Andrew Haines - First Group / First Great Western (merged topics)

[whole diary]

[Timmer]

Similar article link.
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2008/02/boss_of_worst_rail_service_itl.html#more

Gosh thats quite a selection of articles from around the region that the RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) have put together from the last few days. As far as 'West' local services are concerned, I really do believe that if FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are given a chance they can improve things IF they get these extra 150s from ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))). As for Thames services I don't know. Is overcrowding the issue or just relability?

Its when you see articles from all over their network with the depth of feeling thats out there that you begin to wonder how much longer they can go on with pressure on the government do something about this franchise. Andrew Haines must be given a chance with this franchise though. Its now been run by a completly new team which he has got together who have good track records with other train companies so must know what they are doing. Its not going to change overnight as it was in a real mess before he took over.

One final headline for you from the front page of the latest edition of RAIL magazine:

Last Chance for FGW? First orders action 'at any cost' to keep franchise.

Sounds good doesn't it? Does that mean they are going to keep the Adelantes and introduce a small fleet of locos and Mk2s^▸ (Mark 2 coach) on Cross Bristol services...I don't think so.

[Lee]

Gosh thats quite a selection of articles from around the region that the RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) have put together from the last few days.

Yes, that site is an excellent resource (link below.)
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/

[Timmer]

Well its been a year now since Andrew Haines took over from Alison Forster at the helm of FGW^▸ (First Great Western). What are your thoughts? Has he delivered and turned the company around? Finally, what has been the biggest thing you feel Andrew and his team have done that you have seen make a difference on your journey?

I'll start the ball rolling in saying yes I feel he has delivered by grabbing this company by the scruff of the neck and made it more customer focused which was badly lacking before he took over. The biggest thing thats happened over the past year for me was the re-introduction of three car 158s on the Cardiff-Portsmouth line.

[Lee]

Finally, what has been the biggest thing you feel Andrew and his team have done...

From my perspective, when I ask a question, I get a prompt answer from the person responsible for the matter concerned.

That didnt use to be the case.

[IndustryInsider]

Finally, what has been the biggest thing you feel Andrew and his team have done...

From my perspective, when I ask a question, I get a prompt answer from the person responsible for the matter concerned.

That didnt use to be the case.

It's been a reasonably impressive start. Most Managers I have spoken to think that his immediate reports and management structure within the company have improved ten-fold. The PPM^‡(resolve) figures have risen quite spectaculary, though I believe they would have risen anyway from the depths of despair of the Foster era - major operating changes such as the Franchise change and HST^▸ (High Speed Train) refresh always take a little time to bed in.

There are many challenges ahead for him though and I am sure he will continue to work through them as he has done with sensible ideas, the drive to carry them through, and with as much honesty as someone in his position can be.

I wonder how long it will be until he considers the 'job has been done' and moves back to his main role within FirstGroup? I hope somebody decent replaces him! One wonders what Alison thinks of it all?!

[Chris from Nailsea]

A couple of points from me:

I've met Andrew Haines, and I like him: he's clearly enthusiastic and committed to turning FGW^▸ (First Great Western) around.  In terms of results so far, I think he's done very well.  My daily commute these days is usually clockwork, rather than being a nightmare more often than not, and for me personally, that's an impressive achievement by FGW.  Well done to Andrew Haines and his team at FGW for making such very noticeable and welcome improvements.  Obviously there's still more to do, but Andrew does have a 'vote of confidence' from me!

I never met Alison Forster, and I have no need to defend her.  However, things were different when she was in charge - the franchise was in its early days, the integration of Wessex Trains was causing logistical problems, and the timetable was still being cobbled together, for example.  It's perhaps not fair to criticise her for not achieving in the past what Andrew and his new team have been able to achieve now.

[John R]

I agree that, with the exception of the rather big wobble around the time of SDO^▸ (Selective Door Opening) introduction, there has been a big improvement in the last year in my daily commute. And changes elsewhere seem to indicate a much more positive approach to the franchise. So Andrew has my vote too. 

[Electric train]

It is true that the fortunes of FGW^▸ (First Great Western) have improved in the last year, but, there is a lot more slack in the time tabling and NR^» (Network Rail - home page) have improved their performance as well, lifting the unofficial embargo on using some of the crossovers for timetabled line changes just in case they failed.

But there is still some more polished required, like the internal refurb of the 165/6 improvements to the heating and especially aircon in the 166's this class of train are showing their age internally windows that don't shut properly or open the floors, bulkheads etc are grubby and as for the toilets 

But out of 10 may be an 8 the first class off peak upgrade was a nice gesture

[gaf71]

I think the largest improvement is the massive influx of extra staff, meaning that a train is now rarely cancelled due to a lack of train crew, which was a big problem 12-18 months ago.

[Sprog]

We finished the period with a PPM^‡(resolve) of 91.2%.

FGWs^▸ (First Great Western) target PPM is 86.2%.

Things are improving day-by-day.

Although this weeks PPM will be shot (through no fault of FGW!!) because of yesterday evenings rush-hour Severn Tunnel farce.

[Boppy]

Hi,

As a customer who commutes between Reading and Paddington I feel that the service has definitely improved and over the last few months I've been very pleased.  I would also like to thank Andrew Haines for the additional Off-Peak First Class upgrade that I hear was his idea to instigate during August!

Boppy.

[r james]

I seem to get delayed less now between Bristol and Swansea on the various journeys I make. WHich is good.  Seemed to come a time where  expected it to be late at Bristol.

[ila700]

First post for me. I joined this site because I wanted to have a whinge. That was earlier this year. I travel between Reading and Paddington daily. I have not posted because having had many weeks of misery in 2007 I can not believe what has happened and all for the better. Andrew Haines definetly has my vote. I am very impressed. I was hoping to meet him at the last meet the manager meeting in Paddington to shake his hand rather than ring his neck. It was there I got talking to one of the network rail chaps and he was telling me about all the things that had been done on the line by the staff and how they had gone about their task with great help from the train operators. It was that last bit that stuck in my head. I remember only too well those flyers left on our seats saying it had nothing to do with FGW^▸ (First Great Western) which was kidding nobody. Now can Mr Haines do something about the extortionate price of our tickets?           

[Lee]

Welcome to the forum, ila700

[gpn01]

Much more reliable service compared to a year ago.  Improvement in information given to customers when there have been delays....yep definitely an improved "customer experience".  Well done to everybody at FGW^▸ (First Great Western).