The end is in sight for the long running saga of the information screens at Milton Keynes Central.
Having had numerous completion dates come and gone, further difficulties arose through problems associated with the fixing of screens to the marble tiling on the pillars and it being necessary to remove these to safely install the screens. These problems now appear to have been overcome and Network Rail anticipate completion by mid-October.
London Midland apologised for the disruption to services on 6th September and in response to the action they had to take is to continue enhanced overtime payments for an extended period while it seeks a long-term solution to Sunday working arrangements.
Following the cancellation of the majority of London Midland’s services on September 6 meetings have been held with the trade unions and staff representatives for drivers and conductors to discuss the issues around Sunday working and the reasons for the low numbers of volunteers.
As a result of these discussions, and to ensure that London Midland passengers are not inconvenienced by further cancellations and disruptions with the Sunday services, London Midland managers have advised Aslef and the RMT they will continue to offer enhanced overtime payments for drivers and conductors working Sunday shifts for a time limited period whilst negotiations take place.
Blaming staff's unwillingness to work voluntary this Sunday, London Midland have withdrwan ALL services from our area on Sunday 6th September. A statement from London Midland promises a replacement bus service, but this hardly compensation since they will still be charging train fares.
After operating the franchise for almost 2 years, passengers from our area have a right to expect that the operator could run a basic service and not have to withdraw services because of inadequate staffing arrangements
Thanks to signal failure AGAIN passengers returning home on Tuesday night faced the now customary fiasco at Euston when services are disrupted. With the police called to control angry passengers and make the announcement of train departures, London Midland staff were, yet again, conspicuous by their absence.
There is little to say that has not already been said on this website during previous disruptions, but Milton Keynes Rail Users will be making serious representations AGAIN to London Midland executives at the next Committee meeting. Measures already taken earlier this year do not seem to be having an effect and MK Rail Users seriously question London Midland’s resolve to make effective and lasting changes.
Virgin Trains, often the saviour in these circumstances, compounded the situation at times by removing set down at MKC from some of its trains. However those ignoring the removal were not penalised for disobeying the instructions as trains clearly heralded Milton Keynes as their next stop on their exterior matrix boards.
MK Rail Users have a meeting later this month arranged at the Department for Transport to discuss the effect of London Midland's improvement plans. The mid term report can be summarised as, doing well but must do better. Network Rails failure to provide a robust infrastructure will also be at the forefront of our discussions.
Hot on the heels of being forced to produce the improvement plan and at a time when West Coast passengers have faced unprecedented delays to train journeys because of infrastructure failures, Network Rail’s remuneration committee has awarded bonuses of up to 49.3% of basic salary to its senior executives.
The decision not to exercise its considerable discretion to reduce bonuses below the potential annual award of 49.3% of basic salary brought surprise and condemnation from many quarters including the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).
Bill Emery, ORR’s chief executive said: “We are surprised and disappointed that Network Rail’s non-executive directors decided not to exercise their discretion to reduce significantly the bonuses for its senior executives, reflecting the mixed performance of the company during the last year and the economic climate that is facing many of its customers and suppliers."
"The committee has provided details of its reasons, but we don’t find them compelling, and nor do we believe the decision will gain widespread stakeholder support."
Long suffering travellers from Milton Keynes will no doubt feel “nor do we believe the decision will gain widespread stakeholder support" is a gross understatement and MK Rail Users will be making its feelings known at the forthcoming meeting with Network Rail managers.
Network Rail and Virgin Trains have signed a joint performance improvement plan aimed at improving performance on the West Coast Main Line.
The plan sets out a number of steps to improve:
the basic reliability of assets on the line
information about the performance of assets to allow action to be taken before there is a negative impact on train services
management focus and speed of response when incidents do occur
Most commuters into London travel at sensible times, but there is a body of regular travellers who commute to the south at a time of day when most of us are tucked up in bed.
Since the introduction of the Delay / Repay system and the deluge of train failures and cancellations, Commuters have been overwhelmed by the need to fill in endless forms to claim the compensation to which they are entitled. It is estimated that less than 50% of the potential compensation has been claimed.
London Midland have now launched their new website which includes online application for compensation. This is indeed a welcome development and MK Rail Users support Minister for Transport, Lord Adonis, in urging all passengers to claim for all the delays over 30 minutes that they experience.
Click on the button opposite to take you to the online claim form.
16 March 2009
In February London Midland announced they were 'giving' 3 days 'free' travel to season ticket holders. On the 27th February we asked you for your reaction to this gesture. I am sure our readers will not be surprised to hear that we have received no positive responses and indeed, you have been scathing in your attacks.
Two words stand out -
INSULT - for the nature and extent of the gesture and -
CYNICAL - for refering to this as a 'Thank You'
Furthermore, many of you have also expressed concerns that the offer takes your renewal into the Christmas period when you do not travel and is of no benefit but worse, for some it will push them into the next year when prices are likely to be higher.
MK Rail Users are seeking clarity on the terms this 'Thank You'
Dissatisfied with London Midland's 'Thank You',
MK Rail Users have written to Managing Director, Steve Banaghan directly and have asked London Midland to reconsider this meagre offering and use more appropriate wording. Click
here to see our letter. His reply will posted on our website when received.
15 March 2009
12 March 2009
Following concerns expressed by
MK Rail Users regarding the loan of class 350 units to Southern, London Midland have explained the reason for this surprising move.
Due to the recession the manufacturer of the new trains for Thameslink have been unable to complete the order on time as component suppliers face difficulties. The loan is a DfT sponsored initiative to cascade, on a short term basis, Electric Multiple Units from London Midland to Southern who require dual voltage units to run on power supplies from overhead and third rail. This loan to Southern then allows Southern to cascade stock to the Thameslink program. To overcome the loan, London Midland will delay the withdrawal of the old 321 units destined for storage. The number of units London Midland has is passenger service will not be reduced by this cascade, it will be exactly at the same level as current.
This development comes at a bad time for London Midland who have been in negotiation to keep some of the old 321s to increase capacity on trains currently overcrowded.
09 March 2009
At a time when they have boards up at Euston advertising which trains have less than the prescribed number of carriages; when many trains have insufficient carriages for the passengers that want to travel; GoVia, London Midland's parent company has announced that London Midland will lend a number of 4 car sets to Southern who in turn will release units for the Thames Link service. This will last for 3 months.
MK Rail Users are astonished at this news and are seeking an explanation from London Midland for this amazing action - another stab in the back to Milton Keynes train users.
06 March 2009
MK Rail Users are delighted that London Midland have swiftly responded to the threat of strike action and have confirmed an emergency timetable to ensure that its passengers are catered for.
Click here to see the revised arrangements and
click here to see the full London Midland's press release.
06 March 2009
Just when commuters thought it could not get worse, London Midland are again in turmoil over the provision of passenger services from Milton Keynes. The website reported on the 6th February, that a ballot was taking place and now we have the inevitable result.
Up to 100 RMT train conductors working for London Midland on the West coast are to strike for 24 hours on March 13 and again on March 16 after voting overwhelmingly for strike action. The 2 sides have failed to reach agreement on a long-standing arrangement that former Silverlink staff can opt out of working on Sundays and should receive enhanced payments for working into rest days.
In separate ballots at the three depots, members voted by a combined margin of nearly eight to one for action.
“This is a straightforward dispute that could be ended quite simply by the company agreeing to honour an agreement signed a decade ago that conductors can opt out of working on Sundays if they give the company a week’s notice,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said.
“That agreement has never been amended, even though the old Silverlink franchise tried to renege on it and unilaterally imposed a contract on new starters aiming at forcing them to work Sundays. Now we have London Midland not only trying to force conductors to work up to 60 hours a week, but even trying to discipline our members for exercising their rights. The ballot result shows quite clearly how strongly our members feel, and it is time for the company to give a clear commitment to observing its commitments and talking to the union seriously about any problems,” Bob Crow said.
MK Rail Users are pressing London Midland regarding the alternative arrangements they will be making to get passengers too and from their destinations. The user group does not want a repeat of the previous situation under Silverlink, when the train operating Company failed to publicise the arrangements and then refused compensation because alternative arrangements were in place. However, it must be stressed that train operating companies have no legal obligation to pay compensation for lost days due to strikes, but in view of the disruption already faced by passengers, the moral obligation cannot be overemphasised.
02 March 2009
MP for Milton Keynes South West, Dr. Phyllis Starkey, has attacked London Midland for their failure to provide a decent rail service, following weeks of delays and disruption.
Dr. Starkey says, “For far too long, facilities for passengers on Milton Keynes Station have been unacceptable. For weeks now, the Travel Centre has been closed, there have been too few staff available at Ticket Desks and the automatic ticket machines have not been fully functioning. The consequences have been unacceptably long queues as passengers try to buy tickets or seek information".
“London Midland seems unable to plan ahead for predictable increases in passenger numbers. This week, facilities were overwhelmed as passengers were displaced from Leighton Buzzard where the car park is being upgraded and two weeks ago lots of families took advantage of half-term to travel to London for a day out. London Midland should have increased staff resources to meet the predicted demand instead of just leaving everyone to queue for longer.”
“I have already complained to rail minister Lord Adonis about the problems that occurred earlier this year and I know his department is monitoring London Midland’s performance on a daily basis. London Midland must improve its performance or face severe sanctions”
27 February 2009
At the launch of our CAmpaign for Real Rail, letters were sent to the Secretary Of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon and all the MPs that represent our area.
MK Rail Users have received a reply from the Minister for Transport, Lord Adonis, and its contents will be reviewed at our next Committee meeting with a view to making a reasoned response. Click to view the reply from the Minister. Use the Contact Us form to let us know your views on the Governments response.
In addition both Milton Keynes MPs have followed up on our letter to them and have each written to the Minister expressing the concerns we have raised. In particular, Dr. Phyllis Starkey has had meetings with officials at the DfT and her report can be seen here.
MK Rail Users will be keeping the pressure on our MPs to ensure that Government enforce the franchise conditions on our train operators.
25 February 2009
London Midland have announced that there will be a price freeze at its car parks between Northampton and London Euston for the next few months. Prices will be held at May 2008 levels, which was the last time a review of car parking was conducted and a new scale of charges introduced.
MK Rail Users are concerned at the wording used. Users of Milton Keynes multi-story and Bletchley car parks would not be antcipating an immediate increase until May at the earliest. To refer to a 'price freeze for the next few months' suggests that as expected, London Midland may be increasing its prices in line with an annual review.
25 February 2009
London Midland is adding an extra level to create over 220 extra spaces at Bletchley station car park. The new 'decking' structure, will provide an extra floor of car parking spaces above the existing ground level parking.
To do this work, the car park will be closed from 18.00 on Friday 20 March until 06.00 Wednesday 25 March
The new facilities are part of London Midland's plans to provide over 3,000 extra car parking spaces at its stations along the West Coast Mainline and elsewhere in its network. London Midland is investing over £5 million in improving car parking.
Alex Hynes, Commercial Director of London Midland, said: " This is part of a multi- million pound investment by London Midland, providing hundreds of new spaces, using a rapid installation process for the car park decking. We apologise for the short-term disruption the scheme may cause, however, we know our passengers will welcome the added car parking facilities."
16 February 2009
The most recent figures for PPM, the Government yardstick by which train operating companies are measured, has put London Midland's Northampton - Euston right at the bottom of the league table. With an average PPM of 91.7%, London Midland have managed to record an incredible low of 71.2%. This confirms what all travellers from our region have suspected. Although, also bottom in their Midland's homeland, they scrape off the bottom nationally thanks to long distance operator, Virgin Trains who take those honours, 3 percentage points below London Midland.
In Rail Magazine, London Midland has blamed its performance on staff sickness, the time taken for December 14th timetable changes to bed in and West Coast disruption. They have made no mention of the much publicised lack of drivers and ineffective rostering of those they do have. Since this report was published the situation has deteriorated further and the next set of PPM figures will make interesting reading. MK Rail Users will keep website visitors informed.
Also distrubing is that Govia, owners of the Southern and Southeastern franchises taken up all 3 bottom places in the London and South east area. These figures must throw into question Govia commitment to rail services.
It is unlikely, in their haste to keep costs as low as possible and minimise penalties for poor performance, that London Midland give a minute's thought to the effect on their passengers. In a separate story, we tell Alex's tale, a tale of a commuter so exasperated by train travel, selling his home and moving further south has become a distinct option just to get to work and earn a living.
Click here to read Alex's tale.
16 February 2009
After delays whilst the West Coast infracture bedded down, the Southern service to East Croydon, giving Milton Keynes passengers connections to the south east, started today. First reports suggest that the train was busy to Watford but was crowded beyond capacity from Watford and beyond.
This service is a welcome addition to our routes, but we ask passengers using this service to keep us informed of its performance and whether Southern need to provide additional capacity for the demand it has created.
13 February 2009
A member of the travelling public, exasperated by the appauling service offered by London Midland, has set up a petition on the No.10 website, the website of the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. Under the heading "We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to insist upon URGENT improvements on London Midland Rail Service." a Bletchley commuter has taken her own campaign to the authorities.
MK Rail Users support this petition and urge all rail users to sign it and make their voice heard at the very top of Government.
Click to register your vote.
12 February 2009
In an announcement today by Geoff Hoon, Secretary of State for Transport said that passengers and the economy were to benefit from biggest investment in trains for a generation. Most press reports centred on these new trains being built mostly in Japan by a consortium, which includes Hitachi, builder of the Japanese bullet train, for East Coast services. In addition First Great Western would get the second tranche of rolling stock manufactured to replace their aging fleet.
However, in discussions with the Department for Transport, MK Rail Users established that Virgin Trains and London Midland were also in line to receive delivery of these trains. If this promise was fulfilled this would result in a huge improvement in journey times for Euston bound passengers and increase capacity both to the north and south of our region.
In response to questions asked, a spokesman for the DfT advised that the option for Euston to Milton Keynes, Northampton and Crewe is still live. However the option to go ahead with the program still has to be proven as to be whether the purchase is viable and affordable. Should this be proven, then it would slot in between ECML and GWML in terms of timescales. It is anticipated that a decision could be made in 2009 but will still be subject to private funding for the trains.
11 February 2009
MK Rail Users have received confirmation from London Midland that the Travelcentre at Milton Keynes Central is to close, probably in early April. Concerned about the impact on those who currently use this facility we have been advised that alternative arrangements are being made.
There has been great disenchantment from everyone purchasing tickets; the long queues, lack of staff present on the station concourse and general confusion when using the automatic ticket machines.
Unfortunately the Travelcentre is now much less used than when first opened. Although some travellers do find the services it offers helpful, usage has declined to the extent that it is understandable that London Midland find the need to close it altogether.
To overcome all the above, the concourse at Milton Keynes Central is being re-designed as part of the Stations Improvement Plan. Until this total re-vamp is implemented London Midland will be improving the siting of ticket machines, increase the availability of staff and create a facility for those passengers who do make use of the Travelcentre. We have London Midland’s assurance that the Travelcentre will not be closed until such time as these new arrangements are in place.
MK Rail Users ask that if the new arrangements are unsuitable that travellers contact us with their experiences.
11 February 2009
Not the view shared by
MK Rail Users but the the belief held by one of the industry's rail company leaders. Having suffered in the snows of last week please read two articles in The Times that will strike a chord with rail users in our region.
Click to read Richard Morrison's "My train journey to hell, via Wymondham" and
click to see "Too many trains arrive on time, rail boss complains" by Ben Webster.
So the next time you stand on the platform as a freight train storms through your station, remember, the company that owns that train would prefer you do not arrive on time at your destination.
08 February 2009
With no more snow forecast until Sunday evening at the earliest, the sun shining throughout the region and temperatures rising above freezing. London Midland advised there staff at 2000 last night that they would only be operating a token hourly service from Northampton to Euston.
The London Midland website proclaimed:
Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions in the Northampton and Milton Keynes areas, we're running a very limited service to and from London Euston on Sunday. Plans for Monday will be available here from around 2100 this evening.
MK Rail Users took the following photographs this afternoon and show tracks clear of snow and very capable of running more than this level service.
London Midland have blamed snow ingress into the traction motors of the old 321s for the restrictions they have had to impose. With a good size fleet of the more modern 350s, MK Rail Users do not understand why the timetable had to be limited to only one per hour.
This latest setback for passengers comes against a backdrop of cancelled services in each of the snow days last week. Thankfully Virgin Trains have been accepting Bletchley ticket holders, leaving Bletchley passengers to take other transport back to their home station.
06 February 2009
Rail union RMT have issued the following statement on their website.
"Around 100 RMT conductors working out of London Midland depots at Bletchley, Northampton and Watford Junction are being balloted for strike action over attempts to bully staff into working Sundays.
The move follows the company’s refusal to honour long-standing agreements that former Silverlink staff can opt out of working on Sundays and should receive enhanced payments for working into rest days. The ballot, which opened today, will close on February 18.
“Ten years ago we signed an agreement with Silverlink that conductors did not have to work on Sundays if they gave the company a week’s notice,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said.
“Even before Silverlink gave up the franchise they tried to renege on it, and the company unilaterally imposed a contract on new starters aiming at forcing them to work Sundays. Now we also have London Midland trying to force conductors to work up to 60 hours a week, although the agreement itself has never been amended. To rub salt into the wound the company is trying to discipline our members for exercising their rights."
“This issue has dragged on for far too long and it is time the company to recognise that existing agreements should be observed and talk to us seriously in order to resolve the problem,” Bob Crow said."
The BBC have also reported on this threat to our services,
click here.
Given all the problems that the traveling public have suffered this disclosure comes as another blow. Passengers should also be aware that if strike action is called, London Midland have no statutory obligation to pay compensation for disrupted journeys.
06 February 2009
Passengers trying to travel from the Milton Keynes area yesterday and today were faced with an overwhelming withdrawal of services provided by London Midland. On the surface this may seem understandable given the horrific conditions that faced the train operating companies. However whilst London Midland reduced their offering to a couple of trains per hour Virgin succeeded in running a reasonable service. Staff at our local stations were well in evidence and gave whatever advice they could being unable to give any indication of what to expect and when the next train was due.
Given the lack of information station announcers could only give the advice not to travel. "London Midland can get you to work but we cannot give any promises that we will be able to get you home." station staff advised. Virgin on the other hand gave no such warning and indeed stepped into the breach by introducing more Milton keynes stops on its services. Commuters will remember that in Silverlink days there was an emergency timetable of 4 trains per hour.
In 2008 control of London Midland's Northampton - Euston services was switched from Bletchley to Birmingham and since this move reaction to disruption and communication has been distinctly lacking. To quote one beleaguered individual "'LM only have one person in Birmingham controlling the system and they can't keep up when there are disruptions. It was much better when control was in Bletchley'. Whilst this may not be factually accurate it does illustrate the extent of the apparent helplessness that staff in our region feel. MK Rail Users will be seeking full explanantions from London Midland as soon as possible.
05 February 2009
Season Ticket prices for our area have been fixed by the Government at RPI +1%. With recession now biting hard there is the possibility that the index could fall into negative percentage points. If it falls to 1.1% or below then effectively the Train Operating Companies (TOCs) would have to reduce their fares.
Yesterday, under the headline "Train companies fight to stop fares falling" The Times reported that the TOCs are now lobbying Government to change these terms, agreed upon in inflationary times. Ben Webster's full article can be seen at
Times Online.
04 February 2009
This week has seen the good and bad side of railway operation at Milton Keynes Central.
On Tuesday, commuters waiting for the 06.38 had the train showing 'on time' on the platform 4 display screens. On time the 06.34 arrived on platform 1. Precisely at that point the announcer stated that there was a technical fault with the train indicators (controlled by London Midland from central control Birmingham) and that in fact the 06.38 had been cancelled. Despite the error being the fault of London Midland, the 06.34 was not held at platform 1 and the passengers inconvenienced and made to wait for the next train!
On Wednesday morning however, the 0747 slow train was declared a failure after 10 minutes of arrival. By this time the 0754 fast to London Euston was held at signals north of MKC and the stock for the 0800 had arrived at Platform 2. Within a few minutes the 0754 was switched to platform 3. The announcer duly announced the platform switch and advised passengers that the train would be held until all passengers had crossed to the train. Leaving 15 mins late the train crossed at speed to the fast line immediately south of MKC and this late departure was turned into only a 5 min late arrival at Euston. Passengers on board probably did not appreciate the fact that it is thanks to the multi-million pound investment in the new infrastructure that allowed this slick operation to take place. Network Rail should be congratulated for their quick reaction and to London Midland for holding the train and allowing passengers to join on a different platform. (Incidentally passengers at Hemel Hempsted this morning were not allowed sufficient time to cross for a late platform change; London Midland letting the train depart rather than wait.)
Unfortunately it appeared that gritting of platform 1 / 2 had not taken place and the surface was treacherous with sheet ice. A spokesperson for London Midland explained that de-icing had taken place in the early hours. However a new, less corrosive, substance is now being used but staff are finding that extra applications are needed. In future increased applications will be made as required.
03 February 2009
Passengers passing through MKC and Bletchley may well have missed the poster put up by London Midland showing their performance results and outcome of their last passenger survey.
Overall the Northampton - Euston route performance dived to 61.7%, with commuter services alone at 63.3% .The annual figure of 84.1% highlights the appauling failure of our transport providers.
What is even more revealing is what you, the fare paying passenger, thinks of London Midland. For the results of that survey and London Midland's reaction to it,
click here. Amazingly, despite the fact that in each category the percentage is well below 80%, dropping as low as 38% for handling delays, the overall satisfaction percentage is strangely skewed at 82%. Whilst
MK Rail Users do not doubt that this figure is what the survey "threw up", we do doubt the validty of the questions that so overwhelmingingly damn the operating company but give a reasonable satisfaction rating.
It will not surprise passengers that helpfulness of staff has such a low rating. However the public should not be too quick to castigate staff for not being able to help. The low level of assistance that they have been able to give is a direct result of systematic communication breakdowns within the organisation.
London Midland's explanation also is a sad reflection on how they see the breakdown in our service, laying the blame on everything other than their own inept ability to run our services. All they admit to is "Whilst this combination of issues was particularly challenging, it helped to identify weaknesses in our management process." Both the national and industry press have pulled no punches in laying the blame at the feet of London Midland management. Over this period dozens of trains have been cancelled because of lack of train crew and others teriminated or withdrawn due to rolling stock failures. This cannot be attributed to "weakness in management process" but a total breakdown in management itself.
02 February 2009
Rail services in the south-east today were almost completely obliterated by heavy falls of snow. The West Coast Main Line was not as badly affected as some lines and Virgin Trains and London Midland continued to run a service as conditions and train availability permitted.
Most intending passengers will have appreciated the efforts of the train operating companies to run a service, but again, with the departure board out of order passengers were left in the dark with no staff present at MKC to advise Customers about train departures and the small monitors giving conflicting information.
With snow falling steadily in London and MK, many commuters returned early. However, with travellers wanting up-to-date information on travel possibilities the London Midland website was taken down. Visitors to the site were left with the briefest of messages and no useful information to plan a journey.
Click to view. This left only the Natinal Rail Enquiries site for vital information to get home.
MK Rail Users would like to know your experiences, especially for the journey home,
Contact Us
29 January 2009
Having been deluged with letters of frustration about cancellations, delays and general mismanagement of the services affecting our region, Chair of MK Rail Users, Philip Lawton, called a special closed meeting of the user group Committee on Tuesday 20th January to discuss the crisis on the West Coast route. Not only has the introduction of the new timetable heralded a level of service disruption not seen since 2004, but the economic downturn has led to widespread reports of potential withdrawal of services and reduction in capacity across the network.
Faced with this prospect, MK Rail Users felt compelled to escalate its activity from discussion and persuasion with the railway providers into a major campaign for Milton Keynes, Bletchley and all rail users in the surrounding area. In the coming weeks and months, MK Rail Users will be vigorously lobbying London Midland, the Department for Transport, our two MP's Dr. Phyllis Starkey & Mark Lancaster, The Secretary of State and the Minister for Transport. Our members will be searching through franchise agreements, Government documents, newspaper articles and media presentations to unearth details where the rail authorities have failed in their duties.
MK Rail Users need assistance in this task and call upon the general public to join our Campaign. Let us know of your experiences. We need help from anyone who will give time to search the web and send us links to potentially useful information in our quest.
Click here and join us in our campaign -
CAmpaign for Real Rail
29 January 2009
The £200 million project to increase capacity and reliability at Milton Keynes Central has been completed. The work took two years to complete and is vital given the increase in train services since the new timetable was introduced on December 14.
Network Rail has installed a signalling system incorporating the new track layout and new power and telecoms systems working in conjunction with rail operator London Midland which manages the station. The length of platform one has been increased by 60-metres allowing 12-car trains to run to and from Milton Keynes. More than 150,000 cubic metres of rubble (13,000 truck loads) was removed – 98 per cent of this was recycled for use at building sites - to create a new through line and the new platform six.
Improvements for passengers include five services an hour to London, more 12-car trains running during peak times and significantly improved weekend services. London Midland has also recently introduced an hourly Trent Valley local service, which provides excellent connections with the north stopping at Northampton, Rugby, Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield, Stafford and Stoke.
Milton Keynes South West MP Dr Phyllis Starkey described the completion of the project as ‘fantastic news.’ “This will have a tremendous impact because it increases capacity for passengers and provides a great facility for the future.”
London Midland managing director Steve Banaghan said the investment gave rail operators, such as London Midland, greater flexibility. “We’re seeing the benefits of improved track and London Midland is investing £190 million in 37 new trains, but we recognise it’s also vital to improve our stations,” he said. “The extension of platform one means 12-carriage trains can carry even more London Midland passengers.”
Network Rail’s Head of Programme Investment for West Coast, Stuart Maple, said passengers were beginning to enjoy the benefits of all the hard work completed on the West Coast Mainline.
Milton Keynes Council Cabinet Member for Environmental Services Councillor Chris Williams said the work was great news for Milton Keynes. “This is one of the fastest growing areas in the country so this work is great news as it will provide faster trains and more services.”
26 January 2009
7th January - Michael Lee, Director of Access Planning and Performance for the Office of Rail Regulation, said: “We sympathise totally with passengers who have suffered disruption over the last few days, and expect Network Rail to resolve these problems as quickly as possible.
Click to view full statement
26 January 2009
In the build up to the launch of the Campaign for Real Rail, the introduction of the new Southern service to East Croydon has been omitted from our News & Train Service sections. We are pleased to re-dress that ommission and the service has now been added to our site. This service was, of course to have started on Monday 29th.
Unfortunately having now announced the service, we do of course have to counter this with the news that, what intending passengers know already, the introduction is delayed until the 9th February.
Southern only announced its delay on Monday 26th with a press release saying "At the request of Network Rail, it has been necessary to delay the introduction of Southern train services between Watord Junction and Milton Keynes Central. These extended services are now expected to start on Monday 9 February." This late announcement took many people by surprise and caused inconvenience to many travellers.
See the
Southern website for more information.
21 January 2009
In a united front, heads of Go Ahead, parent company of Go-Via / London Midland, Virgin Trains and 3 other big rail operators met with Transport Secretary, Geoff Hoon on Tuesday as there is a real prospect of passenger numbers falling for the first time in 15 years with the onset of recession becoming a reality.
It is believed that the railways will soon release figures that will show that, in the past year, passenger growth slowed down for the first time in six years. Go-Via took over the old Silverlink franchise and are tied into a tough contract with the Government which assumed continued growth in passenger numbers.
Keith Ludeman, chief executive of Go-Ahead is on record as saying "There is nothing to stop us, if demand falls, going to the department and asking to take services out."
According to The Independent, a DfT spokesman said: "This was one of a regular series of pre-planned meetings the Secretary of State holds with train operating companies. A range of issues was discussed, including the fact that passengers and operating companies are facing uncertain economic times. The companies said passenger numbers were still growing but they would monitor the situation closely. The train operating companies did not propose any cuts in services."
Click to read
The Independent commentary and how other newspapers covered this potential setback for Milton Keynes rail travellers.
21 January 2009
The Government Minister for Transport, Lord Adonis has urged passengers who have suffered misery during the miriad of service failures on the West Coast Main Line, to claim compensation under the Passenger's Charter.
In a 9th January report on the Department for Transport website, Andrew Adonis said:
"This has been a nightmare week for passengers returning to work after the Christmas break, looking forward to an improved service on the West Coast line.
"I strongly urge passengers who suffered from a series of different incidents that disrupted their journeys to claim what they are entitled to. Compensation forms are available at stations, and for passengers from Euston these can also be downloaded from the Virgin and London Midland websites as appropriate."
For further information and links to the Train Operating Companys' websites click on the
Delay / Repay button opposite. The full article can be found on the DfT website,
click here.
Also joining in the the drive to ensure passengers claim compensation is the official public transport watchdog,
Passenger Focus. Following the recent disruption Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus Chief Executive, said: "We passengers must complain and send a clear message to the industry - you cannot treat us like this and we want our money back." Currently only about 41% of passengers delayed by the requisite time always seek a rebate from the culpable train operator.
Passenger Focus are conducting a survey
WHEN YOUR TRAIN IS SIGNIFICANTLY DELAYED DO YOU CLAIM COMPENSATION? Click here to register your vote
21 January 2009
Following the total breakdown of the main arrivals and departure information screen in the main booking hall at Milton Keynes Central, London Midland have announced a £1M scheme to give the flagship station a state of the art information system.
Since the current system was finally turned off, passengers arriving at MKC have had only the small monitor screens for information which only display final destinations and not intermediate stops. Unfortunately staffing difficulties at MKC has meant that it has not always been possible to open the Information kiosk. Passengers however will have to tolerate the current situation until 1st April when London Midland announce the new system will be commissioned.
21 January 2009
Milton Keynes Council last night voted to increase parking charges by up to 40% at Council owned car parks. It is not clear at this moment how Council and MK Partnership car parks used by rail travellers will be effected by this move.
Last year Alex Hynes, Commercial Director of London Midland, who own the car parks at Milton Keynes Central and Bletchley, told MK Rail Users that London Midland take their lead on pricing from moves taken by the Council. One can assume therefore that all users of parking around the station will face similar increases.
16 January 2009
The frustrations of commuting on the West Coast mainline were put into sharp perspective tonight when a fatality between Leighton Buzzard and Bletchley brought the whole route to a standstill for over two and a half hours whilst emergency services attended the scene.
All services out of Euston were cancelled with hundreds of Friday evening travellers left stranded in London to make their own way via other routes from Paddington, Marylebone and St. Pancras.
Services resumed on the slow lines only at about 2100 after a freight train was despatched on the fast line to assist in the recovery of the accident victim. No further details are available at the time of this report but commuters arriving home late at MKC realised the stark reality that sometimes having to cope with poor rail services is probably not the greatest hardship some of us have to bear.
15 January 2009
The tail of woe continued Wednesday night (14 Jan 2009) for Commuters returning home from work when a series of failures led to considerable inconvenience and frustration. As has now become the norm at Euston, announcements were few and far between, ill-timed and unhelpful. MK Rail Users have considerable sympathy for staff 'at the coal face' who are left bewildered by the total absence of information and overwhelming anger of travellers.
Passengers arriving for the 18.13, diagrammed for a 12 car Desiro set, found just 8 cars waiting at the platform, doors locked and no indication of any delay (picture left). At the appointed time, 1813, an announcement was made that the said 1813 would be delayed until 1845 due to delayed incoming stock – the missing four carriages (picture middle). Passengers were advised to make their way to the 1824 Crewe train. Readers looking at their timetables will see that this is an 8 car train. Being a peak time service, it already has little space available. Faced with little prospect of boarding, passengers made their way back to platform 16 to wait for the eventual departure of the 1813. This finally occurred at 1840 and arrived at MKC exactly 30 minutes late (picture right).
MK Rail Users urge Commuters not to abuse staff at Euston. Having spoken to a number of those on the frontline, it is obvious that they are working with an intolerable low level of information and guidance.
Comment. To use an earlier phrase, “it has now become the norm” to keep passengers uninformed and put performance statistics before customer care. With considerable bad publicity, it is only to be hoped that Government and the Rail Regulator sit up and take notice of the ground swell of opinion as expressed to them by the public and user groups like MK Rail Users and bring pressure to bear on London Midland to put their house in order.
15 January 2009
MK Rail Users are grateful to local MP, Dr. Phyllis Starkey who has raised her concerns about recent failures on the West Coast main line with Network Rail. Dr. Starkey, a regular campaigner for improved services in our area, wrote to Network Rail asking for a full explanation of recent disruptions. Click here to see Network Rail's response to Dr. Starkey's concerns.
However, unhappy with their explanantion Dr. Starkey says,
"I do not accept that this series of unconnected failures can be brushed aside as an unfortunate coincidence - it is clear that all the incidents in Network Rail's letter (the aircraft crash apart) indicate failures in their maintenance and inspection procedures. I have stated this in my reply to Iain Coucher and have requested an update on what action Network Rail is taking to improve such procedures and to ensure this disruption does not happen again."
This is indeed very welcome intervention but MK Rail Users believe that the infrastructure failures only serve to mask the ineffective way our rail network is being managed on a day-to-day basis as witnessed in our news reports below.
Dr. Starkey will keep MK Rail Users updated with any replies she receives.
14th January 2009
The MK Rail Users' web site is receiving an increasing amount of correspondence from disgruntled Bletchley travellers. This has come to a head in the last two days when on consecutive mornings two trains failed to pick up their passengers and raises serious questions about London Midland's commitment to its passengers and also consistency of approach to safety.
On Tuesday morning, commuter Clair arrived at Bletchley for a late running 6:39 fast service to London Euston only to be told that it would not stopping at Bletchley The reason given - it needed to make to make up lost time. Instead passengers were herded onto the slow 6:55 service, arriving at London Euston a half hour later than planned. MK Rail Users ask whether or not passengers are being inconvenienced for the sake of performance statistics?
The second incidence occurred on the 0752 this morning (14 Jan 2009) which pulled into Bletchley on time. Kellie, who needs this train to make an onward connection at Watford to get to her place of work, and Simon, who e-mailed us from the train, reported this serious breach of passenger care and safety. It appeared there was a door failure and the train doors failed to open. After 20 minutes of total inactivity, the train departed with those wishing to alight still on board and those wanting to make their way to work stranded on the platform. To make matters worse neither the passengers on the train, nor those on the platform, received any announcements either before, during or after the train arrived and departed.
Whilst the delays caused are inconvenient, the safety breach of a train travelling along the main line, whose doors will not open, cannot be overstated.
Both on the willingness to sacrifice passenger satisfaction to, we assume, maximise performance statistics and the apparent safety breach MK Rail Users will be making strong representations to London Midland.
13th January 2009
Angry commuters surrounded the management team of London Midland and vented their frustrations at recent network and performance breakdowns. Following record levels of complaints LM management were out in force to meet their public and, according to reports, were in an apologetic mood. The photograph below taken at 8.30 shows London Midland Managing Director, Steve Banaghan, out of sight, totally surrounded by newly arrived Commuters on their way to work.
Gareth, a regular commuter gave us his findings from his meeting with one of the managers.
Lack of information at the stations and on the web
They have received a lot of negative feedback and are looking to resolve this.
Since the 14th December performance has been totally unacceptable, the delay refund payment is not acceptable. What is the possibility of the month being refunded?
There is a good chance that there will be a full or partial refund for the month. This depends on feedback from the customers, the delays need to be listed with a letter to customer service (address is on the Delay Repay form). The greater the number that compalin the greater the possibility of a refund
Old Rolling Stock still being used!
All class 321 rolling stock to be replaced by July on a one-for-one basis but eight 4 car Class 321 sets are to be refurbished and added to the fleet to increase the fleet size.
6% increase for season ticket holders unacceptable especially as the level of service has reduced
Agreed but they are unable to reverse the changes.
Why do rail companies need time "to bed in" especially when most business have to react instantly.
The manager calculated the amount of staff on the lines incorrectly and took responsibility for this. He apologise and said sorry. This should now be resolved.
If my delay is less than 30 mins, for example 20 mins, how can you say they train is not late?
They are reviewing this, if you write a letter to customer relations you are likely to get a partial refund.
Thank you to Gareth for taking time to contact us. Have you anything to report from your meeting with the Managers? If so tell us!
In the meantime, if you're feeling let down by London Midland write and complain to their Customer Relations Department. If enough complaints are received then the we, the travelling public, MAY receive a refund.
Following the difficulties on Wednesday, commuters from London thought it could not get worse, but how wrong they were come their journey home on Thursday. Network Rail who run Euston Station and London Midland joined forces to contrive a farce that ranks alongside the best that Brian Rix produced in days gone by.
Received in our mail box yesterday came this classic from one commuter, bereft of patience but with sufficient life left to put digit to keyboard in a final act of defiance. You could not make it up ...
"I have come to the conclusion that LM and Euston staff in general are now beyond total incompetence - they raise the concept to a totally new level.
I went for the 17:46 tonight and when I arrived there was a 12 car set, as expected, on platform 18 but as yet not indicated. When I went to the indicators at the top of the ramp the commuters were all gathering expectantly at the indicator screens where the train was shown but with no platform. It showed "on time".
Eventually at about 17:30ish the indicator board showed the train at platform 18 to be the Tring train. A few minutes later the 17:46 was shown to be on platform 8 - still on time. The people wanting Tring went one way whilst those wanting the 17:46 went the other - chaos ensued. When I got to platform 8, I checked the indicator board on the platform and it showed as the correct train - it was a 12 car new Desiro. On cue at departure time, 17:46, the driver announced to us that this was .... the Tring train but did not say where the 17:46 was.
The LM people in the box at the end of platforms 8 - 11 went to ground and people were shouting at them to make an announcement as to where the 17:46 was - we discovered that indeed it was the one on platform 18. It was like a Buster Keaton film with a 12 car set of Tring commuters heading to platform 8 whilst we headed for 18 with Virgin passengers attempting to cross the tide to intervening platforms. If ever there was a Health and Safety issue this was it.
After rushing to platform 18 and securing a seat we were then told by the driver that his guard was on a late incoming train and we wouldn't leave until at least 18:10. At this point I would say that I had talked to a group of 6 or 7 LM crew who had no idea what was going on. There were very few announcements over the tannoy and the few I did hear only referred to the 17:46 once. How they can show a train as being "on time" when it is a clear impossibility is beyond me.
Those in charge, including their Managing Directors, should hang their heads in shame."
This level of incompetency from railway professionals is totally unacceptable and MKRU have written to those involved to take urgent and drastic action to finally put an end to ineffective management at times of disruption.
Virgin Trains launched their new 14th December faster timetable with considerable media hype. Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and the North West & Glasgow now reached from London in record time and with an increased frequency
As part of these improvements Milton Keynes now benefits from a fast hourly service to Manchester, Birmingham and Chester, although Liverpool and the North West have all but disappeared from the direct timetable.
Virgin however made no mention in their publicity of the restrictions they have imposed on the off peak traveller to London from MKC. A Milton Keynes pensioner, a regular traveller to London, brought to our attention the changes they have made that restrict travel. Now it is not possible to travel on Virgin off peak into London on any train that arrives before 10:55 (this was 10:00), 1 minute after the 10:19 arrives. This unadvertised restriction has taken the industry by surprise, the alternative London Midland services are only 4 car.
Passenger Focus, the guardian of passenger rights, were unaware but are now seeking talks with the rail authorities to fight a number of increased restrictions imposed by Virgin Trains along with the new timetable.
In the meantime MK Rail Users have made representations to London Midland to see what can be done to strengthen the trains now taking the strain from those evicted from Virgin Trains.
7th and 8th January 2009
National and local headlines berated Network Rail today as overhead lines came down again bringing the whole of the West Coast mainline to a standstill for rail travel to, from and through our region.
MK Rail Users Committee Meeting, being held at Milton Keynes Central (MKC) on Tuesday night, was interupted by news that a Virgin train had become entangled in the overhead wires in the southern section of our line. Paul Bryan, Group Station Manager for MKC & Bletchley, was immediately called away from the meeting to implement emergency procedures for those needing onward transport from MKC.
Working through the night local London Midland staff ensured that when the morning rush got under way, there would be sufficient coaches to take commuters and those arriving at MKC from the north to Luton Parkway to continue their journey to London on First Capital Connect.
Throughout the morning MKC staff ensured that Customers were kept informed of developments. Coaches were despatched regularly and the effects of the disruption kept to a minimum.
MK Rail Users' Chair, Philip Lawton, arrived at MKC at 07:45, finally arriving at work in the West End at 10:10. "Paul's team worked hard to ensure everybody was informed and within 5 minutes of arrival in the ticket hall, I was on my way to Luton." Judging by cars in the car parks, many MK commuters decided to stay at home.
Commuters from Bletchley however were less fortunate. At 06:30, initially being told to go via the Bedford line at a time when the Bedford service was cancelled, passengers were then told there would be a train shortly to MKC to catch the coaches to Luton. With no appearnce of trains, British Transport police intervened and advised passengers not to travel. With the operation at MKC described as 'professional' by one commuter, MKRU will be discussing potential solutions with local management for the Bletchley traveller.
Given the severity of the crisis, the morning commute was handled well at MKC. How different returning commuters were treated on their return in the evening. The following photographs were taken at Euston but, whereas sufficient staff were present in the morning to keep everybody up-to-date, London Midland staff were conspicuous by their absence and the last photograph sums up what we have come to expect at times of crises.
With no platforms indicated on the departure boards, travellers should be able to turn to staff for help, but as in times past, the LM information point was closed. MK Rail Users are actively lobbying LM management to once and for all introduce effective emergency procedures to get beleagured travellers back home.
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Christmas TimetablesBoth London Midland and Virgin Trains have published details of the train services operating over the period between Christmas and New Year. The details can be found at:
Virgin Trains
London Midland
National Rail Enquiries have also published Xmas timetables which can be found at:
Virgin Trains
London Midland
Engineering Works - December 2008London Midland have posted details of engineering works during December 2008. Details can be found
here
Major Blockages until Spring 2009
London Midland have provided
MK Rail Users with details of major line blockages that will affect rail users from both Milton Keynes Central and Bletchley stations.
Details can be found
hereOlder News Stories can be found
here
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