First Thames Trains
BBC NEWS | Business | FirstGroup secures rail franchise
The First Group Borg has assimilated another train company, Thames Trains. Since Thames shares London's Paddington station with First's flagship company, First Great Western, I assume what we're going to see is a merger of the two train companies into a single operation ahead of the 'Greater Western' franchise that starts in 2006.
From an enthusiast standpoint it means we're likely to see the 165 and 166 "Turbos" repainted into the hideous "Barbie" colour scheme that's already disfiguring most of the Great Western HST fleet.
From a passenger standpoint, one wonders how much services will change. Will we see Thames Turbos, HSTs and 185 "Adelantes" shuffled around? 166s to Paignton on summer Saturdays? There's also the possibility of the timetables being completely recast on some routes with a mix of outer suburban and long distance travel, currently divided between the two operators.
Posted by TimHall at November 04, 2003 08:47 PM | TrackBackWe are First, you will be assimilated, resistance is futile.
You companies livery will be perfected to match our own.
I am coming to London on 29th April and plan to travel by train from Piccadilly to Shrub Hill, Worcester, that morning. Please send me the schedule and the cost of tickets (I am a Senior) for first class as well as 2nd class. Thanks for your assistance in this matter.
Tom Houghton
Posted by: Tom Houghton on February 6, 2005 05:19 PMI am coming to London on 29th April and plan to travel by train from Piccadilly to Shrub Hill, Worcester, that morning. Please send me the schedule and the cost of tickets (I am a Senior) for first class as well as 2nd class. Thanks for your assistance in this matter.
Tom Houghton
Posted by: Tom Houghton on February 6, 2005 05:20 PM