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Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Dec 2019,Virgin Trains,franchise,TOC,train operating company,delays,complaints,WBQ,train,rail,railway,UK,England,British Rail,British,Avanti West Coast,re-brand,rebranded,new brand,Avanti FirstGroup TrenItalia,Warrington,Cheshire,advert,advertisement,publicity,evening,WCP,platform,station,WA1,Keep away from Platform edge,red,orange,West Coast,poor service,cancelled,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AJRRJE - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that began operating the West Coast Partnership franchise on 8 December 2019. It replaced Virgin Trains, which had operated the franchise since 1997.
In November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be superseded by the West Coast Partnership (WCP), which would include operating High Speed 2 (HS2) services from 2026.
The DfT required that bidders have experience in high-speed trains and infrastructure, hence all partnered with an existing high-speed operator. In June 2017, the DfT announced that three consortia had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise:
FirstGroup (70%) / Trenitalia (30%)
MTR Corporation (75%) / Guangshen Railway Company (25%)
Stagecoach (50%) / SNCF (30%) / Virgin Group (20%)
In August 2019 the DfT awarded the franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium with Avanti West Coast to commence operations on 8 December 2019. Some uncertainty remains as the Competition and Markets Authority launched a merger inquiry into the award of the franchise following a referral from the European Commission
Avanti West Coast initially operates the same services as Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line. When High Speed 2 opens, it will also operate these services.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Dec 2019,Virgin Trains,franchise,TOC,train operating company,delays,complaints,WBQ,train,rail,railway,UK,England,British Rail,British,Avanti West Coast,re-brand,rebranded,new brand,Avanti FirstGroup TrenItalia,Warrington,Cheshire,advert,advertisement,publicity,evening,Class390,WCP,Pendolino,platform,station,EMU,WA1,Platform two,Platform 2,delayed,cancelled
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AJRRJM - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that began operating the West Coast Partnership franchise on 8 December 2019. It replaced Virgin Trains, which had operated the franchise since 1997.
In November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be superseded by the West Coast Partnership (WCP), which would include operating High Speed 2 (HS2) services from 2026.
The DfT required that bidders have experience in high-speed trains and infrastructure, hence all partnered with an existing high-speed operator. In June 2017, the DfT announced that three consortia had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise:
FirstGroup (70%) / Trenitalia (30%)
MTR Corporation (75%) / Guangshen Railway Company (25%)
Stagecoach (50%) / SNCF (30%) / Virgin Group (20%)
In August 2019 the DfT awarded the franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium with Avanti West Coast to commence operations on 8 December 2019. Some uncertainty remains as the Competition and Markets Authority launched a merger inquiry into the award of the franchise following a referral from the European Commission
Avanti West Coast initially operates the same services as Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line. When High Speed 2 opens, it will also operate these services.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Dec 2019,Virgin Trains,franchise,TOC,train operating company,delays,complaints,WBQ,train,rail,railway,UK,England,British Rail,British,Avanti West Coast,re-brand,rebranded,new brand,Avanti FirstGroup TrenItalia,Warrington,Cheshire,advert,advertisement,publicity,evening,WCP,platform,station,WA1,Warrington Bank Quay Sign,Bank Quay Sign,platform two,Trains South,London Train,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AJRRKF - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that began operating the West Coast Partnership franchise on 8 December 2019. It replaced Virgin Trains, which had operated the franchise since 1997.
In November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be superseded by the West Coast Partnership (WCP), which would include operating High Speed 2 (HS2) services from 2026.
The DfT required that bidders have experience in high-speed trains and infrastructure, hence all partnered with an existing high-speed operator. In June 2017, the DfT announced that three consortia had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise:
FirstGroup (70%) / Trenitalia (30%)
MTR Corporation (75%) / Guangshen Railway Company (25%)
Stagecoach (50%) / SNCF (30%) / Virgin Group (20%)
In August 2019 the DfT awarded the franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium with Avanti West Coast to commence operations on 8 December 2019. Some uncertainty remains as the Competition and Markets Authority launched a merger inquiry into the award of the franchise following a referral from the European Commission
Avanti West Coast initially operates the same services as Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line. When High Speed 2 opens, it will also operate these services.
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,WC,loo,toilet,pan,Virgin toilet,Virgin down the toilet,number two,number one,engaged,flush,WCML,TOC,Train Operating Company,toilet engaged,carriage toilet,down the toilet,talking,talking toilet,Richard Branson,Branson,West Coast Main Line,Virgin Trains talking toilet,sign,sticker,train carriage,rail,railway,public convenience,public conveniences,information,blockages,blocking the toilet,toilet blocked,dirty,clean,humour,toilet seat,out of order
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PB6G53 - Virgin introduces talking train lavatories
Virgin Trains has turned to humour to tackle the vexed problem of blocked lavatories
In the heyday of British Rail, gentlemen were urged to lift the seat when using the lavatories,
Now rather more explicit instructions are being given to passengers on Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Trains services to the west midlands, north west England and Scotland.
After the lavatory door shuts passengers are greeted with a pre-recorded message.
It declares: Please don't flush nappies, sanitary towels, paper towels, gum, old phones, unpaid bills, junk mail, your ex's sweater, hopes, dreams or goldfish down this toilet.
Lavatories have already been adapted on the fleet of 20 Voyager trains and work is under way on its 56 tilting Pendolino trains.
At times there have been problems with lavatories being blocked by inappropriate items flushed down the bowl.
Passenger forums suggest that the issue of blocked lavatories is a major source of annoyance for the travelling public
This has prompted Virgin, which earlier this year was given an extension of its franchise on the West Coast Main Line, to act.
When lavatories get blocked it means trains have to be taken out of service, a spokesman said.
It is also a huge inconvenience to passengers especially on a long trip.
We wanted to do something which would grab people's attention and a talking toilet does get the message across.
They are being well received, but time will tell. We're trying to face a serious issue in a chummy, informal way.
The initiative was welcomed by Antony Smith, chief executive of the consumer watchdog, Passenger Focus.
It can be frustrating to find that toilets are out of order or blocked, so hopefully the announcements will help this happen less.
Anything that gets useful information across to passengers in a fun way is to be welcomed.
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,WC,loo,toilet,pan,Virgin toilet,Virgin down the toilet,number two,number one,engaged,flush,WCML,TOC,Train Operating Company,toilet engaged,carriage toilet,down the toilet,talking,talking toilet,Richard Branson,Branson,West Coast Main Line,Virgin Trains talking toilet,sign,sticker,train carriage,rail,railway,public convenience,public conveniences,information,blockages,blocking the toilet,toilet blocked,dirty,clean,humour,toilet seat,out of order
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PB6G55 - Virgin introduces talking train lavatories
Virgin Trains has turned to humour to tackle the vexed problem of blocked lavatories
In the heyday of British Rail, gentlemen were urged to lift the seat when using the lavatories,
Now rather more explicit instructions are being given to passengers on Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Trains services to the west midlands, north west England and Scotland.
After the lavatory door shuts passengers are greeted with a pre-recorded message.
It declares: Please don't flush nappies, sanitary towels, paper towels, gum, old phones, unpaid bills, junk mail, your ex's sweater, hopes, dreams or goldfish down this toilet.
Lavatories have already been adapted on the fleet of 20 Voyager trains and work is under way on its 56 tilting Pendolino trains.
At times there have been problems with lavatories being blocked by inappropriate items flushed down the bowl.
Passenger forums suggest that the issue of blocked lavatories is a major source of annoyance for the travelling public
This has prompted Virgin, which earlier this year was given an extension of its franchise on the West Coast Main Line, to act.
When lavatories get blocked it means trains have to be taken out of service, a spokesman said.
It is also a huge inconvenience to passengers especially on a long trip.
We wanted to do something which would grab people's attention and a talking toilet does get the message across.
They are being well received, but time will tell. We're trying to face a serious issue in a chummy, informal way.
The initiative was welcomed by Antony Smith, chief executive of the consumer watchdog, Passenger Focus.
It can be frustrating to find that toilets are out of order or blocked, so hopefully the announcements will help this happen less.
Anything that gets useful information across to passengers in a fun way is to be welcomed.
Description
Keywords: City,Birmingham City,WM,Brum,Brummie,Mainline,railway,station,Rail station,WCML,Virgin,London Midland,Midland,Midlands,GoTonySmith,new,redeveloped,rail,Arts and Crafts style,cock fighting,central,hub,Virgin Trains,transport,infrastructure,Gateway Plus,Midland Railway,LNWR,British Rail,BR,Network Rail,Network,redevelopment,Eastern Entrance,Entrance,regeneration scheme,regeneration,approved,plan,plans
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MJ2YEB -
Description
Keywords: GoTonysmith,@HotpixUK,UK,Lancashire,concorse,Piccadilly,Railway,BR,Rail,Station,people,person,train,trains,Piccadilly Concourse,Transport,Passenger,integrated,Virgin,Northern,Northern Rail,rail,network rail,mainline,Store Street,Manchester London Road,Network Rail,building,Train shed,platform,platforms,retail,shopping,interchange,Metrolink,tram,train operating companies,TOC,Refurbishment,modern
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MM9A07 -
Description
Keywords: GoTonysmith,@HotpixUK,Interior,of an,overcrowded,Virgin train,Virgin,train,rail,TOC,franchise,West Coast Mainline,Voyager,passengers,crowded,UK,British Rail,privatisation,UK train network,franchise model,inside,busy Pendalino train,busy Pendolino train,full,busy,West Coast Franchise,night,dusk,evening,seats,seating,passenger reservations,Virgin train tickets,Class 390,British Railway Class 390,Alstom,WCML,West Coast Main Line,Angel Trains,Department Of Transport
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MM99TA - In 2002, Virgin Trains in the UK began operating custom-designed Pendolino trains known as the Class 390 on its West Coast Main Line (WCML) franchise. The 53 9-car trains were constructed by Alstom and are leased by Virgin Trains from Angel Trains.
Owing to the failure of the WCML upgrade to provide in-cab signalling, these units are limited in service to 125 mph (200 km/h) operation rather than their 140 mph (225 km/h) design speed. In 2006, Virgin Trains announced that, over the following three years, they would be examining the possibility of running the trains at 135 mph (215 km/h) through the Trent Valley as part of their new WCML Franchise Proposal.
An Alstom Class 390 Pendolino in Birmingham
The Class 390 Pendolino were maintained by Alstom (West Coast Traincare) under contract to Virgin Trains until 2012. The main maintenance locations are Wembley, Midlands (Oxley, Wolverhampton), Manchester (Longsight) and Glasgow (Polmadie), as well as Liverpool (for minor work only) and several Traincare Points along the line of route (such as Euston and Carlisle). Headquarters for West Coast Traincare moved from the former Metro-Cammell factory at Washwood Heath in Birmingham upon its closure in November 2005 to Manchester Longsight depot with some functions being based at a new office facility at Oxley depot.
In 2008 DfT announced that 31 of the existing 9-car sets would be lengthened to 11 cars to increase capacity. Four new 11-car sets were also to be built. Angel Trains ordered the vehicles from Alstom in September 2008. Virgin Rail Projects has been selected to introduce the new trains. The longer units would require major infrastructure changes to allow stations and depots to accommodate the 11-car units.
Description
Keywords: WCML,repayment,rebate,credit,TOC,compensation,for,late,rail,journey,DelayRepay,VirginTrains,timetable,NRCoT,late,trains,train,franchise,privatised,renationalised,private,fragmented,infrastructure,railway,refund,refunded,Train Operating Company,West Coast Trains Limited,West Coast Trains Ltd,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,BR,Scottish,British,Welsh,problem,with,problem with,issue with,TOC,TOCs,transport,tour,tourism,tourists,urban,fail,infrastructure,delay,delays,delayed.late,later,Expensive,ticket,price,prices,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,train operating companies,National Rail Conditions of Travel,ticket prices
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HEJ5KF - The National Rail Conditions of Travel (NRCoT) are a contractual document setting out the consumer's rights and responsibilities when travelling on the National Rail railway network in Great Britain. These replaced the National Rail Conditions of Carriage (NRCoC) as of October 1st 2016.
When a train ticket is purchased, a contract is established. The NRCoT are the principal terms of that contract between traveller and train operating company (TOC), which have been established by the Rail Settlement Plan, which is part of the Association of Train Operating Companies. The document is available for public viewing at the National Rail website, and also as a free PDF download.
Additional terms do apply to travellers, primarily from two sources:
For certain ticket types (such as those purchased at discount in advance), the TOCs concerned apply additional terms and conditions on top of the NRCoT.
The NRCoT cover the entitlement and restrictions of travellers, however they are not the only document to do so. Under the Transport Act 2000 (section 219), the Railway Bylaws also apply, though more generally.
Whilst the NRCoT are referred to on all train tickets, at stations, and on internet sites selling tickets for rail travel, very few travellers ever bother to read the document, unless they find themselves in dispute with a rail company on some matter. They are, however, of use to the consumer, because they afford considerable rights to the traveller with regards ticket validity. This has become a matter of significant public interest recently, in view of the complex and convoluted pricing structure of rail tickets in Great Britain.
Description
Keywords: trains,traveler,journey,traveller,travelers,infrasructure,infrastructure,Network,transit,TOC,privatised,public,ownership,public,building,Victorian,platform,Scotrail,City,Centre,Glasgow Central,City Centre,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scottish,British,Scotland,Street,Glasgow,G1,3SL,at,dusk,evening,red,lights,dawn,travel,tourism,delay,Virgin,trains,WCML,Virgin,trains,WCML,West,Coast,Main,Line,Intercity,Inter-City,delay,delays,delayed.late,later,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,Gordon St,G1 3SL,Gordon Street,Gordon St,Platform passengers,In The Evening,On the platform,Dawn Train,Network Rail,Virgin Trains,Virgin Trains,Main Line
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H9PM3E -
Description
Keywords: transport,rail,train,passenger,journey,traveller,passengers,infrasructure,infrastructure,Network,transit,TOC,privatised,public,public,building,Victorian,platform,Scotrail,Euston,Passengers boarding,West Coast Main Line,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scottish,British,Scotland,Street,Glasgow,G1,3SL,at,dusk,evening,red,lights,dawn,travel,tourism,light,daytime,Virgin,trains,WCML,West,Coast,Main,Line,Intercity,Inter-City,City,Centre,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,Gordon St,G1 3SL,Gordon Street,Gordon St,Platform passengers,In The Evening,On the platform,Dawn Train,Network Rail,walking down the platform,Virgin Trains,Main Line,City Centre
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H9PM3F -
Description
Keywords: ECML,VT,Rail,public,transport,privatised,franchise,station,EastCoast,Stagecoach,group,TOC,operating,co,company,bid,bidder,nationalised,renationalise,subsidy,loss,losses,rolling,stock,InterCity,125,Rail Company,Railway Station,Virgin East Coast,East Coast Mainline,Virgin Trains East Coast,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,Passengers,must,not,cross,the,line,sign,passenger,warning,penalty,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,Passengers must not cross the line
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H6ETT2 - Virgin Trains East Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom that operates the InterCity East Coast franchise on the East Coast Main Line between London, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland. It commenced operations on 1 March 2015, taking over from East Coast. It is a joint venture between Stagecoach (90%), and Virgin Group (10%).
Description
Keywords: ECML,VT,Rail,public,transport,privatised,franchise,station,EastCoast,Stagecoach,group,TOC,operating,co,company,bid,bidder,nationalised,renationalise,subsidy,loss,losses,rolling,stock,InterCity,125,Rail Company,Railway Station,Virgin East Coast,East Coast Mainline,Virgin Trains East Coast,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,Signal,red,green,engine,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H6ETTD - Virgin Trains East Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom that operates the InterCity East Coast franchise on the East Coast Main Line between London, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland. It commenced operations on 1 March 2015, taking over from East Coast. It is a joint venture between Stagecoach (90%), and Virgin Group (10%).
Description
Keywords: ECML,VT,Rail,public,transport,privatised,franchise,station,EastCoast,Stagecoach,group,TOC,operating,co,company,bid,bidder,nationalised,renationalise,subsidy,loss,losses,rolling,stock,InterCity,125,Rail Company,Railway Station,Virgin East Coast,East Coast Mainline,Virgin Trains East Coast,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,coach,1st,class,first,door,platform,red,white,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,1st class
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H6ETTK - Virgin Trains East Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom that operates the InterCity East Coast franchise on the East Coast Main Line between London, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland. It commenced operations on 1 March 2015, taking over from East Coast. It is a joint venture between Stagecoach (90%), and Virgin Group (10%).
Description
Keywords: WCML,Cheshire,railway,rail,Virgin,train,trains,TOC,electric,electrified,public,transport,transit,sunny,summer,trip,excursion,refurbished,efficient,network,BR,northern,powerhouse,Pendo,Pendolino,Warrington Bank Quay,Rail Station,Virgin Trains,blue sky,West Coast Main Line,British Rail,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,engine,electric,drive,unit,390,104,390104,Alstom,technology,Alstrom,French.high,speed,express,locomotive,passenger,transportation,Stagecoach,track,locomotives,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,Rail Technology,Alstom Rail Technology,High Speed,passenger transportation,GEC-Alstom
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H541YW - Warrington Bank Quay railway station is one of two railway stations serving the town centre of Warrington in Cheshire, England.
A Virgin train shown here at platform three.
Warrington Bank Quay is a north-south oriented mainline station on one side of the main shopping area, with the west-east oriented Warrington Central on the other side to the north west operating a more frequent service to the neighbouring cities of Liverpool and Manchester.
A bus shuttle service operated every 20 minutes from Monday to Friday daytime between the two stations and the Centre Park business park. The station is directly on the West Coast Main Line.
Description
Keywords: WCML,Cheshire,railway,rail,Virgin,train,trains,TOC,electric,electrified,public,transport,transit,sunny,summer,trip,excursion,refurbished,efficient,network,BR,northern,powerhouse,sign,Crossfields,Warrington Bank Quay,Rail Station,Virgin Trains,blue sky,West Coast Main Line,British Rail,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,Crossfield,factory,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H5424P - Warrington Bank Quay railway station is one of two railway stations serving the town centre of Warrington in Cheshire, England.
Warrington Bank Quay is a north-south oriented mainline station on one side of the main shopping area, with the west-east oriented Warrington Central on the other side to the north west operating a more frequent service to the neighbouring cities of Liverpool and Manchester.
A bus shuttle service operated every 20 minutes from Monday to Friday daytime between the two stations and the Centre Park business park. The station is directly on the West Coast Main Line.
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,problem,with,problem with,issue with,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,Lancashire,Preston,Railway station,wide,wideshot,platform,platforms,transport,intercity,city,Preston city,Virgin Trains,TOC,platforms 3 & 4 island
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy GXXPPJ - Preston railway station in Preston, Lancashire, England, is a major station on the West Coast Main Line, roughly half-way between London Euston and Glasgow Central (206 miles from London Euston, 194 miles from Glasgow Central). It is served by Northern, Virgin Trains, and TransPennine Express services, plus Caledonian Sleeper overnight services between London and Scotland.
The North Union Railway opened a station on the site in 1838. It was extended in 1850, with new platforms under the separate management of the East Lancashire Railway, and by 1863 London?Scotland trains stopped here to allow passengers to eat in the station dining room. The current station was built 1880 and extended in 1903 and 1913, when it had fifteen platforms. A free buffet for servicemen was provided during both World Wars. The East Lancashire platforms were demolished in the 1970s as connecting lines closed. Only six platforms remain in regular use today.
As well as intercity trains to London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley, the station is served by local trains to other parts of Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Yorkshire.
Description
Keywords: Townhall,B3 3DQ,B33DQ,nighttime,time,winter,autumn,fun,tourism,tourist,west midland,west midlands,council,virgin,train,trains,virgin trains,newstreet,New street,WCML,council house,Dhruva Mistry,The river,Gotonysmith,hotpixuk,@hotpixuk,City,centre,tourist,tourism,travel,Birmingham City,Birmingham city Centre,at,city
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy ED8PP1 - Victoria Square is a pedestrianised public square in Birmingham, England. It is home to both the Town Hall and the Council House, and directly adjacent to Chamberlain Square.
The square is often considered to be the centre of Birmingham, and is the point from where local road sign distances are measured. It is a short walk from St. Philip's Cathedral on Colmore Row and is on the main pedestrian route between the Bull Ring and Brindleyplace areas. Three major roads, Colmore Row, New Street and Paradise Street meet there.
Description
Keywords: Townhall,B3 3DQ,B33DQ,nighttime,time,winter,autumn,fun,tourism,tourist,west midland,west midlands,council,virgin,train,trains,virgin trains,newstreet,New street,WCML,council house,Dhruva Mistry,The river,Gotonysmith,hotpixuk,@hotpixuk,City,centre,tourist,tourism,travel,Birmingham City,Birmingham city Centre,at,city
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy ED8PP4 - Victoria Square is a pedestrianised public square in Birmingham, England. It is home to both the Town Hall and the Council House, and directly adjacent to Chamberlain Square.
The square is often considered to be the centre of Birmingham, and is the point from where local road sign distances are measured. It is a short walk from St. Philip's Cathedral on Colmore Row and is on the main pedestrian route between the Bull Ring and Brindleyplace areas. Three major roads, Colmore Row, New Street and Paradise Street meet there.
Description
Keywords: Townhall,B3 3DQ,B33DQ,nighttime,time,winter,autumn,fun,tourism,tourist,west midland,west midlands,council,virgin,train,trains,virgin trains,newstreet,New street,WCML,council house,Dhruva Mistry,The river,Gotonysmith,hotpixuk,@hotpixuk,City,centre,tourist,tourism,travel,Birmingham City,Birmingham city Centre,at,city
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy ED8PPE - Victoria Square is a pedestrianised public square in Birmingham, England. It is home to both the Town Hall and the Council House, and directly adjacent to Chamberlain Square.
The square is often considered to be the centre of Birmingham, and is the point from where local road sign distances are measured. It is a short walk from St. Philip's Cathedral on Colmore Row and is on the main pedestrian route between the Bull Ring and Brindleyplace areas. Three major roads, Colmore Row, New Street and Paradise Street meet there.
Description
Keywords: from,Network,Rail,in,English,city,in,front,of,canopy,of,mainline,station,entrance,high,speed,rail,link,intercity,train,trains,fast,railroad,nw,north,west,northwest,England,Virgin,franchise,st,limeSt,LimeStreet,main,line,terminus,Coast,TransPennine,Express,NetworkRail,managed,by,curved,iron,roof,gotonysmith regional overground Merseyside redevelopment L1 1JD L11JD,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DB6PGG - Welcome to Liverpool Lime Street Station sign from Network Rail in English city in front of canopy of mainline station.
Liverpool Lime Street is a terminus railway station serving the city centre of Liverpool, England. A large building resembling a Ch?teau fronts the station. The station terminates a branch of the West Coast Main Line from London Euston and TransPennine Express trains.
An urban through underground station on the Wirral Line of the Merseyrail network is accessed via the main terminus. Lime Street is the largest railway station in Liverpool, and is one of 17 stations managed by Network Rail
Description
Keywords: Warrington Bank Quay,Parker St,Warrington,Cheshire,UK,gotonysmith,where,to,stand,on,railway,board,first,class,VT,Virgin,trains,gotonysmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,WA1 1LW,train,station,platforms,area,history,historic,signal,signals,overhead,lines,electrified,post,WCML
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy CFEFHN - Gold Zone Virgin trains sign, Warrington Bank Quay, Parker St, Warrington, Cheshire , UK
Virgin Trains introduced three sliding classes of travel. Instead of First and Standard, you'd have Gold Zone, Blue Zone and Purple Zone. Gold Zone was full First Class and available to full-fare First Open ticket holders only. This would always take up at least 2 of the First Class vehicles, but in the peaks would take up all of them.
'Purple Zone was Standard Class, available to all Standard ticket holders, and would take up at least 3 of the Standard Class vehicles. The other vehicles would be the Blue Zone, which was where it got controversial. The Blue Zone was available only to holders of full-fare undiscounted Standard Open singles and returns, but also contained Weekend First accommodation on weekends and off-peak. On weekends, it would include both First and Standard accommodation, but in the peaks Standard only.'
![iPod Shuffle2 - Station To Station [ Liverpool, UK Lime St Station at Dusk ] 6396301787 dusk,Liverpool,scouse,scouser,city,station,railway,rail,terminal,roof,platform,platforms,pano,panorama,night,evening,UK,beatles,passengers,passenger,virgin,west,coast,mainline,main,line,tickets,journey,London,England,joiner,train,trains,pictures,photos,photographs,images](https://live.staticflickr.com/6100/6396301787_48d0d7565b_o.jpg/)
Description
Keywords: dusk,Liverpool,scouse,scouser,city,station,railway,rail,terminal,roof,platform,platforms,pano,panorama,night,evening,UK,beatles,passengers,passenger,virgin,west,coast,mainline,main,line,tickets,journey,London,England,joiner,train,trains,pictures,photos,photographs,images
Description: Tony Smith image Flickr 6396301787 - 'David Bowie - 'Station To Station' - Play this track here.
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Station to Station is the tenth studio album by English musician David Bowie, released by RCA Records in 1976. Commonly regarded as one of his most significant works, Station to Station is also notable as the vehicle for Bowie's last great 'character', The Thin White Duke.
The album was recorded after he completed shooting Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell to Earth, and the cover featured a still from the movie. During the sessions Bowie was heavily dependent on drugs, especially cocaine, and recalls almost nothing of the production.
Musically, Station to Station was a transitional album for Bowie, developing the funk and soul music of his previous release, Young Americans, while presenting a new direction towards synthesisers and motorik rhythms that was influenced by German electronic bands such as Kraftwerk and Neu!.
This trend would culminate in some of his most acclaimed work, the so-called Berlin Trilogy, recorded with Brian Eno in 1977\u201379. Bowie himself has said that Station to Station was 'a plea to come back to Europe for me'. The album\u2019s lyrics, meanwhile, reflected his preoccupations with Nietzsche, Aleister Crowley, mythology and religion.
With its blend of funk and Krautrock, romantic balladry and occultism, Station to Station has been described as 'simultaneously one of Bowie's most accessible albums and his most impenetrable'. Featuring the single 'Golden Years', it made the Top 5 in both the UK and US charts. In 2003, the album was ranked number 323 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
In the early days of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway (L&
MR), the Liverpool terminus was located at Crown Street, in Edge Hill, officially opened in 1830. Construction of a purpose-built station began in October 1833, the land being purchased from Liverpool Corporation for \u00a39000. A tunnel was constructed between Edge Hill and the new station (starting in 1832, prior to station construction), and the station was opened to the public in August 1836, although construction was not completed until the following year.
Because of the steep incline between Lime Street and Edge Hill, trains were stopped at Edge Hill, their locomotives removed, and the passenger carriages taken down by gravity, descent controlled by brakemen. The return journey was achieved by using a stationary engine to haul the carriages up with rope.
Within six years, the rapid growth of the railways meant that the original station needed to be extended, and a plan was made to erect an iron roof similar to that found at Euston station in London, ridge roofs supported by iron columns
however, Richard Turner and William Fairburn submitted a design for a single curved roof, which won the approval of the station committee. The work cost \u00a315,000, and was completed in 1849. A second roof was added in the 1880s.
In 1845 the L&
MR was absorbed by its principal business partner, the Grand Junction Railway (GJR)
the following year the GJR formed part of the London and North Western Railway. The station was one of the first to send mail by train. The North Western Hotel designed by Alfred Waterhouse, was built in front of the station - this still stands, having been converted to accommodation for students of Liverpool John Moores University. At 'the grouping' in 1923, the station passed to the ownership of the London, Midland and Scottish (LMS) railway, and, in 1948, the London Midland Region of British Railways.
Lime Street was part of the first stage of electrification of the West Coast Main Line in 1959. In 1966, the station saw the launch of the first InterCity service.
Lime Street was voted the equal worst of the 20 busiest UK railway stations in a 2007 poll but was voted 'Station of the Year 2010' at the National Rail Awards thanks in part to a recent reburbishment
Checkout more w=33062170@N08\' target=\'_blank\'>ipod music from my photostream.
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(c) Hotpix / HotpixUK Tony Smith - Hotpix.freeserve.co.uk WDCC',
Description
Keywords: 365days,www.thewdcc.org.uk,thewdcc.org.uk,wdcc.org.uk,Warrington,society,District,Camera,club,photographic,photography,SLR,DSLR,group,GYCA,Bellhouse,bellhouse Club,B/W,black,white,mono,monochrome,HDR,high dynamic range,stockport,mbc,smbc,county,cheshire,manchester,train,line,station,hotpix!,virgin,trains,pictures,photos,photographs,images
Description: Tony Smith image Flickr 3734237125 - 'Train spotters and gricers need to be quick at this station just outside Stockport, Cheshire (near Manchester UK).
Another railway shot, from the signal box www.flickr.com/photos/hotpixuk/4325565629/
(c) Hotpix / HotpixUK Tony Smith - Hotpix.freeserve.co.uk WDCC',
Description
Keywords: Warrington,Bank Quay,West Coast Mainline,Cheshire,UK,Tony,Smith,TonySmith,dusk,night,shot,nightshot,evening,rail,railway,station,west,coast,mainline,virgin,voyager,pendo,pendolino,tilting,train,trains,platform,indicator,bank,quey,quay,Beardy,Branson,Branston,Richard,365days,www.thewdcc.org.uk,thewdcc.org.uk,wdcc.org.uk,society,District,Camera,club,photographic,photography,SLR,DSLR,group,GYCA,Bellhouse,bellhouse Club,HDR,high dynamic range,noche,nuit,hotpix!,pictures,photos,photographs,images
Description: Tony Smith image Flickr 3709536244 - 'Lever factory in the background. Taken from the west coast mainline south bound platform at Warrington Bank Quay station, Cheshire UK at dusk in the magic hour.
Gricers and train spotters may wish to know this was the 22:37 Virgin trains service (Air conditioned Diesel Voyager). Off course the west coast mainline is now electrified and generally high speed Pendolino (Pendo) trains ply the route.
A slower suburban train www.flickr.com/photos/hotpixuk/3835313976/
(c) Hotpix Tony Smith - Hotpix.freeserve.co.uk WDCC',
Description
Keywords: Platform,2,Bank,Quay,mainline,railway,station,Warrington,Cheshire,UK,at,dusk,showing,Virgin,voyager,train,night,shot,late,evening,preston,northbound,north,bound,gotonysmith,mainline,express,network,rail,Lever,unilever,factory,Bankquay,quey,bankquey,car,park,parking,parked,high,speed,trans,to,Glasgow,improvement,improvements,Virgintrains,freight,kissing,ban,westcoast,west,coast,main,line,to,Glasgow,arriving,departing,arrivals,departures,gotonysmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy CF0NN4 - Platform 2, Bank Quay mainline railway station, Warrington, Cheshire UK at dusk showing Virgin voyager train ready to depart.
Description
Keywords: Street,west,coast,main,line,mainline,westcoast,electrification,project,HS2,HS1,hi,speed,pendo,pendalino,hi-speed,Hispeed,engineering,alstrom,London,station,train,operating,company,in,the,United,Kingdom,owned,by,Virgin,Group,and,Stagecoach,intercity,NW,England,North,west,NORTHWEST,upgrade,PPM,Gotonysmith,stations,red,white,&,gray,livery,development,agency,Class,221,Super,Voyager,Richard,Branson,Branston,Pickle,British,diesel-electric,multiple-unit,express,trains,built,in,Belgium,by,Bombardier,Transportation,GB,Great,Britain,Class,220,Voyager,units,BR,British,Rail,Chester,Crewe,Warrington,BQ,Bank,Quay,franchise,premiums,Office,of,Rail,Regulation,statistics,derailed,derail,on,the,platform,platforms,at,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DRH88D - Virgin Trains is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by Virgin Group (51%) and Stagecoach (49%) that has operated the InterCity West Coast franchise since 9 March 1997.
Virgin Trains operate long-distance passenger services on the West Coast Main Line between Greater London, the West Midlands, North West England, North Wales and Scotland. The service connects the major cities of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow which have a combined metropolitan population of over 18 million people.
Description
Keywords: transport,rail,railway,train,trains,passenger,traveler,journey,traveller,travelers,infrasructure,infrastructure,Network,transit,TOC,privatised,public,ownership,public,building,Victorian,platform,Scotrail,City,Centre,Glaswegian,walking down,City Centre,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scottish,British,Scotland,Street,Glasgow,G1,3SL,at,red,lights,dawn,travel,tourism,delay,shadow,shadows,dark,nighttime,Virgin,trains,WCML,Virgin,trains,West,Coast,Main,Line,Intercity,Inter-City,delay,delays,delayed.late,later,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,Gordon St,G1 3SL,Gordon Street,Gordon St,Platform passengers,In The Evening,On the platform,Dawn Train,walking down the platform,Virgin Trains,Virgin Trains,Main Line
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H9PM3H - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that operates the West Coast Partnership.
During November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the InterCity West Coast franchise would be replaced by the West Coast Partnership (WCP). In August 2019, the DfT awarded the WCP franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium. On 8 December 2019, Avanti West Coast took over operations from the prior operating company Virgin Trains, which had run the franchise since 1997. Originally, the franchise was initially scheduled to run until March 2030, and had also been set to operate the initial High Speed 2 services from 2026. However, during December 2020, it was announced that First Trenitalia and the DfT had agreed to terminate the WCP franchise at the earlier date of 31 March 2026 as part of the abolition of the franchise system. Since then a number of contract changes have taken place due to COVID-19 and then poor performance by the company. As of March 2023, the company's contract will expire in October 2023.
Between 14 August and 18 September 2022, Avanti West Coast reduced its timetable, citing unofficial strike action from its employees. However, this allegation was disputed by Aslef, which accused the company of lying and blamed their lack of recruitment, especially of train drivers, for the problems. Trains were running at one service per hour on the majority of routes, as opposed to the three which would typically occur on the London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly route. Following these changes, Avanti West Coast was subject to public criticism
news stories emerged of numerous train cancellations, overcrowded services, delays, and expensive fares. Many commuters faced difficulties reaching their destinations on the reduced services and some travellers have been left to wait for to two days before travel for tickets to be released for sale
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Dec 2019,Virgin Trains,franchise,TOC,train operating company,delays,complaints,WBQ,train,rail,railway,UK,England,British Rail,British,Avanti West Coast,re-brand,rebranded,new brand,Avanti FirstGroup TrenItalia,Warrington,Cheshire,advert,advertisement,publicity,evening,Class390,WCP,Pendolino,platform,station,EMU,WA1,passengers,customer,RMT,dispute
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AJRRHJ - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that began operating the West Coast Partnership franchise on 8 December 2019. It replaced Virgin Trains, which had operated the franchise since 1997.
In November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be superseded by the West Coast Partnership (WCP), which would include operating High Speed 2 (HS2) services from 2026.
The DfT required that bidders have experience in high-speed trains and infrastructure, hence all partnered with an existing high-speed operator. In June 2017, the DfT announced that three consortia had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise:
FirstGroup (70%) / Trenitalia (30%)
MTR Corporation (75%) / Guangshen Railway Company (25%)
Stagecoach (50%) / SNCF (30%) / Virgin Group (20%)
In August 2019 the DfT awarded the franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium with Avanti West Coast to commence operations on 8 December 2019. Some uncertainty remains as the Competition and Markets Authority launched a merger inquiry into the award of the franchise following a referral from the European Commission
Avanti West Coast initially operates the same services as Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line. When High Speed 2 opens, it will also operate these services.
Description
Keywords: Virgin,rail,railway,platform,home,of,Uni,University,city,gotonysmith,West Coast Main Line,Virgin Trains,Virgin train,Lancaster Castle Station,building,station building,buildings,station buildings,track,electrified,William Tite,Express,trains,Express Trains,TransPennine Express,TransPennine,platforms,transport,tourists,travel,Northern,Northern Trains,South Lakes,Lake district,learning,education,Home of,roof,ceiling
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MHM66Y -
Description
Keywords: WCML,repayment,rebate,TOC,compensation,for,late,rail,journey,DelayRepay,VirginTrains,timetable,NRCoT,late,trains,train,franchise,privatised,renationalised,private,fragmented,infrastructure,railway,refund,Train Operating Company,West Coast Trains Limited,West Coast Trains Ltd,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,BR,Scottish,British,Welsh,problem,with,problem with,issue with,TOC,TOCs,transport,tour,tourism,tourists,urban,fail,infrastructure,delay,delays,delayed.late,later,Expensive,ticket,price,prices,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,train operating companies,National Rail Conditions of Travel,ticket prices
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HEJ5K6 - The National Rail Conditions of Travel (NRCoT) are a contractual document setting out the consumer's rights and responsibilities when travelling on the National Rail railway network in Great Britain. These replaced the National Rail Conditions of Carriage (NRCoC) as of October 1st 2016.
When a train ticket is purchased, a contract is established. The NRCoT are the principal terms of that contract between traveller and train operating company (TOC), which have been established by the Rail Settlement Plan, which is part of the Association of Train Operating Companies. The document is available for public viewing at the National Rail website, and also as a free PDF download.
Additional terms do apply to travellers, primarily from two sources:
For certain ticket types (such as those purchased at discount in advance), the TOCs concerned apply additional terms and conditions on top of the NRCoT.
The NRCoT cover the entitlement and restrictions of travellers, however they are not the only document to do so. Under the Transport Act 2000 (section 219), the Railway Bylaws also apply, though more generally.
Whilst the NRCoT are referred to on all train tickets, at stations, and on internet sites selling tickets for rail travel, very few travellers ever bother to read the document, unless they find themselves in dispute with a rail company on some matter. They are, however, of use to the consumer, because they afford considerable rights to the traveller with regards ticket validity. This has become a matter of significant public interest recently, in view of the complex and convoluted pricing structure of rail tickets in Great Britain.
Description
Keywords: Street,west,coast,main,line,mainline,westcoast,electrification,project,HS2,HS1,hi,speed,pendo,pendalino,hi-speed,Hispeed,engineering,alstrom,London,station,train,operating,company,in,the,United,Kingdom,owned,by,Virgin,Group,and,Stagecoach,intercity,NW,England,North,west,NORTHWEST,upgrade,PPM,Gotonysmith,stations,red,white,&,gray,livery,development,agency,Class,221,Super,Voyager,Richard,Branson,Branston,Pickle,British,diesel-electric,multiple-unit,express,trains,built,in,Belgium,by,Bombardier,Transportation,GB,Great,Britain,Class,220,Voyager,units,BR,British,Rail,Chester,Crewe,Warrington,BQ,Bank,Quay,franchise,premiums,Office,of,Rail,Regulation,statistics,derailed,derail,on,the,platform,platforms,at,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DRH887 - Virgin Trains is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by Virgin Group (51%) and Stagecoach (49%) that has operated the InterCity West Coast franchise since 9 March 1997.
Virgin Trains operate long-distance passenger services on the West Coast Main Line between Greater London, the West Midlands, North West England, North Wales and Scotland. The service connects the major cities of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow which have a combined metropolitan population of over 18 million people.
