14.03.14
FGW fights overcrowding with first class conversion contract
Overcrowding on First Great Western (FGW) trains could soon be eased after the operator secured an agreement with the DfTto increase standard class capacity on all its HSTs, by converting some first class carriages.
The deal will create around 3,000 more standard class seats a day for customers across the network and deliver nearly 16% more standard class accommodation on high speed services into London in the busy morning peak.
Mark Hopwood, FGW’s managing director, added that “ultimately, the only long-term solution to busy services is more trains”.
The new IEP stock does not start coming into service on the Great Western Main Line until December 2017.
“Therefore, the conversion of these carriages to create more standard class seating is ‘crucial’ in the interim period,” Hopwood said.
The first completed carriages are expected to be running by June 2014, with the entire fleet completed by late summer 2015.The programme to provide additional standard class seats is being funded by the DfT, while the changes to first class accommodation are being funded by FGW.
The conversion work will be carried out by Wabtec at Kilmarnock.
In addition to the standard class re-seating, work will be undertaken to refresh the remaining first class accommodation, 1.5 carriages per train, recognising the importance of this to commuter, business and leisure customers.
FGW said this activity will include realignment of single seats, installation of privacy screens, more comfortable headrests, re-covered seats, new carpets and other changes designed to improve the experience for first class customers.
Speaking to media, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin added that for too long the south west has been left behind when it comes to investment.
“There are few things more annoying than walking past first class carriage with spare seats only to find there aren’t any in standard. People have the right to be able sit down, particularly on long journeys,” he added.
(Image copyright: Kevin R Boyd)
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