Ashford Int - Penzance?

[whole diary]

[bambam]

There would be no demand for a service from Kent to the west. It is almost certain it would always be quicker via London. And anyway it isn't a good use of rolling stock, but perhaps one from the Solent/Brighton might be a good idea.

[paul7575]

Running west of Southampton I can almost agree with, but now that there is an hourly Brighton - Southampton service all week FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s extended services are basically a waste of a unit per day. 

That unit would be far better used in FGW territory, where there are many services that could be justifiably strengthened, or have their frequency increased - and that's before you even mention the Melksham issue...

Paul

[grahame]

That unit would be far better used in FGW^▸ (First Great Western) territory ...

I saw this the other day:



Which rather seems to confirm your view, Paul .... best to have the unit in place in the regular FGW territory than running late on the 17:00 peak hour service from Brighton?

If you do the sums, it would only have been a few minutes late by the looks of things!

[bambam]

If you do the sums, it would only have been a few minutes late by the looks of things!

yeah but the crews may have needed a break, and it may have got later as it progressed on its journey, like many late trains.

[grahame]

I looked at this route when planning a trip to the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. ...

Total stray off topic (though I think the original had dried up)

The Romney Hythe and Dymchuch makes a comeback after extraordinary times

[Electric train]

There should be a train every  to Penzance from Ashford/Dover every two hours. What do you think? Becuase, it is very difficult for passengers from the South East who want to travel to the South West. Only route is:
1. Ashford Int-Eastbourne
2. Eastbourne-Lewes/Brighton (Trains continues to London or Brighton)
3. Brighton-Barnham/Ford (train continues to Littlehamton or Bognor)
4. Ford/Barnham-Portsmouth
5. Portsmouth-Westbury/Bristol
6. Westbury/Bristol-South West England
Therefore you have to change 6 times or more.
Thats absolutely pathetic. I don't mind changing once or twice but 6 times, carrying baggages with you (maybe 2 or 3 suit cases or 2 or more children - even worse).

You can do it with 3 trains with step free access to planforms

Penzance - Padd (GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway))
Padd - Kings Cross St Pancras (LuL)
St Pancras Int - Ashford (SE High Speed)

[grahame]

Very old thread ...

I suspect that the number of passenger travelling through from Penzance to Ashford was and is very very limited. However, chaining services end to end can make sense where a significant number of passengers make what would otherwise be a connection.   

Look at Cardiff Central <-> Portsmouth Harbour.  As you pull out of Cardiff, look for anyone going right through to Portsmouth and more than likely you wouldn't find anyone.  But there are passengers "across" the major intermediate calling points at Bristol (Temple Meads) and Southampton.