mclgnd wrote:The King wrote:geoff_184 wrote:Correct me if I'm wrong, but the SE set is only making a single peak journey is it not? Why not use that more, to free up an EMU for the Melling line? The SE set should be being used throughout the full length of both morning and afternoon/evening peak periods.
Yes, it is only used on one service but by the time you get it back to the Hutt to run an extra service, peak time is over so the extra capacity isn't required.
Before the timetable change wasnt the SE set being used on an ex-Plimmerton run then hustling up the Hutt to run the last ex-Hutt express?
Not quite. The SE leaves UH at 7.04 and arrives in Wellington at 7.55. By the time it turns around and could back to the Hutt, it would be all over. It did used to run to Plimmerton at 8.10, but that was purely at the insistance of GWRC who wanted thier train to be seen. It served no useful purpose, as there are Ganz sets already spare by then.
Given that the SE is only 404 passengers, slightly less than a 6 car Ganz, is slower between stops and slower at stops and thus much slower overall, and requires specilist staff (only a few have been trained for it), it has its place, but is bnot very flexible and can not simply go onto any old run. Its runs have to be timed for its capibilities.
