Virgin Trains West Coast -Sign the e-petition

[Tony Towner's Fridge]

Slightly off topic I know but for those, like me, who want to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the removal of Virgin from the West Coast rail franchise, you can sign the on-line petition at

Reconsider West Coast Mainline franchise decision - e-petitions


for the record, Virgin took this franchise over when the service was absolute garbage. Their West Coast Pendelino service is now top class and a joy to use. So what do the government do? They give the next 14 years franchise to First Group. For those who have used First Group's train services through out the uK , they are Conference standard at best.

This decision is rubbish and does not award performance in anyway at all.


Hopefully the 100,000 signatures are obtained and the decision can be challenged in some way.


TNBA

TTF

 

[Leekbrookgull]

Just signed. I am going to see my M/P about this (Karen Bradley Con) but she won't do anything a CMD newbie.

 

[martyn20]

Don't think there is much that can be done about it now, Virgin just have to decide if they will be around to pick up the pieces when First Group screw it all up

 

[Beach Hut]

Don't think there is much that can be done about it now, Virgin just have to decide if they will be around to pick up the pieces when First Group screw it all up

Au contraire as I understand the figures are already been re-examined that First have proposed

 

[martyn20]

Au contraire as I understand the figures are already been re-examined that First have proposed

I think that is because Virgin have logged an appeal saying the First Group cannot provide a service at the cost they have quoted, First are convinced they can.

 

[Driver8]

I use this loads so have signed it.

 

[Leekbrookgull]

Firstgroup in the Trade are known as WorseGroup !! What does that tell you ? http://www.moneyweek.com/investment-advice/share-tips/sell-firstgroup-west-coast-mainline-bid-23300

 

[butchy]

The west coast mainline has improved drastically in the last decade with comfort, speed and some bargain prices if booked early....petition signed

 

[jackalbion]

I doubt due to the petition the government will change its mind they get the most money from first that's that were stuck with first and we can't do anything about it

 

[WSU]

OK I give up! What does 'TNBA' at the bottom of all your posts stand for? I've done some searching and all I can come up with is 'The New Adventures of Batman' and 'Tri-n-butyl Aluminium' ??

 

[WSU]

P.s I'll sign the petition later as the Virgin trains really are nicer.

 

[Albion Dan]

Having worked on the Virgin bid team it is humbling to see so many people as outraged as we are. Yhe irony is that in the first five years, we would have paid more to govt than First, which is when the country needs the cash most! The payment profile from that point on by First then becomes crazy and cynically when we believe they will toss back the keys.

 

[ali jenkins]

First are going to buy the Pendolino trains arent they?

 

[pork pie]

WHY? Now, I have not got trains on that side of the country for years, so I cannot comment upon Virgin's performance.

HOWEVER, I do regularly go out of my way to ensure I use First Hull Trains' service. It is outstanding.

I have seen that First intend to bring several important places back into the mainline network. That coupled with their excellent service elsewhere would lead me to suggest that people look at the facts rather than simply jump on the beardy twat's bangwagon.

 

[surrey jim]

Number of signatures: 69,086, not sure how long the petition has been up but can see it hitting 100k comfortably

 

[pork pie]

Having worked on the Virgin bid team it is humbling to see so many people as outraged as we are. Yhe irony is that in the first five years, we would have paid more to govt than First, which is when the country needs the cash most! The payment profile from that point on by First then becomes crazy and cynically when we believe they will toss back the keys.

Hardly an unbiased view then is it? Frankly, the train services need investment to improve them. Not money going to the Exchequer.

On a more personal note, it is nice to see Branson loose out on something now that his Labour cronies have been shown the door.

 

[Driver8]

WHY? Now, I have not got trains on that side of the country for years, so I cannot comment upon Virgin's performance.

HOWEVER, I do regularly go out of my way to ensure I use First Hull Trains' service. It is outstanding.

I have seen that First intend to bring several important places back into the mainline network. That coupled with their excellent service elsewhere would lead me to suggest that people look at the facts rather than simply jump on the beardy twat's bangwagon.

Or perhaps some of us use the Virgin service regularly and enjoy its service and punctuality and don't want it to change?

There are a hundred or so Albion fans who wouldn't agree with you on Hull trains service either.

 

[Blackcap]

Signed. There are no circumstances under which the installation of First Group as franchisee of anything can be considered an improvement.

 

[pork pie]

Or perhaps some of us use the Virgin service regularly and enjoy its service and punctuality and don't want it to change?

There are a hundred or so Albion fans who wouldn't agree with you on Hull trains service either.

Maybe they should look at the facts about Saturday's delays then? They were down to Network Rail.

I can only speak as I find, and suggest that as Virgin is a very over-hyped brand, people look at First's offering in detail before whinging.

 

[Driver8]

Maybe they should look at the facts about Saturday's delays then? They were down to Network Rail.

I can only speak as I find, and suggest that as Virgin is a very over-hyped brand, people look at First's offering in detail before whinging.

I have been using Virgin West coast for over 10 years and use it 3 or 4 times a month at least. It's nothing to do with the brand just good punctual reliable service.

Like you say you are in no position to comment as you don't use it.