(05/12/2018 19:55)iMarkeh Wrote: [ -> ]Just because one operator doesn't run services, it doesn't mean no one should run them.
The 777 I think is bad and though that is mainly based on the Mock Up, it was really bad. I would prefer a class 700 over the 777 and that is saying something.
Platform humps could still work with all trains working together. You just have to make the hump around 20 metres long. You put it in a place where whatever train you have, there will be at least one set of doors on the 'hump'. Even if that involves moving stopping points. You don't need platform humps for every set of doors, you only need them to link with the wheelchair space doors or at least the carriage with the wheelchair doors.
It must make some money. Stagecoach must make a lot of money or they wouldn't do it. There are people who travel and not to Liverpool. Even a vastly reduced service, people tend to use it over buses for some random reason. I am unsure on the pay agreements regarding breaks etc but Chester - Birkenhead could be done hourly using 2 trains and giving staff 50 mins breaks (30 min breaks if it has to run on the leaf fall timings) in between round trips. I'm not saying it needs full services but the fact Stagecoach are running so many services says there is money to be made somewhere.
I can see this parts already been answered but I'll reinforce it.
Merseyrail do not operate Chester station, Transport for Wales do. As Transport for Wales will not staff stations on Boxing Day Chester can't open hence Merseyrail can't operate there and the Chester market is lost.
With the loop being out of commission this would leave Hooton/ West Kirby and New Brighton to Birkenhead which loses the Liverpool market.
Add enhanced staff rates and operating costs into it with no major passenger pulls and the service which makes little to no profit on a normal Boxing day becomes a complete financial non starter.
But don't fear it's for one year only, the service returns for Christmas 2019.
Who pays for the service on Boxing Day if it is not a concession commitment
Looking at the new Wirral Line timetable, shame to see from start of the new year, the Chester service reverts to the old timetable with little recovery time. Im sure reliability will suffer
(09/12/2018 22:06)N271CKB Wrote: [ -> ]Looking at the new Wirral Line timetable, shame to see from start of the new year, the Chester service reverts to the old timetable with little recovery time. Im sure relability will suffer
Yes indeed. Back to the good old stop skipping ‘semi-fast’ days for the regulars of stations between BC and Hooton. I’m sure the TT could be sorted with any amount of half arsed effort. No doubt something will change once the all singing and dancing stuff finally gets the right away. I bet that pathetic 2330 Chester-Hooton is still there isn’t it?
It is, was that there for a last connection to Ellesmere Port
(09/12/2018 22:54)N271CKB Wrote: [ -> ]It is, was that there for a last connection to Ellesmere Port
Yes I believe it’s an old long standing thing about connecting with the E Port when there wasn’t a bus of which there is nowadays (number 1). I have contacted Merseyrail/travel in the past to no avail regarding this train which could easily be extended to RF or BC (which are just about still open for the last train toward Chester) to where it runs empty stock after carrying fresh air to Hooton.
Totally agree, what a waste of time just going to Hooton.
The 2300 is the franchise committed last train from Chester , the 2330 brings a train back to Hooton , which would otherwise be an ECS working.
If you read the franchise document the last train from originating stations has to be on or after 2300 to Liverpool , with one exception Southport which can only be 2316 or after , hence the out of sequence last train from there .
THe Liverpool Moorfields - Hamilton Square service (last service around the Liverpool Loop) is also a franchise Commitment.
(09/12/2018 23:13)DVG526 Wrote: [ -> ]Yes I believe it’s an old long standing thing about connecting with the E Port when there wasn’t a bus of which there is nowadays (number 1). I have contacted Merseyrail/travel in the past to no avail regarding this train which could easily be extended to RF or BC (which are just about still open for the last train toward Chester) to where it runs empty stock after carrying fresh air to Hooton.
With the work going on at both Kirkdale and Birkenhead North depots night time stabling points are changing frequently with the 2330 from Chester actually stabling at Hooton overnight on frequent occasions. Extending it further will take away the much needed flexibility.