TfL’s Reaction To The Gospel Oak To Barking Problem
In Gospel Oak-Barking Fleet Plan Remains Unclear, I wrote a section, which was entitled.The Situation On The Gospel Oak To Barking Line Is Critical.
I quoted the headings of this page on the Barking-Gospel Oak Rail User Group web site which was their latest newsletter.
- Train Service On Brink Of Collapse
- Not Enough Trains For Viable Service
- TfL Has No Idea When New Trains Will Be Fit For Service
- Rail Users Demand Mayor Takes Action To Restore Reliable Train Service Now
- Rail Users Demand Compensation After Years Of Misery
It was all strong stuff.
The Barking-Gospel Oak User Group have now published a reply from TfL.
This is an extract.
I am very sorry for the continuing delay to the introduction of the new trains. I want to assure you that we are working very hard with all parties to bring the new trains into passenger service as soon as possible. However, the manufacturer, Bombardier Transportation has still not been able to fix the software problems that are causing the delays. Together with the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor for Transport, we are continuing to push hard to get the trains running as soon as possible.
As you know, we extended the lease on the diesel trains currently running on the line to account for the delay to the new trains. One of these trains will soon need to be released for use elsewhere in the country, with the remaining trains due to be released by mid March.
Given the continuing delays to the new trains, we are now exploring the option of modifying some other London Overground trains for temporary use on this line. There are a number of
considerations that need to be resolved before we can confirm whether this is possible. We are
testing a modified train on the line and expect to make a decision on whether it is possible to
operate it later this month.
So it looks like TfL are working towards running Class 378 trains on the route.
From the statement, it appears that one train is required soon and upwards of five are needed by mid-March.
As I indicated in Gospel Oak-Barking Fleet Plan Remains Unclear, five trains could be released by reducing the Stratford and Clapham Junction service from four trains per hour to two.
It would be tight, but the problem would be solved by the successful acceptance of a few Class 710 trains.
January 16, 2019 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Class 378 Train, Class 710 Train, Gospel Oak And Barking Line, Transport for London
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The Anonymous Widower 
tfl have plenty of spare 315s!!
Comment by Mick Hewitt | January 16, 2019 |
They do, but they are only 25 KVAC overhead and TfL’s plan appears to be to share the GOBLIN fleet with the Watford DC Line one. Both services will be stabled at at Willesden TMD and I suspect they can share trains. This might help in case of breakdown, as the spares can serve both routes.
As the 172s are stabled at Willesden now, it probably means drivers are based there.
The 315s would probably need to go to Ilford for servicing, which appears to be a complicated trip.
Would the drivers be happy to relocate?
One question I’d like answered, is how similar are the 172s and 378s to drive? After all they were both built by Bombardier at around the same time. So a lot of things could be similar.
Comment by AnonW | January 16, 2019 |
Given the North London Line used to have Class 313 trains which are like sister trains to Class 315s it’s a pity the possibility of using Class 315 trains off TFL Rail which being 8 carriages breaks down into 2×4 carriage trains . There might even be drivers at Willesden Depot who used to drive 313s who could be more easily trained for 315s on a temporary basis thus keeping GOBLIN operational until the new trains can be introduced.
This reminds me of Scottie in Star Trek who disabled a new Star Ship by removing a few pieces with the phrase ” the more advanced they get the easier they are to disable!” .
Comment by Melvyn | January 16, 2019 |
I’ve just put up a post, which could explain the problem.
Comment by AnonW | January 16, 2019 |