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Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
As at 18th December 2024 22:33 GMT
 
Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 09:33, 18th December 2024
 
The current incumbent probably won’t be the current incumbent by the time these services commence.


Indeed. It strikes me more as a continuing way to operate the trains by First group - in December 1998 they bough out their partners in Great Western Trains, in April 1996 moved on to the extended Greater Western Franchise. In June 2022, the DfT replaced the franchise agreement with a direct award contract ... and with the stated desire and legal powers for the government to take that over, perhaps they are looking at their next phase. After all, they have 26 years experience of running trains around here and want to continue to make use of that experience I would have thought.   A fares structure from the nationalised company such as the LNER one may may well make it all the more possible for them to put on a more attractive service for the wider flows with a good financial reward.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 06:47, 18th December 2024
 
The current incumbent probably won’t be the current incumbent by the time these services commence.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Sixty3Closure at 00:17, 18th December 2024
 
Not sure I quite understand how the current incumbent on a route buying the open access improves competition?

If GWR wanted to run more trains can't they apply to the DFT or propose a new timetable or is it like airport landing slots and they're all bought up?

Still seems to undermine the point of open access though.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by ChrisB at 21:23, 5th December 2024
 
From Business Live, via MSN

Planned South Wales to London train service has a new operator

The company behind a new Carmarthen to Paddington train service scheduled to commence in 2027 has sold its rights on. Grand Union Trains, which secured approval to run a rival open access service to First Great Western from the Office of Rail and Road two years ago, has sold the new route to transport giant FirstGroup.

It follows on from Grand Union’s also selling its open access rights for a new Stirling to Euston (London) train service to FirstGroup in September. That service is scheduled to start next May.

The value of the south Wales to Paddington 10-year licence deal has not been disclosed. However, is understood that Grand Union had explored striking a deal with the Welsh Government’s transport body, Transport for Wales. TfW, which operates services on the Wales & Borders network

The strong projected passenger numbers between south Wales and London, including higher paying first class commuting customers, could have reduced the level of rail operating public subsidy TfW receives from the Welsh Government. One of the barriers to a possible deal was that the cost of new rolling stock for the route, through a leasing deal, would have been scored against the Welsh Government’s block grant due to a ONS classification.

FirstGroup will keep to Grand Union’s aim of launching the service in December 2027. It will confirm an order for new rolling stock in due course. Grand Union were looking to secure a leasing deal of around £110m, financed over 10 years, for four five-car trains built by Hitachi.

Grand Union had planned for five trains a day in both directions from Carmarthen to Paddington, stopping at Llanelli, Gowerton, Cardiff Central, Newport, Severn Tunnel and Bristol Parkway. They also planned was to add a stop at Cardiff Parkway, if the proposed mainline train station on the outskirts of the capital at St Mellons is realised.

The Welsh Government is still “actively considering” the project for planning with its integrated 900,000 sq ft business park.

Confirming the sale of its for its Carmarthen to London route managing director of Grand Union, Ian Yeowart, said: “We are confident that the strength and experience of FirstGroup with its experienced and focused management and delivery team, alongside the award-winning provision of its current open access operations, will provide an excellent service for passengers.”

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 21:17, 3rd July 2023
 
I've had a look at my copy of "Old Bore's Almanac" for the year 2100 and find:

 - new fares for rail passengers to be charged according to weight to reflect the strain being put on the network. The first 150 kg will be included in the standard fare, with £10 per kg per kilometre for the next 50 miles, and £20 per kg per km over 200 kg. Anyone complaining that the fares now cost an arm and a leg can leave them at the station.

 - Keith Richards will headline Glastonbury on Sunday night

 - Go-Op announce that they will start small, and a new shorter route will begin "soon", between Bedminster and Parson Street

 - the first attempt by Malaysian King and Emperor Marvin to charge an access fee for the Ashton Vale guided busway, following its 11th reconstruction, results in the withdrawal of the twice daily MetroBust service

 - England lose on penalties





Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 18:58, 23rd June 2023
 
I can't see Go-Op getting off the ground before 2100 frankly

Why not? It's only 1858 just now.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:06, 23rd June 2023
 
I can't see Go-Op getting off the ground before 2100 frankly

A joint launch with HS2 could be on the cards? 

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by ChrisB at 17:01, 23rd June 2023
 
I can't see Go-Op getting off the ground before 2100 frankly

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 16:49, 23rd June 2023
 
Oh dear.  Go-Op or Grand Central to launch first…place your bets please…all bets refunded if neither launches before 2050…

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by ChrisB at 16:48, 23rd June 2023
 
And GWR's maximum contract (if they get the additional 3 years) expires in 2028.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by bobm at 16:44, 23rd June 2023
 
Modern Railways saying the start date for Grand Union pushed back to end of 2027.

https://www.modernrailways.com/article/gu-carmarthen-service-delayed#:~:text=Grand%20Union%20Carmarthen%20service%20delayed&text=In%20late%202022%20the%20Office,services%20to%20begin%20in%202025.

Service may not start until 2027
Grand Union Trains has revised the start date for its new open access service between London Paddington and Carmarthen as it will take longer to order and introduce the new rolling stock for the service. Services may not now start until December 2027, more than two years later than planned.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 00:00, 3rd December 2022
 
: Trowres
Is that subject to DfT approval?

It would be interesting to examine the DfT thought processes involved.

Nothing is done without that anymore! 

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Noggin at 23:51, 2nd December 2022
 
I wonder what rolling stock GU will go for. Ambitious to have new build ready in time for December 2024. Suspect bimode Hitachi AT300 (Class 8xx) is most likely to be ordered.

Suggestion on WNXX was that the application was contingent on new build rolling stock, the only feasible solution in the timeframe is Hitachi with the obvious choice being to tack new vehicles onto the end of the 805 order.

Veering a little off topic, note that the Cross-Country franchise comes to an end in 2023 and the GWR Castles are going imminently, so might we see 805's being ordered for XC too?  

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Trowres at 23:41, 2nd December 2022
 
According to the boss, GWR plan to increase the number of trains to Carmarthen and reinstate the Pembroke summer service next year.

Is that subject to DfT approval?

It would be interesting to examine the DfT thought processes involved.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 17:19, 2nd December 2022
 
According to the boss, GWR plan to increase the number of trains to Carmarthen and reinstate the Pembroke summer service next year.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by eightonedee at 18:29, 1st December 2022
 
Quote from: JayMac on Today at 11:26:55 am
"...opens up the Great Western Main Line to competition for the first time."

What about GoAhead's Thames Trains before they were gobbled up by FirstGroup? GWML▸ 'competition' on services between Paddington - Didcot and Oxford - Bristol TM‡.

Not to mention Heathrow Express.  Wink

...or indeed Cross Country between Reading and Banbury, or between Penzance or Paignton and Bristol!

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Bmblbzzz at 17:54, 1st December 2022
 
I wonder which is more ambitious: to get new rolling stock in two years or to be calling at an as yet unfinished station (Cardiff Parkway)?

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by paul7575 at 17:06, 1st December 2022
 
To return to the thread subject, with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire together having a population of over 300000, and many journeys by rail subject to poor connections at either Carmarthen or Swansea (or both), the new service can offer a slick saving of 20 minutes via the Swansea avoiding line, so it may well be able to grow the market for rail from West Wales. In the process it might well  abstract revenue not from GWR but from traffic flows on the M4. Though how the timetable for the new service will fit around GWR's sole up train from Carmarthen at 07:25: perhaps it will simply eat it for breakfast.

I hope it's a roaring success, like Lumo has been so far.

Worth a note of caution though in so much as we live in very turbulent times, and Grand Union's last successful application to run between Blackpool and Euston never quite made it to fruition as a result of the previous turbulent times of Covid.
Wasn’t Euston <> Blackpool the Arriva backed Grand Central, not the “completely separate” open access operator now using the name Grand Union? 

It might be thought by some that the use of “Grand” was an attempt to sow confusion.

Paul

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by 1st fan at 16:57, 1st December 2022
 
Another option for start up would be the delightful (*cough) and ever popular (*cough cough) Class 180s - also homeless next year.

NOOOOOOOO! 

I know the 180 infamously had (has?) numerous faults, but………..At least on the 180 in 1st, the seats were very comfortable and there were curtains not blinds. Having said that a Thames Turbo 1st class seat beats an IET 1st class seat in my book for comfort.

If they do go for an 8XX rolling stock I do hope they don’t get the same Fainsa seats.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 14:42, 1st December 2022
 
Another option for start up would be the delightful (*cough) and ever popular (*cough cough) Class 180s - also homeless next year.

NOOOOOOOO! 

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by JayMac at 14:40, 1st December 2022
 
I wonder what rolling stock GU will go for. Ambitious to have new build ready in time for December 2024. Suspect bimode Hitachi AT300 (Class 8xx) is most likely to be ordered.

Short term lease of Class 221 Super Voyagers (ex Avanti West Coast) or Class 222 Meridian (ex East Midlands Railway) for start up perhaps. Those fleets are both homeless next year, although they could go to CrossCountry. Another option for start up would be the delightful (*cough) and ever popular (*cough cough) Class 180s - also homeless next year.

Whatever is chosen short and long term obviously has to be 125mph capable.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 14:06, 1st December 2022
 
To return to the thread subject, with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire together having a population of over 300000, and many journeys by rail subject to poor connections at either Carmarthen or Swansea (or both), the new service can offer a slick saving of 20 minutes via the Swansea avoiding line, so it may well be able to grow the market for rail from West Wales. In the process it might well  abstract revenue not from GWR but from traffic flows on the M4. Though how the timetable for the new service will fit around GWR's sole up train from Carmarthen at 07:25: perhaps it will simply eat it for breakfast.

I hope it's a roaring success, like Lumo has been so far.

Worth a note of caution though in so much as we live in very turbulent times, and Grand Union's last successful application to run between Blackpool and Euston never quite made it to fruition as a result of the previous turbulent times of Covid.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Mark A at 13:54, 1st December 2022
 
Didn't someone else used to run trains from South Wales, and Bristol and Bath too, into London (Waterloo)?

Offtopic for this thread: it's so short sighted that the DfT forced the Waterloo trains to be axed rather than being developed. The railway would have been able to use them to contribute to the recovery in passenger numbers in the changed market that they face.

That late eighties/early nineties approach from the then Regional Railways and its descendents to develop inter-regional services is on record as having found its feet. A local example, the one from Portsmouth that picked up at Bath around 8:30 and headed off to Liverpool was busy, useful for a range of long distance trips and even avoided a stop at Newport, let alone a change. (For the present, a change at Newport onto the first off-peak in the direction of Crewe is a bit of a gamble, as it's often just two carriages). There needs to be a mechanism for the railway to revisit this.

To return to the thread subject, with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire together having a population of over 300000, and many journeys by rail subject to poor connections at either Carmarthen or Swansea (or both), the new service can offer a slick saving of 20 minutes via the Swansea avoiding line, so it may well be able to grow the market for rail from West Wales. In the process it might well  abstract revenue not from GWR but from traffic flows on the M4. Though how the timetable for the new service will fit around GWR's sole up train from Carmarthen at 07:25: perhaps it will simply eat it for breakfast.

Mark

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Mark A at 12:44, 1st December 2022
 
Today's 07:25 from Carmarthen to Paddington not the best running as was 50 minutes down by Llanelli. Not that a GWR service will be in the position that they'd be able to short-notice divert via the Swansea avoiding line and claw back 20 minutes that way. Or, perhaps they could, as there's reports that they inadvertantly took some Paddington to Reading and Swindon passengers off to Bristol Parkway this morning.

Mark

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:W43705/2022-12-01/detailed#allox_id=0

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 12:20, 1st December 2022
 
"...opens up the Great Western Main Line to competition for the first time."

What about GoAhead's Thames Trains before they were gobbled up by FirstGroup? GWML 'competition' on services between Paddington - Didcot and Oxford - Bristol TM.

Not to mention Heathrow Express. 

Didn't someone else used to run trains from South Wales, and Bristol and Bath too, into London (Waterloo)?

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 12:15, 1st December 2022
 
"...opens up the Great Western Main Line to competition for the first time."

What about GoAhead's Thames Trains before they were gobbled up by FirstGroup? GWML 'competition' on services between Paddington - Didcot and Oxford - Bristol TM.

Not to mention Heathrow Express. 

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Mark A at 11:39, 1st December 2022
 
The application's been granted. Here's the ORR.

https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/regulator-approves-new-grand-union-train-service-carmarthen-london-paddington


Grand Union Trains: their web site:

http://www.granduniontrains.co.uk/

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by JayMac at 11:26, 1st December 2022
 
"...opens up the Great Western Main Line to competition for the first time."

What about GoAhead's Thames Trains before they were gobbled up by FirstGroup? GWML 'competition' on services between Paddington - Didcot and Oxford - Bristol TM.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Sixty3Closure at 11:01, 1st December 2022
 
Picked up by the BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-63819582

It will make my life much easier from Carmarthen but still not something I felt I needed.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Mark A at 09:55, 1st December 2022
 
The application's been granted. Here's the ORR.

https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/regulator-approves-new-grand-union-train-service-carmarthen-london-paddington

"This decision supports more choice for passengers, new direct journey opportunities, more price competition, and new comfortable trains<snip>"

'Comfortable trains' is a bit of a self-troll, given that the DfT specced those IEP trains & seats, yes?

Mark

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 10:01, 8th October 2022
 
On that basis, a station at Felindre (just to the north of Morriston) with good access to and from the M4 and A4067 junction, and plenty of parking and a decent reliable train service to London at a decent price and good service and comfort on the train would be very attractive.

To clarify that, the name "Felindre" has been used for proposals for a station at this location - but it's really in a no-persons-land between multiple places, and Felindre is a village some miles north, so really it's "Felindre Road" in best "Llanbister Road" tradition.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 07:51, 8th October 2022
 
As a fairly regular Carmarthen to London traveller there just doesn't seem enough demand although I'm guessing it might be more to do with logistics and Swansea station perhaps. More (than the one currently anyway) direct services would be useful but its not something I ever found myself feeling I really needed.

I did quite a bit of work in the Swansea area, and the current Swansea station is very much downtown if you call it that - near the centre, and on a regional map not all that far from the sea.   Front the hinterland of south and west Wales, not an easy park and ride off the motorway - Port Talbot Parkway may be, but it is further east.  Llanshamlet and perhaps Skewen serve the area to the north of the city, but neither has an intercity service and local trains are below the attractive level when you add in a need to changes to get there from anywhere in England.   On that basis, a station at Felindre (just to the north of Morriston) with good access to and from the M4 and A4067 junction, and plenty of parking and a decent reliable train service to London at a decent price and good service and comfort on the train would be very attractive.

Open Access is about reaching the parts of travel other (Dft specified and supported) services don't reach, and there are also opportunities to be explored along this route for calls at Llangennech, Severn Tunnel Junction, Pilning, Hayes and Harlington and Ealing Broadway ... and I kinda wonder about Lawrence Hill and Oldfield Park when I'm in "Crayonist" mode, as well as stations for Cardiff, Newport and Reading and some of the other  town along the way.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Sixty3Closure at 23:32, 7th October 2022
 
From RailAdvent - https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2022/10/grand-union-trains-submits-proposal-for-new-carmarthen-to-london-paddington-service.html

An application has been made by Grand Union Trains (GUT) for the right to operate a new intercity train service between Carmarthen and London Paddington.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is currently considering the application, which is for five return services each day and includes a commitment to build a new ‘parkway’ station at Felindre, north of Swansea. In February last year, the ORR rejected a proposal by Grand Union to operate a Cardiff to Paddington service.

As a fairly regular Carmarthen to London traveller there just doesn't seem enough demand although I'm guessing it might be more to do with logistics and Swansea station perhaps. More (than the one currently anyway) direct services would be useful but its not something I ever found myself feeling I really needed.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 17:38, 5th October 2022
 
From RailAdvent - https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2022/10/grand-union-trains-submits-proposal-for-new-carmarthen-to-london-paddington-service.html

An application has been made by Grand Union Trains (GUT) for the right to operate a new intercity train service between Carmarthen and London Paddington.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is currently considering the application, which is for five return services each day and includes a commitment to build a new ‘parkway’ station at Felindre, north of Swansea. In February last year, the ORR rejected a proposal by Grand Union to operate a Cardiff to Paddington service.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 12:57, 11th February 2021
 
Interesting what you learn from one 'case' to another ... if six paths were available all the way, it follows that six paths were available over the subset from Wootton Bassett to Didcot - potentially allowing the extension of something coming up from Chippenham into Swindon to be extended to Oxford ... whether you look at running frachise, central or local transport board contract, or open access ...

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 12:32, 11th February 2021
 
No great surprise that it has been rejected.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 12:35, 10th February 2021
 
Grand Union application has been rejected, basically because although it is workable, (6 of 7 return services can be pathed), and generates adequate new fare income, it still abstracts from DfT’s overall funds, and that isn’t acceptable in times of COVID service reductions etc, etc...

https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2021-02/2021-02-10-gand-union-london-carmarthen-s17-decision-letter.pdf

Thanks for that, Paul. I have mirrored that document here for members - see http://www.passenger.chat/24635 .  In this case, I expect the original URL may change soon when ORR notices it contains "gand" rather than "grand" 

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by paul7575 at 11:50, 10th February 2021
 
Grand Union application has been rejected, basically because although it is workable, (6 of 7 return services can be pathed), and generates adequate new fare income, it still abstracts from DfT’s overall funds, and that isn’t acceptable in times of COVID service reductions etc, etc...

https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2021-02/2021-02-10-gand-union-london-carmarthen-s17-decision-letter.pdf

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 07:47, 28th August 2020
 
as it is the law that every operator of these have to call them something different.

What a load of garbage!  Every TOC still calls the HST a HST.  The only reason TOC call their trains different names is to make them stand out and for corporate rubbish, quite frankly it's a stupid idea and they should just have a standard name for example IET instead of Azuma, Paragon etc.

I never did make the transition from Marathon to Snickers.

As for the open access plan I doubt it's going to happen as most of the 91/Mk4 stock that hasn't already been taken up is scrapped or stripped down.

I also doubt that it will happen, although I haven't chosen one specific reason.That said, as the existing open access operators started somewhere, nothing can be entirely ruled out.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by at 07:40, 28th August 2020
 
as it is the law that every operator of these have to call them something different.

What a load of garbage!  Every TOC still calls the HST a HST.  The only reason TOC call their trains different names is to make them stand out and for corporate rubbish, quite frankly it's a stupid idea and they should just have a standard name for example IET instead of Azuma, Paragon etc.



As for the open access plan I doubt it's going to happen as most of the 91/Mk4 stock that hasn't already been taken up is scrapped or stripped down.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by rogerw at 19:38, 10th July 2020
 
Hull trains is an open access operator and therefore not subject to DfT whims and control. Don't expect any conventional TOC to act similarly. The "boss" would not allow it

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 22:59, 9th July 2020
 
Hull Trains ditched the HSTs & 180s for 802s a few months before they suspended service, which they call 'Paragons' as it is the law that every operator of these have to call them something different. No buffet though, as always as a result of 'customer request' (for more seats).

It's nice to know that TOCs do respond to customer citicism of their rolling stock, although I must emphasise that I didn't offer an opinion on the buffet.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by didcotdean at 16:50, 9th July 2020
 
Hull Trains ditched the HSTs & 180s for 802s a few months before they suspended service, which they call 'Paragons' as it is the law that every operator of these have to call them something different. No buffet though, as always as a result of 'customer request' (for more seats).

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 15:53, 9th July 2020
 

I don't buy the argument that Hull Trains and Grand Central have resulted in the main East Coast operator raising its game. They are fairly niche markets which the main operator had chosen more or less to ignore, although the revenue raid at York in particular would be an annoyance. But they don't serve Leeds, Newcastle or Edinburgh, so are little more than a scratch in the side of its operation.

The road to Hull is paved with good intentions. I made the mistake of catching a Hull Trains service to Grantham once. It was an old dirty diesel train, absolutely packed despite being early afternoon. I came back on a nice electric zoomer, very nice, with a sort of buffet.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Celestial at 11:48, 8th July 2020
 
Yes I spotted the reference to FGW too. Getting that kind of detail wrong is never a good sign in terms of an article's credibility.

I don't buy the argument that Hull Trains and Grand Central have resulted in the main East Coast operator raising its game. They are fairly niche markets which the main operator had chosen more or less to ignore, although the revenue raid at York in particular would be an annoyance. But they don't serve Leeds, Newcastle or Edinburgh, so are little more than a scratch in the side of its operation.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 11:31, 8th July 2020
 
From Business Live

Why passengers on rail's South Wales to Paddington line deserve better

Tony Lodge of the Centre for Policy Studies said it needs to be opened up to competition

Next year marks the 45th anniversary of a key railway milestone for Wales and western England.

The long-awaited introduction of the Intercity 125 high-speed train in 1976 had been preceded for three years with intensive trials between south Wales and London, and the new train not only slashed travel times, but introduced a whole new level of high-speed service.

As the Great Western Main Line (GWML) led the way Britain’s other main lines looked on enviously as Wales and western England were first to enjoy the much-hyped new “age of the train”.

But in the stakes to lead by example and embrace railway passenger innovation then the GWML has fallen way behind its famous rival routes on the East Coast and West Coast which connect the cities of northern England and Scotland with London.

This time it has less to do with train design or speed, though these are still important.

Instead it has everything to do with passengers enjoying train choice, lower fares, more routes, healthy competition and the better standards of innovation and travel experience which these deliver.

High-speed train travel between Cardiff, Bristol and London Paddington is unique among Britain’s intercity routes, but for all the wrong reasons.

Why do passengers who use First Great Western rate their journey as one of the worst in the country?

Importantly, policy-makers and local MPs are now looking into this and are aware of the challenge and opportunity for improvement.

The reason why the GWML has fallen behind is a complete absence of passenger competition and choice.

I checked the date on the article, and it IS current in spite of the reference to "First Great Western" and the picture of an HST illustrating the article.

A long article carries on ... quotation from further down:

The plan is for a new high-speed train service running every two hours in both directions between London Paddington and Cardiff Central, also calling at Bristol Parkway, Severn Tunnel Junction and Newport in direct competition with First Great Western.

These new Grand Union trains would also stop at Cardiff Parkway when it opens.

They would operate seven trains in each direction from May 2021 if they can get permission from the UK Government’s Office of Rail and Road.

Importantly, MPs along the route are supporting the plan, as is the Welsh Government. From 2023 Grand Union would then like to extend the services to Swansea, Llanelli and Carmarthen.

Key direct benefits would include an average 25% reduction on “walk on” fares, no penalty for purchasing a ticket on the train, flexible carnet tickets, a 50% reduction if you can’t find a seat and limited stops.

If TOCs move from a franchise to a management contract model, and get further rebuild support which I suspect they'll need over the next 18 months from September, it will be interesting to see how new open access operators might fit in.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 08:23, 12th January 2020
 
Can’t actually see DfT allowing GWR IET services to be overtaken anyway...

They already do - though within the franchise.  Superfasts overtaking other GWR IET services at Reading.

It would be even great if one of these Open Access Operators opened a service that wasn't going to London, as those are the services that really need to be improved.

Quite. If there really is spare capacity,  then can we have the Didcot stops put back on Cardiff trains, to give better connections for Oxford; and bring back the direct Bristol to Oxford service, rather than duplicating existing services to London.

Agreed ... but government policy is all about London enhancements.  Came out loud and clear from Chris Heaton-Harris speaking at the GWR Stakeholder's briefing at Paddington a couple of months back.

Huge logic in 10 minute service Paddington - Reading - Didcot - Swindon. 2 onward to Bristol, 2 onward to South Wales, one onward to Cheltenham Spa, final one a 387 terminating at Swindon. Good path use, plenty of scope for decent Oxford connections.  Snag being that everyone would split their tickets!

Swindon to Oxford direct trains?  YES PLEASE ... and with Swindon being in "England's Economic Heartland" it makes huge sense with such trains carrying on to Bletchley, Bedford and Cambridge - but they can be instigated long before that line is re-opened.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by mjones at 08:01, 12th January 2020
 
Quite. If there really is spare capacity,  then can we have the Didcot stops put back on Cardiff trains, to give better connections for Oxford; and bring back the direct Bristol to Oxford service, rather than duplicating existing services to London.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by ray951 at 21:09, 11th January 2020
 
It would be even great if one of these Open Access Operators opened a service that wasn't going to London, as those are the services that really need to be improved.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by paul7575 at 13:55, 11th January 2020
 
This proposal originally touted impossible timings, didn’t it?  Perhaps we might have had another thread about it?

IIRC they reckoned they’d be 15 mins or so faster than GWR, but I suspect that was based on a spurious comparison with last years HST timetable.   Can’t actually see DfT allowing GWR IET services to be overtaken anyway...

Paul

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 11:34, 11th January 2020
 
A bit of competition would be excellent - may make GWR raise their game a bit?

Yes indeed.  Bring it on!  Though I don’t think it will be brought on sadly as the paths will be virtually impossible to find, and the business probably not there.  Though there’s marginally more chance of it happening than Go-Op!

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TaplowGreen at 10:49, 11th January 2020
 
A bit of competition would be excellent - may make GWR raise their game a bit?

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by ellendune at 09:25, 11th January 2020
 
I can't see how there is capacity on the route now

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Timmer at 07:46, 11th January 2020
 
Exactly Reginald25. The only reason most people would know the actual name of a TOC is because of all the press they receive for offering such a poor service.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Reginald25 at 07:41, 11th January 2020
 
What will an open access operator offer to the travelling public that GWR or any single operator doesn't already. There is only one sensible route from Cardiff to London. I've said it before but the general public only say I'm going by train, not I'm going by a specific TOC. When they get to the station they want the first train going to where they are going and don't want to wait for a specific company's train.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Timmer at 20:48, 10th January 2020
 
They were always going to weren’t they.

Is there really a market between London and Cardiff for a Open Access Operator with the increased level of service offered by GWR?

Love the abbreviation GUT.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 14:41, 10th January 2020
 
Again from Transport Extra continuing behind a paywall (sorry, folks)

DfT and FirstGroup try to thwart open access rail plan

10 January 2020

The dft and FirstGroup’s rail franchise Great Western Railway have raised objections to plans for an open access rail service between London Paddington and South Wales.

Grand Union Trains (GUT) wants to operate seven trains in each direction between London Paddington and Cardiff Central from May 2021, using electric trains (Class 91 and Mark IV carriages) that are becoming surplus to requirements on the East Coast Main Line.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 15:25, 27th September 2019
 
From Transport Extra

Grand Union Trains has revealed that its proposed open access passenger service between London and South Wales could convey light freight, with a parcel hub created at one or more of the stations served.

The company also proposes to invest in additional car parking and improved road access at Severn Tunnel Junction, which serves Monmouthshire, South Gloucestershire and East Newport.

Article continues, mostly behind a paywall

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 17:34, 25th July 2019
 
Isn't the current position that electric services to Cardiff will likely begin before the problems in the tunnel have been solved, rather than they are thinking of giving up on electrifying through it?  Although the impact on IET services might be negligible, I think it would be hugely embarrassing if Network Rail (and the company who supplied the kit) can't come up with a plan.

From Network Rail with my bolding:

Once complete, the major modernisation work will enable Intercity Express Trains to run between London and Cardiff on electricity

Looks like passing through the Severn Tunnel on diesel after completion of the project is not an option.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Adrian at 20:37, 23rd July 2019
 
Isn't the current position that electric services to Cardiff will likely begin before the problems in the tunnel have been solved, rather than they are thinking of giving up on electrifying through it?  Although the impact on IET services might be negligible, I think it would be hugely embarrassing if Network Rail (and the company who supplied the kit) can't come up with a plan.

I wonder if it's practical to "waterproof" the tunnel roof in the leakiest sections?  If the water entered through the lower parts of the wall it presumably wouldn't be a problem.  About half the length of the tunnel isn't even under the Severn Estuary.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by martyjon at 16:17, 23rd July 2019
 
Build a Second Severn Tunnel then, they did it for the bridge.
Oooo's gonna pay for it?
Additionally, wouldn't a 2nd tunnel still have the same corrosion problems to resolve as the first one?

No, cos the new tunnel would be built learning the lessons of the original, digging it deeper for a start and lining it with concrete sections like the channel tunnel and other undersea tunnels on this planet of ours.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by johnneyw at 14:38, 23rd July 2019
 

Build a Second Severn Tunnel then, they did it for the bridge.

Oooo's gonna pay for it?

Additionally, wouldn't a 2nd tunnel still have the same corrosion problems to resolve as the first one?

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 21:40, 22nd July 2019
 
Could a railway be cantilevered off the Prince of Wales bridge?

Ha ha ha! 

Hang on, though - it could work. It might be easier to cantilever an extra lane of car traffic either side and lay track down the middle but...

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by eXPassenger at 21:31, 22nd July 2019
 
Build a Second Severn Tunnel then, they did it for the bridge.

Could a railway be cantilevered off the Prince of Wales bridge?

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by martyjon at 20:34, 22nd July 2019
 

Build a Second Severn Tunnel then, they did it for the bridge.

Oooo's gonna pay for it?


Same as whats paying for HS2, the taxpayer.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 20:16, 22nd July 2019
 

Build a Second Severn Tunnel then, they did it for the bridge.

Oooo's gonna pay for it?

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by martyjon at 12:32, 22nd July 2019
 
Not sure if it's been mentioned before but I've heard a rumour that the Severn Tunnel is to be de-electrified.

IETs OK, Class 91 stymied.

This relates to the corrosion problems discovered in the tunnel on the overhead equipment only 4 years after installation. A solution is still being looked at but I've seen quotes here and in the general news media that suggest de-electrification is an option being looked at by the DfT.
I keep my hopes up here by having a lot more belief in the abilities of the railway engineering community than in the DfT.*

*Yes, it looks like an engineering issue was the cause of this but this tunnel apparently presented previously unencountered challenges due to it's unusual conditions.


Build a Second Severn Tunnel then, they did it for the bridge.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by johnneyw at 11:38, 22nd July 2019
 
Not sure if it's been mentioned before but I've heard a rumour that the Severn Tunnel is to be de-electrified.

IETs OK, Class 91 stymied.

This relates to the corrosion problems discovered in the tunnel on the overhead equipment only 4 years after installation. A solution is still being looked at but I've seen quotes here and in the general news media that suggest de-electrification is an option being looked at by the DfT.
I keep my hopes up here by having a lot more belief in the abilities of the railway engineering community than in the DfT.*

*Yes, it looks like an engineering issue was the cause of this but this tunnel apparently presented previously unencountered challenges due to it's unusual conditions.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by eightf48544 at 11:03, 22nd July 2019
 
Not sure if it's been mentioned before but I've heard a rumour that the Severn Tunnel is to be de-electrified.

IETs OK, Class 91 stymied.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:25, 21st July 2019
 
The Bedwyn’s usually start/terminate at Reading and the others cancelled throughout.  Oxford-Paddington still usually runs hourly as the trains from the Cotswold Line still run.  Stoppers generally run, but it depends where the problem is, which lines are affected and how badly they are affected.  GWR/Network Rail have various strategies depending on the problem.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by eightonedee at 20:52, 20th July 2019
 
When there’s a problem east of Reading, the Oxford-Paddington services are usually amongst the first to be cancelled, along with the Bedwyn-Paddington’s and, as mentioned, the Cardiff-Paddington’s.  They are the three least disruptive to lose.

Just to be clear II - do these go entirely? If so, surely it would be better to start and terminate these services at Reading, so that passengers could change there. And does this mean those of us who use the stopping services lose them as well, or is it just the Inter Cities from these locations that go? If the former, even more strong case for stopping services to start and finish at Reading, so we do not lose a substantial proportion of our rail service

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 16:25, 20th July 2019
 
When there’s a problem east of Reading, the Oxford-Paddington services are usually amongst the first to be cancelled, along with the Bedwyn-Paddington’s and, as mentioned, the Cardiff-Paddington’s.  They are the three least disruptive to lose.

I can see the two Bristol-Paddington fast trains via Parkway joining that list after they are introduced.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by jamestheredengine at 14:08, 20th July 2019
 
Any new train service is to be welcomed but I do ask is there enough demand for more trains from South Wales to London, especially with GWR about to operate even more services from December.

In the past, whenever there’s been major disruption on the GW mainline, the first IC services that get pulled are the hourly Cardiff-London trains.

Maybe revenue apportionment between them and another operator will discourage GWR from doing that. After all, it would make far more sense for them to cancel the Oxford IC services first, direct Oxford passengers to Marylebone, and Slough and Reading ones to the stoppers, but then the money would, as I understand it, go to Chiltern.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Timmer at 10:02, 20th July 2019
 
Any new train service is to be welcomed but I do ask is there enough demand for more trains from South Wales to London, especially with GWR about to operate even more services from December.

In the past, whenever there’s been major disruption on the GW mainline, the first IC services that get pulled are the hourly Cardiff-London trains.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 08:50, 20th July 2019
 
From The BBC

Plans for a new train service between south Wales and London have been expanded to include more stations.

However operator Grand Union Trains revealed services between Cardiff and Paddington will initially run every two hours from 2021 instead of hourly as originally proposed.

Hourly services will start in 2023 and will run to Llanelli, which currently has one train a day to London.

The changes were made following talks with the Welsh Government.

Grand Union said it would create 135 jobs and a south Wales headquarters.

Currently only Great Western Railway (GWR) runs services between Cardiff Central and Paddington.

The revised Grand Union Trains timetable would initially see Cardiff to London services operate every two hours, calling at Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction and Bristol Parkway, also stopping at Cardiff Parkway when it opens.

[story continues]

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Celestial at 11:09, 29th June 2019
 
This may have to be shortened to London to Pilning if the problems with Severn Tunnel electrification are not fixed. (Or more realistically they will switch to HSTs.)

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by JayMac at 15:35, 21st June 2019
 
..on-board ticket sales..
That'd be fun trying to board at Paddington, unless platform 1 is used
Or platforms 8 and 9.

It works fine over at King's Cross with Grand Central and Hill Trains, who both allow on board ticket sales without penalty. You just mention to the gateline staff that you're boarding a GC or HT service and you are let through.

And we all know how customer friendly Paddington gateline is. So I foresee no problems there...

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by martyjon at 13:59, 21st June 2019
 
I missed this tread when it first hit the forum.

Filton Bank 4 tracking was a means of increasing capacity between Dr. Days Junction and Filton Junction/Abbey Wood where the 4 tracking ends. All as part of the MetroWest Project and which has noticeably improved the time keeping over the stretch. The 4 tracking ends at Filton Junction and a few hundred metres further on there is another junction, Patchway, with just two tracks to Severn Tunnel Junction with both a down and an up loop at Pilning. We are told that additional services can't be stopped at Pilning due to lack of paths through the Tunnel.

Moving on from Bristol Parkway we have the promise of an additional 2tph from Bristol TM via Parkway to London and the aspiration of an additional local 1/2 hourly service serving Yate and the Gloucester line. The cessation of the coal traffic from Avonmouth to Didcot has freed up some paths on the Badminton line but from Wotton Bassett to Swindon ? Grahame has aspirations for an hourly service for Melksham so onto Swindon.

With an hourly Cheltenham - Paddington service promised together with the 2 additional Bristols means that the defunct coal traffic paths have been gobbled up with these and also we are told that with the looming lack of paths Swindon - Didcot is the reason why a rejuvenated Bristol - Oxford service can't be introduced and this would have an impact on Go-ops open access operation which I have never considered to be 'a starter'.

Moving onto Didcot - Reading there may be available paths here, I'm not clued up enough on that section but on the section Reading - Paddington especially from Hayes / Airport Junction we are  told the lines are at near capacity and when the Liz line gets going proper that's it, full.

Paddington station is also claimed to be full and I have known times when Zulus making their way to Cardiff for an event at the MS or as its known now, PS, or other destinations west, their London departure and returning point being one of Victoria, Waterloo or Euston.

Has the shelf at the supermarket that NR uses been emptied of porkies and fresh supplies are awaited or has THIS Open Access Application seen the cessation of porkie production.

Honestly, people in high profile positions seem to think we, Joe Public, are all the proverbial village Idiots, but it's about becoming more common for us Joe Public to start calling the authorities 'bluff'.

Do I need my tin hat ?


Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by broadgage at 19:46, 20th June 2019
 
Who would pay for the development costs?  Modifying DVT’s and then the 91s and carriages so they would be compatible would no doubt be expensive.  Beyond the means of a small Open Access Operator?

It would in my view be reasonable for public money to be used, possibly via the research department of a university.
The DVTs would need significant work.
I do not believe that any modifications to the coaches would be needed, and only very minor modifications to the locomotives.

The use of batteries and traction motors in a former DVT is IMHO innovative enough to be publicly funded as a research project.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Richard Fairhurst at 19:19, 20th June 2019
 
There is of course a company that specialises in fitting diesel engines and battery packs to formerly electric-only trains. Though a Class 91 + stock is a bit heavier than a D78...

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by IndustryInsider at 14:05, 20th June 2019
 
Who would pay for the development costs?  Modifying DVT’s and then the 91s and carriages so they would be compatible would no doubt be expensive.  Beyond the means of a small Open Access Operator?

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by broadgage at 13:28, 20th June 2019
 
Battery technology has improved a lot in recent years.
I was proposing a battery not JUST for emergency use when the wires come down, but also for daily short term use in order to improve the acceleration rate.

Something like
Before leaving Paddington---------------battery 100% full
Accelerating away from Paddington-----15% used, now 85% full.
In reserve for acceleration after a signal check, another 15%.
In reserve for wires down, the remaining 70 to 85%.

En-route the battery would normally be at about 70 to 85%  but could be fully charged by regenerative braking.
At Cardiff fully charge the battery so that energy is available for improved acceleration.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 22:42, 19th June 2019
 
The local electric trains have caused a few notable blockages when the OHLE fails, at least the IETs can still proceed.

My suggestion of batteries and traction motors in an ex DVT would solve this problem AND improve acceleration.
With paths in short supply, it seems to me that longer trains are the war forward.

Longer trains mean more wear and tear as well as power use. Less frequent but longer would discourage some from using the train, but I agree in principle. Batteries are big and bulky, and could even need replacement before ever being needed - small diesel instead?

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by broadgage at 22:27, 19th June 2019
 
The local electric trains have caused a few notable blockages when the OHLE fails, at least the IETs can still proceed.

My suggestion of batteries and traction motors in an ex DVT would solve this problem AND improve acceleration.
With paths in short supply, it seems to me that longer trains are the war forward.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 20:09, 19th June 2019
 
My money’s on nothing whatsoever happening with that plan, because there’s no news of any confirmed rolling stock or staff training.

Paul

Which is what happened to the first effort - there were no Pendolinos. This time, they are planning to use Class 91s, but have had to drop some of the stops, because they are limited to 110 mph.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by paul7575 at 19:37, 19th June 2019
 
Alliance are due to start running services from Euston to Blackpool North in September this year, after 9 years of planning and one lapsed permission. It will be interesting to see how that goes.
My money’s on nothing whatsoever happening with that plan, because there’s no news of any confirmed rolling stock or staff training.

Paul

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by TonyK at 18:37, 19th June 2019
 
Alliance are due to start running services from Euston to Blackpool North in September this year, after 9 years of planning and one lapsed permission. It will be interesting to see how that goes.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Celestial at 17:55, 19th June 2019
 
The main problem that I can see is the electric loco blocking the line when the wires come down, as seems to occur regularly.


Why would that be any different to the local electric units that now work in and out of Paddington?

And earlier someone said that the locos are sluggish.  I'm not sure why the application suggests 9 coach trains - I would have thought 6 or 7 would be more than enough (even with a buffet), and that would mean they could be a bit more sprightly. 

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by broadgage at 15:56, 19th June 2019
 
The main problem that I can see is the electric loco blocking the line when the wires come down, as seems to occur regularly.
Whilst I don't think much of the downgraded internal fit out of the IETs, they do have the considerable merit of being able to proceed on diesel power if needed.

If this proposed service is to become a reality, perhaps it might be a good opportunity to trial a DVT with traction motors and a lithium battery ?
This would allow limited operation when the wires come down, and would also improve the acceleration.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by bobm at 14:56, 19th June 2019
 
Or platforms 8 and 9.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Adelante_CCT at 13:05, 19th June 2019
 
You missed the important part of the quote:

Trains will operate with ..[snip].. a full buffet car on each service.


Also...

..on-board ticket sales..
That'd be fun trying to board at Paddington, unless platform 1 is used


Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Red Squirrel at 17:39, 18th June 2019
 
Original press release:

Grand Union submits application for new Cardiff to London rail service

The new open access rail company Grand Union Trains has officially submitted its application to operate an hourly service in both directions between Cardiff and London.

The proposed service, which would start operating late 2020, would run from Cardiff Central to Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction and Bristol Parkway, then express to London Paddington. It will also stop at Cardiff Parkway when it opens.

The new service is also expected to create around 135 new and permanent full-time jobs, most of which will be based in South Wales.

Grand Union submitted its formal application on Friday to gain access to the route’s tracks. Under track access rules, other rail operators are able to provide a service if a route is not deemed congested, and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) approves an application. The application will now be subject to a 28 day consultation period before it is forwarded to the ORR.

[article continues...]
Source: Grand Union Trains

An article in today's Bristol Post was helpfully illustrated with a photo of Bristol Temple Meads station which is, erm, not on the route Grand Union have applied for...

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by old original at 17:23, 15th June 2019
 
Report today....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-48615464



Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by grahame at 21:16, 4th April 2019
 
From Passenger Transport

Open access entrepreneur Ian Yeowart is planning a new London-Cardiff service that would provide the first competition to Great Western Railway since privatisation 25 years ago.

A notification to the Office of Rail and Road shows that Yeowart’s new open access company, Grand Union, is developing proposals for an hourly service running non-stop to Bristol Parkway before calling at Severn Tunnel Junction, Newport and Cardiff Central. Grand Union is aiming to start operating from December 2020 using Class 91/DVT sets due to be cascaded from the East Coast Main Line.

It is understood that running non-stop to Bristol Parkway would give Grand Union a competitive journey time against Great Western Railway’s Intercity Express trains when they start operating on the route. Features of Grand Union’s proposals that would offer new services to passengers include direct trains to London from Severn Tunnel Junction in South Wales and investment in the station to create a parkway facility. In addition, the service would fill a gap in GWR’s expansion plans by increasing extra services to Cardiff significantly.

Grand Union’s plans also include using space in the trainsets’ DVT trailers to carry light freight.

Yeowart set up Grand Union after leaving Arriva-owned Alliance Rail last year. Commenting on the prospects for his latest venture gaining approval, he said: “The regulator said he wanted more competition; he said if you pay an infrastructure cost charge it will help you pass the ‘Not Primarily Abstractive Test’; let’s see whether or not he’s right.”

Yeowart’s ventures during a 20-year career developing open access services include founding Grand, Central, which started operating London-Sunderland services on the East Coast Main Line in 2007, and Alliance Rail whose GNWR proposal has won approval to start operating London-Blackpool services on the West Coast Main Line in September.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Richard Fairhurst at 08:54, 2nd April 2019
 
There's lots of informed comment over on londonreconnections.com on the role of Heathrow Express post-Crossrail. As I understand it, NR would like it to move to the reliefs, but HX has a contract to operate as per now and has resisted any changes. After a year or two of full Crossrail operation I suspect the picture will be clearer.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by didcotdean at 17:37, 1st April 2019
 
My thoughts are: Will we need HE once CROSSRAIL starts?

Needed or not, I believe its franchise runs to 2023.
Wasn't the agreement for it to run (I don't think it is a franchise) extended by another five years or so last year when they announced that GWR would run the service.

Yes - see this First Group Press Release from just over a year ago.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by SandTEngineer at 16:47, 1st April 2019
 
My thoughts are: Will we need HE once CROSSRAIL starts?

Needed or not, I believe its franchise runs to 2023.

Ah, but you see, CROSSRAIL (proper) may not start until then (well, the way its going at the moment, anyway)

I'll put my cynics hat on and quitely leave the room (and this is not the place to discuss it anyway).

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Celestial at 16:32, 1st April 2019
 
My thoughts are: Will we need HE once CROSSRAIL starts?

Needed or not, I believe its franchise runs to 2023.
Wasn't the agreement for it to run (I don't think it is a franchise) extended by another five years or so last year when they announced that GWR would run the service.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by Oxonhutch at 15:00, 1st April 2019
 
My thoughts are: Will we need HE once CROSSRAIL starts?

Needed or not, I believe its franchise runs to 2023.

Re: Open Access Application - London to Cardiff (28/03/2019)
Posted by SandTEngineer at 14:16, 1st April 2019
 
My thoughts are: Will we need HE once CROSSRAIL starts?

 
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