct Oxford-Swindon rail link planned

Commuters could catch direct trains from Oxford to Swindon for the first time in eight years if the country^s first co-operative Rail firm secures official approval.
The Go! Co-operative wants to start a service which would see Oxford and Banbury linked with Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury and Yeovil, with the possibility of extensions to Weymouth and Birmingham.
An Oxford-Swindon-Bath-Bristol service, run by First Great Western and Thames Trains, was withdrawn in 2003.
The co-op will apply to run the service under the Office for Rail Regulation^s open access scheme, which allows firms to run routes not served by the main rail franchise operators.
Among existing open access operators is Wrexham & Shropshire, which links Banbury with London, Shropshire and Wales.
Go! hopes to have trains running from December next year, with four trains a day each way initially.
The co-operative needs to raise about ^500,000 to launch the service and is looking for small investors willing to put up ^100 for 100 shares. So far ^50,000 has been raised.
Chief executive Keith Vingoe said: ^This will be the first time a co-operative has managed to get into the rail industry. It^s a great opportunity for people who become members to have a say in the running of a train operating company.^


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: willc on April 01, 2010, 00:24:54
Ah, some sense - no stop at Didcot.

Rather more to do with the prospect of using hired-in locos and coaches for these trains than the 'sense' of missing a town with a population of 30,000 plus and growing, served by the second busiest station in Oxfordshire.

As for revenue abstraction, they are proposing four trains a day each way versus FGW's two to four per hour between Oxford and Didcot and two to three per hour between Didcot and Swindon, with sub-10-minute connections for people doing Oxford-Swindon. There seems to be a consensus that a mistake was made when giving in to Virgin over W&S serving Wolverhampton, so were Go! to want to serve Didcot, I don't imagine there would be a problem in the ORR's eyes.

But given the shortage of DMUs generally, short of going out and buying some, they are going to be using hauled stock, so a trip along the curve at Didcot it will have to be unless they want the added expense of using DVTs, which seems unlikely at a start-up stage.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: mjones on April 01, 2010, 20:29:51
Rather more to do with the prospect of using hired-in locos and coaches for these trains than the 'sense' of missing a town with a population of 30,000 plus and growing, served by the second busiest station in Oxfordshire.

As for revenue abstraction, they are proposing four trains a day each way versus FGW's two to four per hour between Oxford and Didcot and two to three per hour between Didcot and Swindon, with sub-10-minute connections for people doing Oxford-Swindon. ...

Given the number of trains stopping there, there are some surprisingly bad connections between Swindon and Oxford trains at Didcot. Most Oxford trains depart at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour, so just missing the Swindon arrivals at typically 27 to 29 minutes past the hour. There is no Swindon connection at all meeting the 0825 to Oxford, so you can arrive either at 0830 or 0915, a lot of connections during the day are via Reading. 



Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: inspector_blakey on April 01, 2010, 23:46:31
... a lot of connections during the day are via Reading. 

Which if you have an off-peak day return, or the cheaper flavour of off-peak return (route "Not Reading" from Swindon and Bristol), is a real pain in the sphincter!


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on April 22, 2010, 08:22:46
I understand that the launch event went well ... our forming TransWilts Community Rail Partnership had representatives from our core group at Yeovil, Trowbridge and Swindon and I've posted their reports - plus a fourth - for working group and closely associated folks on the members-only section at http://www.twcpr.org.uk


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: dorsetbeachcomber on April 22, 2010, 11:25:04
I understand that the launch event went well ... our forming TransWilts Community Rail Partnership had representatives from our core group at Yeovil, Trowbridge and Swidnon and I've posted their reports - plus a fourth - for working group and closely associated folks on the members-only section at http://www.twcpr.org.uk/   .

Think you made a slight error in the weblink.  It should be http://atrebatia.info


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 22, 2010, 13:36:04
Welcome to the Coffee Shop forum, dorsetbeachcomber - and thanks for identifying that typo!  ;)

As grahame was a bit rushed when he posted this morning (server problem overnight), I've also amended the link in his post.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: willc on April 22, 2010, 21:38:12
Report on the Go! meeting in Oxford yesterday

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/8115050.Railway_co_op_makes_its_case_for_Swindon_service/


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: philv on April 23, 2010, 13:04:35
Is there an opinion on how likely "Go" are to be successful? Is anyone investing in this company?

The launch prospectus enables prospective passengers to invest from as little as ^100.

As a potential passenger I am very inclined to put ^100 into supporting the development of a rail link between Yeovil Junction and Oxford - the prospect of improved rail services at Melksham has my support.

regards
PhilV


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: devon_metro on April 23, 2010, 16:43:03
Still intrigued as to what stock they will be using, not to mention where it will be maintained, also how moronically slow the service will be.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 23, 2010, 18:36:35
Still intrigued as to what stock they will be using ...

Refurbished Mk2's, with loco top and tail.

(Source: Swindon launch meeting presentation, on Wednesday).

Chris  ;)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: woody on April 23, 2010, 22:36:19
Still intrigued as to what stock they will be using, not to mention where it will be maintained, also how moronically slow the service will be.
Cannot be much slower than Newton Abbot to Penzance!


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: inspector_blakey on April 24, 2010, 02:31:11
Given the HSTs, Voyagers and Turbos whizzing around the section of the route between Chippenham and Oxford, can't imagine the service will be able to drag its heels too much if it's to stand a chance of getting paths. Assuming it doesn't get looped at Challow of course...


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: willc on April 24, 2010, 10:56:37
The new issue of Modern Railways says "refurbished trains similar to those of Wrexham & Shropshire are proposed" and adds that they are talking about a joint venture with "an established partner/investor".


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on April 24, 2010, 12:56:29
The new issue of Modern Railways says "refurbished trains similar to those of Wrexham & Shropshire are proposed" and adds that they are talking about a joint venture with "an established partner/investor".

They are also talking of stabling overnight at Yeovil, but swapping sets / doing major maintainance stuff somewhere up at the other end.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: devon_metro on April 24, 2010, 14:49:22
The new issue of Modern Railways says "refurbished trains similar to those of Wrexham & Shropshire are proposed" and adds that they are talking about a joint venture with "an established partner/investor".

Interesting, not so sure on the profitablity to be honest, WS&MR at least serve London!


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: gwr2006 on April 24, 2010, 20:36:50
The new issue of Modern Railways says "refurbished trains similar to those of Wrexham & Shropshire are proposed" and adds that they are talking about a joint venture with "an established partner/investor".

They are also talking of stabling overnight at Yeovil, but swapping sets / doing major maintainance stuff somewhere up at the other end.

According to Go! Co-operative the rolling stock will be MkII coaches (Wrexham & Shropshire use MkIII's) and will be loco hauled with a Driving Brake Standard Open (DBSO) so they can operate 'push/pull'. These DBSO date form 1974 and six remain in store.  The trains will run at 100 mph and 3 sets are required (2 to operate the 4 trains per day timetable and 1 spare).  Discussions are still ongoing with possible suppliers.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 24, 2010, 21:19:15
Thanks, gwr2006: that is what was said at the Go! coop launch meeting in Swindon on Wednesday morning, too.  Chris.  ;)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 24, 2010, 22:23:38
Interesting, not so sure on the profitablity to be honest, WS&MR at least serve London!

At the Go! launch meeting presentation in Swindon on Wednesday, they explained that they didn't want to compete with the existing 'competition' on services into London: they wanted a more 'niche' market.  And Go! have employed professional consultants, who have identified that the core Yeovil to Oxford (and, ultimately, Weymouth to Birmingham) service would be profitable.

C.  ;)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Timmer on April 25, 2010, 06:11:07
will be loco hauled with a Driving Brake Standard Open (DBSO) so they can operate 'push/pull'. These DBSO date form 1974 and six remain in store.
I was only thinking the other day if any DBSOs still existed and why dont FGW and ATW use them for their loco hauled services rather than hauling a 'dead' loco around?


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on April 25, 2010, 06:41:54
I am not sure if a class 67 is wired to work with a DBSO. the only loco that can as far as i am aware are class 31's & class 33/1's


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on April 25, 2010, 06:43:17
As for running to Weymouuth i suppose it will be ok on sundays so there should be at least a few paths along the single line between Upwey & Yeovil pen mill


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: gwr2006 on April 25, 2010, 15:18:44
I am not sure if a class 67 is wired to work with a DBSO. the only loco that can as far as i am aware are class 31's & class 33/1's

The DBSO's were originally converted to work with Class 47/7 on the Glasgow-Edinburgh route and were then rewired to work with Class 86/2 electrics on the London-Norwich route.  Five are used by Network Rail with Class 31's as part of the track monitoring trains.  The TDM equipment can be modified to suit the intended motive power - so a class 67 would be possible with a few alterations.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Brucey on April 25, 2010, 15:34:29
Does anyone know the answer to my question before I contact them.  I'm quite interested in investing: ^100 is ok, but I can't afford to risk/tie up ^500.  To be eligible for the lower investment "subscribers should live within ten miles of a railway station named in this document, or five miles of any other named location."

What do they mean by named location?  Would the mention of "To Bristol and Exeter" be enough to make me eligible, as I live within Bristol?


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: willc on April 25, 2010, 23:19:49
I am not sure if a class 67 is wired to work with a DBSO. the only loco that can as far as i am aware are class 31's & class 33/1's

The DBSO's were originally converted to work with Class 47/7 on the Glasgow-Edinburgh route and were then rewired to work with Class 86/2 electrics on the London-Norwich route.  Five are used by Network Rail with Class 31's as part of the track monitoring trains.  The TDM equipment can be modified to suit the intended motive power - so a class 67 would be possible with a few alterations.


More than a few. Class 67s don't have TDM. They (and the 66s) are equipped with Association of American Railroads multiple working kit, which is why the Mk3 DVTs used by Wrexham & Shropshire and with the EWS/DB Schenker company train have modified driving cab controls and wiring to be compatible with the AAR system, so if you were to use 67s, the DBSOs would require similar conversion work.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: JayMac on April 26, 2010, 02:01:27
Do they have any plans to include First Class provision and a catering service ^ la Wrexham and Shropshire?

Also with a name like "Go!" perhaps they ought to consider using Thunderbird locomotives!!!  ;D


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 26, 2010, 02:14:03
On First Class - yes, they may offer first class ticket services, but they do not want to take up too many seats with this.

On catering - they are open to suggestions as to what catering provision passengers would use: for example, mobile trolleys or a fixed buffet.

(Source: Swindon launch meeting presentation, on Wednesday 21 April).

C. :)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on May 01, 2010, 16:59:44
I would have though it would be better to run services to Salisbury & Brighton rather than Yeovil and get FGW to run an hourly Bristol TM - Yeovil Pen Mill service with trains continuing to Weymouth every 2 hours.

I did have look at whether or not it was possible to operate some of these trains through to Brighton which i think would be a good destination to serve especially in the summer months.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: JayMac on May 01, 2010, 19:16:15
I think it's best if they learn to walk before running. A modest start is better to help bed things in, get an idea of the market and then look to expand to new destinations.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: ReWind on May 01, 2010, 19:33:11
Swindon - Salibury maybe viable, but extending them to Southampton and especially Brighton would be unrealistic. 

The Southampton - Brighton line is already congested, and not really in FGW core territory.  ( Especially west of PHB ).

Also, if I were going to Southampton or Brighton, I would find it just as quick to go to Reading/London and change there.

Oxford - Swindon - Yeovil is my choice!!  ;)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: IndustryInsider on May 02, 2010, 08:57:45
Given the high cost of running loco-hauled trains, the frequency of services proposed, and the fairly limited market for travel between the stations on the chosen route, I have to say that I really don't think this is a viable proposition .  In fact I thought it was an April fool when Graham started the topic on March 29th, but it certainly is an interesting idea and I wish them well!


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Trowres on May 02, 2010, 22:54:38
Given the high cost of running loco-hauled trains...
Can anyone give an idea of how expensive or not it really is? We're talking here of medium (several years) leases, not spot hire for one train per week. IIRC the variable track access charges for a loco would be paid for by about three extra passengers.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on May 02, 2010, 23:39:03
From the Swindon Go! coop launch meeting, which I attended:

They have employed professional consultants, who have confirmed that their preferred route would be financially viable;

Costs will be in the region of ^5m to ^6m a year to run the trains;

They do have the financial backing for this venture.

See pages 7 to 10, and 13 & 14, in particular, in the Go! offer document (http://www.go-now.coop/workspace/uploads/files/offer_document_2010_web.pdf).

Chris. :)





Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: IndustryInsider on May 03, 2010, 22:47:51
They have employed professional consultants, who have confirmed that their preferred route would be financially viable;

I don't dispute they have, and you could certainly say that professional consultants would probably have a better idea than myself of course.  However, it all depends on the methodology used to come to that conclusion.  After all, there's plenty of examples where usage figures for reasonably recent projects have either been grossly over or underestimated.  Ebbw Vale Parkway and the Midland Metro are two cases highlighting both extremes, and you can be sure that professional consultants would have been used to come up with those totally inaccurate predictions!


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on May 03, 2010, 22:59:28
... and I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, IndustryInsider.  ;)

I did attend the Swindon launch meeting, and I listened very carefully to what they had to say.

My reference to their Offer Document was simply to draw attention to what they have published, on certain aspects of their proposals.

C.  :-X


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Brucey on August 17, 2010, 17:27:54
Is there any update on how the company is progressing with its plans?  Can't see anything too recent on their website.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: paul7575 on August 17, 2010, 17:44:01
Is there any update on how the company is progressing with its plans?  Can't see anything too recent on their website.

Awaiting CAA approval...

Paul


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 17, 2010, 18:28:29
There's a good article on the Rail Professional (http://www.railpro.co.uk/magazine/?idArticles=244) website - dated June 2010 - which gives a summary of the present position.

Negotiations with Network Rail and the ORR are in progress, apparently:

Quote
Negotiations have already started with both Network Rail and the Office of Rail Regulation. The group is expecting the approval process to take at least nine months, but it often takes much longer.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on August 17, 2010, 22:54:57
I hope this proposal does come about, although  are there any spare MK2 stock coaches about or maybe there will import some of the MK3' from ireland.

 Like the Okehampton to Exeter service i do wish these organisations luck with starting these new rail services an hopefully people will be prepared to use them.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Ollie on August 18, 2010, 00:44:24
Is there any update on how the company is progressing with its plans?  Can't see anything too recent on their website.

Awaiting CAA approval...

Paul
Why would the Civil Aviation Authority be involved?  ??? Sorry I've not really been following closely, so genuinely wondering. Unless there is another CAA?


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Phil on August 18, 2010, 10:20:03
Another alternative would be the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) introduced in April 2009, although given that was abolished by the new government in May 2010 I can't see how they'd be waiting on that.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: paul7575 on August 18, 2010, 11:02:50
Is there any update on how the company is progressing with its plans?  Can't see anything too recent on their website.

Awaiting CAA approval...

Paul
Why would the Civil Aviation Authority be involved?  ??? Sorry I've not really been following closely, so genuinely wondering. Unless there is another CAA?

Porcine Aviation, Kite Flying, and Pies in the Sky (above 1000 ft) are all under their control...   ;D

Paul


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on August 20, 2010, 21:49:04
I have heard some rumours stating that class 50's could be hired in. Aparantly there is something about this in the latest issue of rail express.

If they did do the very unlikely and do hire some class 50's i think we could see trains carrying a  few railway enthusiasts as well as local passengers


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: JayMac on August 20, 2010, 22:02:54
Oooh Vacman'd like that! ;)

However, I suspect this is nowt but rumour and a slightly far fetched one. Only 3 Hoovers passed for mainline running as far as I'm aware, all at the Severn Valley Railway. Going to need a lot more than just a mainline certificate for regular daily passenger use.

Still, stranger things have happened.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on August 20, 2010, 23:03:48
Oooh Vacman'd like that! ;)

However, I suspect this is nowt but rumour and a slightly far fetched one. Only 3 Hoovers passed for mainline running as far as I'm aware, all at the Severn Valley Railway. Going to need a lot more than just a mainline certificate for regular daily passenger use.

Still, stranger things have happened.

I thought it was only like at least 2 class 50's cleared for mainline work and i think Go were planning on using at least 3 train sets.

I think it is more likely that class 47's or class 57's will be used although it would be nice if they could get at least 1 class 50 in service as i suspect that will help get a lot of  enthusiasts using the service.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on January 03, 2011, 10:30:17
Just had a message with the following link:

http://www.go-now.coop/workspace/uploads/files/a4_newsletter-aw1.pdf

seems as though they are going to run a parry people mover on a line down in hampshire


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: eightf48544 on January 03, 2011, 11:42:10
Wow.

Interesting experiment.

If the people mover can cope with the Mid Hants grades then it really puts it in the frame for short branches.

Marlow to Bourne End shuttle?


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Electric train on January 03, 2011, 12:25:45
Wow.

Interesting experiment.

If the people mover can cope with the Mid Hants grades then it really puts it in the frame for short branches.

Marlow to Bourne End shuttle?

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggg NO! NO! and thrice NO!


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on January 03, 2011, 12:35:47
Wasn't there a plan to convert the Maidenhead - Bourne End/Marlow branch to light rail and perhaps open an extension to High Wycombe?

I believe it was supposed to be something like the DLR rather than tram's

It may be a good idea if it offeres a better frequency on the branch, although there may be some who will not be happy to have to change trains at Maidenhead

I wish them luck with the proposal to operate a parry people mover, although i am surprised that it wasn't annouced earlier. I also heard that the proposed Yeovil - Westbury - Swindon - Oxford/Birmingham  service was being increased to every 2 hours at least between Westbury & Swindon/Oxford.

There was a brief mention of this in the press release i posted in an earlier post so i hope this does come off although i doubt they will be using class 50's (Which may dissapoint some railway enthusiasts)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Electric train on January 03, 2011, 13:06:19
Wasn't there a plan to convert the Maidenhead - Bourne End/Marlow branch to light rail and perhaps open an extension to High Wycombe?

I believe it was supposed to be something like the DLR rather than tram's
It's more a dream than a plan to re-open the Bourne End - High Wycome line, operationally it makes no sense to FGW to operate a different type of traction

It may be a good idea if it offeres a better frequency on the branch, although there may be some who will not be happy to have to change trains at Maidenhead
Without putting in passing loops the or running a shuttle all day between Bourne End and Marlow the Maidenhead - Marlow line is at capacity and anyway I doubt there is the passenger base to increase the frequency

I wish them luck with the proposal to operate a parry people mover, although i am surprised that it wasn't annouced earlier. I also heard that the proposed Yeovil - Westbury - Swindon - Oxford/Birmingham  service was being increased to every 2 hours at least between Westbury & Swindon/Oxford.
So do I


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: eightf48544 on January 04, 2011, 15:32:44
Agree entirely with Electric Train that any light rail plans for Bourne End to  High Wycombe are not suitable. I put Marlow Borne End for the Parry People mover on a whim.

Bourne End to High Wycomber reinstatement only makes sense if it forms the missing heavy rail  South to North link from Slough/Maidenhead to Alyesbury and Milton Keynes this could depend on East West, but I can't see reinstatement from Aylesbury being put off much longer. Are there still rumblings about repairing the flyover at Bletchley?

Thus it forms with East West  and the Bicester link a heavy rail cross of lines linking most of  the major Berkshire towns with themselves the Thames Valley and West Midlands.

Just like the Chippenham Westbury line with a proper service could do for Wiltshire.

There were rumours that had the Wolverton Open Day occurred the shuttles were going to reverse on the flyover which suggests not much is needed to fully reinstate it.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: willc on January 04, 2011, 23:52:30
As far as I know, the Bletchley flyover is still operational. Due to the lack of anywhere suitable to run round at Bletchley station, the remaining single line over the flyover was used until recently by engineering trains running to and from the virtual quarry that Network Rail operated at the old London Brick site at Forders Sidings on the line to Bedford. Trains would cross the flyover to reach a run-round loop set up where the line levels off west of the flyover. Think it may still be used occasionally, although regular traffic has ceased.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: eightf48544 on January 05, 2011, 10:00:33
In that case shouldn't Go Coop team up with East West to do a Salisbury/Westsbury/Swindon to Milton Keynes service?

With Chiltern from Aylesbury Milton Keynes becomes an interchange station.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on January 06, 2011, 00:08:37
In that case shouldn't Go Coop team up with East West to do a Salisbury/Westsbury/Swindon to Milton Keynes service?

With Chiltern from Aylesbury Milton Keynes becomes an interchange station.

 I think that is a good idea, although i have read that they did want a Milton Keynes to Reading service so maybe perhaps a service to Cambridge instead perhaps?


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: dking on January 14, 2011, 12:51:53
GOCO (the trading name of Go! Co-op) is indeed about to launch a four-week trial of a PPM service between Medstead & Four Marks and Alton on the MHR, with a view to making it a proper service later in the year. The trial will run from 24th January - 11th February and will be a demonstration both of the rolling stock and of GOCO's credibility as a potential TOC.

Further information on the new website <www.GOCO.coop>



Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: dking on January 14, 2011, 12:58:49
Forgot to mention this event - talk at Swindon Civic Society about GOCO's plans on 20th January.

<http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/8786851.Bid_to_launch_green_travel_plan_in_Swindon/?ref=rss>


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on January 14, 2011, 20:58:54
I wish them luck and hope this open acess operation will come off  just as i wish Devon & Cornwall railways well with their proposed operation. hopefully this will provide much need benefits to the communities which they plan on serving (melksham comes to mind).

Also maybe they will be able to provide a bit of competition to First Great Western.

The only  question i would like to know from Go-Co is where are  they going to get the rolling stock from as i cnat see them purchasing any new DMU'S and i  don't think there are many MK2 or MK3 carriages available apart from hiring in stock from charter companies.

That said if they were to order some DMU'S maybe they could order some extra and lease them to FGW etc (Cant see it happening though)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: unfarepayingpassenger on January 16, 2011, 00:45:19
Anything that puts a stop to fgw's monopoly has to be a good thing.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on January 16, 2011, 07:14:41
Added to diary:

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/8786851.Bid_to_launch_green_travel_plan_in_Swindon/

Anything that puts a stop to fgw's monopoly has to be a good thing.

One of the fascinating things about these proposals (at least the Westbury and Trowbridge to Chippenham and Swindon section that I'm most familiar with) is that if you were to add two services each of which ran every couple of hours, it's probably that each train would carry more passengers on what had become in effect an hourly service than if you ran a service every 2 hours.     In other words ... an average loading of 60 people per service on a train every 2 hours might increase to an average loading of 80 people on a train every hours - so that's (yes) an extra 100 journeys.
 
I wish them luck and hope this open acess operation will come off  just as i wish Devon & Cornwall railways well with their proposed operation. hopefully this will provide much need benefits to the communities which they plan on serving (melksham comes to mind).

The only  question i would like to know from Go-Co is where are  they going to get the rolling stock from ....

That question has been asked / looked at and (somewhat) reported; to me, the answers stacked up, though I get lost on the rolling stock merry-go-round at times.  Perhaps the best way to get an update is to come along to Swindon and ask, or to have someone who's there ask for an up do date, reproducable answer.  ;)
 


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: IndustryInsider on January 16, 2011, 11:37:55
Anything that puts a stop to fgw's monopoly has to be a good thing.

One of the fascinating things about these proposals (at least the Westbury and Trowbridge to Chippenham and Swindon section that I'm most familiar with) is that if you were to add two services each of which ran every couple of hours, it's probably that each train would carry more passengers on what had become in effect an hourly service than if you ran a service every 2 hours.     In other words ... an average loading of 60 people per service on a train every 2 hours might increase to an average loading of 80 people on a train every hours - so that's (yes) an extra 100 journeys.

Or. on the flip side, the GOCO Train proposals do come to fruition next December, thus giving FGW an excuse to not bow to the pressure and bother to further develop their own service on the Transwilts.  Then, a year or two after the service commences through Melksham and passengers have started to flock to the trains again, the service disappears in a cloud of bankruptcy (as a small open access style operator could do at any minute) and you're back at square one!  A touch pessimistic maybe, but a possibility.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on January 16, 2011, 11:40:53
The presentation starts at 19:30 at the Library in Swindon, which is at Regent Circus.   For anyone coming to Swindon by train, it's a walk from the station of about 800 metres - come out of the front of the station and it's roughly straight ahead of you (but if you don't know it, have a look at Google Maps - it's at SN1 1QG.  You can see the building you're looking for at http://www.swindon.gov.uk/central_library_page.pdf

In answer to a request for directions -- time & place from link in the previous post, directions from me as I know Swindon having lived there for a short time!


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: eightf48544 on January 19, 2011, 15:26:59
Re teh People Mover trial on teh Mid Hants just found this on teh Mid Hants Website:

Date: Wednesday 19 Jan 2011


Statement released on behalf of GOCO Co-operative regarding the commuter service from Medstead to Alton:

Due to technical reasons we have been unable to complete the planned testing programme as envisaged before placing the vehicle into public service.

GOCO is committed to provide high quality public service and will not commence the service until we are completely satisfied that we can deliver a reliable operation.

We expect that the service will commence on 31st of January but this will be confirmed  at least a week in advance.

Chris Phillimore, Business Development Director for GOCO, added: ^To date, GOCO has received an overwhelmingly positive response to the proposed service. There has been significant interest from the public and pending the early resolution of these short-term technical issues, we remain committed to delivering a high quality rail service for customers of the Mid Hants Link.^

Think I'll pop over when it starts.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on January 20, 2011, 10:14:13
I'm hoping to be there tonight ... it's only 20 miles as the crow flies from home to Swindon.

So if I plan to arrive into Swindon at about 7, and leave back at about quarter to 10? ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/go_to_swindon.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/go_from_swindon.jpg)

... then I think I have something of a confirmation that the current public transport on the route isn't really appropriate for my needs  ;)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on January 22, 2011, 07:19:16
I'm hoping to be there tonight ... it's only 20 miles as the crow flies from home to Swindon.

Took the c-a-r .... an interesting and quite wide ranging presentation by Goco - covering there various aspects and not just open access rail.  As you can imagine, though, there was quite a bit on rail and especially their proposed route through Swindon.  Kate Whittle, who gave the presentation (excellent talk, Kate) is on the co-operative / financial arrangements side of the organisation rather than the railway operation, yet provided an excellent update. Things like the raising of money, shareholder / member / stakeholder, fares, etc, were covered in greater depth than I have seen at previous public presentations.  She confirmed that, in the light of more detailed work, they have amended their plans to a have a core service that runs from Westbury to Oxford and on to Banbury and Birmingham Moor Street, and with a frequency of a train every couple of hours.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on February 08, 2011, 08:59:15
There is a photos of the Go-Co parry people mover in the latest issue of the '' The Railway Magazine''

Found couple of pics on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=mid+hants++parry+people+mover&m=text


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on February 19, 2012, 20:26:03
As part of some of the stuff I've been doing in the background to help a little bit with Wiltshire Council's LSTF bid (see http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/local-sustainable-transport-fund-expression-interest.pdf ), I've been keeping in touch wih all the various options.  And that includes an update from GoCo's web site, dated 17th February - see http://go-op.coop/info/track-access-news/ )

It must be about 4 years since I became aware of the seeds of the idea, at a meeting at Steam in Swindon addressed by Christian Woolmar amongst others.  That turned into a launch in April 2010, see http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=6509.0 , with services to start in May 2011.  I have to admit some disappointemnt in reading the latest release to see that start of services which were one year away in 2010 are not only a year overdue, but now 2 years into the future.   

I also have to admit to some concern with regard to the history of open access operations, as compared to franchised services - I would rather see the pattern of service on the TransWilts follow the pattern or Redditch, Ebbw Vale, Clitheroe or Alloa than I would to see them follow the pattern of Grand Central or Wrexham and Shropshire. But at the same time, I have met a couple of very bright folks from behind the scenes at GoCo Rail, and I'm sure that on a truely level playing field, and in the longer term, they could offer us a refreshing brand of localism.    In the short term, it seems far more logical for the TransWilts section of the Westbury to Birmingham route to be [also] served by trains operating within existing pools from Bristol or Salsibury depots.

Amongst a very wide range of statistics and results, there's one that shows some 600 people from our survey alone saying they could use the train to commute.  If you widen that to include people who did not respond to the survey (and it's very hard to reach non-train users!), the TransWilts could be in for overcrowding very quickly with a two-hourly service, so interestingly both services could be supported - and would indeed feed off and bolster each other's traffic levels if that happened - the train would become the natural transport choice for may up the corridor.  Which means that the two are not necessarily competitors.  The thing we must be most careful to avoid is the line being left almost completely open to give GoCo a further change (remember, they should be running already!) during the current franchise process, but then the winning bidder indulging in blocking and delaying tactics to ensure that they retain the Trowbridge to Chippenham business on their via-Bath trains - a poor option for travellers, and a disaster for the Wiltshire economy.

Edit to add - dates back to 8th March 2008 - my 4 year guess was just about right.
http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6075.0


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on February 19, 2012, 21:01:07
I did notice that the trains will be built oversea's so I suspect perhaps the Polaris trains from CSRE.

I must admit to be a bit skepictal about it although I do wish them all the best although their service using a parry people mover has gone very quiet.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: mjones on February 19, 2012, 22:04:38
The proposed PPM service is mentioned in the Spring 2012 newsletter, available on the same page:
http://go-op.coop/workspace/uploads/files/go-op_newsletter_spring_2012rrkw.pdf

Apparently the Mid Hants railway has rejected the use of the PPM, but they are now discussing using a Pacer. Would be interesting to know why the PPM was rejected.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on February 19, 2012, 22:27:00
Try this: http://go-op.coop/info/update-on-mid-hants-link-rail-service  :)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: mjones on February 20, 2012, 08:23:12
Yes, but the PPM still hadn't been rejected at that stage, they were still hoping to launch in 2011.  Presumably the technical problems weren't resolved, but it would be interesting to know the reasons in more detail.  The latest Parry newsletter reports new funding to develop a larger vehicle for a proposed new service in the West Midlands, so the technical problems with the Mid Hants trials clearly haven't precluded the further development of the PPM itself.

http://www.parrypeoplemovers.com/newsletters.htm


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on February 21, 2012, 15:32:42
There's an update from GoCo on all their schemes in their new newsletter, just added to their site in that last couple of days:

http://go-op.coop/workspace/uploads/files/go-op_newsletter_spring_2012rrkw.pdf


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: IndustryInsider on February 21, 2012, 23:53:44
Contracts signed in June and a launch 2nd quarter of 2014 then.   Hmmm, I remain deeply sceptical and the problems with their other two schemes, Swindon car sharing and PPM trials on the Mid-Hants railway, only fuel that scepticism.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: grahame on February 23, 2012, 14:32:52
Now to be known as Go-op rather than GoCo

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/9547703.Legal_threat_forces_co_operative_name_change/


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Phil on February 23, 2012, 19:20:57
The company desperately needs a rethink on their branding (amongst other things, but first things first).

Any day now they are going to be served with a cease and desist order by the Co-Op (or Co-operative Wholesale Society or CWS or whatever they're called now)

Besides which, the whole concept of naming a T.O.C. a "co-op" is doomed to failure, as it too closely resembles the word "Coop" (as in chicken coop) and that whole thing about being cooped up together in a tight space - the last thing a train company wants to be associated with.

Even the word "Go" has unfortunate connotations, bringing to mind extreme complexity (Chinese board games) or overblown, pretentious progressive rock jazz bands.

Far better to bite the bullet and rebrand from scratch.

(and if they want suggestions from me, they can pay for them!)


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on March 03, 2012, 12:35:32
A further update on GO-OP's website:

http://go-op.coop/info/

Looking at the picture of the proposed unit from CSRE that looks like the Pacesetter unit which I did read somewhere was capable of being an electro diesel.

I do have a PDF file with information on some of the units proposed by CSRE if anyone wants a copy


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Btline on March 03, 2012, 12:58:59
Sounds like good news, but when you consider that many London commuter lines are not profitable, I worry about over ambitious targets in the business plan. Presumably they'll offer cheaper fares to entice commuters off LM, CH, XC and FGW and will get a bite of ORCATS money, bit how many people go from Westbury to Birmingham? I suppose they'll build up the Melksham market again.


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: paul7575 on March 03, 2012, 13:12:29
I do have a PDF file with information on some of the units proposed by CSRE if anyone wants a copy

I admire your optimism.  I just cannot see CSRE making any headway into the UK market based on this plan. 

An organisation such as GO-OP, is hardly likely to be able to bring this service to fruition at all, never mind introduce a new (to the British market) product, with all the testing, development and certification it would require.

I expect they'll fail ORR's primarily abstractive test for the core route between Oxford and Birmingham anyway.

Paul


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on March 03, 2012, 15:34:55
I will admit I am not getting my hopes up with regards to GO-OP however if they want to have a go and are buying their own units etc then I say let them get on with it especially if it offers a better service between Westbury & Swindon


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on December 27, 2012, 17:02:33
Go-OP have posted their winter 2012 newsletter:

http://www.go-op.coop/info/


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 27, 2012, 17:14:37
Hmm. I really don't want to be viewed as 'negative', but that newsletter is very, very light on details of any actual progress in their aims ...  :P


Title: Re: Swindon to Oxford - new proposal from the "Go!" Coop
Post by: anthony215 on December 27, 2012, 17:54:24
I most certainly agree  with you Chris and  to be honest I think they admit themselves they would  have liked to have made more progress by now than what they have.

It will be interesting if they do get their proposal off the ground however I am not sure the southern part of the route between Swindon & Westbury would carry to many passengers particulary if FGW are already running a 2 hourly Salisbury - Swindon service.

That said I can see there being a good number of passengers who would like a direct link between Swindon & Oxford and perhaps passengers wanting to travel to Birmingham rather than having to get a train to Cheltenham and change onto a crosscountry service.



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