There have been rumours that FGW were planning to drop the buffet from London-Bristol TM route and replace it with a trolley service. While this release doesn't talk about the buffets, it does state that provision will be made for an at-seat trolley service in Standard and, perhaps more significantly, that the number seats on some trains will increase by over 10% - could this increase come from replacing the buffet coach with another TSO?
Full release from http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?id=351
MikeMulti-million pound contract means massive increase in seating and comfort for First Great Western customers
5 June 2006
Train operator First Great Western has signed a multi-million pound contract to provide more seats, more comfortable journeys and 21st Century interiors in High Speed Train carriages used for millions of journeys each year across Southern England and South Wales.
In total, First Great Western will be investing ú63m in new, high quality, interiors for more than 400 carriages in the most significant and wide ranging overhaul of BritainÆs High Speed Train fleet.
The new carriages will enter service over the next 18 months, increasing the number of seats on some trains by more than 10 per cent and offering a radically improved environment for customers. The work will be carried out in the UK by Bombardier Transportation.
As well as an improved overall ambiance, the new-look carriages will incorporate a number of new features designed to make customersÆ journeys safer, more productive and more enjoyable. The work is in addition to more than ú100m which has been invested in reliability improvements.
Seating throughout the trains will be replaced, with at-seat power points, new luggage racks and provision for an at-seat trolley service in Standard as well as First Class. New toilets and vestibules will be fitted, along with new carpets and the outside of every carriage will be given First Great WesternÆs exciting new ôdynamic lines liveryö as part of the companyÆs striking new brand.
To improve safety, the existing windows will be replaced by double glazed, laminated glass and new emergency lighting will be installed. First Great WesternÆs investment follows extensive research and development, including the creation of two full-size prototypes of the carriages.
Hundreds of customers, stakeholders and staff viewed the carriages at special exhibitions and provided their feedback on the designs to First Great Western. First Great WesternÆs Managing Director, Alison Forster, said: ôThis contract marks the biggest change BritainÆs High Speed Train fleet has seen since it came into service. Within months, we will be offering our customers more seats and a step change in the on-train ambience. WeÆve listened, and weÆre tackling the issues our customer care most about; improving reliability, increasing capacity and providing the most attractive, modern, environment.ö
The work forms part of First Great WesternÆs investment of more than ú200m in trains, stations and customer service. In the next 18 months, the entire High Speed Train fleet will be fitted with more reliable, environmentally friendly MTU engines and undergo a complete overhaul to further improve performance.
The redesign, allied to timetable changes, significant investment in ten additional High Speed Trains and infrastructure improvements, will increase capacity at peak times by up to 30 per cent. Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "This is good news for passengers. The redesigned carriages will provide more seats and improve the quality of rail journeys."
First Great Western has also signed a second, ú85m contract with Bombardier Transportation for bogie overhaul and technical development work to be undertaken throughout the life of the new Greater Western franchise. The contracts with Bombardier Transportation follow the award of the Greater Western franchise to FirstGroup PLC, First Great WesternÆs parent company. The franchise started on 1 April 2006 and includes services previously operated by First Great Western, First Great Western Link and Wessex Trains.
The first of the new-look carriages will be in service in November 2006, with all 405 carriages completed by December 2007. Colin S Walton, BombardierÆs TransportationÆs Chief Country Representative, U.K. said: ôThese contracts are excellent news for the UK rail industry and our dedicated employees will ensure that First Great WesternÆs customers benefit from a first class product. We are looking forward to working on these projects which will improve millions of journeys for customers in the South of England and South Wales.ö
First Great Western recently invested ú1.3m in new interiors for its ôTurboö fleet which operates in London, the Thames and Kennet Valleys and the Cotswolds and has committed to a similar project for rolling stock formerly operated by Wessex Trains.
