Welcome - South Western Railways

[whole diary]

[grahame]

South Western Railways (First / MTR^▸ (Mass Transit Railway, based in Hong Kong)) replaces South West Trains (Stagecoach) today, drawing to a close the final franchise that's not changed hands since privatisation.

New website at:

https://www.southwesternrailway.com

New branding:

[ellendune]

I see it has an on-line customer forum.  Wonder where that idea came from?

[grahame]

I see it has an on-line customer forum.  Wonder where that idea came from?

Online Customer Forum

Why not get involved in the South Western Railway Customer Forum – a place for you to ask us or other customers about anything related to your SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) journey and our communication with you - through the App, our website, and during disruption. We’ve a range of topics ready for you to join the conversation, including stations, our trains, things to do and latest news – or you’re welcome to raise other ideas as well.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, though frankly this is not imitation.   Likely to be far stronger in being able to get official answers, but may lack the ability to discuss aspects which are critical of the operator ... we will see.

[TaplowGreen]

I see it has an on-line customer forum.  Wonder where that idea came from?

Online Customer Forum

Why not get involved in the South Western Railway Customer Forum – a place for you to ask us or other customers about anything related to your SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) journey and our communication with you - through the App, our website, and during disruption. We’ve a range of topics ready for you to join the conversation, including stations, our trains, things to do and latest news – or you’re welcome to raise other ideas as well.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, though frankly this is not imitation.   Likely to be far stronger in being able to get official answers, but may lack the ability to discuss aspects which are critical of the operator ... we will see.

...............and if it's anything like it's "sister" franchise GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway), the conversation may be rather one sided as you'll be waiting a couple of months for a response!

[ChrisB]

Hmmm....something familiar about their Delays & Disruption Policy document in this website....its still in South West Trains corporate colours!!

[JayMac]

I note from the SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) Passenger’s Charter that existing Season Ticket holders are well covered.

If they bought/buy their Season Ticket before the introduction of Delay Repay on 4th September 2017, they will be able to claim for both punctuality and reliability discounts on renewal (if any) and, from 4th September 2017, be able to claim for individual journey delays under Delay Repay.

Also. SWR's Twitter: @SW_Help

[ChrisB]

Similar to Chiltern then. Season holders get both the compensation for seasons and can claim for individual delays like single tickets get. And have done since franchise inception. Best desl from any TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company)

[RailCornwall]

Must be mild OCD but the Typeface and Logo combo looks horribly 'unbalanced' surely that wasn't designed on purpose to be like that.

[Surrey 455]

My first journey with SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) today was from Raynes Park to Bookham. The only difference seen was the CIS^▸ (Customer Information System) display showing "SWR service to.." and the automated announcements. Still voiced by Phil Sayer, he now says "the xx.xx South" with another voice which is deeper saying "Western Railway" then returning to Phil. Didn't see any new branding at the station or on the train. Probably too soon for that.

[JayMac]

It would obviously be very difficult to have Phil Sayer do any re-recording.

I expect there will be a whole new suite of recordings for "South Western Railway" in the near future. 

[bobm]

Didn't he voice "Great Western Railway" for SWT^▸ (South West Trains) stations where GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) called?

With a bit of editing they could have got "South Western Railway"

[paul7575]

Didn't he voice "Great Western Railway" for SWT^▸ (South West Trains) stations where GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) called?

With a bit of editing they could have got "South Western Railway"

That's what I think they've definitely done.  The service operator part of the announcements sounds quite reasonable, I think if you're looking for it you can spot the slight difference in tone, but I doubt many people will treat it as an issue...

Interesting that they have done absolutely nothing with the various Desiros I was on today, obviously nothing externally yet,  but surprisingly nothing internally either.   When you remember that some franchise handovers have left the interior signs, posters, safety stuff etc looking like someone has gone mad with a felt tip marker it seems unusually quiet so far...

Paul

[JayMac]

Wasn't there mention somewhere that it would be a very soft launch until the Waterloo upgrade is completed.

A press launch with a fully reliveried unit or two once Waterloo is back to full capacity.

[paul7575]

Wasn't there mention somewhere that it would be a very soft launch until the Waterloo upgrade is completed.

A press launch with a fully reliveried unit or two once Waterloo is back to full capacity.

Yes, 4th September.   It was on one of the websites aimed more at staff than the public, but was quite categoric.   I think if I was planning it I'd want to do it on one of the newly modified 10 car platforms on the main suburban side, and even if their own new stock isn't here yet, there's not much to stop them using a couple of 707s...

Paul

[JayMac]

First/MTR^▸ (Mass Transit Railway, based in Hong Kong) can continue using SWT^▸ (South West Trains)/South West Trains trademarks, logos and liveries for as long as they want, should they so want.

I've just learnt that they are owned by HMG (in the name of the SoS for Transport) and not Stagecoach.