East Midlands Trains

[andel]

East Midlands Trains have got a website up:

http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/

My favourite bit:

First of all it is important to point out that this is a temporary website while we work on one

Translation:

We didn't think we'd win!

More humour within the site - is this one for real?!

[Ameecher]

I like the fact that there are loads of pics of SWT stuff. Of course, we all know that 450s are going to be used on the MML

Edit: Also a bit cheeky claiming that they are opening East Mids Parkway, considering MML have done most of the work for that...

also their route map seems to imply that the Norwich to Liverpool Lime Street service actually goes from Norwich to Stansted, only people who pay attention know that the train changes direction.

[Parkey]

This will be interesting. Apart from the Meridians all of the rolling stock they will inherit dates back to BR days, and those sprinters are starting to show their age. Unlike the west midlands franchise there will be no new trains for EMT at all, just a single extra HST in 5 years. Perhaps it's because EMT will be serving the so-called "Skegness Banana", a part of the English east coast that has been severely held back from development through a complete lack of transport investment. The businesses shalt not invest, for they have not dual carriageways or track that doesn't go click-a-tey-clack.

So long as they keep up Midland Mainline's excellent standards I will be more than happy, although an additional fast train from Nottingham to London on Sunday nights would be nice, to supplement the consistently jam-packed only-train-in-three-hours stopping service. Not too much to ask, considering they run a half-hourly service on weekdays.

[Ameecher]

This will be interesting. Apart from the Meridians all of the rolling stock they will inherit dates back to BR days

Do they not get any 170s then?

[Parkey]

Do they not get any 170s then?

From what I've heard all of those are going to the West Midlands and Cross-Country franchises.

[Ameecher]

If we do our job properly, working in close partnership with current incumbents Midland Mainline and Central Trains and their employees, there should be a smooth transition with passengers hopefully noticing little difference on day one.

That sounds all a bit as though it's gonna be a "let's cross our fingers and hope" situation. Couldn't help laughing at that

[andel]

This will be interesting. Apart from the Meridians all of the rolling stock they will inherit dates back to BR days

Do they not get any 170s then?

they get some for the city-link routes norwich to liverpool...

[andel]

This will be interesting. Apart from the Meridians all of the rolling stock they will inherit dates back to BR days

Do they not get any 170s then?

they get some for the city-link routes norwich to liverpool...

I was wrong:

Regional services will be operated using Class 158s, Class 156s and Class 153s. It is not planned to use any Class 170 trains in the new franchise.

[Ameecher]

Personally, I prefer the 158s on the Citylink route, they're generally roomier and better on the jointed track, although they are a bit dingy, could do with, what's the latest jargon? a Refresh?

[Badger]

More comedy! They manage Hinckley, Narborough and South Wigston stations but don't actually serve them......... duh!