Many thanks to everyone who has read, rated, and commented on my reviews, and apologies for neglecti...
Many thanks to everyone who has read, rated, and commented on my reviews, and apologies for neglecting Ciao... I'm only on here a few times every year at the moment....
Member since:08.08.2005
Reviews:8
Members who trust:21
Original title (but too long for Ciao) - How many people can you fit in the cab vestibule of a class 175?
*A BRIEF NOTE ABOUT THE COMPANY, AND THE ROUTES RUN BY IT.* First Transpennine express was formed when the long-distance routes run by First North Western, and Arriva Trains Northern were removed, and merged into a single franchise/company in February 2004. This quite new franchise, has been granted for 8 years, and is jointly operated by First Group, and Keolis.
This new franchise is split into three routes:
North Trans Pennine- These trains run from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne , Middlesbrough, Scarborough, and Hull via Leeds and Huddersfield, to Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport, and Liverpool Lime Street.
South Trans Pennine- Trains from Cleethorpes and Grimsby, via Scunthorpe, Doncaster, and Sheffield, to Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport.
As you can see, the Manchester area is a main hub for First Trans Pennine Express services. At Manchester Piccadilly, services from the Huddersfield direction which are travelling to Manchester Airport are routed into one of the bay platforms. Here, they reverse the direction of travel, and proceed towards the Airport. Services To/From Liverpool, and destinations on the North West section all use one of two through platforms.
*THE ROLLING STOCK* First Trans Pennine Express uses three types of rolling stock- One older type, and two new types. The class 158's are the older type of trains which were built between 1989 and 1992. The majority, if not all of these trains are formed of 3 carriages. Trans Pennine Express originally had 45 of these trains. The maximum speed is 90 m.p.h. The interior of some of these trains looks a little bit tired, but most are in a good condition.
The class 175's are a mixture of 2 and 3 carriage trains. These are the first of two new kinds of train which FTPE has. The interior is a step up from the 158's, with electronic displays displaying station stops etc. The seats are pretty comfortable. Leg room was o.k. as well. That's if you actually get a seat. The majority of journeys I've had on 175's have been between Salford Crescent and Manchester Piccadilly over the weekend. (5-10 minute journey) On one Sunday in the past, the train was so packed, that i was crammed in the vestibule behind the drivers cab. At Deansgate, because of the sheer number of passengers onboard, some people who were trying to get off, couldn't get to the door in time and had to wait until Manchester Oxford Road.
The class 185's are the newest trains which Trans Pennine Express own. These trains are formed of three carriages. I'm afraid I've not been on one yet, so can't comment further on them.
*THE COST* The majority of fares on FTPE services aren't company specific fares, meaning they aren't actually priced by First Trans Pennine Express. On some routes however, FTPE have a range of buy-in-advance return tickets, which are cheaper than the normal Cheap Day Return/ Saver Return/ Fist Day /Open Return. These are quite good value, but are train specific, and sometimes only a small amount cheaper than the ordinary return.
*PUNCTUALITY* The majority of services I've been on in the North West region have been punctual. However, some of the Trans Pennine Routes suffer delays every so often. I can't really comment further personally until I use the company more often.
*FIRST CLASS* Available on the majority of services , but not the North West region, a first class carriage is available on all class 158's and 185's, offering 2+1 seating (bigger seats), tables, curtains, chargers, and a small at-seat service. The at-seat service is average, with complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits. Weekend First is available for £6.
*A USEFUL LINK*-
First Transpennine Express has a website, which is http://www.tpexpress.co.uk/ . This has useful information about many aspects of your journey, including timetables, train running, ticket information, and station information. I personally find it very easy to navigate through, and there's also a site map if you need one.
*MY PERSONAL OPINION OF FIRST TRANSPENNINE EXPRESS (Summary) * First Trans Pennine is a good company which has the majority of trains running on time. The main problem is with the class 175's not having many seats, especially on Sundays when there's a reduced service anyway. I personally recommend the company on Trans Pennine routes, but less-so on a 175.
An interesting review of something I am unlikely to travel on, given my location.
Bens__mummy 17.12.2006 22:42
Great review. Em. x
RICHADA 17.12.2006 19:30
As one who knows nothing at all about railways, rolling stock etc, but who IS interested in all things engineering / transport I found that a very interesting review. Richard.
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Advantages: pretty much everything about the company is good Disadvantages: many engineering works on route can often cause severe disruption
DC-DanielColeflax 15.04.2007 (20.07.2007)
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Review of Arriva Transpennine Express
Advantages: pretty much everything about the company is good Disadvantages: many engineering works on route can often cause severe disruption
DC-DanielColeflax 15.04.2007 (20.07.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Arriva Transpennine Express
Dec 17th, 2006
very helpful by (93%):
helpful by (7%):
