using the hanging bike racks on the new GW trains

[mudsticks]

It's shoot isn't it? Like no one would travel by train with a loaded bike would they? Ever tried a recumbent? Ha ha ha.

One day integrated transport may come but probably not till two generations from now.

Isn't that in part because we put up with it all though?

We grumble about to each other, but when it comes to anything as radical as voting in a party intent on making these kind of changes, then its.

"Oh no, what create a state run, integrated public transport system, that would make everything, cleaner, greener, and nicerer for everyone?? Well we can't have that, it pretty much smacks of Stalinism"

 

[Racing roadkill]

Isn't that in part because we put up with it all though?

We grumble about to each other, but when it comes to anything as radical as voting in a party intent on making these kind of changes, then its.

"Oh no, what create a state run, integrated public transport system, that would make everything, cleaner, greener, and nicerer for everyone?? Well we can't have that, it pretty much smacks of Stalinism"

The stats for the drop in pollution levels during the Ride London are astonishing. That’s an extreme ( pretty much no vehicles in the closed zone) but it goes to show you just how bad things have got.

 

[tom73]

Sadly no party has the will for any real change on this or most other things.
The current game of which colour donkey gets the power is sadly a sideshow. Which they are happy to play as keeps most peoples eye away from the real problem.The real change will only come once enough see though it and we have a total rethink.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Isn't that in part because we put up with it all though?

We grumble about to each other, but when it comes to anything as radical as voting in a party intent on making these kind of changes, then its.

"Oh no, what create a state run, integrated public transport system, that would make everything, cleaner, greener, and nicerer for everyone?? Well we can't have that, it pretty much smacks of Stalinism"

I believe it was the US manager of the English, Welsh, and Scottish Railway Ed Burkhardt, who described the Road network as "The last bastion of socialism in England": the state provides it and allows citizens to use it pretty much for free as long as they are prepared to queue...

 

[Ming the Merciless]

The madness is also how much extra income they are rejecting by making taking a bike so bloody hard or in some cases impossible.

 

[mudsticks]

I believe it was the US manager of the English, Welsh, and Scottish Railway Ed Burkhardt, who described the Road network as "The last bastion of socialism in England": the state provides it and allows citizens to use it pretty much for free as long as they are prepared to queue...

Yup if its national road building then its termed 'investment'

Maintaining, and expanding national rail services with public monies are 'subsidy'.

That's the UK rhetoric, anyhow, much of Europe seems to have a better grip on the importance of rail infrastructure, and integrated transport services.

 

[tom73]

Well you can't make this just seen that during the UCI championships next month. A total ban will in place on travelling with a bikes trains from leeds, York to Harrogate. But maybe a no go on most trains as some days the start is spread out all over the place.
Looking like a total bad across Yorkshire for full event.
What a joke and a great advert for the area.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

If they saw it as an opportunity rather than problem then they might discover great things when meeting the challenge. Imagine an opportunity where you are told there's guaranteed 30,000 additional customers over a couple of days if you meet their needs in a certain way. But no, let's reject any such ideas.

 

[adamhearn]

The thing is they (GWR) had reasonable bike storage on the previous trains so they clearly didn't consider it important when buying/kitting out the new trains. Only used the service once and it was a complete joke - platform staff said once coach which turned out to have no storage, off to find it then trekked through the train to find my seat. You can't make up this mess.

 

[Randy Butternubs]

Another time I'm start extracting 15 mins before the stop, take possession of the lobby, and brave all the consequential pissed off passengers.

This was my plan last time. Unfortunately, 30 seconds before I got up they announced they were setting up to sell food and drink in the one junction my bike was in; so I had to work around 3 members of staff and 2 food trolleys.

 

[mjr]

The thing is they (GWR) had reasonable bike storage on the previous trains so they clearly didn't consider it important when buying/kitting out the new trains. Only used the service once and it was a complete joke - platform staff said once coach which turned out to have no storage, off to find it then trekked through the train to find my seat. You can't make up this mess.

GWR didn't spec or fit out the new trains. DfT did and it's not like they have any interest in cycling(!) "Whitehall officials designing trains down to the last bolt" https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/feb/26/intercity-trains-upgrade-postponed

 

[Gravity Aided]

In the States, we have a pretty much government run passenger rail system running on mostly private rail tracks that have subsidies. You can put some bikes in the overhead luggage rack, or reserve a space on the train for your bicycle by going online. If tyhe train has space, fine. If not, tough luck. Greater distances, less population density, and far fewer trains do cut into travel opportunities.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Just read in the Railway Herald, that Scotrail is currently converting 5 single unit railcars (Class 153 for my fellow nerds) as bike/Ski/Snowboard carrying coaches for the West Highland. As these are motorised and have driving positions I guess that means they can be fairly flexible and won't slow the other units down.

 

[BrumJim]

Just read in the Railway Herald, that Scotrail is currently converting 5 single unit railcars (Class 153 for my fellow nerds) as bike/Ski/Snowboard carrying coaches for the West Highland. As these are motorised and have driving positions I guess that means they can be fairly flexible and won't slow the other units down.

Already being discussed HERE.

I have a small part in this job. Don't ask me about the details - I'm not involved in the interesting part.

 

[Slick]

Already being discussed HERE.

I have a small part in this job. Don't ask me about the details - I'm not involved in the interesting part.

Obviously, we still want to know the details of the bit you are involved in.