|
1861
|
All across the Great Western territory / The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom / Re: Serco and the Caledonian Sleeper franchise
|
on: October 07, 2020, 04:54:42
|
|
I think that the RMT▸ should put in a bid to run a rail franchise, and show us how it should be done.
Without the involvement of wicked fat cats, profiteers, privateers, shareholders and other lackeys of capitalism. They should be able to pay greatly improved wages whilst improving services and still showing a modest and "socially responsible" profit.
These modest profits could be applied to worthwhile projects such as educational trips to Cuba in order that the fine modern railways in that workers paradise may be viewed first hand.
|
|
|
|
|
1865
|
All across the Great Western territory / The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom / Re: Travellers set-up in Apperley Bridge Railway Station car park
|
on: October 05, 2020, 16:02:50
|
Work vans could be seen coming and going from the area, believed to be part of the camp.
One caravan had a trailer next to it, with a mini-digger inside it.
Other members of the public were also driving in to use the railway station.
Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem and Independent Group, Idle and Thackley), Leader of The Liberal Democrat & Independent Group said: "Both the police and council and the BTP▸ are aware.
"There are systems and processes that we have in place - we're working through those processes and have asked the council to make some provisions for car parking as people start to go back to work.
Leaving the above aside though, what really interests me is that the council, local police and BTP appear to have established systems and processes in place to deal with the situation, and provide alternative car parking for rail users in the meantime.
Are similar systems and processes in place should a similar situation occur at Melksham Hub?
I can not speak specifically about Melksham, but yes I would presume that similar plans are in place. Actually removing the travelers is seldom an option, the plans consist of alternative pick up and drop of points, relaxing parking restrictions in roads near the station, and providing extra staff to assist passengers. Cash will be collected more frequently from ticket offices and machines to reduce the risk of robbery. Any business, not just rail related ones, should have a "business continuity plan" this should include actions to take in the event of fire, flood, utility failure, pandemic, civil unrest, shortages of raw materials, and other foreseeable problems. Up to date business continuity plans may specifically refer to traveler encampments, and even if they do not so refer, the subject would be partially covered by plans for access being restricted by flooding, collapsed road, unexploded bombs and the like. |
|
|
|
|
1868
|
All across the Great Western territory / Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them / Re: E-scooter trials - but rental only. What do members think?
|
on: October 04, 2020, 22:40:28
|
|
If these E scooters are legalised then I foresee a problem if people expect to charge them on trains.
The cost of the energy to charge them is trivial, but it might overload a system designed for cellphones and the odd laptop.
And the owners might expect to place the E scooters on seats or in other unsuitable places in order to be within reach of a socket outlet.
Also possible conflicts if people expect to charge them at stations. (I would be inclined to allow this)
These are not insurmountable problems, and I remain in favour of allowing and even encouraging E scooter use, much greener than driving, and the machines are easier to carry and to stow on a train than are cycles.
|
|
|
|
|
1871
|
All across the Great Western territory / Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them / Re: E-scooter trials - but rental only. What do members think?
|
on: October 04, 2020, 14:36:14
|
|
Anyone riding an illegally modified scooter on public roads should be prosecuted, as riders of unduly fast or powerful electrically assisted cycles can be.
If they kill anyone, a prosecution for manslaughter might be reasonable.
I doubt however that it will be a significant problem, any more than is the case with cycles.
The wearing of a safety hat should be encouraged, but not be obligatory, as is the case with cycles.
Lights should be a requirement on public roads after dark, and in view of the small size of these scooters might be better affixed to the clothing of the rider and not to the scooter.
On private property they may do largely as they please, and break their fool necks if they so wish.
|
|
|
|
|
1872
|
All across the Great Western territory / Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them / Re: E-scooter trials - but rental only. What do members think?
|
on: October 02, 2020, 17:41:36
|
It seems eccentric that on this island, exceptionally, these vehicles are not considered safe.
I was, as is my wont, amused by the use of good ol' US Customary units. 15.5 mph is, of course, 25km/h in real money.
The issue of potholes and poor road surfaces is an important one. If a car hits a pothole, the driver is unlikely to be injured. If you hit a pothole on a two-wheeled vehicle the consequences are likely to be rather worse. I fell off an (unpowered) adult-sized scooter recently, and ended up with a shiner and four stitches in my head.
I agree. There are some risks, as your unfortunate mishap illustrates, but not excessive if compared to the risks involved in cycling or walking. The administrative class are no doubt looking forward to a whole new mode of transport to regulate and control. |
|
|
|
|
1874
|
All across the Great Western territory / Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them / Re: Bike spaces on IETs
|
on: October 01, 2020, 13:20:06
|
|
Whilst it sounds simple, FGW▸ as they then were, regularly failed to send the correct sort of HST▸ for Pullman services.
One of the alleged advantages of IETs▸ was that every unit had a full kitchen, so no possibility of sending the wrong type as had occurred with the old trains.
In addition to the limited number of Pullman services, an at seat service of freshly cooked hot snacks was promised on other services.
It sounds as though the improved cycle accommodation has been nearly as successful as the improved catering.
|
|
|
|
|
1875
|
All across the Great Western territory / Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them / Re: Bike spaces on IETs
|
on: September 30, 2020, 23:36:54
|
|
Removing the kitchens from the 5 car units and use of only full length trains for Pullmans has been previously suggested, but is not viable under present present circumstances.
Full length trains don't fit the depot at Penzance, hence the need need for a pair of 5 car units on the evening down Pullmans.
If however the depot at Penzance was extended to accept a full length train, AND IF GWR▸ /Hitachi could reliably diagram a full length train for Pullman services, then the idea may have some merit.
The kitchens on 5 car units were originally intended to offer hot snacks in standard class though this has now sunk without trace become a future aspiration.
|
|
|
|
|
Show Posts
