DfT Pendolino Lengthening And Fleet Expansion Project

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May 24, 2012, 05:46:32 PM

Recommended service - hourly, according to the GWRUS. Let's work towards that service and towards ensuring all services are used.

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Latest Member: antonyspt

The Department proposes to increase capacity on the West Coast Mainline by enabling the procurement of additional Class 390 vehicles, including a replacement of the set damaged in the Grayrigg accident (links below.)
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/pendolinolengthening/

http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=4797

Whilst this is welcoming news, Virgin Trains submitted a proposal a while ago to lenghten the trains to 11-cars with an not unreasonable increase in subsidy to pay for it. The Government rejected that proposal, preferring to wait until the franchise is re-let. This is the first I have heard 'new' sets being mentioned though, even if it is only a handful.

Even considering that this December the current fleet utilisation is being stepped up to provide considerably more seats and faster journeys, with current growth forecasts that will soon be swallowed up, and by the time these extra carriages are delivered trains will once again be struggling to cope with passenger numbers.

It's a shame that we have to wait until virtual 'breaking point' before investment is forthcoming to allieviate passengers that have suffered for years.

The Department plans to hold an industry event on Thursday 10 April from 10am until 12pm at its Great Minster House offices in Marsham Street, London related to this (link below.)
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/pendolinolengthening/pendolinonidustryevent

From the First Great Western Coffee Shop Forum :

Quote from: Lee Fletcher on May 06, 2008, 08:44:39 PM

Quote from: John R on May 06, 2008, 08:32:11 PM

Extra 106 coaches were given the go-ahead today. As a point of interest, I wonder how many times this will be "announced" by the government before they are finally put into service.

DfT Press Release link.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=366614&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False

Also :

Quote from: DfT

The following bidders have been shortlisted for Pendolino Lengthening Service Provider and will receive an Invitation to Tender shortly:

* Govia Transportation Projects Limited. Govia Limited's parents are the Go-Ahead Group plc and Keolis SA

* Virgin Rail Projects Limited. Owned by a single incorporated entity - Virgin Rail Group Holdings Limited. Virgin Rail Group Holdings Limited is owned 51% by Virgin Holdings Limited and 49% by Stagecoach Rail Holdings Limited (whose ultimate parent is Stagecoach plc).

Pendolino Train Lengthening and Additional Vehicles Project Invitation to Tender for Service Provider (link below.)
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/pendolinolengthening/tender/

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