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Author Topic: Easter 2017 travel plans  (Read 18501 times)
Adelante_CCT
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« on: March 14, 2017, 10:58:53 »

For the usual Easter crush, it appears on Friday 7th April the 17:06 to Westbury terminates at Newbury as in the past, which will then form an additional 19:33 from Paddington to Penzance.

As for the Thursday 13th April, an additional 14:34 from Paddington to Plymouth, an additional 19:12 from Paddington to Swansea NOT calling at Reading or Newport, and as above, an additional 19:33 to Penzance with the 17:06 terminating short.
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IndustryInsider
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« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2017, 11:18:03 »

Every little helps...

I'll be interested to see what happens next year, when IET (Intercity Express Train)'s are available for use and there might be more scope for even more additional trains.
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To view my GWML (Great Western Main Line) Electrification cab video 'before and after' video comparison, as well as other videos of the new layout at Reading and 'before and after' comparisons of the Cotswold Line Redoubling scheme, see: http://www.dailymotion.com/user/IndustryInsider/
TaplowGreen
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« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2017, 15:57:49 »

For the usual Easter crush, it appears on Friday 7th April the 17:06 to Westbury terminates at Newbury as in the past, which will then form an additional 19:33 from Paddington to Penzance.

As for the Thursday 13th April, an additional 14:34 from Paddington to Plymouth, an additional 19:12 from Paddington to Swansea NOT calling at Reading or Newport, and as above, an additional 19:33 to Penzance with the 17:06 terminating short.

That's good news - I believe Maundy Thursday is the busiest day of the year, even more so than the Christmas period?
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broadgage
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« Reply #3 on: March 18, 2017, 08:32:41 »

Extra trains are of course welcome, but how does the planned provision for this Easter compare with the actual provision last Easter, is it in fact any more ?

Are lots of discounted advance tickets available so as to worsen overcrowding, or have lessons been learnt regarding limiting availability so as to hopefully reduce overcrowding.
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
ChrisB
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« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2017, 10:31:39 »

Won't be able to answer that - "commercial confidentiality" - and pax may simply pay extra for Super Off-Peak tickets which are alwats valid over holiday periods
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broadgage
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« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2017, 09:46:22 »

With Easter rapidly approaching, I wonder if it will be better organised than last year.
I expect the usual overcrowding and resultant chaos.

No doubt loads of cheap advance tickets have been sold so as to encourage even more passengers to use overcrowded services.

"we can not buy/lease extra rolling stock just for Easter, Christmas, bank holidays, school holidays, rugby internationals, cup finals, Glastonbury, rush hours, weekends, and other exceptional events."
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
ChrisB
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« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2017, 09:54:56 »

Proof please?
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broadgage
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« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2017, 14:38:12 »

Proof of what ?

Proof that loads of discounted tickets have been sold, unlikely to be available but I am aware of two intending passengers who paid very low fares for London to Plymouth on the 18-03 for Maundy Thursday.

Or proof that severe overcrowding will occur, we don't know until it happens, but previous experience suggests that it is probable.

Or proof that the railway industry considers provision for peak demands to be unreasonable.
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
ChrisB
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« Reply #8 on: April 10, 2017, 14:51:07 »

The former, thanks.
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chrisr_75
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« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2017, 15:19:12 »

Woah, freaky circular arguments going on here - was it not broadgage who originally asked if large numbers of cheap tickets had been sold and is now being asked for proof of this? Huh Roll Eyes Shocked
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ChrisB
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« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2017, 15:40:58 »

Indeed, because he stopped asking and stated it as fact
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bobm
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« Reply #11 on: April 10, 2017, 16:05:18 »

Proof that loads of discounted tickets have been sold, unlikely to be available but I am aware of two intending passengers who paid very low fares for London to Plymouth on the 18-03 for Maundy Thursday.

Decided I didn't fancy the hell that is Maundy Thursday so I'm getting the 18:03 on Wednesday!
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didcotdean
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« Reply #12 on: April 14, 2017, 10:47:10 »

Things were pretty crowded last night on the expected services from twitter and it looks like things aren't any better this morning.

Advice from GWR (Great Western Railway): "Trains towards Devon and Cornwall are busy today, if you have not made a seat reservation please speak to staff or travel later if possible."
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IndustryInsider
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« Reply #13 on: April 14, 2017, 11:30:09 »

Major issues averted by the looks of things though.
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To view my GWML (Great Western Main Line) Electrification cab video 'before and after' video comparison, as well as other videos of the new layout at Reading and 'before and after' comparisons of the Cotswold Line Redoubling scheme, see: http://www.dailymotion.com/user/IndustryInsider/
TaplowGreen
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« Reply #14 on: April 14, 2017, 11:52:56 »

Couple of pals who travelled back to Plymouth yesterday said it was bad but better than last year.....good to see GWR (Great Western Railway) have learned a few lessons.....unless of course more people have given up on the train & gone by road instead?
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