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Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
http://www.x404.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=17020		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  TheFrenchun [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:12 am ]
Post subject:  Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19264614
Author:  l3v1ck [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 7:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
Why am I expecting an over bid situation like there was on the East Coast Mainline a few years ago :roll:
I guess we could get lucky seeing as the west coast already has new trains etc.
But I'm expecting a few job cuts, which will mean the RMT will follow their policy of "we strike therefor we are" and cause chaos for passengers.
Author:  TheFrenchun [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 7:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
I am 100% behind RMT in any strikes. I'd even take London midlands train just to spite Worst.
Worst have talked out off their a**** and are going to destroy this line which is the best running in the UK and one of the only ones where it beats air travel.
Author:  paulzolo [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 8:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
We had a wonderful branding fail on the railways here. The line was at one stage operated by an outfit called “One”.

Quote:
The area names from the former franchises were initially retained by the new franchise. However, all services other than Stansted Express were later branded simply 'One', reflecting the union of the three smaller franchises into one single franchise and standing for "Operated by National Express". This led to passenger confusion as they were unable to establish for example whether the announcer was saying the 07:20 'One' service would be delayed, or the 07:21 service.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_E ... e.27_brand

It always sounded odd when the train announcement went along the liens of “Thankyou for ravelling with One”. :lol:

It’s now being run by an offshoot of Abelio under a different name. Because the operators have changed so many times, the rolling stock liveries have not yet caught up, so we get trains with the One colours, National Express and others.
Author:  l3v1ck [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 8:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
TheFrenchun wrote:
I am 100% behind RMT in any strikes.

I think we'll have to agree to disagree.

The only good thing I've heard today is that the figure paid was less that some industry analyists predicted. Hopefully that mean they haven't overspent too much.
Author:  belchingmatt [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 11:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
From my own limited experiences, First run a better operation the Virgin.
Author:  TheFrenchun [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
You musnt't live near reading or ever stood all the way between cornwall and london then.
Author:  Linux_User [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
Oh yay, give it to Worst Group; nice move DfT. :evil:
Author:  oceanicitl [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 12:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
TheFrenchun wrote:
You musnt't live near reading or ever stood all the way between cornwall and london then.


I would've sat on the floor
Author:  Linux_User [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 12:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
belchingmatt wrote:
From my own limited experiences, First run a better operation the Virgin.

Have you used the Great Western line? Ever?
Author:  TheFrenchun [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 12:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
oceanicitl wrote:
TheFrenchun wrote:
You musnt't live near reading or ever stood all the way between cornwall and london then.


I would've sat on the floor

In my head that still counts as standing AKA I paid £60 for not having a seat for 4.5hrs.
Author:  cloaked_wolf [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 12:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
I can only limit my knowledge of railways to either travelling around Birmingham (Metro is better than train), between Birmingham and Hampshire/Dorset, or travelling around Hampshire/Dorset.

Virgin trains are nicer, more comfortable, less noisy. When I first started uni, I could get a return 2 weeks in advance for £13. Downside is this seemed to have disappeared after two years and I had to pay £36 return. Still better and nicer than travelling on other regional train companies.
Author:  Zippy [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
I take the London Midlands trains by choice, I've rarely had trouble finding a seat and the Virgin trains make me feel sick, the seats are really uncomfortable and I spent 2 hours having to stand and sway with the train in the corridor rather than sitting in the end to stop myself throwing up. Once was once too many.
Author:  l3v1ck [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
Not as uncomfy at the seats on Turbostars. I'm glad Eastmidland Trains got rid of them. Pity Scotrail still have them. They just make my neck ache.
Author:  hifidelity2 [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 2:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Virgin loses the West Coast main line franchise to First
TheFrenchun wrote:
You musnt't live near reading or ever stood all the way between cornwall and london then.

I live just outside reading - and given the limitations of the crowded lines dont think its that bad a service
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