Hi everyone,

Thanks all who’ve continued to lobby MPs and SWT in our bid to rid the Portsmouth mainline of inappropriate blue Class 450 trains. We are pleased to say the intended complete changeover to blue trains has been successfully stalled - but there are still too many.

As you know SWT unashamedly returned 35% of its mainline express rolling stock on franchise renewal last year and replaced the 105 coaches with low cost suburban trains - not conducive to a relaxing journey. A profit enhancing move thinly disguised as capacity increase. A government report shows these trains shouldn’t operate beyond the Outer Suburban area, ie Basingstoke/Guildford, but SWT has chosen to ignore this (email us for a copy).

Keep up the pressure - join the live web chat with South West Trains.

Visit http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/News/_JoinOnline.htm.

Best to submit your questions the day before. The company is required by its Government Franchise to conduct this bi-annual event. On the last two occasions, the system was swamped with complaints about blue trains on the Portsmouth mainline. Here are some suggestions:

Why did SWT remove 35% of its popular electric mainline express rolling stock on franchise renewal when only 8% of Portsmouth mainline weekday services, and none at weekends, run over capacity?

Why are 49% of daily services on the Portsmouth mainline formed of suburban stock when only 8% of weekday services, and none at weekends, are full, and then only between Woking and Waterloo?

Why are Class 450 trains used on the Portsmouth mainline when the government has specifically recommended their use only within the Outer Suburban area (Rail Passengers Council Report – “The Right Train?”)?

What justification does South West Trains have for reduced mainline express rolling stock on the Portsmouth to Waterloo route outside peak periods?

In December 2006 you promised to review the rolling stock once the loadings had settled down. In the light of this (92% at or below capacity) will you be making changes in May, with a view to re-introducing proper mainline express trains, ie – with 2+2 seating in Standard, 1+2 in First, adequate legroom and some tables?

Have you heard that on the Portsmouth mainline, SWT now stands for Squashed Without Tables?

We’re sure you can think of plenty more.

Thanks for your continued support. Keep writing to your MP and SWT – if dissatisfied with the reply, let us know at support[at]no450[dot]co[dot]uk. Show us the replies you receive.

Pass on this email to your friends and fellow travelers.

Best wishes,
David & James
No 450 Campaign
www.no450.co.uk
Aim: To ban high density suburban rolling stock on the Portsmouth Mainline