Discussion:
Passengers fume as weekend rail chaos leaves thousands stranded
Add Reply
Recliner
2025-03-01 11:20:44 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics

https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2

On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.

The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Graeme Wall
2025-03-01 16:33:53 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
--
Graeme Wall
This account not read.
Recliner
2025-03-01 16:41:04 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Only the Times? Surely that applies to most of the media?
Graeme Wall
2025-03-01 17:30:01 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Recliner
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Only the Times? Surely that applies to most of the media?
I don't think certain of the tabloids have worked out what a railway is
yet, something like a canal but no water.
--
Graeme Wall
This account not read.
Recliner
2025-03-01 17:35:11 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Only the Times? Surely that applies to most of the media?
I don't think certain of the tabloids have worked out what a railway is
yet, something like a canal but no water.
Have you actually read the article? It doesn’t look like you have.
Graeme Wall
2025-03-01 21:23:33 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Recliner
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Only the Times? Surely that applies to most of the media?
I don't think certain of the tabloids have worked out what a railway is
yet, something like a canal but no water.
Have you actually read the article? It doesn’t look like you have.
Is the Times a tabloid?
--
Graeme Wall
This account not read.
Tweed
2025-03-01 21:33:06 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Only the Times? Surely that applies to most of the media?
I don't think certain of the tabloids have worked out what a railway is
yet, something like a canal but no water.
Have you actually read the article? It doesn’t look like you have.
Is the Times a tabloid?
Yes! At least in its printed format.
Graeme Wall
2025-03-01 21:54:42 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Tweed
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Only the Times? Surely that applies to most of the media?
I don't think certain of the tabloids have worked out what a railway is
yet, something like a canal but no water.
Have you actually read the article? It doesn’t look like you have.
Is the Times a tabloid?
Yes! At least in its printed format.
Technically yes, but it is not regarded as a tabloid in the traditional
sense.

And yes I did read the article.
--
Graeme Wall
This account not read.
JMB99
2025-03-03 07:21:31 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Graeme Wall
Is the Times a tabloid?
Aren't most now tabloid in printed format but it is more a political
statement. The Extreme Left Guardianistas hate it being called a
tabloid, but it is or at least very close to "tabloid" page size.
Trolleybus
2025-03-03 08:19:07 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by JMB99
Post by Graeme Wall
Is the Times a tabloid?
Aren't most now tabloid in printed format but it is more a political
statement. The Extreme Left Guardianistas hate it being called a
tabloid, but it is or at least very close to "tabloid" page size.
You seem to be somewhat misinformed.

First, the Guardian has been printed in tabloid format for years. For
many years before that it was in Berliner format, which was quite
close to tabloid.

But the old canard that the paper supports or is supported by the
'Extreme Left Guardianistas' (I assume that's an organisation, as you
use capitals) is odd. The paper has consiatntly taken a slightly left
of centre stance and has never suppported, say, Jeremy Corbyn. But it
seems to be normal now to automatically insert far- or -wing in front
of the views of political opponents, nor matter how moderate. The left
do it, too.
M***@DastardlyHQ.org
2025-03-03 10:45:40 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:19:07 +0000
Post by Trolleybus
Post by JMB99
Post by Graeme Wall
Is the Times a tabloid?
Aren't most now tabloid in printed format but it is more a political
statement. The Extreme Left Guardianistas hate it being called a
tabloid, but it is or at least very close to "tabloid" page size.
You seem to be somewhat misinformed.
First, the Guardian has been printed in tabloid format for years. For
many years before that it was in Berliner format, which was quite
close to tabloid.
But the old canard that the paper supports or is supported by the
'Extreme Left Guardianistas' (I assume that's an organisation, as you
use capitals) is odd. The paper has consiatntly taken a slightly left
of centre stance and has never suppported, say, Jeremy Corbyn. But it
seems to be normal now to automatically insert far- or -wing in front
of the views of political opponents, nor matter how moderate. The left
do it, too.
Left and right don't mean a lot these days. The progressive left which is
where the guardian has planted its flag is orthogonal to the old left most of
which hold pretty conventional social views and as far as progressivism
goes the guardian is pretty extreme.
Graeme Wall
2025-03-03 11:37:54 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by JMB99
Post by Graeme Wall
Is the Times a tabloid?
Aren't most now tabloid in printed format but it is more a political
statement.  The Extreme Left Guardianistas hate it being called a
tabloid, but it is or at least very close to "tabloid" page size.
Tabloid, in popular understanding, is basically the red-tops.

Do Guardian readers hate it being called a tabloid? Can't say I'd
noticed. But then they seem to be more concerned about the Guardian
management selling out to vested interests.
--
Graeme Wall
This account not read.
M***@DastardlyHQ.org
2025-03-03 11:54:45 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Mon, 3 Mar 2025 11:37:54 +0000
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by JMB99
Post by Graeme Wall
Is the Times a tabloid?
Aren't most now tabloid in printed format but it is more a political
statement.  The Extreme Left Guardianistas hate it being called a
tabloid, but it is or at least very close to "tabloid" page size.
Tabloid, in popular understanding, is basically the red-tops.
Do Guardian readers hate it being called a tabloid? Can't say I'd
noticed. But then they seem to be more concerned about the Guardian
management selling out to vested interests.
The Times is also in physical tabloid form but I don't think anyone would
call it a tabloid. How many papers still use the traditional large format
now anyway? The only ones I can think of are the Sunday Times and Telegraph.
Graeme Wall
2025-03-03 13:01:49 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by M***@DastardlyHQ.org
On Mon, 3 Mar 2025 11:37:54 +0000
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by JMB99
Post by Graeme Wall
Is the Times a tabloid?
Aren't most now tabloid in printed format but it is more a political
statement.  The Extreme Left Guardianistas hate it being called a
tabloid, but it is or at least very close to "tabloid" page size.
Tabloid, in popular understanding, is basically the red-tops.
Do Guardian readers hate it being called a tabloid? Can't say I'd
noticed. But then they seem to be more concerned about the Guardian
management selling out to vested interests.
The Times is also in physical tabloid form but I don't think anyone would
call it a tabloid. How many papers still use the traditional large format
now anyway? The only ones I can think of are the Sunday Times and Telegraph.
One or two use the Berliner format, which is slightly larger than the
tabloid format. The Guardian used to be one. Not sure about the Observer.
--
Graeme Wall
This account not read.
Coffee
2025-03-01 17:27:08 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the
disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
Recliner
2025-03-01 17:32:46 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Coffee
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the
disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’. If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
Tweed
2025-03-01 18:35:44 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Recliner
Post by Coffee
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’. If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew. One flight back from Glasgow was delayed by
an hour because they had to taxi in cabin crew from Edinburgh to cover
sickness. The only time we tried the train back we got turfed off after an
hour sitting in Glasgow Central because of a broken rail. Simply told to
come back tomorrow. No assistance, nothing.
Recliner
2025-03-01 21:17:40 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Tweed
Post by Recliner
Post by Coffee
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’. If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew. One flight back from Glasgow was delayed by
an hour because they had to taxi in cabin crew from Edinburgh to cover
sickness. The only time we tried the train back we got turfed off after an
hour sitting in Glasgow Central because of a broken rail. Simply told to
come back tomorrow. No assistance, nothing.
It’s also noticeable from the article how much better the open access
operators are, with far fewer cancellations.
Roland Perry
2025-03-02 06:48:02 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Recliner
Post by Tweed
Post by Recliner
Post by Coffee
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’. If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew. One flight back from Glasgow was delayed by
an hour because they had to taxi in cabin crew from Edinburgh to cover
sickness. The only time we tried the train back we got turfed off after an
hour sitting in Glasgow Central because of a broken rail. Simply told to
come back tomorrow. No assistance, nothing.
It’s also noticeable from the article how much better the open access
operators are, with far fewer cancellations.
Probably by having more robust contracts with crew for weekend working.
--
Roland Perry
Clive Page
2025-03-02 11:21:38 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Roland Perry
Post by Recliner
Post by Tweed
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly.  The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’.  If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew. One flight back from Glasgow was delayed by
an hour because they had to taxi in cabin crew from Edinburgh to cover
sickness. The only time we tried the train back we got turfed off after an
hour sitting in Glasgow Central because of a broken rail. Simply told to
come back tomorrow. No assistance, nothing.
It’s also noticeable from the article how much better the open access
operators are, with far fewer cancellations.
Probably by having more robust contracts with crew for weekend working.
Also the open access operators get to keep the fare revenue and depend
on it to make a profit, whereas with our now partly un-privatised
regular rail companies the fare receipts mostly go to the Government, so
they have little incentive to actually run services. As a result they
often don't bother. Is that a surprise?
--
Clive Page
Trolleybus
2025-03-02 10:15:09 UTC
Reply
Permalink
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew. One flight back from Glasgow was delayed by
an hour because they had to taxi in cabin crew from Edinburgh to cover
sickness. The only time we tried the train back we got turfed off after an
hour sitting in Glasgow Central because of a broken rail. Simply told to
come back tomorrow. No assistance, nothing.
It’s also noticeable from the article how much better the open access
operators are, with far fewer cancellations.
That's hardly surprising, with a very small number of relatively
simple diagrams to run.
Recliner
2025-03-02 11:32:02 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Trolleybus
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew. One flight back from Glasgow was delayed by
an hour because they had to taxi in cabin crew from Edinburgh to cover
sickness. The only time we tried the train back we got turfed off after an
hour sitting in Glasgow Central because of a broken rail. Simply told to
come back tomorrow. No assistance, nothing.
It’s also noticeable from the article how much better the open access
operators are, with far fewer cancellations.
That's hardly surprising, with a very small number of relatively
simple diagrams to run.
I think it’s more the case that, as Roland says, their contracts have
always included Sunday working.

The problem on the legacy TOCs is that the staff contracts go back a long
way, to a time when drivers were much less well-paid, and needed the
overtime. It suited both the employers and the employees to run technically
under-staffed, with plenty of drivers keen to do overtime (apart from when
there was a key sporting event on).

Now, the drivers are sufficiently well-paid that far fewer need the
overtime. So, not only do fewer routinely volunteer for it, but they’re
also more willing to refuse to do it at the union’s behest. And, at the
moment, they’re sitting on lump sum payments from Lou Haigh’s backdated
pay increase, so most have even less need for overtime. So, ironically, her
generous no-strings pay increase has led to a less reliable service. The
Tories were prepared to give a similar increase, but wanted concessions
like some commitment to rest day and Sunday working.

The long term solution, of course, is to recruit and train more drivers,
but in our system, that training is very labour intensive and requires
working drivers to train new drivers rather than drive service trains. This
is at the time that many are being trained on the bulge of newly delivered
trains, which also takes drivers away from service trains. So, ironically,
the plan to increase the number of drivers and trains reduces their
availability.

None of these factors affect the open access operators, which also tend to
be much better run.
Roland Perry
2025-03-02 06:46:27 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Tweed
Post by Recliner
Post by Coffee
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’. If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew.
Almost happened to me at Lisbon. The plane was parked on the apron close
to the gate and one of the service vehicles (possibly the
baggage-unloading conveyer belt) clipped the fuselage. So they had to
have it checked out to see if still fit-to-fly. During that process the
crew almost ran out of hours, and they didn't have any replacements
locally.
Post by Tweed
One flight back from Glasgow was delayed by
an hour because they had to taxi in cabin crew from Edinburgh to cover
sickness. The only time we tried the train back we got turfed off after an
hour sitting in Glasgow Central because of a broken rail. Simply told to
come back tomorrow. No assistance, nothing.
--
Roland Perry
Tweed
2025-03-02 07:15:24 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Roland Perry
Post by Tweed
Post by Recliner
Post by Coffee
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’. If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew.
Almost happened to me at Lisbon. The plane was parked on the apron close
to the gate and one of the service vehicles (possibly the
baggage-unloading conveyer belt) clipped the fuselage. So they had to
have it checked out to see if still fit-to-fly. During that process the
crew almost ran out of hours, and they didn't have any replacements
locally.
It’s not quite the same thing, ie inability to provide the crew in the
first place. And if the crew had run out of hours it’s likely that EJ would
have flown out a replacement plane. They keep a number of hot standby
planes in Europe (14 last summer if the aviation press is to be believed).
Roland Perry
2025-03-02 18:40:12 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Tweed
Post by Roland Perry
Post by Tweed
Post by Recliner
Post by Coffee
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’. If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew.
Almost happened to me at Lisbon. The plane was parked on the apron close
to the gate and one of the service vehicles (possibly the
baggage-unloading conveyer belt) clipped the fuselage. So they had to
have it checked out to see if still fit-to-fly. During that process the
crew almost ran out of hours, and they didn't have any replacements
locally.
It’s not quite the same thing, ie inability to provide the crew in the
first place. And if the crew had run out of hours it’s likely that EJ would
have flown out a replacement plane. They keep a number of hot standby
planes in Europe (14 last summer if the aviation press is to be believed).
Maybe they would, but we'll never know. It was pretty late in the
evening already.
--
Roland Perry
Graeme Wall
2025-03-02 08:28:13 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Roland Perry
Post by Tweed
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly.  The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’.  If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I know I’m a bit of an EasyJet bore, but I’ve yet to see a flight cancelled
because of a shortage of crew.
Almost happened to me at Lisbon. The plane was parked on the apron close
to the gate and one of the service vehicles (possibly the
baggage-unloading conveyer belt) clipped the fuselage. So they had to
have it checked out to see if still fit-to-fly. During that process the
crew almost ran out of hours, and they didn't have any replacements
locally.
Had it in Rio, we'd had to divert on a LHR - Buenos Aires flight because
of a volcano in the Andes. By the time the ash cloud cleared the crew
had run out of hours and they cancelled the flight. Eventually got a
crew out of BA to come and collect us and take us on.
--
Graeme Wall
This account not read.
Coffee
2025-03-04 13:10:09 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Recliner
Post by Coffee
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’. If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I read it as a subtle anti-railway article.
Recliner
2025-03-04 13:26:50 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Coffee
Post by Recliner
Post by Coffee
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?
shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Exactly. The extreme right want to build more roads, close the entire
railway network, and tax electric cars out of existence.
The Times is not ‘The extreme right’. If you read the extensively
researched article, it’s asking for the railways to work better, not be
closed. I thought you’d agree with it, but apparently not?
I read it as a subtle anti-railway article.
Really? All they are asking is that the railway serve its customers
better—surely that’s pro-rail? Presumably you, as a pro-rail person,
therefore think it’s fine if your beloved railway delivers a terrible
service at weekends?

It’s quite a well-researched article, with lots of detail. They’re not
arguing to close the railway or for passengers to switch to the roads. Does
that suggest they’re anti-rail?

As for taxing electric cars out of existence, can you come up with a single
example of a right-winger advocating that?

Clive Page
2025-03-02 11:18:11 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Graeme Wall
Post by Recliner
Some 1,226 trains are cancelled every weekend for reasons ranging from
staff shortages to wartime bombs. We chart the extent of the
disruption in
graphics
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cd0b0c4d-ecf4-4b3c-abb8-25d3c2854e6d?shareToken=b339cc4ad8c0a2168717ca23a79a8bb2
On average, 554 trains have been cancelled every Sunday since August last
year, equating to more than 4 per cent of the timetable axed on the day.
The figure jumps to 672 trains on Saturdays, when more services are
scheduled to operate. It is the equivalent of 3.39 per cent of scheduled
trains.
The figures do not include planned engineering works, when trains are
removed from the schedule in advance.
Yeah the Times is still on its anti-railways kick.
Well I take it as pro-railways - actually wanting the railways to work
as they are supposed to do. I am pretty frustrated as this weekend all
services from my nearest station are cancelled, and the same will apply
for most other weekends for the next few months. That's no way to
encourage greater use.

Also regulated fares are just going up by a lot more than inflation
while petrol/diesel prices are pretty stable, all because of deliberate
Government choice. Clearly they want us to use cars rather than trains.
--
Clive Page
Loading...