I know even worse stuff that these clowns have done. They've made it so that some doors don't open on certain trains and walking down a carriage for a door that takes 10 years to open is just nasty.
London's suburban trains are a disgrace! I frequently visit the UK and stay at Croydon Court hotel between Thornton Heath and West Croydon. Whenever I go by suburban rail there's ALWAYS trouble. First the train's got red light, then there is some technical error, then the driver has won his licence on some lottery and has to drive like 50 km/h...scandalous! When I went Tulse Hill-St Albans I waited for over an hour, had to alight at City Thameslink, wait an hour and it took 80 min to St Albans.
@geko7844 I am not sure how many times I need to make this clear. FCC leased rolling stock from Southern to run on the FCC Thameslink line. It is an FCC service in Southern colours because they leased it from Southern. FCC borrowed the train from Southern. It is being run by FCC. Train is run by FCC. OK. Got it? It was recorded at Cricklewood station, which is an FCC station. I think this is the 4th time I have had to explain this.
Isn't this the same as other networks, I travel to and from work on Merseyrail everyday, who, just before Christmas promised 6 trains per hour on the Liverpool to Chester route, since going back to work this year, I have yet to witness this. You're extremely lucky to have trains at that length, I think I saw an 8 carriage one there, since the "New timings", we have only had 3 carriages and have to deal with overcrowding too, point is... GET OVER IT and get a later or earlier train!!
>>>>>IT ISN"T THERE FAULT<<THE LINE IS OWNED BY NETWORK RAIL. BLAME THEM NOT FCC. IF THEY EXTENDED THE LINE TO OPERATE BIGGER TRAINS AND MORE OF THEM THEN WOULD YOU HAVE A PROBLEM???? NO. STOP THIS USLESS FILMING AND IF IT REALLY IS THAT BAD AND YOU ARE THAT CONCERNED THEN GO AND SENT A COMPLAINT TO NETWORK RAIL. FCC JUST OPERATE THE LINE. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FCC TO DO ABOUT THAT??? THIS MUST HAVE TAKEN YEARS TO FILM BECAUSE MOMENTS LIKE THIS WERE SO RARE....WHY FUSS???
@EWS37109 lol, personally i think that the best train, is my amazing horby set, its so good, i have a tunnel in my garden it goes on for miles, and i have insured it cus its so expensive, i spent 10000 pounds on my amazing train made out of gold
@Rivo999 oh SICK rivo!!!!........there is such thing as model railway insurance!!!!! And 1000 pounds isn't enough for a proper layout!!!....a full length coal train in N guage will cost around 3000 let alone the track and scenary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@EWS37109 How are overcrowded, old, dirty, late trains not the fault of the TOC? This is my TYPICAL journey into work every day. It is not a rare ocurrance, and is not caused by problems with the line. And why are you shouting?
@absinthedude B cos it is not FCC's fault about problems on the line!!!.....its network rail that mentain the track and signals!!!.....FCC I am sure try there very best to clean the trains. sometimes it is a accident if someone spills a coffe!!...with thousands of passengers a day it is very hard to prevent people from spilling drinks!!!! Network SouthEast that used to operate the line were twice as bad a FCC.....so were thameslink.
and now first capital connect does'nt run past 10:30 or on weekends through its a bloody abliteration southern should take it over but wait they only 4 coaches on a train stopping 10 or elven times so if it was my choice give the franchise to hornby ye
Also, if abs is wondering why some trains supposedly "skip" stations/stops, he could just click on the spotlight icon on the front page of the site, then spotlight on your questions to find out why.
Some trains, (especially during the rush hour) miss out a few stations, and virtually nobody complains. They're no different from any other services and they are frequently always displayed/announced. It's a non issue, pure and simple. Would anyone complain if the driver disobeyed the timetable?
@OFVJ18 Huh? The driver IS DISOBEYING the timetable, that is why I am complaining. The trains in question ARE TIMETABLED to stop at ALL STATIONS, for exmaple A,B,C,D,E,F,G. But it reaches C and is a few minutes late....so they suddenly change it and run it fast to F and G (missing out D and E).
Is it really so hard to understand why many people find that inconvenient and annoying?
Abs, you obviously haven't read the answer to the "why do trains skip stations" question, have you? No, thought not because you always blab on about them playing around with their performance figures.
I was talking about trains NOT scheduled to stop at all stations. Yeah, let's start demand those trains to do that, and cause massive delays and hold up other services behind us shall we? Perfect world. (Sarcasm)
Then again you don't seem to give a toss about that either. =/
Also, on the subject of services deliberately missing out stations if they are late, I'm sorry, but that just doesn't happen here. And even if they decide to change the service, then the driver should inform passengers beforehand.
The fact is that the majority of FCC's trains are normally on time anyway and call where they are asked to anyway, so why are you bothering to throw a big hissy fit over a very tiny minority of problems?
@Jmarley912 Get over it? Its more like 30 minutes if my train is delayed/cancelled. And it is regularly, currently two or three times a week. My employers kind of like me to be in work on time. Before FCC took over the line I enjoyed 6 years with one of the veyr best punctuality records at my work. Since then my record has got steadily worse to the point that I am being warned about my attendance and have actually had to arrange changes in my working hours to accomodate FCC's incompetence.
I'm sorry, but that isn't his or my problem, but yours.
And I have already suggested that you should try allowing some extra time and try leaving earlier or if you are running late, contact them. But I guess you obviously haven't bothered to read it at all.
@abs: I agree that he may be shouting but he is right about the fact that signal problems (or any other infrastructure for that matter) have nothing to do with the company. In reality, FCC own very few things.
So true about trains on the Underground being overcrowded, Central Line is by far the worst on Monday Mornings but however, on occasions don't have delays. The train may stop in the tunnels for at least 2-3mins due to a train ahead or is at the station but most underground services are operated fairly. I for one don't mind FGW missing out a few stops on the Hanwell Line as it makes MY journey more quicker and enjoyable to ride. I guess some people may consider walking as an option.
@Jmarley912 You make me laugh. Looking at your channel, you are one of those sad cunts who sits on train platforms all day taking notes and wanking over freight trains. What this guy is doing, is highlighting a serious problem that affects all of us who have to use these services to go to work (not that you would understand that concept) every single day. Keep up the excellent work Absinthedude. As for you, Jmarley...you need a life you sad prick.
mate i hope this is sorted out now. But i can tell ya it is no where near as bad as melbourne trains at peak times. Also in melbourne the siemens trains over run the platforms because the brakes are stuffed. Obviously that isn't safe but the government doesnt care. And we have no rail overpasses so we are forevever waiting at the boom gates and now they have added extra peak services on the frankston line so somtimes you might have to wait foe 10 minutes! and you call first capital connect bad.
FCC is not the worst rail company in the country, try and tell that to the 7 billion people who live here in the UK, there are other rail services that are overcrowded around the country, figures show that FCC is not the worst performing TOC, ORR showed that East Coast and Virgin Trains are the most unperforming rail operators, the ORR also showed that FCC is responding (100%) to their complaints they received.
"Every time myself or one of the other visitors to this page attempts to make a point...you claim 'it doesn't count' or 'that's not fair'.....or make threats and then delete them."
I've done nothing of the sort, and all I'm doing is refuting the false accusations made against them.
Also, I can't delete anyone's comments here as I'm not a site admin you nonce. And if you're referring to my comments, I decided to remove them myself.
I know why Abs can't find anything good about First Capital Connect. It's like when they say "Our performance is getting better." But what he hears is "Our performance is going down the drain".
*Sigh* Maybe I should stop debating with anti-FCC bigots. It's always with the constant rehashing of the same old problems and pretending they're new and saying they're the "worst performing company ever" without providing any proper figures from reliable sources.
"I think their own performance figures speak for themselves. Only able to run 60% of their trains on time."
That figure is almost correct. The real figure is about 64.7% and the recent statistics for both routes for the current period have increased. (76.8 and 92%, respectively.)
And to expand on the snow issue...it is true that FCC was badly affected, but it was NOT the only company as there were many others that experienced the same problems as them!
"Nothing counts, in your opinion. Every time myself or one of the other visitors to this page attempts to make a point...you claim 'it doesn't count' or 'that's not fair'.....or make threats and then delete them."
I haven't said that to everyone, or deleted anyone's posts. And I haven't threatened anyone on here. Are you trying to say that I'm an FCC extremist or something?
"The only reason the figures look any good is because FCC decide, without warning, to skip stations when a train begins to run late. It might arrive at its final destination on time but it didn't actually stop at most of the timetabled stations!!"
Since when?
Oh, and those figuires mention nothing about what you just said. Do a search on that document for that...actually, I just did already and it appears nowhere! You've just made that up.
"Why are you so insistant that we stop complaining about a service which is so dire that 5000 people have signed the petition to have FCC's franchise removed?"
Hold on, where did I say that you weren't allowed to complain? Never, that's when.
Yeah, because they're all a bunch of anti-FCC-Mail loving bigots, obviously. And 5000 is a tiny minority out of 61 million people.
"If we don't complain, things won't get any better."
watching ppl disgorge themselves from the train is like watching loads of clowns come out from a small car? If this was a circus it'll be entertaining but its not
OFVJ18: 4,000 strong petition on the no 10 web site; 2,000 members of fb group; questions in House of Commons, House of Lords; 2 separate Early Day Motions; Get your head out of the sand (or somewhere else...)
I agree with absinthedude FCC ARE the worst train operator in the country.. It's not fact it's an opinion based on experience of travelling on the "service" they operate since they took over.
Saundyboy, that petition site proves nothing, and you didn't even bother to post a link.
FCC are not the worst operator in this country. Firstly, you haven't provided a proper source to back it up. Secondly, you haven't bothered to look at the figuires I just posted. (FCC's performance is a lot higher compared to VT) And finally, I agree FCC does have its problems, (and they admit it too) but they are actually improving and those problems are just a minority.
"Clearly you work for FCC if you think this is the case. Thameslink commuters have had to put up with a 50% service for the past two months and I still have to pay £256/month for this appalling service. I don't have to look at your figures to know how bad it is, I have to suffer these idiots every single day."
Well, go ahead and listen to the Fail then. I'm not stopping you. And as for me working for FCC...wrong! Nice try.
Thameslink commuters have had to put up with a lot ever since FCC took over the line from the previous franchise owner. I know you don't think we should discuss the fact that FCC's predecessor was better than FCC, I assume that is an inconvenience to your defence of First Group.
Its nothing to do with listening to news media, its our own real life experiences of being 'commuted to death' in this rail line, and of FCC's disinterest in communicating with us or helping in any way.
"Thameslink commuters have had to put up with a lot ever since FCC took over the line from the previous franchise owner."
Which "commuters" are these?
"FCC's predecessor was better than FCC"
I agree that FCC is not the best TOC around and had its problems in the past, but these are minorities. It may not be the best performing, but it IS actually getting there. As I said earlier, FCC's current total perfomance for this quarter currently stands at approx 92.5%, according to the ORR.
"Its nothing to do with listening to news media its our own real life experiences of being 'commuted to death' in this rail line"
I never said you or anybody else was directly convinced by media reports about FCC, seeing as they tend to bang on about immigration more than FCC anyway.
"and of FCC's disinterest in communicating with us or helping in any way."
You can complain to other places besides FCC, or you could stop bitching altogether, which would make things so much better.
4,000 strong petition on the no 10 web site; 2,000 members of fb group; questions in House of Commons, House of Lords; 2 separate Early Day Motions; Get your head out of the sand (or somewhere else...)
I agree that FCC may not be the best TOC around. But anyway, what type of service would you prefer? Because sometimes in life, you can't have everything. Even some best performing ones don't have things FCC has!
Secondly, saying the fact that FCC has the worst performance is mostly false. No doubt the TL route's overall peformance is slightly worse compared to the GN route, but you can't tar the whole company with the same brush just because of one individual problem.
I think their own performance figures speak for themselves. Only able to run 60% of their trains on time clearly makes them one of the worst performing railway companies in the country. One individual problem?! Clearly you have not been travelling on the Thamelink line over the last 3 months or you would have noticed that they were only running 50% of the trains they should have been. They should have their franhise removed immediately.
Oh, you clearly do work for FCC then. Let me guess, manager or driver? If you bothered to check, it is the most overcrowded service in the country. "Bad weather conditions" for 3 months, not even FCC could have used that excuse for 3 months?! No, it just comes down to plain old imcompetence. "Could have been worse" - well no actually, it can't get worse when trains don't actually run at all as we recently experienced.
"Had to make harsh decisions"?! When there was bad weather the best they could do was run two trains an hour on a line that has 200,000 commuters. The worst was running no trains at all. As I said their franchise needs to be terminated immediately. Companies that fail this badly should not be allowed to profit from this situation.
"Could improve a little" - don't make me laugh. Clearly you work for FCC if you think this is the case. Thameslink commuters have had to put up with a 50% service for the past two months and I still have to pay £256/month for this appalling service. I don't have to look at your figures to know how bad it is, I have to suffer these idiots every single day.
I agree FCC are the worst train operator in the country, from my personal experience. It's not fact it's an opinion based on experience of travelling on the "service" they operate since they took over.
Nothing counts, in your opinion. Every time myself or one of the other visitors to this page attempts to make a point...you claim 'it doesn't count' or 'that's not fair'.....or make threats and then delete them.
The fact is a lot of people are getting fed up with the worsening service from FCC. It is not getting better, it is getting worse week on week and we poor passengers are at breaking point. Just trying to get to work less than 20 minutes late is becoming impossible.
"The fact is a lot of people are getting fed up with the worsening service from FCC. It is not getting better, it is getting worse week on week and we poor passengers are at breaking point."
How is this a "fact"? I have agreed that it's not the best operator around, but show me ones that aren't.
In reality, FCC is actually improving but it obviously won't happen overnight. On the whole, it's not as bad as many people think it is. The world isn't falling apart, you know.
True, but what you've obviously forgotten is that in 2008-9, their total performance was 93%. (Source: ORR) Despite the fact it has dropped slightly at present, they are still not the worst performing company.
You and Abs might be shocked that it was actually VT (NXEC were slightly ahead) who had the worst performance levels and upset commuters the most during that period and again several years back. Did you also want to get rid of their "franhise" as well?
Essentially, FCC isn't the worst performing company in this country. You only think that because of what you've read. Open your eyes and you'll see that everything is pretty much okay.
Again it's not the best and personally, I dislike them sometimes, but they are actually improving.
Until then, stop complaining and go back to your seat.
The only reason the figures look any good is because FCC decide, without warning, to skip stations when a train begins to run late. It might arrive at its final destination on time but it didn't actually stop at most of the timetabled stations!!
Why are you so insistant that we stop complaining about a service which is so dire that 5000 people have signed the petition to have FCC's franchise removed? If we don't complain, things won't get any better.
LOL, stop complaining. Scenes like that are daily routine on South West Trains commute whereas on the Thameslink you can almost always find a seat. I know, I've been using both.
Oh and boo hoo, rail companies don't kill people, missiles do. People use that argument to get special treatment. It's not like the old days when they were actually standing up for human rights. Everyone has human rights now. By continuing to whine about this unneeded term, you're simply looking for special treatment, or you are just an attention whore with nothing better to do with your time. There will always be issues like this in the world today and that is something that may never change.
Not sure how many times I need to say this. It is old Southern painted rolling stock leased by First Capital Connect, run on the First Capital Connect Thameslink line by First Capital Connect.
As if people don't bitch and moan enough about overcrowding today. Personally, I think people even use the "overcrowded trains are killing me!" and "cattle truck" crap as an excuse to get special treatment or attention. Yes, we all know overcrowding is terrible and there are ways we can reduce it, but I'm afraid it's not that simple. It will take time. But even still, it's going to be imminent wether you like it or not. Remember that.
What the hell? I wasn't talking about some dead TOC not being allowed to buy new trains several years ago. Also, what the f**k is the point in complaining to them about what happened back then seeing as those "new trains" are in service now?
Exactly.
Oh and to finish off, I was talking about people using the "ovrcrowded trainz r killing me!" "cattle truck" bullcrap as an excuse to get special treatment. I mean, talk about complaining a little too much. >.>
But, I guess your just bitter about Govia not getting their hands on the franchise and route. I don't see Govia acting all bitter towards First just because of it.
Heck, Govia want to help out with FCC in the near fut...wait, they're doing it now with the new FCC-SE joint service on the TL route and with FTPE. Shows that they at least have good sportsmanship, even if their fans don't. >.>
Yep I know, but just to clarify a little, they are new trains, but they are NOT the exact ones that will replace the older units, and those could be several years away from now.
They only came into service for temporary basis for extra capacity and strengthening the TL services, etc. this was because they were for another rail company in the first place. Hope that helps :]
By the way livestock are crammed into trucks whorse thewn this belive in or not, many come out with brocken legs. Come on u can't say livestock industry is kinder than FCC
At least there are actually legal stipulations to how livestock have to be transported, and I believe you are not referring to British standards which are less lax than some of our friends. There are no legal limits whatsoever to the number of people who may be crammed into a train carriage in the UK.
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This should be named why i hate first, worst transport company in existance. first great western, scotrail and not forgetting the busses as well! seriously how the hell can they carry on with there overcrowding, high fares, late services and rude/ignorant/arrogant staff. If there is a petition against then someone post a link because i will damn well sign it!
Just to let those of you know who are regulars on FCC thameslink and GN, National Express are about to match FCC for crap service. Think i'll be taking a leaf out of your book, absinthedude!
All this does not bode well in the overall scheme of things. I expect that the introduction of the Key Output 0 timetable will be set back (again!), and consequently it is increasingly possible (IMO) that the Thameslink Programme will not be complete by December 2015, even if further delays are somehow avoided for the duration of the project.
As for the 377/5s, their delivery is currently delayed - there is speculation of 9 or more (out of 23) not being ready by March 2009.
What I do know for sure is that the latest missed delivery date for the first unit (which was completed earlier in Nov I think) was Nov 28/29, and as yet there is currently no planned delivery date for it.
Consequently, NSR may be able to hold on to the final 4 319s beyond March 2009, which is officially (for now) the time for their transfer to FCC TL.
Here's the latest on the additional TL trains due in the next few months:
In December, FCC TL will get another 4 319s from NSR and the 2 317s they currently have will go back to FCC GN, leaving an initial net gain of 2 units.
It was originally hoped that the other 4 NSR 319s would be transferred at the same time, but NSR are keeping them for longer because of the delayed refurbishment of their GEx 442s.
Therefore the final 4 319s will allow NSR to maintain some capacity in the interim.
absinthedude, you may be interested (or horrified) to know that when you type in "why I hate first capital connect", one of the sponsored links it lists on the right hand side is the FCC website!
This video is sort of pointless to be honest, only because it won't get FCC's attention and looks more like people trying to bring back some company that's now dead. But, it's too interesting and makes me laugh at the same time. Especially with what others posted. =P
Making a train all stations, may benefit one train load of commuters, but that train still has to go back through central london to get to brighton. So F.C.C do it to reduce the delays, rather have them prolonged
FCC have finally announced that they are changing their policy...their new policy when circumstances have led to passangers being stranded at stations is to make "fast" trains stop at extra stations until the stranded people have been able to board a train.
From what i understand, the reason why F.C.C make trains run fast during disruption is because if they were to make them all stations the delay would not improve.
To give you an example a train is going towards bedford, but it is running late because of a signal failure. Running that train fast will reduce the delay for when it has to head back down towards london from bedford.
This is all pretty stupid to be honest, commuters will have a go at just about anything even if somebody has jumped out in front of a train to kill themselves
Well people shouldnt jump in front of trains! Someone did that on the rail line near my house and the police were there for days and all the roads were closed. AND seeing as i live in the middle of nowhere the only available transports were train and car and both were out of action. I am sorry for the person who did it but they chose to do it, if it was an accident i would feel very different about the situation.
The point i am trying to make is you can't escape a delay. I was caught in a traffic jam on the A1 today. Who should i go and rant to i wonder, The Police for dealing with the incident?? Trains get delayed, just accept it getting stressed over it wont make that delay any better.
I don't complain about delays, i get trains every day and i have only had one major delay waiting for one and one while i was on it and that was coz it crashed into a tree on a windy day. I only am thinking about people who have to get these horrible trains in the video. I also dont like beiong stuck in the middle of nowhere without transport for three days.
If commuters don't like the service first capital connect provide, why don't you get in your cars and drive to central london? you lot earn a minimum of 30 thousand some earn double that. Im sure the congestion charge will be a doddle for you people surely.
The 24 peak hour trains (from both directions - each) will use both the TL and GN routes. But even now there are 15 southbound morning peak hour trains between London St Pancras and Farringdon, all of which call at St Albans beforehand.
In the initial rolling stock spec the DfT say that the new trains should be equipped for automatic train operation in the core. By the way, there is already a 28tph peak hour service on the 2-track line (above Borough Market) to/from London Charing Cross.
24 TRAINS PER HOUR?????? What do they think this is, the jubilee line? I like to see how they would manage that one. These rail operating companies are putting so much pressure on the drivers with their high frequency services. Was on a National express service into Liverpool Street from Chinford not so long ago, driver was opening and shutting doors like a rocket. Gone are the relaxed days and long turnaround at termination points for drivers.
NO IT IS NOT. FCC lease trains from Southern and they run in Southern colours but on the FCC Thameslink line and are run by FCC. This has already been discussed below.
We know what train you're talking about. The train LOOKS like a Southern train because it bears the Southern livery, but it is currently borrowed by FCC. Therefore it is (operationally) a FCC train.
Was on a Bedford- Brighton the other day. 4 coaches on a train which serves two international airports, the Capital city and a very popular seaside destination.
I thought "fair enough, there might be a shortage, faulty trains (they are fucking ancient after all) and what not".
then we passed an 8 coach Sutton loop at St Albans. Baffles me how they prioritise that route over the Brighton one. Had a couple of hundred people standing at different points between St Albans and Gatwick.
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typical first group shod and corporate arrogance.this firm should be sent to court for human rights violations,fraud,stress causing,lying,breach of contract,arrogance,treason and murder.
moir lockhead should stick to his hobby of breeding highland cattle.
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moir lockhead should stick to his hobby of breeding highland cattle.
scummiest private operator of them all.
first group=what an abortion.
they should be closed down and the services transferred back to a proud nationally owned rail network.first in leeds have put fares up by 18 percent tday,twice since the last fuel increase-they said its because of increase but how,when they buy in bulk at the start of the year with a guaranteed price?
The thing is, I have been using the line to commute since 1999 and I disagree that Thameslink was always just as bad. Plus, in the Thameslink days, when things went wrong they were able to put in a proper replacement bus instead of simply bussing us to another busy commuter line. Communication went completely down the pan the day FCC took over.
The only thing i can say is lets hope this thameslink 2000 project that is supposed to bring us 24 train an hour, Brand New Trains, New Track etc will reduce all these delays.
First Capital Connect say they will be introducing Newer Trains the Class 377 in December 2008 so hopefully this ought to reduce the number of broken down trains incidents and train faults. As for delays because of line problems that could be another 5 -7 years when this thameslink 2000 project is underway
To be honest it doesn't matter what company is in charge of the old thameslink route it was always be one of those lines that will be pretty poor because signal equipment is old, trains are old which is why they keep breaking down
Some people that comment on here are idiots. Just because there are southern colours on a train, doesn't mean it is operated by them. It obviously hasn't been reapainted yet!
Why are you complaining about FCC when the train at the start is operated by Southern - It is like complaining about your food at McDonalds when you bought it at Burger King - They are different companies so go and complain to the right one next time
glad don't live on that crappy line, hay may be they replace it with 1543 or even close, and then you can drive or catch a bus to where every you going to
On 1 March 2009, the (TL) Moorgate branch and the Blackfriars bay platforms will close. Both FCC and SER are affected by this so their Moorgate/Blackfriars services will be merged and go straight through the TL tunnels like most other FCC TL services.
Aa a result, more dual-voltage trains are needed which increases the strain on the existing TL fleet as SER will need them for Sevenoaks services and the like. The 377s will fill the gap and be used for some Bedford-Brighton services.
Apparently what FCC are getting (377/2s and 377/5s) over the next 10 months should be OK, but it will be very tight (given the service changes due in March 2009), particularly just before 12-car services are introduced.
I usually travel between Luton (Airport Parkway or Central) and the 'London Thameslink' stations, mostly St Pancras. This means I have the choice of travelling with East Midlands Trains so I'm more fortunate than most FCC (TL) passengers!
I travel between: Selling or faversham and London victoria or cannon street. Sometimes i go between chilham and london charing cross.
Anyway the 395s won't just be on the high speed 1. They will also travel between ashford and St. Pancreas, also Ramsgate and St. Pancreas. High speed one does mean ashford and st. pancreas but it also goes on the slow lane there at 110 mph. (same betwwen ramsgate and london).
I doubt a few 3756s will help fcc much. SER have 127 incuding other kinds of 375s.
SER are generally ahead of FCC in terms of rolling stock, I'll happily give you that (incidentally, FCC's new trains will be similar to some of SER's).
With a brand new high speed line searing through the South East it would have been foolish not to take full advantage of it and when the 'Javelin' services start I'll most likely head to St Pancras and see what it's like. Let's hope it's worth the premium pax will pay for it.
Just out of interest, between which places do you usually travel?
Ok, thank you and sorry. I didn't realise that FCC were getting new trains so soon.
In 2009 though, southeastern are getting high speed 140mph trains. They will be the only operator in the country to have them and they will be in service on my route. Class 395 javeins ordered from japan. 30 of them. It shows that while FCC are getting new trains to make enough for people to travel in, southeastern is exelling beond them by an enormous amount. Now which is the better company?
By the way daveyboy1006, I've just noticed that I did not explicitly mention that 4-car trains would be eliminated by March 2009 before you posted your comment - for that I apologise.
Well all I can tell you is that (I think in '01) Thameslink announced they were going to buy 30 new trains to ease overcrowding, and that they'd be built to be read in '03-'04. Then in '02 they announced they had not been allowed to do so.
I got a letter from the DfT earlier today - and guess what? They have no idea why the new trains were vetoed because they've got no references whatsoever. How wonderful...
Almost forgot - the new 'February 2012' trains are not the same new trains that will be acquired in March 2009 and December 2011 because the December 2015 service (24tph between London St Pancras and London Blackfriars) will require a totally new type of train that has not even been designed yet.
I know even worse stuff that these clowns have done. They've made it so that some doors don't open on certain trains and walking down a carriage for a door that takes 10 years to open is just nasty.
SMALTV 2 months ago
Was you at Cricklewood?
justinium77 2 months ago
i hear virgin has attacked network rail to put the speed limit up on the main lines so there will be no late trains
mrmegamaddude 2 months ago
Those people who are constantly demanding for FCC to be removed are wasting their breath. FCC are not having their franchise stripped, deal with it!
OFVJ18 3 months ago
@Joshuadrooney Jesus, I made that comment about 1 year ago. A lot of things change in a year, y'know.
Jmarley912 3 months ago
London's suburban trains are a disgrace! I frequently visit the UK and stay at Croydon Court hotel between Thornton Heath and West Croydon. Whenever I go by suburban rail there's ALWAYS trouble. First the train's got red light, then there is some technical error, then the driver has won his licence on some lottery and has to drive like 50 km/h...scandalous! When I went Tulse Hill-St Albans I waited for over an hour, had to alight at City Thameslink, wait an hour and it took 80 min to St Albans.
AndreDevecserii 8 months ago
LOl the way that woman is shacking her head
charlieiscool1000 11 months ago
cant help noticing its a southern
geko7844 1 year ago
@geko7844 I am not sure how many times I need to make this clear. FCC leased rolling stock from Southern to run on the FCC Thameslink line. It is an FCC service in Southern colours because they leased it from Southern. FCC borrowed the train from Southern. It is being run by FCC. Train is run by FCC. OK. Got it? It was recorded at Cricklewood station, which is an FCC station. I think this is the 4th time I have had to explain this.
absinthedude 1 year ago 4
@absinthedude well SORRY for not knowing.
geko7844 1 year ago
Isn't this the same as other networks, I travel to and from work on Merseyrail everyday, who, just before Christmas promised 6 trains per hour on the Liverpool to Chester route, since going back to work this year, I have yet to witness this. You're extremely lucky to have trains at that length, I think I saw an 8 carriage one there, since the "New timings", we have only had 3 carriages and have to deal with overcrowding too, point is... GET OVER IT and get a later or earlier train!!
roden81 1 year ago
talk about catching germs in that closed space jesus, im lucky i havent got on a packed train like this but still :)
xDarkenedAngelx 1 year ago
LOOOOL!!
X2K9 1 year ago
>>>>>IT ISN"T THERE FAULT<<THE LINE IS OWNED BY NETWORK RAIL. BLAME THEM NOT FCC. IF THEY EXTENDED THE LINE TO OPERATE BIGGER TRAINS AND MORE OF THEM THEN WOULD YOU HAVE A PROBLEM???? NO. STOP THIS USLESS FILMING AND IF IT REALLY IS THAT BAD AND YOU ARE THAT CONCERNED THEN GO AND SENT A COMPLAINT TO NETWORK RAIL. FCC JUST OPERATE THE LINE. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FCC TO DO ABOUT THAT??? THIS MUST HAVE TAKEN YEARS TO FILM BECAUSE MOMENTS LIKE THIS WERE SO RARE....WHY FUSS???
EWS37109 1 year ago
@EWS37109 lol, personally i think that the best train, is my amazing horby set, its so good, i have a tunnel in my garden it goes on for miles, and i have insured it cus its so expensive, i spent 10000 pounds on my amazing train made out of gold
Rivo999 1 year ago
@Rivo999 oh SICK rivo!!!!........there is such thing as model railway insurance!!!!! And 1000 pounds isn't enough for a proper layout!!!....a full length coal train in N guage will cost around 3000 let alone the track and scenary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EWS37109 1 year ago
@EWS37109 lol
Rivo999 1 year ago
@EWS37109 How are overcrowded, old, dirty, late trains not the fault of the TOC? This is my TYPICAL journey into work every day. It is not a rare ocurrance, and is not caused by problems with the line. And why are you shouting?
absinthedude 1 year ago
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OFVJ18 1 year ago
@absinthedude B cos it is not FCC's fault about problems on the line!!!.....its network rail that mentain the track and signals!!!.....FCC I am sure try there very best to clean the trains. sometimes it is a accident if someone spills a coffe!!...with thousands of passengers a day it is very hard to prevent people from spilling drinks!!!! Network SouthEast that used to operate the line were twice as bad a FCC.....so were thameslink.
EWS37109 1 year ago
and now first capital connect does'nt run past 10:30 or on weekends through its a bloody abliteration southern should take it over but wait they only 4 coaches on a train stopping 10 or elven times so if it was my choice give the franchise to hornby ye
TheSystemofajack 1 year ago
"My employers kind of like me to be in work on time."
Then leave earlier and allow extra time then, it's not that hard.
"Before FCC took over the line I enjoyed 6 years with one of the veyr best punctuality records at my work."
Overall performance IS already up. Go on, I double dare you to check it.
"Since then my record has got steadily worse to the point that I am being warned about my attendance"
You could phone them and say you're running late, but that's not my problem, or FCC's...
OFVJ18 1 year ago
I hate these bastards too
win7sony 1 year ago
@win7sony its not FCC its Network Rail!!!!!!
EWS37109 1 year ago
Also, if abs is wondering why some trains supposedly "skip" stations/stops, he could just click on the spotlight icon on the front page of the site, then spotlight on your questions to find out why.
Some trains, (especially during the rush hour) miss out a few stations, and virtually nobody complains. They're no different from any other services and they are frequently always displayed/announced. It's a non issue, pure and simple. Would anyone complain if the driver disobeyed the timetable?
OFVJ18 1 year ago
@OFVJ18 Huh? The driver IS DISOBEYING the timetable, that is why I am complaining. The trains in question ARE TIMETABLED to stop at ALL STATIONS, for exmaple A,B,C,D,E,F,G. But it reaches C and is a few minutes late....so they suddenly change it and run it fast to F and G (missing out D and E).
Is it really so hard to understand why many people find that inconvenient and annoying?
absinthedude 1 year ago
Abs, you obviously haven't read the answer to the "why do trains skip stations" question, have you? No, thought not because you always blab on about them playing around with their performance figures.
I was talking about trains NOT scheduled to stop at all stations. Yeah, let's start demand those trains to do that, and cause massive delays and hold up other services behind us shall we? Perfect world. (Sarcasm)
Then again you don't seem to give a toss about that either. =/
OFVJ18 1 year ago
Also, on the subject of services deliberately missing out stations if they are late, I'm sorry, but that just doesn't happen here. And even if they decide to change the service, then the driver should inform passengers beforehand.
The fact is that the majority of FCC's trains are normally on time anyway and call where they are asked to anyway, so why are you bothering to throw a big hissy fit over a very tiny minority of problems?
OFVJ18 1 year ago
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Jmarley912 1 year ago
@Jmarley912 Get over it? Its more like 30 minutes if my train is delayed/cancelled. And it is regularly, currently two or three times a week. My employers kind of like me to be in work on time. Before FCC took over the line I enjoyed 6 years with one of the veyr best punctuality records at my work. Since then my record has got steadily worse to the point that I am being warned about my attendance and have actually had to arrange changes in my working hours to accomodate FCC's incompetence.
absinthedude 1 year ago
@Jmarley912 VERY TRUE!!!!
EWS37109 1 year ago
@Jmarley912 Try being late for work every day. I think you'll find your employers won't like it much. Thank you for your kind comments.
absinthedude 1 year ago
@abs
I'm sorry, but that isn't his or my problem, but yours.
And I have already suggested that you should try allowing some extra time and try leaving earlier or if you are running late, contact them. But I guess you obviously haven't bothered to read it at all.
OFVJ18 1 year ago
@abs: I agree that he may be shouting but he is right about the fact that signal problems (or any other infrastructure for that matter) have nothing to do with the company. In reality, FCC own very few things.
OFVJ18 1 year ago
"How are overcrowded, old, dirty, late trains not the fault of the TOC?"
False.
Overcrowding: This happens on most Underground lines during the rush hour, why aren't you mentioning that?
Cleanliness: How is this true? The vast majority of FCC trains I've been on are perfectly fine and are cleaned daily.
Performance: Which has increased but you still complain about it.
Trains being old: The Thameslink route already has new trains, (on loan) and there will be brand new ones in a few years.
OFVJ18 1 year ago
@OFVJ18
So true about trains on the Underground being overcrowded, Central Line is by far the worst on Monday Mornings but however, on occasions don't have delays. The train may stop in the tunnels for at least 2-3mins due to a train ahead or is at the station but most underground services are operated fairly. I for one don't mind FGW missing out a few stops on the Hanwell Line as it makes MY journey more quicker and enjoyable to ride. I guess some people may consider walking as an option.
jack253 1 year ago
@Jmarley912 shut up, ur annoying
Rivo999 1 year ago
@Jmarley912 You make me laugh. Looking at your channel, you are one of those sad cunts who sits on train platforms all day taking notes and wanking over freight trains. What this guy is doing, is highlighting a serious problem that affects all of us who have to use these services to go to work (not that you would understand that concept) every single day. Keep up the excellent work Absinthedude. As for you, Jmarley...you need a life you sad prick.
Joshuadrooney 3 months ago
oh get over it loser, stop wailing people have bigger problems in the world.
Jmarley912 1 year ago
mate i hope this is sorted out now. But i can tell ya it is no where near as bad as melbourne trains at peak times. Also in melbourne the siemens trains over run the platforms because the brakes are stuffed. Obviously that isn't safe but the government doesnt care. And we have no rail overpasses so we are forevever waiting at the boom gates and now they have added extra peak services on the frankston line so somtimes you might have to wait foe 10 minutes! and you call first capital connect bad.
unknownperson95 1 year ago
Bring in the Japanese!!
HitchinTrains 1 year ago
FCC is not the worst rail company in the country, try and tell that to the 7 billion people who live here in the UK, there are other rail services that are overcrowded around the country, figures show that FCC is not the worst performing TOC, ORR showed that East Coast and Virgin Trains are the most unperforming rail operators, the ORR also showed that FCC is responding (100%) to their complaints they received.
HSTGuru 1 year ago
@HSTGuru:
Maybe they do know that, or perhaps they're choosing to be silent about it?
Excellent points though.
No more of this ORR = FCC rubbish...
OFVJ18 1 year ago
I'd also like to add that overall performance for this quarter has risen to...wait for it...94.3% (GN) and 92.1%. (TL)
*From FCC's own statistics and not from anti-FCC sites*
OFVJ18 1 year ago
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OFVJ18 1 year ago
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HSTGuru 1 year ago
not suprised there
tliners 1 year ago
"Every time myself or one of the other visitors to this page attempts to make a point...you claim 'it doesn't count' or 'that's not fair'.....or make threats and then delete them."
I've done nothing of the sort, and all I'm doing is refuting the false accusations made against them.
Also, I can't delete anyone's comments here as I'm not a site admin you nonce. And if you're referring to my comments, I decided to remove them myself.
OFVJ18 1 year ago
I know why Abs can't find anything good about First Capital Connect. It's like when they say "Our performance is getting better." But what he hears is "Our performance is going down the drain".
*Sigh* Maybe I should stop debating with anti-FCC bigots. It's always with the constant rehashing of the same old problems and pretending they're new and saying they're the "worst performing company ever" without providing any proper figures from reliable sources.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
"I think their own performance figures speak for themselves. Only able to run 60% of their trains on time."
That figure is almost correct. The real figure is about 64.7% and the recent statistics for both routes for the current period have increased. (76.8 and 92%, respectively.)
And to expand on the snow issue...it is true that FCC was badly affected, but it was NOT the only company as there were many others that experienced the same problems as them!
OFVJ18 2 years ago
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OFVJ18 2 years ago
in tokio every day thats normal xD
propheiy 2 years ago
oops FCC, well at least those 3 bedford bound trains were running ontime LOL
rachaelmatt 2 years ago
"Nothing counts, in your opinion. Every time myself or one of the other visitors to this page attempts to make a point...you claim 'it doesn't count' or 'that's not fair'.....or make threats and then delete them."
I haven't said that to everyone, or deleted anyone's posts. And I haven't threatened anyone on here. Are you trying to say that I'm an FCC extremist or something?
OFVJ18 2 years ago
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"The only reason the figures look any good is because FCC decide, without warning, to skip stations when a train begins to run late. It might arrive at its final destination on time but it didn't actually stop at most of the timetabled stations!!"
Since when?
Oh, and those figuires mention nothing about what you just said. Do a search on that document for that...actually, I just did already and it appears nowhere! You've just made that up.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
"Why are you so insistant that we stop complaining about a service which is so dire that 5000 people have signed the petition to have FCC's franchise removed?"
Hold on, where did I say that you weren't allowed to complain? Never, that's when.
Yeah, because they're all a bunch of anti-FCC-Mail loving bigots, obviously. And 5000 is a tiny minority out of 61 million people.
"If we don't complain, things won't get any better."
...I just went through that already.*cough*
OFVJ18 2 years ago
"What seat?"
I wasn't referring to you.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
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simon726 2 years ago
watching ppl disgorge themselves from the train is like watching loads of clowns come out from a small car? If this was a circus it'll be entertaining but its not
prowlus 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
OFVJ18: 4,000 strong petition on the no 10 web site; 2,000 members of fb group; questions in House of Commons, House of Lords; 2 separate Early Day Motions; Get your head out of the sand (or somewhere else...)
I agree with absinthedude FCC ARE the worst train operator in the country.. It's not fact it's an opinion based on experience of travelling on the "service" they operate since they took over.
saundyboy 2 years ago
Saundyboy, that petition site proves nothing, and you didn't even bother to post a link.
FCC are not the worst operator in this country. Firstly, you haven't provided a proper source to back it up. Secondly, you haven't bothered to look at the figuires I just posted. (FCC's performance is a lot higher compared to VT) And finally, I agree FCC does have its problems, (and they admit it too) but they are actually improving and those problems are just a minority.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
"Clearly you work for FCC if you think this is the case. Thameslink commuters have had to put up with a 50% service for the past two months and I still have to pay £256/month for this appalling service. I don't have to look at your figures to know how bad it is, I have to suffer these idiots every single day."
Well, go ahead and listen to the Fail then. I'm not stopping you. And as for me working for FCC...wrong! Nice try.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
Thameslink commuters have had to put up with a lot ever since FCC took over the line from the previous franchise owner. I know you don't think we should discuss the fact that FCC's predecessor was better than FCC, I assume that is an inconvenience to your defence of First Group.
Its nothing to do with listening to news media, its our own real life experiences of being 'commuted to death' in this rail line, and of FCC's disinterest in communicating with us or helping in any way.
absinthedude 2 years ago
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"Thameslink commuters have had to put up with a lot ever since FCC took over the line from the previous franchise owner."
Which "commuters" are these?
"FCC's predecessor was better than FCC"
I agree that FCC is not the best TOC around and had its problems in the past, but these are minorities. It may not be the best performing, but it IS actually getting there. As I said earlier, FCC's current total perfomance for this quarter currently stands at approx 92.5%, according to the ORR.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
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"Its nothing to do with listening to news media its our own real life experiences of being 'commuted to death' in this rail line"
I never said you or anybody else was directly convinced by media reports about FCC, seeing as they tend to bang on about immigration more than FCC anyway.
"and of FCC's disinterest in communicating with us or helping in any way."
You can complain to other places besides FCC, or you could stop bitching altogether, which would make things so much better.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
4,000 strong petition on the no 10 web site; 2,000 members of fb group; questions in House of Commons, House of Lords; 2 separate Early Day Motions; Get your head out of the sand (or somewhere else...)
saundyboy 2 years ago
I agree that FCC may not be the best TOC around. But anyway, what type of service would you prefer? Because sometimes in life, you can't have everything. Even some best performing ones don't have things FCC has!
Secondly, saying the fact that FCC has the worst performance is mostly false. No doubt the TL route's overall peformance is slightly worse compared to the GN route, but you can't tar the whole company with the same brush just because of one individual problem.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
I think their own performance figures speak for themselves. Only able to run 60% of their trains on time clearly makes them one of the worst performing railway companies in the country. One individual problem?! Clearly you have not been travelling on the Thamelink line over the last 3 months or you would have noticed that they were only running 50% of the trains they should have been. They should have their franhise removed immediately.
Blackhawk7117 2 years ago
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OFVJ18 2 years ago
"One individual problem?!"
Yeah, one overcrowded service makes them the worst in the whole country. I definetly saw that one coming.
"Clearly you have not been travelling on the Thamelink line over the last 3 months"
Yeah, because there were bad weather conditions, and sometimes they have to make harsh decisions. Could of been worse.
"They should have their franhise removed immediately"
Lol, you can't be serious. And as for that franhise thing I won't bother going into that.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
Oh, you clearly do work for FCC then. Let me guess, manager or driver? If you bothered to check, it is the most overcrowded service in the country. "Bad weather conditions" for 3 months, not even FCC could have used that excuse for 3 months?! No, it just comes down to plain old imcompetence. "Could have been worse" - well no actually, it can't get worse when trains don't actually run at all as we recently experienced.
Blackhawk7117 2 years ago
"Had to make harsh decisions"?! When there was bad weather the best they could do was run two trains an hour on a line that has 200,000 commuters. The worst was running no trains at all. As I said their franchise needs to be terminated immediately. Companies that fail this badly should not be allowed to profit from this situation.
Blackhawk7117 2 years ago
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"When there was bad weather the best they could do was run two trains an hour on a line that has 200,000 commuters."
Wouldn't be the same under a different company. Sure, it might of been bad for some people, but at least they were still running services.
"The worst was running no trains at all. As I said their franchise needs to be terminated immediately."
Like...so what, you'd rather have no TOC without any services at all?
OFVJ18 2 years ago
"Could improve a little" - don't make me laugh. Clearly you work for FCC if you think this is the case. Thameslink commuters have had to put up with a 50% service for the past two months and I still have to pay £256/month for this appalling service. I don't have to look at your figures to know how bad it is, I have to suffer these idiots every single day.
Blackhawk7117 2 years ago
I agree FCC are the worst train operator in the country, from my personal experience. It's not fact it's an opinion based on experience of travelling on the "service" they operate since they took over.
saundyboy 2 years ago 4
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OFVJ18 2 years ago
@OFVJ18
Nothing counts, in your opinion. Every time myself or one of the other visitors to this page attempts to make a point...you claim 'it doesn't count' or 'that's not fair'.....or make threats and then delete them.
The fact is a lot of people are getting fed up with the worsening service from FCC. It is not getting better, it is getting worse week on week and we poor passengers are at breaking point. Just trying to get to work less than 20 minutes late is becoming impossible.
absinthedude 2 years ago
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"The fact is a lot of people are getting fed up with the worsening service from FCC. It is not getting better, it is getting worse week on week and we poor passengers are at breaking point."
How is this a "fact"? I have agreed that it's not the best operator around, but show me ones that aren't.
In reality, FCC is actually improving but it obviously won't happen overnight. On the whole, it's not as bad as many people think it is. The world isn't falling apart, you know.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
True, but what you've obviously forgotten is that in 2008-9, their total performance was 93%. (Source: ORR) Despite the fact it has dropped slightly at present, they are still not the worst performing company.
You and Abs might be shocked that it was actually VT (NXEC were slightly ahead) who had the worst performance levels and upset commuters the most during that period and again several years back. Did you also want to get rid of their "franhise" as well?
OFVJ18 2 years ago
Essentially, FCC isn't the worst performing company in this country. You only think that because of what you've read. Open your eyes and you'll see that everything is pretty much okay.
Again it's not the best and personally, I dislike them sometimes, but they are actually improving.
Until then, stop complaining and go back to your seat.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
@OFVJ18
The only reason the figures look any good is because FCC decide, without warning, to skip stations when a train begins to run late. It might arrive at its final destination on time but it didn't actually stop at most of the timetabled stations!!
Why are you so insistant that we stop complaining about a service which is so dire that 5000 people have signed the petition to have FCC's franchise removed? If we don't complain, things won't get any better.
And what seat?
absinthedude 2 years ago
@OFVJ18 - can you provide a link to show FCC is not the worst?
Mr18ell 1 year ago
@Mr18ell:
I would have, but I've had error messages appearing underneath the comment box. But I'll post the links later.
OFVJ18 1 year ago
Update: I can't post any links because URLs are not allowed in the comments. No wonder why they didn't appear.
Never mind.
OFVJ18 1 year ago
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OFVJ18 2 years ago
Stupid FCC
Class59Cameron 2 years ago
Lol, worst capital connect.
SPTSuperSprinter156 2 years ago
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simon726 2 years ago
LOL, stop complaining. Scenes like that are daily routine on South West Trains commute whereas on the Thameslink you can almost always find a seat. I know, I've been using both.
z00h 2 years ago
I've never seen anything so ridiculas in all my life, Please don't tell me that was a four car unit on its own!!
Trainbuff2008 2 years ago
Ever been to Japan? It's worse, and would you rather have no Thameslink than a crappy one?
bbukfan 2 years ago
Oh and boo hoo, rail companies don't kill people, missiles do. People use that argument to get special treatment. It's not like the old days when they were actually standing up for human rights. Everyone has human rights now. By continuing to whine about this unneeded term, you're simply looking for special treatment, or you are just an attention whore with nothing better to do with your time. There will always be issues like this in the world today and that is something that may never change.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
thats a southern train.
MissRubyLuLu 2 years ago
Not sure how many times I need to say this. It is old Southern painted rolling stock leased by First Capital Connect, run on the First Capital Connect Thameslink line by First Capital Connect.
absinthedude 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
you need to get out more.
MissRubyLuLu 2 years ago
As if people don't bitch and moan enough about overcrowding today. Personally, I think people even use the "overcrowded trains are killing me!" and "cattle truck" crap as an excuse to get special treatment or attention. Yes, we all know overcrowding is terrible and there are ways we can reduce it, but I'm afraid it's not that simple. It will take time. But even still, it's going to be imminent wether you like it or not. Remember that.
OFVJ18 2 years ago
It would have been several years ago if the old TOC had been allowed by the government to buy new rolling stock back in 2001.
absinthedude 2 years ago
What the hell? I wasn't talking about some dead TOC not being allowed to buy new trains several years ago. Also, what the f**k is the point in complaining to them about what happened back then seeing as those "new trains" are in service now?
Exactly.
Oh and to finish off, I was talking about people using the "ovrcrowded trainz r killing me!" "cattle truck" bullcrap as an excuse to get special treatment. I mean, talk about complaining a little too much. >.>
OFVJ18 2 years ago
But, I guess your just bitter about Govia not getting their hands on the franchise and route. I don't see Govia acting all bitter towards First just because of it.
Heck, Govia want to help out with FCC in the near fut...wait, they're doing it now with the new FCC-SE joint service on the TL route and with FTPE. Shows that they at least have good sportsmanship, even if their fans don't. >.>
OFVJ18 2 years ago
FCC still use these trains
bronzeonion 2 years ago
I'm aware that FCC still use those units.
So what?
OFVJ18 2 years ago
I said that because you said FCC have new trains
bronzeonion 2 years ago
Yep I know, but just to clarify a little, they are new trains, but they are NOT the exact ones that will replace the older units, and those could be several years away from now.
They only came into service for temporary basis for extra capacity and strengthening the TL services, etc. this was because they were for another rail company in the first place. Hope that helps :]
OFVJ18 2 years ago
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OFVJ18 2 years ago
By the way livestock are crammed into trucks whorse thewn this belive in or not, many come out with brocken legs. Come on u can't say livestock industry is kinder than FCC
Clacatoo 2 years ago 3
At least there are actually legal stipulations to how livestock have to be transported, and I believe you are not referring to British standards which are less lax than some of our friends. There are no legal limits whatsoever to the number of people who may be crammed into a train carriage in the UK.
absinthedude 2 years ago
theres 3 easy step to get to bedford from cricklewood...
step 1 , get the train to st.pancras
step 2, travel on either FCC or EMT to bedford
step 3, job done :)
BRABUSTWINTURBO2008 3 years ago 2
but why go back on yourself? thats as bad suggesting you change at milton keynes going from lancaster to tamworth plus it costs more
mattbbuck 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This should be named why i hate first, worst transport company in existance. first great western, scotrail and not forgetting the busses as well! seriously how the hell can they carry on with there overcrowding, high fares, late services and rude/ignorant/arrogant staff. If there is a petition against then someone post a link because i will damn well sign it!
TimesplitterJoe 3 years ago
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OFVJ18 3 years ago
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OFVJ18 3 years ago
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OFVJ18 3 years ago
Just to let those of you know who are regulars on FCC thameslink and GN, National Express are about to match FCC for crap service. Think i'll be taking a leaf out of your book, absinthedude!
EssexResident2000 3 years ago
All this does not bode well in the overall scheme of things. I expect that the introduction of the Key Output 0 timetable will be set back (again!), and consequently it is increasingly possible (IMO) that the Thameslink Programme will not be complete by December 2015, even if further delays are somehow avoided for the duration of the project.
edvid1988 3 years ago
As for the 377/5s, their delivery is currently delayed - there is speculation of 9 or more (out of 23) not being ready by March 2009.
What I do know for sure is that the latest missed delivery date for the first unit (which was completed earlier in Nov I think) was Nov 28/29, and as yet there is currently no planned delivery date for it.
Consequently, NSR may be able to hold on to the final 4 319s beyond March 2009, which is officially (for now) the time for their transfer to FCC TL.
edvid1988 3 years ago
Here's the latest on the additional TL trains due in the next few months:
In December, FCC TL will get another 4 319s from NSR and the 2 317s they currently have will go back to FCC GN, leaving an initial net gain of 2 units.
It was originally hoped that the other 4 NSR 319s would be transferred at the same time, but NSR are keeping them for longer because of the delayed refurbishment of their GEx 442s.
Therefore the final 4 319s will allow NSR to maintain some capacity in the interim.
edvid1988 3 years ago
absinthedude, you may be interested (or horrified) to know that when you type in "why I hate first capital connect", one of the sponsored links it lists on the right hand side is the FCC website!
EssexResident2000 3 years ago 2
^ So true...almost.
This video is sort of pointless to be honest, only because it won't get FCC's attention and looks more like people trying to bring back some company that's now dead. But, it's too interesting and makes me laugh at the same time. Especially with what others posted. =P
OFVJ18 3 years ago
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OFVJ18 3 years ago
Making a train all stations, may benefit one train load of commuters, but that train still has to go back through central london to get to brighton. So F.C.C do it to reduce the delays, rather have them prolonged
paul13467 3 years ago
FCC have finally announced that they are changing their policy...their new policy when circumstances have led to passangers being stranded at stations is to make "fast" trains stop at extra stations until the stranded people have been able to board a train.
absinthedude 3 years ago
From what i understand, the reason why F.C.C make trains run fast during disruption is because if they were to make them all stations the delay would not improve.
To give you an example a train is going towards bedford, but it is running late because of a signal failure. Running that train fast will reduce the delay for when it has to head back down towards london from bedford.
paul13467 3 years ago
The first clip has nothing to do with FCC, it shows a Southern train
neb36 3 years ago
FCC took on some old trains Southern no longer needed. I assure you that the video shows an FCC-run train on FCC's Thameslink line.
This "point" has already been dealt with, please read the comments below.
absinthedude 3 years ago
i hate london midland trains cause they look like a stream of snot
mattbbuck 3 years ago
HAH!
StapledNote 2 years ago
This is all pretty stupid to be honest, commuters will have a go at just about anything even if somebody has jumped out in front of a train to kill themselves
paul13467 3 years ago
Well people shouldnt jump in front of trains! Someone did that on the rail line near my house and the police were there for days and all the roads were closed. AND seeing as i live in the middle of nowhere the only available transports were train and car and both were out of action. I am sorry for the person who did it but they chose to do it, if it was an accident i would feel very different about the situation.
daveyboy1006 3 years ago
The point i am trying to make is you can't escape a delay. I was caught in a traffic jam on the A1 today. Who should i go and rant to i wonder, The Police for dealing with the incident?? Trains get delayed, just accept it getting stressed over it wont make that delay any better.
paul13467 3 years ago
I don't complain about delays, i get trains every day and i have only had one major delay waiting for one and one while i was on it and that was coz it crashed into a tree on a windy day. I only am thinking about people who have to get these horrible trains in the video. I also dont like beiong stuck in the middle of nowhere without transport for three days.
daveyboy1006 3 years ago
If commuters don't like the service first capital connect provide, why don't you get in your cars and drive to central london? you lot earn a minimum of 30 thousand some earn double that. Im sure the congestion charge will be a doddle for you people surely.
paul13467 3 years ago
I do not earn anything like 30k a year.
Do you honestly think that if we had any choice, we would take those sardeen can trains?
absinthedude 3 years ago
The 24 peak hour trains (from both directions - each) will use both the TL and GN routes. But even now there are 15 southbound morning peak hour trains between London St Pancras and Farringdon, all of which call at St Albans beforehand.
In the initial rolling stock spec the DfT say that the new trains should be equipped for automatic train operation in the core. By the way, there is already a 28tph peak hour service on the 2-track line (above Borough Market) to/from London Charing Cross.
edvid1988 3 years ago
24 TRAINS PER HOUR?????? What do they think this is, the jubilee line? I like to see how they would manage that one. These rail operating companies are putting so much pressure on the drivers with their high frequency services. Was on a National express service into Liverpool Street from Chinford not so long ago, driver was opening and shutting doors like a rocket. Gone are the relaxed days and long turnaround at termination points for drivers.
Out of interest, is this FCC on the whole ?
Verbs2007 3 years ago
the train is southern
11Sqd1 3 years ago
NO IT IS NOT. FCC lease trains from Southern and they run in Southern colours but on the FCC Thameslink line and are run by FCC. This has already been discussed below.
absinthedude 3 years ago
i said the first one
11Sqd1 3 years ago
We know what train you're talking about. The train LOOKS like a Southern train because it bears the Southern livery, but it is currently borrowed by FCC. Therefore it is (operationally) a FCC train.
edvid1988 3 years ago 2
Was on a Bedford- Brighton the other day. 4 coaches on a train which serves two international airports, the Capital city and a very popular seaside destination.
I thought "fair enough, there might be a shortage, faulty trains (they are fucking ancient after all) and what not".
then we passed an 8 coach Sutton loop at St Albans. Baffles me how they prioritise that route over the Brighton one. Had a couple of hundred people standing at different points between St Albans and Gatwick.
Forcefield23 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
typical first group shod and corporate arrogance.this firm should be sent to court for human rights violations,fraud,stress causing,lying,breach of contract,arrogance,treason and murder.
moir lockhead should stick to his hobby of breeding highland cattle.
arrivayorkshire 3 years ago
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moir lockhead should stick to his hobby of breeding highland cattle.
scummiest private operator of them all.
first group=what an abortion.
they should be closed down and the services transferred back to a proud nationally owned rail network.first in leeds have put fares up by 18 percent tday,twice since the last fuel increase-they said its because of increase but how,when they buy in bulk at the start of the year with a guaranteed price?
arrivayorkshire 3 years ago
can't really blame fcc, thameslink route was always like this...most train routes running into the city are like this at peak time
mucktion2008 3 years ago
The thing is, I have been using the line to commute since 1999 and I disagree that Thameslink was always just as bad. Plus, in the Thameslink days, when things went wrong they were able to put in a proper replacement bus instead of simply bussing us to another busy commuter line. Communication went completely down the pan the day FCC took over.
absinthedude 3 years ago
The only thing i can say is lets hope this thameslink 2000 project that is supposed to bring us 24 train an hour, Brand New Trains, New Track etc will reduce all these delays.
graffitiisfortwats 3 years ago
First Capital Connect say they will be introducing Newer Trains the Class 377 in December 2008 so hopefully this ought to reduce the number of broken down trains incidents and train faults. As for delays because of line problems that could be another 5 -7 years when this thameslink 2000 project is underway
graffitiisfortwats 3 years ago
To be honest it doesn't matter what company is in charge of the old thameslink route it was always be one of those lines that will be pretty poor because signal equipment is old, trains are old which is why they keep breaking down
graffitiisfortwats 3 years ago
They are known as the Department for Transport, and when it comes to railway matters they tend to be quite DafT (generally speaking).
edvid1988 3 years ago
What does DfT stand for?
They sound quite bad.
daveyboy1006 3 years ago
Some people that comment on here are idiots. Just because there are southern colours on a train, doesn't mean it is operated by them. It obviously hasn't been reapainted yet!
daveyboy1006 3 years ago
Why are you complaining about FCC when the train at the start is operated by Southern - It is like complaining about your food at McDonalds when you bought it at Burger King - They are different companies so go and complain to the right one next time
UpperCrustMan 3 years ago
It is not operated by Southern. It is leased by Southern to FCC, run by FCC on their Bedford to Brighton line. Get your facts straight.
absinthedude 3 years ago
glad don't live on that crappy line, hay may be they replace it with 1543 or even close, and then you can drive or catch a bus to where every you going to
UpperCrustMan 3 years ago
People have a choice whether they travel at rush hour - livestock don't. Also good two tone from that train.
Hyperen 3 years ago 3
Hyperen, what planet are you from...and do you visit earth often?
People do NOT have a choice when they travel if they wish to keep their jobs!!!!
absinthedude 3 years ago
I don't use SER to commute but I've been on a few off-peak trips with them and they are good. I've never had any problems with them.
edvid1988 3 years ago
On 1 March 2009, the (TL) Moorgate branch and the Blackfriars bay platforms will close. Both FCC and SER are affected by this so their Moorgate/Blackfriars services will be merged and go straight through the TL tunnels like most other FCC TL services.
Aa a result, more dual-voltage trains are needed which increases the strain on the existing TL fleet as SER will need them for Sevenoaks services and the like. The 377s will fill the gap and be used for some Bedford-Brighton services.
edvid1988 3 years ago
What do you mean by the service change in march 2009, i don't understand.
Yes well, you are very lucky not having to travel on FCC if you dont want to.
Have you used southeastern before if so, what was bad about them?
If not, what do you think is bad about them?
Or both the questions.
daveyboy1006 3 years ago
Apparently what FCC are getting (377/2s and 377/5s) over the next 10 months should be OK, but it will be very tight (given the service changes due in March 2009), particularly just before 12-car services are introduced.
I usually travel between Luton (Airport Parkway or Central) and the 'London Thameslink' stations, mostly St Pancras. This means I have the choice of travelling with East Midlands Trains so I'm more fortunate than most FCC (TL) passengers!
edvid1988 3 years ago
I travel between: Selling or faversham and London victoria or cannon street. Sometimes i go between chilham and london charing cross.
Anyway the 395s won't just be on the high speed 1. They will also travel between ashford and St. Pancreas, also Ramsgate and St. Pancreas. High speed one does mean ashford and st. pancreas but it also goes on the slow lane there at 110 mph. (same betwwen ramsgate and london).
I doubt a few 3756s will help fcc much. SER have 127 incuding other kinds of 375s.
daveyboy1006 3 years ago
SER are generally ahead of FCC in terms of rolling stock, I'll happily give you that (incidentally, FCC's new trains will be similar to some of SER's).
With a brand new high speed line searing through the South East it would have been foolish not to take full advantage of it and when the 'Javelin' services start I'll most likely head to St Pancras and see what it's like. Let's hope it's worth the premium pax will pay for it.
Just out of interest, between which places do you usually travel?
edvid1988 3 years ago
Ok, thank you and sorry. I didn't realise that FCC were getting new trains so soon.
In 2009 though, southeastern are getting high speed 140mph trains. They will be the only operator in the country to have them and they will be in service on my route. Class 395 javeins ordered from japan. 30 of them. It shows that while FCC are getting new trains to make enough for people to travel in, southeastern is exelling beond them by an enormous amount. Now which is the better company?
daveyboy1006 3 years ago
By the way daveyboy1006, I've just noticed that I did not explicitly mention that 4-car trains would be eliminated by March 2009 before you posted your comment - for that I apologise.
edvid1988 3 years ago
Now that's interesting. I'm intrigued enough to send a Freedom of Information request to the DfT about this (in fact I just have).
One small point though - back then it was the now-defunct Strategic Rail Authority who were in charge.
edvid1988 3 years ago
Well all I can tell you is that (I think in '01) Thameslink announced they were going to buy 30 new trains to ease overcrowding, and that they'd be built to be read in '03-'04. Then in '02 they announced they had not been allowed to do so.
absinthedude 3 years ago
I got a letter from the DfT earlier today - and guess what? They have no idea why the new trains were vetoed because they've got no references whatsoever. How wonderful...
edvid1988 3 years ago
Almost forgot - the new 'February 2012' trains are not the same new trains that will be acquired in March 2009 and December 2011 because the December 2015 service (24tph between London St Pancras and London Blackfriars) will require a totally new type of train that has not even been designed yet.
edvid1988 3 years ago