Bye Bye First Capital Connect

[HawkTheSeagull]

It is FCCs last day of operation today as tomorrow their franchise is taken over by Govia, who also operate Southern and Southeastern.

All former FCC services will be rebranded as "Thameslink" again. Southern and Thameslink will then merge in the near future.

Cant say many people will be sad about this, hopefully things start to improve quickly......until a Thameslink train fails on Monday morning screwing up most of Sussex.

 

[Beach Hut]

Indeed, some of us have very early starts tomorrow morning checking the migration works correctly.

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Can't say I've ever noticed much of a difference in service between Southern and FCC ( both are pretty dire ) but at least the Southern rolling stock is of decent quality - hopefully they'll introduce it to FCC services as well.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Can't say I've ever noticed much of a difference in service between Southern and FCC ( both are pretty dire ) but at least the Southern rolling stock is of decent quality - hopefully they'll introduce it to FCC services as well.

That works well until it snows. Then the trains stop running in the following order:

1st to stop running (almost immediately the first flake falls) - Gatwick Express
2nd - Southern (shortly after the second flake falls)
3rd - FCC/Thameslink (continue to run their rudimentary box cars flashing and sparking like crazy through any amount of snow until Network Rail hoist the white flag)

 

[Husty]

Really annoying. The cheap FCC only tickets were just about the only thing on the line approaching value for money. I envisage even more child singles to Preston Park in the future for me.

 

[HawkTheSeagull]

Can't say I've ever noticed much of a difference in service between Southern and FCC ( both are pretty dire ) but at least the Southern rolling stock is of decent quality - hopefully they'll introduce it to FCC services as well.

The older FCC stock is being withdrawn and replaced shortly. Same with Southern, they are also withdrawing the older stock, including the unsuitable Gatwick Express trains.

Probably apt that Thameslink tomorrow start with a bus replacement as well between Haywards Heath and Brighton.

 

[sparkie]

Worst Crapital DisConnect.

Won't be missed.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Probably apt that Thameslink tomorrow start with a bus replacement as well between Haywards Heath and Brighton.

Hate that Thameslink name, always associate it with the thoroughly discredited evil rail empire of the period that included Connex and Railtrack that brought misery to millions.

 

[Notters]

Can't say I've ever noticed much of a difference in service between Southern and FCC ( both are pretty dire ) but at least the Southern rolling stock is of decent quality - hopefully they'll introduce it to FCC services as well.

I actually much prefer the fcc trains. The seats are more comfortable, you can open the window and they don't bounce around QUITE as much.

 

[Sergei's Celebration]

I actually much prefer the fcc trains. The seats are more comfortable, you can open the window and they don't bounce around QUITE as much.

Eh The Fcc seats are like cheap garden furniture.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Indeed, some of us have very early starts tomorrow morning checking the migration works correctly.

Does that involve stocktaking

 

[pcol]

As someone that only uses the train at the weekend I couldn't care less about the quality, just the prices. FCC win hands down at that.

 

[The Birdman]

What about better deals for football fans getting to Falmer! And away matches.

 

[dazzer6666]

As a London bound commuter, I go out of my way where I can to avoid FCC trains (not always easy given I go in and out of London. Bridge unfortunately). Decrepit, uncomfortable, badly designed heaps of shite that are often cancelled at short notice. Goodbye and good riddance.

 

[studio150]

FCC seats better? Come on try taking a seat opposite an occupied seat. and your legs are wrapped around your head. FCC seats are designed for children and adults from the 1700s when the average height was much smaller

 

[Bry Nylon]

Govia has got to be one of the most appropriate names for a train operator.

"Go via replacement bus service due to over-running engineering works..."

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

This wouldn't happen in Germany.

 

[Bry Nylon]

This wouldn't happen in Germany.

Very true.

The only bad thing about German trains is that traveling on one means you are in Germany.

 

[EDS]

Very true.

The only bad thing about German trains is that traveling on one means you are in Germany.

Not to mention likely to be travelling with Germans as well

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

Will this effect train times etc on Monday?