R2OK!

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Train Fares are to increase by more than 6% on some major rail routes.
Some rises are above 3%' - this has been defended by the chief executive of association of train operating companies. The rise reflects government policy. The government have promised more rolling stock to cater for over crowding. Hopefully some train operators will provide the service where the increases has happened.

Fog on the Tyne · Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 1090

Old news Mark, we've known about these increases for months!

The one thing people fail to realise is that it is only possible for a finite number of trains and rolling stock that can be put onto the network, it's not just a simple matter of adding more.
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SantaFefan · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 12:42 pm Post subject:

I often wondered why we don't use "double deck" passenger cars as Amtrak does in the US... ok, so there'll be some engineering hassles on some lines but they can get over them... invest, invest, invest..
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mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

SantaFefan · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 2:26 pm Post subject:

Yes they would but it's not impossible.. it's just an engineering project for hard pushed building companies.. no big deal.
There must come a time when this country's attitude has to change.. we either bite the bullet and provide answers to transport or carry on muddling through as we always have.
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Fog on the Tyne · Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 1090

Re double deck trains: Any idea how many bridges!! Not to mention all the beuatiful old stations and the entire overhead electrification of the eastcoast line.
The major investment proposed for the new fast track is a start but already objections are being raised.

Even the simple idea of more rolling stock is not so simple as the length of platforms in many stations is prohibitive.

Unfortunately there's no simple solution when you're using a network that been in place for 100+ years.
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SantaFefan · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 3:06 pm Post subject:

I'm not Stars & Stripes waving here but their ( much bigger ) system is 100+ years old too and yet they've managed to keep on top of things.. including the complete electrification of main trackage which was later dismantled again in preference for diesel power.. they altered bridges and equipment or lowered roads as necessary to get over the problem.
Why would the beautiful stations be affected? apart from an odd gantry..
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ColinB · Guest

SantaFefan · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 3:14 pm Post subject:

exactly... as the superb Amtrak superliners.. very low body between the trucks... and very comfortable I have to say.. Razz

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ColinB · Guest

I used to fly into Amsterdam Schipol quite a lot, and then get the train into the centre of Amsterdam and the first time I got on one it was moving before I even realised it. It was a lovely, smooth ride.

Fog on the Tyne · Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 1090

I wasn't aware that the "double-deckers " were actually low in the body so that would help a bit. However although the American network is almost as old as ours they have a lot more room to expand their infrastructure than we have, There are already objections being raised re the proposed new fast track in this country so imagine the outcry if roads were being closed to alter bridge heights in this country. (which by the very nature of roadworks in this country would take an age to complete)
As far as the stations go, many of the old classic stations in this country are listed buildings and it would not simply be a matter of raising the odd gantry. The roof in Newcastle's Central Station is an iconic work of engineering.
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Schizoidman · Joined: 20 Sep 2010 Posts: 1140 Location: Rural West Sussex

I was in Amsterdam two months ago and noticed that the 'double deckers' were fairly low. They and presumably those of other countries would easily fit under most bridges here, I'm sure.
However the cost of any alterations to bridges would of course be utterly prohibitive. Presumably they are the responsibility of Network Rail, County Councils and The Highway Agency, ie the taxpayer.