On 2014-09-04 11:11:35 +0000, Roland Perry said:

The "personality" of the ECML operation has changed very little since
privatisation so it would be interesting to see if it changed.

I suppose the difference with the WCML is that it *is* a completely
different operation to what it was before privatisation. The other
lines like the ECML less so. It was a hotch potch of knackered Mk3s
operating unpunctually on a basically hourly service with a few peak
extras and a rather random stopping pattern. It's now a 3tph operation
on the key flows with newer rolling stock (easy to forget the
Pendolinos are now over 10 years old, they are wearing very well),
hugely reduced journey times and a largely consistent Taktfahrplan.

If BR did that it'd have changed the feel as well. It would have been
interesting to see what the APT might have made it.

How much has XC mainline changed since Arriva took over (I've only used
XC-lite, the ex-Central Trains services, and they remain very much in
that rut).

Don't really know, TBH. I never used it heavily. The impression I
have of it is of a relatively downmarket National Express coach
replacement with a severe overcrowding problem which started in VT days
but was never completely solved. It'd have to do a lot to lose that
reputation.

Neil
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Neil Williams
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