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Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Wed 25 Apr, 2018 8:41 am
by TcfL
On seeing news item last eve on Transport Focus I looked them up and find this item in their latest newsletter: https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/news- ... r-manager/ Might this be a person to raise concerns with as we live in their area of focus?

Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Thu 26 Apr, 2018 8:32 pm
by Lambo
I have written to Mark Prisk about this and he has written to Govia with the following letter.
I have also written to Govia and am awaiting a reply.

Dear Mr Horton,
Re: Hertford Loop and May Timetable
I am writing to strongly complain about the new timetable for commuting at Hertford North. It represents a worse service than now.
Why have you cut two of the five peak time morning trains? Changes to semi-fast services are also being reduced.
Why aren’t class 717 carriages being used on the loop? They have been advertised, yet in truth we are only getting refurbished 313s.
Given the increase in fares and the promises made, you will understand that Hertford North passengers feel your company has taken them for granted.
Can you please explain why this reduction in service and quality has been made? How would you seek to rectify this?
Yours sincerely,
Mark Prisk MP

Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Fri 27 Apr, 2018 3:13 am
by Steve
Mark Prisk is not alone

Rail passengers pay price for broken franchising system, say MPs

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/201 ... em-say-mps

Unfortunately Chris Grayling and the DFT are in denial

Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Fri 27 Apr, 2018 7:55 am
by JohnSmith
Lambo wrote: Why aren’t class 717 carriages being used on the loop? They have been advertised, yet in truth we are only getting refurbished 313s.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Prisk MP
Where did this information come from? My understanding is that there are brand new units being manufactured, some of which have already been tested.

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/trac ... fleet.html

http://railcolornews.com/2018/03/13/uk- ... st-rounds/

Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Fri 27 Apr, 2018 8:15 am
by TcfL
Presume he gets it from the very last line on this page https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/about ... -new-train

Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Fri 27 Apr, 2018 8:30 am
by codek2
I dont think they are refurbishing the 313s i think thats some misinformation. over the next year or so it'll all be the new 717s - thats what they say on twitter anyway.

Also surely the 313s are beyond refurbishment now?

Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Fri 27 Apr, 2018 8:51 am
by JohnSmith
Lambo wrote: Why have you cut two of the five peak time morning trains?
I don't see where these trains have been cut. I've compared the current and new timetables and found the following for Hertford North to Moorgate services:

Between 6am and 7am
Current - 5 trains
New - 5 trains

Between 7am and 8am
Current - 5 trains
New - 5 trains

Between 8am and 9am
Current - 4 trains
New - 4 trains

Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Sat 28 Apr, 2018 9:57 pm
by highwood38
There are currently 6 trains between 7 and 8. The 713, 720, 728, 734, 746 and 751. I also wouldn't say semi fast services are being reduced - they've been removed completely (which is my biggest issue with the new timetable).

Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Sat 28 Apr, 2018 10:13 pm
by chalkie911
In my opinion, several of the posts in respect of the new timetable are unnecessarily dramatic.

The service provided before and after the 1st May appears set to be broadly the same.

The new trains will be introduced, it is a matter of when, not if. Patience is clearly required.

When they are, I hope forum members will be equally vocal in complimenting and praising the rail operator, if they notice an improvement in the service / trains.

Re: New timetable from Hertford North - May 2018

Posted: Sun 29 Apr, 2018 9:19 pm
by Mack E. Avelly
I beg to differ. The new trains are being touted as something very special and they should be given there's about 40 years in age difference. What folks are complaining about is that the length of their commute has increased by 25%. Think on that. 40 years on and the trains are 25% slower. What used to take just over 40 minutes is now going to take comfortably 50 or more. I had used the HFN service for 16 years solid but decided to switch to HFE as I realised that in the scheme of things I'd rather use my debit card at both ends to pay, extra fast and convenient, could get a paper and a proper bacon sandwich (Gays/Rosies) on the way, have a guaranteed block of four seats to start off in, many a time with a little bijou table or shelf, always with 2 extra coaches and toilets. Cheaper too at 16.00. Neither TOC is up to much, but GoNowhere are the more annoying in terms of service delivery I find. There are times when the HFE service could be better, but it's usually track/signals rather than work to rules, overtime bans etc.