New Trains

[Mendipman319]

Hello
I was just wondering, why dont train companies invest in new stock? For example i know virgin trains certainly dont have a lack of money for example as the Virgin company are buying new aircraft for their airline which cost 10x+ more than a train.

Can anyone shed some light on this question?

[5701]

Its all down to their franchise requirements and the DFT many would like new trains ie Northern but nothing can be done until DFT mandarins place the order.TOC,s are allocated stock and thats it,there are cascades planned but not by TOC,s but the DFT,who actualy seem to be running the railways its BR but with different names.Airlines are geniuenly free spirits and can expand their roster as and when traffic or ageing planes determine.Hope this helps.

[Tony]

Hi Mendipman,

The answer to that is easy! The DoT will not let the Companies or ROSCO's buy any. The "privatisation" of the railways took the payments away from the Government but the micro management of routes, timetables and use of stock stayed with the DoT.
What other private company has to operate under such conditions?

[Mendipman319]

Thanks, Do you know why the DoT will not allow new stock? As surely the latest stock would be better for the DoT as it would be more reliable and operate a better service, thus increasing rail travel thereby making a need for new stock, routes and timetables therefor increasing profit for everyone as im sure DoT takes a percentage of it.

Thanks

[Flying Pig]

Originally Posted by Mendipman319

Thanks, Do you know why the DoT will not allow new stock? As surely the latest stock would be better for the DoT as it would be more reliable and operate a better service, thus increasing rail travel thereby making a need for new stock, routes and timetables therefor increasing profit for everyone as im sure DoT takes a percentage of it.

Doesn't work like that because......rail travel is increasing anyway regardless of the dire quality. Provided the TOCs manage to scrape their Peak Performance Measurement just above the set 'refund levels' it's more profitable for the TOC if the service is rubbish. Look at First Capital Connect's dismal performance; against public outrage they kept their franchise because they actually make a nice profit, much of which goes to the treasury.

Connex South Eastern by contrast only lost their franchise because they went back to the DfT for a SECOND time to ask for more cash. The fact that they ran a disgraceful service was not the deciding factor in them being stripped of their franchise !

And if money is being spent on new trains it won't be going to the exchequer, which is the whole point of franchises.

The reason why UK train travel in this country is so poor and yet so expensive compared to Europe, is that UK railways are not about providing a service for the people of this country, they are a cash cow to be milked by the government.