First West Coast

[J654UHN]

RE: First West Coast
It was WB haha. People dont realise how big Virgin actualy are.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Group Just check the entry on wiki for his other businesses

[mbonwick]

RE: First West Coast

(18/08/2012 21:21)wirralbus Wrote:  One of the last pendolinos to go through its overall examinations will probably come out in the new livery for First West Coast or what ever name they will use .

Unlikely, I've heard that all the H exams will be complete by December, so a special trip to the paintshop will be required.

[wirralbus]

RE: First West Coast

(19/08/2012 19:11)mbonwick Wrote:  

(18/08/2012 21:21)wirralbus Wrote:  One of the last pendolinos to go through its overall examinations will probably come out in the new livery for First West Coast or what ever name they will use .

Unlikely, I've heard that all the H exams will be complete by December, so a special trip to the paintshop will be required.

So here is just another case of trains running around in unbranded Virgin livery , making people think the franchise will still be operated by Virgin .

I think that First will want one done though to show off on launch day .

[507 mad (ex m'rail forever)]

RE: First West Coast
its a shame virgin lost the franchise, so if i am correct will their fleet go to first west coast and does virgin die in december this year? i got a good lot off photos of virgin trains but never got to travel with them.

[P528LND]

RE: First West Coast
Everybody knows about the franchise change. Even my mum does, and she couldn't care less about transport.

It's completely clear to everyone that First is the new Virgin.

[wirralbus]

RE: First West Coast
First will now be organising there management team now so everything just slips into place in december .

[First Class]

RE: First West Coast
Following the award of the West Coast main line franchise this morning Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel, said:” "We would like to place on record our appreciation for the excellent services provided by Virgin Trains. We look forward to continuing our close working relationship with First Group, established through their First Transpennine Express operations. In particular we will be talking to them about an increase in services to Liverpool, and some of those services stopping at Liverpool South Parkway.

“Our aspiration is for two trains per hour between London and Liverpool, one express and one semi-fast service. Liverpool South Parkway has proved increasingly popular with travellers since we opened it six years ago and we will continue to push for further improved services, for which we know there is a demand. .We would also like to explore the opportunity of London to St Helens services once electrification is complete on this route in 2015"

[wirralbus]

RE: First West Coast
Do we honestly see a daytime 2 times an hour service in the near future i dont straight away , maybe if they could get more productivity out of the pendolinos .

I also dont understand where they will be able to get the units for a St Helens - London service without diverting Preston - London trains via liverpool.

[buses7675 (Website Founder)]

RE: First West Coast
Is the plan to run the second hourly (or at least some!) Liverpool - London via St Helens Junction when the wires go up?

[First Class]

RE: First West Coast

(20/08/2012 16:10)wirralbus Wrote:  Do we honestly see a daytime 2 times an hour service in the near future i dont straight away , maybe if they could get more productivity out of the pendolinos .

I also dont understand where they will be able to get the units for a St Helens - London service without diverting Preston - London trains via liverpool.

I suspect by 2015 we will see:

1) Liverpool-London Fast (provided by FWC)
2) Liverpool-Birmingham Semi Fast (provided by London Midland)
3) Liverpool-London Semi-Fast (provided by London Midland)
4) Liverpool-Newcastle Fast (provided by Transpennine Express)
5) Liverpool-Scotland Fast (joining at Preston) (provided by Transpennine Express). This could call at St Helens.

Perhaps longer term we may well see a Liverpool-St Helens Jn-Warrington-London service, I suspect we will certainly see it used as a diversion.