The Anonymous Widower

Gibb Report – Options For Change

This paragraph is from the Gibb Report, and is labelled Options for Change.

I have quickly reviewed the current operation with both a short term and long-term perspective.

There is a widely held view that GTR is too large, with over 6,000 employees and a diverse group of routes and brands 

The 2018 Thameslink project is the priority, and focus on that is necessary as the project remains high risk on many levels.

Much change and dependency between Southern and Thameslink people and activities will be necessary during this period.

Meanwhile GTR is under significant pressure in respect of industrial action and the poorly performing
Southern services.

It says a lot, with which I agree.

1. GTR is too large and diverse.
2. Thameslink is the priority
3. GTR is under significant pressure in respect of industrial action and poor Southern performance.

I do wonder how much points one and three are related.

I live in East London and when I moved here in 2010, rail services on the Lea Valley Lines were run by Abellio Greater Anglia, from a Head Office in Norwich.

• Trains and stations were in poor condition and could have done with a very deep clean.
• Staff appeared demotivated and were probably worried about their prospects.
• Stations were an information-free zone.
• Booking offices were not offering a first class service.

Was it out-of-sight-and-out-of-mind management?

Since May 2015, the Lea Valley Lines have been run by London Overground.

• Staffing levels have improved.
• Trains have been refreshed and are more reliable.
• Stations are much cleaner.
• Booking offices have improved.
• Information at stations is now comprehensive.
• New ticket machines have been added.
• Staff appear to be more motivated.

If you look at the passenger figures for Hackney Downs station, which I use regularly, they are increasing faster than they were.

It will be interesting to see how things improve with the delivery of new Class 710 trains.

So judging on my experience with the Lea Valley Lines being taken from Abellio and given to London Overground, I very much agree with some of Chris Gibbs recommendations to prune some routes and services from GTR. These posts deal with his pruning.

• Ashford – Hastings Route Should Be Transferred To The New Southeastern Franchise
• East Croydon – Milton Keynes Route Should Be Transferred To London Overground
• Gatwick Airport Station Should Be Transferred To Gatwick Airport
• Moorgate Services Could Be Transferred To The London Overground

I suspect more could be done.

July 8, 2017 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Gibb Report, Govia Thameslink Railway, Greater Anglia, Lea Valley Lines, London Overground