The rise & fall of Chiltern Railways - A victim of their own success?

As a regular passenger on Chiltern Railways, living on the mainline, I thought I would discuss one of the most interesting passenger TOCs since privatisation and how Chiltern has gone from one of the best TOCs, to potentially (for some) one of the worst in only a matter of years.
This video in no way is meant to offend or have a go at the company or its staff members (who are absolutely lovely), it is just a video explaining the decline of Chiltern, and how the company is attempting to bounce back. Personally I still adore Chiltern and think they are a great company, but I know passengers who would say otherwise!
There may be a few grammatical errors or factual errors that I missed; just let me know below.
Any images that are not copyrighted acclaimed is either because they are free on public domain, or are taken by me.
I did fail to mention how Chiltern will operate EWR from OXF-MKC with cl197s but I thought this was slightly irrelevant as will not change the services on the mainline. Also I apologise for the audio mess during the 'Chapter two' intro. The song I used was copyrighted so had to edit it out using KZbin's software!
I hope you enjoy this new style of video I don't normally do, on a topic I feel very passionately about and a company I absolutely love!
Join my channel: / @vanmanyo (Get several different perks, depending on level!)
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Any content featured in this video has been accredited to the correct author, where possible, with permission. However, I may sometimes mistakenly miscredit content, so please let me know if I have got credits wrong for authors of content featured in this video.
Any views mentioned in this video are of my opinion and my opinion only. I am impartial and will never be swayed by a company to not tell the truth, however will sometimes speak from my own viewpoint. I always attempt to use sources that are from sites that I personally trust; BBC, Sky News etc, and I will always attempt to portray the whole picture of the subject in my videos.
References:
Wikipedia (and accreditted sources)
BBC
The Guardian
Sky News
ITV News
Rail Gazette
Department For Transport
ORR
RMT
Project Mapping
The Telegraph
The Standard
My London
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Ⓒ Vanmanyo

[@Vanmanyo]

I apologise for the audio mess during the 'Chapter two' intro. The song I used was copyrighted so had to edit it out using KZbin's software. This was also my first video on longer-form documentary style videos, so I appreciate there are faults/mistakes and thank you for your feedback! My newer content should be much improved but equally as interesting!

[@6yjjk]

Great video. The only feedback I'd have would be to get to the point more quickly; it's almost two minutes in before there's actual content.

[@Vanmanyo]

@@6yjjk Thank you! You're actually the first person to point that out! It probably is too long so hopefully my newer videos reflect what you said!

[@6yjjk]

@@Vanmanyo I've since watched your Pendolino videos (looking forward to part 3), and those are much, much better.

[@Vanmanyo]

@@6yjjk Thank you!

[@memofromessex]

I am not a train nerd - the only train I recognise is the HST, but I take the train enough to have an interest.

[@thomasthornton2002]

The great advantage Chiltern benefited from is the lack of on track competition meaning that on most their routes they don’t need to squabble with other operators to get spots and thus can build a timetable that works as a whole with complementary fast and slow services and maximum use of rolling stock

[@valvlog4665]

I can sum up my view of Chiltern Rail in a word - cute. No electric trains from the most adorable London terminus station. It's a fully operational heritage line. And what fab destinations: Princes Rissborough and Gerrards Cross - the place with more millionaires live than any place else.

[@deejayC]

What ruined it for me was the 2023 timetable, which removed all the fast services from Oxford Parkway. They now are stoppers, are frequently short formed, cancelled or late and are often now the oldest most uncomfortable trains. Such a shame.

[@puddycat2325]

Must be travelling at the wrong times. I’m almost always on a 168, often 3 cars, sometimes more but I don’t see major overcrowding. Seats on those are quite comfortable. Haven’t seen any cancellations recently and very seldom late.

[@Vanmanyo]

@@puddycat2325 Looking at RTT, it seems to be about 50/50 between 165 & 168 usage. Seems to be more 168s in the peak, perhaps they swoop up passengers more easily? Cancellations are still uncommon, obviously the landslide last week cancelled all OXF services, but Chiltern are still reliable. Just heavy overcrowding and much longer services make it far less appealling!

[@puddycat2325]

@@Vanmanyo That explains it then, I travel at peak so 168s are what I get. Overcrowding does seem to be awful before bicester. The amount of people I see getting off there probably the worst but after that no issue. On landslide front that was a nightmare. I got stuck in Oxford as the train had no driver to get me to bicester. Had to run over to the bus at magdalen street, who should’ve taken my ticket. As usual refused (thanks bus companies) and just paid fare. All this whilst having a really awful stabbing headache. Not ideal.

[@Vanmanyo]

@@puddycat2325 sounds like a terrible day out! I would imagine you could claim money back from the bus company but for £2 it probably isn't worth it..

[@JOSEHERRERA-zs3si]

funny you mentioned this, last week my freaking train from Oxford was cancelled! with no warning, got on an IET courtesy of gwr

[@ryanperry8581]

Worked in the Projects Team from 2003 to 2017. The rot had already set in under DB and Arriva and their money making initiatives. Investment stopped when the 20 year franchise was up for renewal. Evergreen 3 was the last nail in the coffin, the repayments on the huge loan will cripple them for decades.

[@cjmillsnun]

A lot of Chiltern's problems can be summed up with one word. Arriva.

[@YoLo-bb2vc]

¬.¬ i hate Arriva with a passion the bus service is aweful so knowing they are aweful here is no surprise.

[@jackbarrowclough1739]

I agree ​in the space of 10 years I've lost my bus service outside my house to Wakefield, Bradford, Dewsbury and Mirfield I only have buses to Leeds and Huddersfield now

[@YoLo-bb2vc]

@@jackbarrowclough1739 id imagine losing the service to bradford would have been a blessing as who the F wants to go to that S'hole?

[@jackbarrowclough1739]

@@YoLo-bb2vc Good point I was more bothered about the likes of Birkenshaw, Mirfield and East Bierley that my route also served 🤣🤣

[@ignaofficial1353]

And the solution can be summed up in one word “Stagecoach”

[@larkinjun]

Was already really enjoying the vid but v much appreciated the way you described DfT's role post-covid and put strikes in that context. You didnt need to but chose to accurately report the situation succinctly bur fairly (inc DfT's meddling in operational matters) and when theres so much misinformation around it's honestly super refreshing. Great vid.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you!!

[@RyanakaRhino18]

I often thought Chiltern had a weird calling pattern with their stations in London. I used them once for a journey to Oxford. I was semi-surprised to see a 3 car train which as you'd imagine, pilled up quickly. I was loaded but thankfully I managed to get a seat at the start but may were stood for ages.

[@Vanmanyo]

Yes that's a common occurrence with Chiltern! Realistically most services on Oxford and Birmingham routes should be 5/6 carriages, instead 2-4 is very common...

[@wrichard11]

I was on one crowded train when a patrician female voice announced that she didn't care and was going to first class. She clearly didn't know that there was no first class on the train

[@OnTheMoveTransport]

@@Vanmanyo Yep I saw a 2 car 168 doing Marylebone to Oxford fast service, then an empty stopping pair of 3 car 165's doing Stratford-Upon-Avon.

[@ChangesOneTim]

Very good summary of the history, thanks. Chiltern got off the most fortunate start under the late great Adrian Shooter. He knew better than any TOC boss how to work the new shambolic structure of the rail industry. The 20yr franchise award at the crucial time, with its Evergreen upgrade plans, is unique and I believe only happened because of him. Things have taken a slide since ownership change, but then the same thing happened at XC under the same parent. It's still a better TOC than most despite all.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you!

[@DarikSuppoterID]

Genuinely surprised by your channel growth my guy hats off to you :)

[@pascackvalleylinerailfan5037]

This just came up in my recommended section on YT. What an excellent video! I hope you consider doing more of this style for future videos. Being from the states I know quite a lot about the major UK railroads and known about Chiltern Railways struggles over the last few years. Not sure what's gonna happen but I hope it can rise again. Keep it up!

[@Vanmanyo]

Hi! I'm so glad you liked it and it's amazing to see how many non Brits watched it! I hope you consider checking out my other videos (The class 390 one is pretty interesting in my opinion!)

[@michellebell5092]

Good video, lots of interesting points, comments and information. I look forward to further videos .

[@Jakeso]

Lovely new little series! I love videos like this, just subscribed! I hope to see more!

[@Vanmanyo]

I have two more out currently if you want something similar! Thanks for subscribing 😆

[@OsKxShadowzZ]

found this randomly while working on my layout, really enjoyed it, good quality and well formatted please consider making some more of these, especially other eras not just modern subscribed 👍

[@Vanmanyo]

Thanks a lot! I hope you found it relaxing whilst doing some modelling work! I'll definitely have to consider some other eras, I just haven't got the experience of living in them sadly!

[@SoundscapeAtmos]

Thanks for this. And it was great to see the original DMU's, my favourite. This is a great and informative video. I love your crisp and clean text illustrations and diagrams too. This was a good watch for me.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thanks a lot!

[@user-qh1mt1iy2c]

Well done on this clear, informative and interesting video. My other half, who knows a lot more about Chiltern than I do, was impressed with how you presented developments in pictorial, diagrammatic and spoken form. As a mere passenger, my interest was held throughout. Looking forward to the next one; good luck!

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you!! I'm glad a non railway 'nerd' can follow my video decently well :D I hope you enjoy my other content and thank you again!

[@michaelsansom6]

This is excellent! You have put in a lot of hard work to produce this very good documentary. Thanks!

[@Vanmanyo]

No problem Michael! Looking back on it I'm not actually too pleased with it! My newer stuff is much more clean and better in my opinion - but I appreciate your kind words & am glad you enjoyed it :D

[@robertbate5790]

Excellent presentation. As a once regular traveller of the old Bicester route from Dorridge, I found this most interesting. No hype or fancy opinion. The last time I travelled this route was early 90s by 165. Still much as i remembered it from the 70s. I would hardly recognise the line now by recent postings on KZbin. I've subbed on the strength of this edition. Well done 👍👍👍

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! I would have loved to go back to the 70s just for a week to say what the trains were like back then - thank you for subscribing and your kind words, it means a lot 😆

[@robertbate5790]

@@Vanmanyo Class 47 with seven on as standard Birmingham New Street loading to Paddington, for the services I used. That alternated with trains via Oxford to from Paddington. Up until the opening of Birmingham International in 76 the trains ran via Solihull to Leamington, and on. There after via Coventry and Leamington.

[@davidgrainger5378]

Thank you for this video. I had watched this video a couple of months ago but have just watched it again after watching your Wexham & Shropshire video. I have been a fan of Chiltern since they first got to Birmingham and I have met the late Adrian Shooter several times. I now live on the Stourbridge line so I can now get a train to London from my local station. Only problem is that at the time I travel the train is full of commuters into Birmingham. Journeys back from London are at times when I normally have to change at Birmingham Moor Street. As is usual with people who buy property near railways, they suddenly realise that they have a noisy neighbour. This happened in Marylebone and a previous Transport Secretary promised the local residents that he would stop the noisy class 68s coming into Marylebone immediately the Commonwealth Game in Birmingham had finished. I often find nowadays that the London trains get full with standing passengers from Solihull. Interesting that Chiltern, or whoever gets the new 'franchise' will operate the Oxford MKC service using new class 196s sub leased from West Midlands Trains operating out of their Bletchley Depot which is an electric train depot. Makes you think that it would have been a simple matter to do an add on order for additional trains for a sub class to Chiltern specifications.

[@mikehindson-evans159]

Thank you for a useful and succinct summary of 25 years - well done.

[@wt7881]

Really informative video that I've enjoyed watching. Loving the documentary style 👍

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you so much!

[@Battismore-Blue]

I used Chiltern twice at the end of last year , breaking my journey from the North West to London at Birmingham , if you`ve a bit of time its far cheaper than going direct to Euston . I went to London last week but the price seems to have gone up considerably . Good Vid and a new subscriber

[@katashworth41]

Partner and I did that just before Christmas, grateful to avoid spending more time in Euston than we had to.

[@adamstrainvideos]

Nice one! I'm really enjoying these documentary style videos and the Stragglers series you're doing so far. I've only been on 2 Chiltern trains and they were brilliant! I also think that the recently withdrawn MK5a sets could potentially go to Chiltern and help out a bit with Mainline services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street, they could potentially extend them in the future to (hopefully) prevent the overcrowding problem. I do wish that they leased the 175s as they have a few more years of service left in them though, I think that if they didn't have the problem with occasionally catching fire, I'd think they would be a great fit to the fleet. Once again, lovely video and I shall be looking forward to the next one!

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! I would love to see the Mk5as and 175s as a dream scenario to both come to Chiltern. It would allow for every service to be lengthened and displace some 168s/165s for bolstering of other routes. Personally I like thw 175s more than the mk5as but Chiltern have publicly declined the 175s (although apparantley they still have a future!)

[@EM-yk1dw]

The 175s only caught fire because TfW stopped maintaining them, the engine bay cleaning, as they were to be withdrawn.

[@VkmSpouge]

Very good video! I use Chiltern a lot too and have also noticed a gradual decline in quality. The moment Arriva came on the scene I was worried they would make every worse having experienced the joys of their bus services.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! I'm a stagecoach lad where I live so can't comment on the buses necessarily, but the trains have always gone downhill when arriva take over a franchise

[@YoLo-bb2vc]

@@Vanmanyo dont use arriva busses! i live in loudwater next to high wycombe and my god the busses are the worst ive ever had to deal with! i myself lived in Northampton for 26 years (most of my life) and i completely agree with you stagecoach is far better but not perfect! in my opinion id actually walk the 3 miles into wycombe town than use the bus and sometimes im actually there before the bus! as they cut out some busses from the services ive know Arriva to actually not run busses in high wycombe for up to 3 hours before they start running busses. AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON THE RUDE FUCKING BUS DRIVERS! not all are mind but there are a fair few these days!

[@JaeV2000]

Please continue these documentary style videos, very enjoyable!

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! Will do 😀

[@HenrysAdventures]

Brilliant video! I've subscribed! As someone who uses the Chiltern Main Line regularly I've seen them improve and now sadly decline. In my opinion the beginning of the decline for services was in 2012 when the Olympics were healed in London. Then it seems trains were all about getting to London, if you wanted to travel from say, High Wycombe to Denham you may now have to change at Gerrards Cross. I can also remember when they ran a train approximately every 20 minutes and you could turn up and go. Now it's quite common to get say 2 trains in 10 minutes and then nothing for 45 minutes. I understand the timetable is designed to make if very difficult for competing trains use the route. I really hope to see the Chiltern Main Line improve again and if the Mark 3s have to go I hope we get the Mark 5As.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thanks for your comment! I can agree with you here, and really do hope Chiltern get the Mk5as. As I speak, though, the line is currently on a Do Not Travel notice (and has been since Thursday) due to a landslide, with the line closing entirely on Sunday - Tuesday. Infrastructure wise, it hasn't improved recently sadly

[@HenrysAdventures]

@@Vanmanyo Yes, its not been a good week for Chiltern. I've been watching this weeks situation closely. A number of trains have been arriving in Birmingham over an hour late. Even with Chiltern not being as good as they used to be long delays over more the 1/2 hour have been relatively rare.

[@shirlawpaterson8991]

Didn't the 165s get re-engined some years ago?

[@HenrysAdventures]

@@shirlawpaterson8991 Not sure about re-engined but they were refurbish and then later had disabled toilets installed.

[@W2APS]

I used to be proud of Chiltern 20 years ago. My dad commuted into London every day and I'd use it at weekends and for Wembley. Now I won't go near it unless I need to do a return trip to the Stadium from High Wycombe. It's too expensive, too busy and too unreliable. It's easier and miles cheaper for me to drive to Ruislip and get the Met line. It's do sad/bad.

[@lukastrains793]

An amazing video which I enjoyed greatly! Keep it up :)

[@Vanmanyo]

Cheers! I would highly appreciate a subscription too 😆

[@lukastrains793]

@@Vanmanyo of course!

[@bennythebrit]

Thank you for putting this together. Many of the comments seem to place the slowing down of Chiltern’s success squarely on the sale to Arriva and Mr Shooter’s retirement. Adrian had an ability to spot and inspire great loyalty in his staff. Many of his core team remain together today at the SLC Rail family of companies. You touched on the truth. Why did they sell to Arriva? They had achieved what they set out to do and there wasn’t the length of time left in the franchise for further (significant) investment, so Arriva moved in and have taken the profits. Regarding the extended journey times under DfT control, it could be argued that they have been deliberately extended them to up the average journey time from Birmingham to London (Chiltern plus Avanti) in order to make HS2 more favourable. One editing request - please shorten the chapter breaks. Looking forward to the next one.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you for your comment! I agree, Shooter was an incredible MD, knew all his staff and really made Chiltern a family. Now it's a profit running enterprise. That's the difference, and it shows in service. Thanks for the edit tip, I have shortened this in my more recent videos 😆

[@justmeajah]

New subscribers here! Nice explainers, keep it going mate!

[@TTXV]

I guess I am your first Latin American subscriber, as a kid I was a train spotter in the UK ,keep up the good work viva el tren

[@Vanmanyo]

Hahah you probably are my first! Thank you very much for watching, and I hope you enjoyed 😆

[@kriss_b]

Maybe a opportunity for the ex tpe nova 3 stock? Edit: this was wrote before the final chapter. My apologies. Addendum id love to see this style of video about tpe. Really enjoyable! I wont make suggestions on improvements as the would only be minor plus id like to see how you naturally evolve this style. My first video of yours that ive watched now to see what your other content is like and have a binge 😊

[@Vanmanyo]

I'd definitely have to look into TPE! I don't know them all that well so would require some more research. Thank you!

[@michaelbarlow3686]

I really enjoyed this documentary. I worked for Thames Trains in the early 90's prior to and after privatisation. Thanks very much for a great presentation

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you it's greatly appreciated! Hope working for Thames Trains was good!

[@mjpm2409]

As I was listening I did think that this video is by someone who knows the line well! At the end you mentioned this! You're right about all of this. It certainly couldn't have happened without Adrian Shooter's leadership - a true BR manager (of the good kind). I am worried that since his passing, the management calibre (strategically and operationally) will lose it's sight on the line and Arriva HQ will make bad (or no) decisions.

[@Steve14ps]

Sadly, the country no longer has any old-school transport managers (bus & rail) who understand the concept of public transport. Not the out for profit brigade

[@paulsanderson9586]

Thank you very much for this well researched video. (from17:00) Why was the 92 minute schedule to Birmingham and the 'Main Line' tag removed? I suspect to remove any direct competition to HS2?

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! No no it was not due to HS2! I believe it was just Chiltern wanting to stop at more locations (or being told they had to), and perhaps lower passenger numbers. I don't believe hs2 has anything to do with it, just a change in the companies direction!

[@Nayson]

@@Vanmanyoit was due to lack of express paths south of Bicester once the Oxford service opened.

[@soniatucker6929]

Really enjoyed your video

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! I hope you check out some of my other videos!

[@qjtvaddict]

Proper express service runs on dedicated tracks UK should build a maglev with 20 mile stop spacing like Shanghai maglev but unlike that shuttle it can be a proper intercity route with strategic transfer points to local trains and many cities and unlike HS2 will be harder to mess up

[@londontraveller9186]

I really enjoyed this video it was Informative and interesting. It will be nice for you to another video like this either on GNER or Virgin trains franchises please. I also subbed

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! I'll certainly consider doing this topics in the future!

[@starmonarA380]

Great video, good to see someone who understands the industry so well and acknowledges how the anti rail government / DfT are ruining everything. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it! I hope you would be interested in some of my other new videos too :)

[@Sim0nTrains]

Great and interesting video, didn't knew about rumours there was rumours going around about Chiltern getting Class 221 (even know it not going to happen)

[@Vanmanyo]

Everything can be a rumour nowadays! Thanks Si!

[@VladimirPutinIsGood]

​@@Vanmanyo They Won't Take Class 180s Either Because They've Got The Same Issue's With Reliability That The 175s Had

[@puddycat2325]

Personally travel on Chiltern every day on the Oxford Branch. Almost always we get a 168 with a nice interior, and they are comfy even if they are 30 years old. It is a bit of a downer when you get a 165 and have no phone chargers and uncomfortable seats but for me it’s always been a 168 bar a few times. I never considered it a bad service really. Trains rarely cancelled, almost never delayed past a minute or two. It’s a commuter service, and I can commute on it, so it works.

[@chrisjackson6582]

Excellent documentary

[@Vanmanyo]

Many thanks!

[@johnpayne168]

Very interesting video on a line which I havent travelled on recently but have happy memories of it being a bargain priced option for me to visit the Severn Valley Railway from Essex where I live. Advanced tickets were marketed at a very resonable price and I used it often. You told an interesting story very professionally. Just one negative the pan wipe between stills was making me feel quite rough so much so that I had to stop viewing and just listen to a lot of it. A straight forward transition with some of the images being on screen twice the amount of time would have improved it no end. Just my opinion, I didnt see anyone else comment on this so perhaps its just me. Thanks for making the film.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you for this comment! I'll take your comment into account and maybe reduce the frequency of transitions! The feedback is highly appreciated though 😆

[@richarddastardly6845]

Decent video, well done

[@Vanmanyo]

Cheers!

[@hughjanus7354]

These route diagrams which show Marylebone in the bottom left (i.e. SW) corner, was this your idea?

[@Vanmanyo]

Yeah if you look at other comments I explain it more on depth but I'll summarise; basically a few weeks back I made a few map templates to save time, so I just reused them. As I have school to deal with I don't have the time to make everything geographically accurate so that's why!

[@hughjanus7354]

@@Vanmanyo makes sense, good vid BTW!

[@CPTrains]

An excellently put together video! I do think Chiltern are a good operator, and especially cheap compared to Avanti. If they could get the Mk5s and ideally extend them to 6/7 cars long, hopefully it can allow them to run longer trains and maybe even allow less reliance on the 165s which I think are probably not suitable in terms of speed for the routes they do.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! I agree, Chiltern are still a pretty decent operator, but compared to where they were 10 years ago it is a shame they have gone down somewhat. I don't think the Mk5as can be anything longer than 5 car, but the mk3s are only 5 (standard) cars long anyway. The fact there would be more Mk5a sets than Chiltern have mark 3 sets atm would be very good, and would allow for more displacement of fleet and like you said less reliance on 165s/168s. The 68s would have to be made quieter imo though so hopefully that happens

[@ChilternTransportProductions]

@@Vanmanyo 6 MK3s actually, not 5. I remember when it used to be 5 hauled by 67s

[@Vanmanyo]

Yeah I said 5 standard! One is business zone remember

[@ChilternTransportProductions]

@@Vanmanyo Doesn’t mean much when it’s now permanently declassified

[@Vanmanyo]

@ChilternTransportProductions 90% of travellers still don't know this though!

[@PhilSmith71]

Great video. Very interesting. There are a few points to make. You state that the Gerrards Cross tunnel collapse occurred in 2006. It actually happened on the evening of 30th June 2005. The Gerrards Cross turnback is on the Up side just past the station heading from London rather than the Wembley Stadium style turnback located between the Up & Down tracks as indicated in your diagram. Also, the remodelling of Bicester North which allowed an increase from 25mph to 100mph was on the Up, not the Down.

[@Vanmanyo]

Ah thank you for this! I get the downs and ups mixed up so it could've occurred elsewhere! Cheers though

[@PhilSmith71]

Not a problem. Also, I just edited my comment to include reference to the Gerrards Cross turnback.

[@robertwilliams624]

Well Done! your documentary is excellent, more would be fabulous.

[@Vanmanyo]

I do have a few out now! But is more is on the way... Thank you though!

[@andreawoelke]

Great video. Not so sure about the chapter boards though.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! If you look at my more recent videos I hope you'll find that I have improved on this :)

[@ElijahsTransport]

Great video! I agree Chiltern will cone back strong!

[@katrinabryce]

There isn't anything like as many services from Paddington to Oxford as there used to be. Previously, there were 2 fast and 2 slow trains per hour by First Great Western, and Virgin Cross Country ran some peak services, or you could change at Reading for 2 VXC services per hour to Oxford. Now the slow services are a bit faster, but terminate at Didcot, and you have to change there for Oxford, [Arriva] Cross Country don't run any services to Paddington, and hourly with some extras between Reading and Oxford.

[@andybailey9347]

Great video thanks. I choose Chiltern over others between Birmingham and London whenever possible. I love their loco hauled services over the Chilterns. Big thanks to Adrian. (One thing, could you perhaps speak slightly slower so I can keep up and to avoid having to rewind frequently?). Keep up the good work. Cheers.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! That's the first time I've heard someone request that but I can certainly try for the future! Thank you again

[@petergilbert72]

Well done with this, your first video. 👍 My one suggestion is to cut the gaps between chapters to one second only. The five or six seconds delay each time seemed interminable!!

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! You weren't the only one to suggest this so hopefully my newest videos have had this issue rectified 😀

[@pete6645]

I enjoyed the video and found it very informative but just have one criticism: The maps are the wrong way round. They make it look like places such as Banbury and Aylesbury are north-east of London, rather the north-west.

[@Vanmanyo]

Yep there are geographical mistakes and I apologise for that! I don't have the time sadly to make 100% accurate maps, and I just used a template I made for a previous video. I do a-level geography so I for one should know of the mistakes - it's just very difficult to juggle making long videos and schoolwork! Thank you for the feedback 😆

[@BobC250]

Yep, I noted this too. Aylesbury "on the left" of Birmingham was just mind-boggling!

[@tlantis]

The service duration has gone up because they have increased dwell time at stations. Pretty sure this was to reduce delay repay. The lack of passing loops on most of the line means that any faults or delays can quickly stack up, and with maintenance issue rising, that’s created a perfect storm out of what had been a smoothly operated service.

[@Vanmanyo]

Dwell times aren't too large, but more stops and the lack of express services do increase times. The line is all double tracked anyway, although slower services do hinder the faster Chiltern ones!

[@tlantis]

@@Vanmanyoto clarify, I meant that while the scheduled dwell times haven’t gone up, in the last timetable change they allowed longer for transit. So they end up arriving ‘early’ and waiting longer before departure, with longer overall journey times. The net service is slower, for the same time moving.

[@Vanmanyo]

I haven't found that loads when travelling from Birmingham - London, although they usually stand for a few minutes at Leamington and Banbury but I would imagine this is all for punctuality, Chiltern services are measured much more strictly by punctuality than Avanti or LNWR

[@LittleWing-35]

@@tlantisdwell times have gone up because the DFT said to Chiltern, you need to save money. So Chiltern reduced the timetable to 80%, increased dwell times so trains can coast between stations and massage PPM and save fuel costs to say, hey, look at us, we’re going great! But really, they have no trains, no new stock, so can’t run a reliable timetable and always short formed or cancelled due to faults and failures.

[@kojo8770]

What happened with the 168 flex programme ? And Pre 1994 did the line or Chiltern Services not go beyond Banbury

[@Vanmanyo]

Hi, the 168 Flex was deemed to not be worth upgrading the entire fleet with, so it's currently at Wolverton being converted back to standard use. Before 1994 no services from Marylebone went north of Banbury, Services North of Banbury instead went via Paddington.

[@kojo8770]

@@Vanmanyo Thank you brilliant informative video

[@JonBowe]

Chiltern Railways severely upset its parent company (DB) by adopting the CL68s without it going through the proper channels, considering DB owned all the CL67s. It was a kick in the teeth as the 67s were nearly made redundant, as they were originally purchased for Royal Mail express trains and only really suited to Passenger services due to its build layout.

[@Clivestravelandtrains]

Living in Glasgow I seldom use Chiltern - apart from twice staying at Jordans youth hostel when needing to be in London early. I always had a good impression of them, and wanted to ride one day on the loco-hauled service from Kidderminster to London. A really good film, thanks. Some corrections/suggestions:- The line from London to Birmingham via Banbury was GWR, not Great Central as you said at one point. Main line trains went to/from Paddington, often hauled by Western class locos until 1967. The Great Central was the route via Aylesbury. Your diagramatic maps show Aylesbury to the left of the Birmingham line, whereas it should be to the right. The real villains in the room are Department for Transport, who seem to veto any development which costs money. They are the ones creating a downward spiral. As a KZbinr myself, I know how much time you can spend editing clips, and I think your films will improve the more you do. Thank you.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thanks so much I appreciate it! My diagrams aren't fully accurate no - that's because I used a template I made a few weeks back, and juggling schoolwork with videos meant I had to 'cut corners' on that aspect of things! Thanks for the feedback once more though!

[@BobC250]

@@Vanmanyo - Scrap your template! It seems to have been mirror-imaged 😄

[@markstramtrainbuscapades1729]

It has to be said that it's still my favoured way from Birmingham-London, with both Avanti West Coast & LNWR having similar issues, the result of te post Covid government squeeze on the railways. And despite their age, the 168s are still extrememely comfortable, definitely more so than a refurbished Pendolino!

[@Vanmanyo]

I do agree there! Lnr and Avanti just aren't as good. And yes the 168s are still good units - hopefully this refurbishment they're getting will improve them even more!

[@Kanbei11]

Agreed, I find the Pendolinos to be uncomfortably narrow, especially when full with baggage etc

[@normhanson981]

I use all the time , really good service , liked and subbed .

[@Vanmanyo]

Thanks for the sub! I appreciate it!

[@petee19]

As a Chiltern user I found this very enjoyable. The service into London from Princes Risborough had deteriorated since Covid but is still reasonably good. It’s hard to believe that the line into London was all but closing at one time. Longer trains are defiantly required particularly at peak times.

[@Vanmanyo]

It's definitely a brilliant revivial story, Marylebone was just a few years from closure, now it gets intercity services again - albeit very crowded ones! Glad you enjoyed!

[@VladimirPutinIsGood]

So Is This Light Refurbishment On Chiltern Class 165s Still Going Ahead? Because First Great Western Have Refurbished Their Class 165s and 166s Already So Surly Chiltern Should Get On With It

[@Vanmanyo]

Yep it'll be started in the next few years. Just cause gwr have done it doesn't mean Chiltern have to!

[@petitkruger2175]

Platforms for Chiltern at the new Old Oak Common hub would be awesome !

[@davedave6404]

A very interesting and well researched documentary. I had a problem with the audio though, its almost like generated by computer bot at times and fast speaking too.

[@Vanmanyo]

I promise you it's not generated at all! Maybe that was something on my end and maybe I was speaking too quickly!

[@Anonymoususer_2023]

Chiltern Railways in my opinion are a good train operator and they do have such nice rolling stocks including Class 168 Clubman that were built by Bombardier and are identical or similar to the Class 170 Turbostar.

[@Mike-kc8rl]

It's a fine video, and I live next to the Chiltern line and have a couple of friends who are staff. As you point out, the mk3 are to go, and this is expected in 2024. The mk5 sets look to be a strong possibility as they are available, but it's been suggested that the 68s have to go? The noise from these is considerably worse than the 67s they replaced! In fact, you hardly noticed the 67s ! As for Arriva, they are no longer owned by DB. There has been a take-over by I squared capitol investments of the USA ! We will have to wait and see what they do for the brand?

[@Vanmanyo]

The 68s are hopefully getting sound reduction modifications soon! Also DB currently still own Arriva until later this year! Thank you though!

[@ohpurpled]

So far as I can tell they basically continued what NSE was doing, and their DMUs are still essentially in NSE livery (albeit grey-ified for the 168s) In fact, being a management buyout, M40 Trains was basically just a continuation of NSE - just managing a single line as a private entity instead of a whole region - so I'm not sure it can really be fairly called a success of privatisation, if anything Chiltern was only ‘truly’ privatised with the DB takeover which you note as the point things started going downhill…

[@Vanmanyo]

Nevertheless, Chiltern still were technically and legally private and did some very positive things during that timeframe!

[@highpath4776]

How about Old Oak Common to Oxford then Bicester back to Marylebone run with Bi-Modes ? , with (gwr) line to Oxford electrified to Bicester at least ?)

[@Vanmanyo]

Could probide a decent shuttle service when Old Oak is opened I guess! I think Old Oak (If it ever has a connection to the CML) would provide extra capacity so more Birmingham & local London services can run

[@chrisj6321]

Oh this is sad to see. I left birmingham and the uk in 2014 I loved the Chiltern trains they had these super cheap day returns to London that made them much better option compared to virgin

[@levandreyev735]

Very well planned, compiled and illustrated video; thank you for it. You invite suggestions for improvement (a highly creditable thing to do) so may I respectfully say that the speed at which you naturally speak makes it sometimes difficult to hear exactly what some words are, especially some nouns and technical terms with which listeners may not necessarily be familiar. Be assured it is a very good script but one which may, if it were more clearly enunciated in places, be better still. Respectfully yours LA, St.Petersburg.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! I'll take your feedback on board when I next record - thank you though, I appreciate the feedback 😆

[@Theo5550]

Amazing video! In my opinion I think Chiltern are a fantastic operator, I mean yes just like any other TOC, they can have problems at times, but if someone were to ask me why are they falling, I think it's because they are withdrawing the 165's and Silver sets (Class 68/MK3 sets) but it would so good to see them take on the MK5's, it's just a shame that the MK3's are aging and stuff, personally I still think Chiltern are a better company than Avanti, overall I'm positive Chiltern will rise again, I've been on plenty of their Trains now and I've never been disappointed!

[@Vanmanyo]

I've done a video on Avanti too and must agree!

[@officialmcdeath]

So sad to hear it's fallen off - as a frequent user of the London-Birmingham route way going back to the days of Just 25 and other aggressive marketing campaigns, I remember how there was always a new upgrade in service to look forward to. There was a simple formula for fleet expansion: a new vehicle could be afforded if it could be full by Gerrards Cross heading south in the weekday AM peak \m/

[@Vanmanyo]

now they're pretty much all full from Gerrards cross (or even Banbury when they've come from Birmingham), and no new vechicle in sight

[@EdgyNumber1]

J15 back in 2005. Seems to have gone up £1 every year.

[@officialmcdeath]

@@EdgyNumber1 thank you, that is correct, fuzzy memory on my part from wrong medication in recent times, appreciate your call \m/

[@dasy2k1]

This is what I would do... Mk5a stock to run alongside the mk3 stock on the Birmingham-Marylebone express line increasing capacity. Resuming the 90min timetable and freeing up 168s for other services especially to and from Oxford Buy a fleet of new 755 bimode FLIRTS for the southern regional bits to phase out the 165s Push for electrification from Marylebone to Oxford (evergreen 4?)... Eventually using pure emus Replace the class 68s with class 93s at this point which solves the noise and fume issues in Marylebone

[@LittleWing-35]

Won’t happen. 168’s being refurbed, 20 - 30 year old train, no new stock. MK5 definitely on the cards and more 68’s from TPE I think. Nothing really until 2030 and that’s not even electrification!

[@DonnyD44]

when i went on chiltern railways it was quite a pleasant experience, apart from the random Greggs wrapper

[@trevorwilson9183]

The 165s did not have air conditioning added. They had air cooling added which only cools. For heating the original train heating system continues.

[@Vanmanyo]

I didn't really know the difference! Surely it does a similar thing though?

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

oh no, Adrian Shooter died? RIP. I met him when he was testing the battery Vivarail demonstrator at the Bo'ness & Kinneal Railway

[@Vanmanyo]

Yes he was a great man! Died in 2022 I believe. 168001 is named after him!

[@kapuchinoification]

Capacity at Marylebone remains an issue. In an ideal World, LU would electrify the track and take over the Aylesbury services via Amersham, freeing up capacity, and removing the issue of diesel trains running on electrified tracks between Amersham and Harrow.

[@Vanmanyo]

That would be nice, however probably unrealistic given the cost for electrification! The DFT would have to negotiate handing over operations too, and it's one of Chilterns more profitable commuter routes!

[@leonblittle226]

Chiltern should of taken the available HST sets and given them a refresh as a stop gap until they decide what they are actually going to upgrade too. Also would have increased the seating capacity.

[@Vanmanyo]

I'm not sure the unions would've been keen to that

[@nickgiles7568]

As a regular user of Chiltern Railways ( and indeed I can see the Marylebone-Aylesbury line from my window as I type I would make the following observations which you have not really touched upon:- 1. COVID did immense damage to Chiltern as it destroyed commuter traffic on the Aylesbury- Amersham- Marylebone route which has still not recovered , (and probably will not) due to WFH. Car parking usage at Stoke Mandeville ( and no doubt at other stations) is probably half what it was prior to COVID with loss of revenue) .It also damaged the Marylebone- Wycombe- Bicester- Birmingham traffic a lot of which was leisure based. You mention the reduction in services on the Amersham line to hourly but this should be no surprise given that the trains are usually empty outside the peaks. 2. The financial problems of DB have not been touched upon. It has been under pressure from the German government for years to reduce its debt mountain. The sale of Arriva to an investment management company ( if it goes through) is unlikely to benefit Chiltern Railways and will surely lead to a reduction in investment pending a piecemeal sale of Arriva's train franchises in the long term. Chiltern may not have had an obligation to make any further improvements outside the franchise agreement but Evergreen 1 & 2 were Adrian Shooters idea from inside the company and more infrastructure improvements could have been put in place prior to COVID if the willing was there. A case of sitting on their laurels. 3. The commuter based Amersham line is in limbo, much of it outside Chilterns control even if they wanted to do something. The journey from Aylesbury to Marylebone still takes as long as it did ten years ago. The DfT / TfL or whoever cannot afford to electrify the line beyond Amersham to allow electric stock to get to Aylesbury but the environmental lobby ( who I have no argument with) would love to get rid of diesel units and locomotives from Marylebone due to pollution issues The Class 165 units are life expired despite attempts at refurbishment. 4. You have set out the rolling stock options to replace both the 165 units and the loco hauled stock and yet because of the points raised in 3. above diesel traction is not the way forward. Chiltern are trying a battery unit but I read on another forum that the unit has not been an unqualified success. I hope that Chiltern can revert back to the good old days under new ownership but sadly in the meantime I shall continue to use my OAP bus pass to get to Berkhamsted where I can catch a regular service ( 3tph), travel in new stock ( although I was quite happy with the 350 units ) and arrive into Euston much quicker than Chiltern gets me to Marylebone and the fare is cheaper. Okay so the wires come down from time to time but even Chiltern has problems like the landslip this week which caused chaos.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thanks for your comment! I agree that there was sooo much I could have talked about, some of it you very fairly pointed out and I agree with you on your points - especially the lack of commuter traffic. I live close to Warwick Parkway and the car park is very rarely full nowadays. One thing I will point out is that LNWR is around 15-20 minutes slower than Chiltern, and prices vary between who's cheaper; but I agree that the 350s are good units! I do hope Chiltern recover from their longer term issues, and yes that landslide did scupper services over the weekend!

[@clivebroadhead4381]

I believe Adrian Shooter wanted the line electrified to move with the times and restore its earlier success.

[@rogerevans425]

If the "main line" (via High Wycombe) was elecrified it would almost certainly have to be overhead line, which would further complicate the rolling stock make-up, bacause the Met/GC line to Aylesbury would need to be compatible with the LT 4 rail system. Remember London Transport first talked about electrifying the line from Rickmansworth to Aylesbury pre-second world war. It wasn't until 1960 that they electrified as far as Amersham.

[@xxrockraiderxx]

You would have thought with such a good record of investment that the DfT would have made another contract requiring investments same as the previous one, perhaps even requiring full electrification of the Chiltern lines and the electrification of their train fleet.

[@sm_ha4965]

I agree - most of the stagnation can arguably be blamed on the government’s failure to negotiate a decent follow-up contract that forces the company to continue the improvement… Companies don’t do things unless they have to! This is a fantastic video - really well presented. Thank you.

[@jimmyaustin6087]

I think you have to take some of the "declines" into perspective. Timetables change to where the demand is, or is perceived to be. With the shift to hybrid working traditional commuting timetables are going. Like the Oxford-London fast service, as they hope they can make more money from doing a semi fast stopper. Compared to many other fleets of a similar age, class 465, cross country 170s, EMR 222s the fleets are in reasonable condition inside. You will have increased failures with age but Chiltern are addressing it. New trains are expensive and whilst they are still going, the DfT won't splash any cash to buy new trains...

[@KOE530E]

Just one correction - East West Rail was never a Chiltern Railways project. Early development work was led by the EWR Consortium formed in 1995 by Local Authorities headed by Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Councils. When the project was confirmed as part of the investment programme for Control Period 5, responsibility for detailed design and construction passed to Network Rail on behalf of the DfT, but in 2018 the government effectively privatised the project by forming the East West Rail Company. Although Chiltern Railways provided a lot of support to the Consortium, and there was a widespread assumption that they would operate at least the Western Section (Oxford / Aylesbury to Milton Keynes / Bedford), this was never confirmed and in fact DfT never even officially expressed a preference as to how the line might be operated or by whom. Bicester to Oxford was certainly a Chiltern project (Evergreen 3 Phase 2), but its original scope included a long single line section between Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village, and a reduced signalling specification. The additional scope to double the line throughout and increase capacity were funded by Network Rail as advanced EWR works to reduce later disruption and secure economies of scale.

[@Vanmanyo]

Did I say that Chiltern were making EWR!? Apologies there haha

[@KOE530E]

Not explicitly, but you did say “single handedly reopening the line from Oxford to Bedford and Aylesbury to Milton Keynes” which were always EWR Western Section and, apart from Oxford to Bicester and Aylesbury to Aylesbury Vale Parkway, never featured in Chiltern’s own plans. Anyway, it’s a minor point and I agree with everything else you say.

[@Vanmanyo]

@@KOE530E well thanks for bringing it up anyway I appreciate feedback! I need to redo that video at some point, compared to my stuff now it's not a brilliant video and that's quite a lot of editing things I would love to change. Regardless thanks for watching 😆

[@jeanjacques9980]

I thought the Birmingham service from Marylebone was a transferred service from the Paddington to Birmingham. The Birmingham service was transferred to release slots for other services from Paddington.

[@Vanmanyo]

Yes I do believe you are correct, however it's very difficult to find information about this sort of thing, and I am far too young!

[@jeanjacques9980]

@@Vanmanyo I do indeed remember trains leaving Paddington for Birmingham on the scenic route.

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

The reason was that Paddinton services are run by First Great Western who pulled out of Birmingham services on Privatiseation, the service was taken over by Chiltern trains who are owned by DB rail of Germany who had to find a new terminal so took over Londomn Marylabone Station as their London Station and Utilised the old GWR/Great Central link line from Aynho Junction into London Marelabone, the line that took trains from Snow Hill to Paddington is now semi derelict and I travelled on it before covid when Chiltern Trains from Birmingham were diverted along this line into London Paddington and it had been singled and semi derelict

[@jeanjacques9980]

@@peterwilliamallen1063 Thank you for the very informative post and history of the decline of the Paddington to Birmingham route. The disastrous privation also resulted in the direct service between Paddington and Fishguard closed and I assume many other routes closed. BW

[@robertbannocks6750]

A documentary on the ROSCOs, their history and the current status would be very insightful.

[@Vanmanyo]

That would be a decent idea, but I'm not sure how much research would be available! I did work experience at Porterbrook in the Summer and honestly loved it!

[@Maxo11x]

I often use Chiltern as I travel to and from Amersham and Edinburgh. The frequency of Chiltern however just struggles to compete against tfl on that line, the trains are near empty non peak. Never really enjoyed arriva especially when I see the success DB arriva have in Germany and Denmark. Marylebone really needs an upgrade, or Old Oak Common is going to help them, only if they get the stock to fulfil it. Also I do call Chiltern the patchwork operator as they seem to have 30 different styles of train compared to other operators 1 or 2

[@peterwilliamallen1063]

Chiltern Trains do belong to DB

[@Maxo11x]

@@peterwilliamallen1063 yes, I don't think I said otherwise, unless I mistyped

[@AFCManUk]

Well, it's now almost June 2024, and nothing has changed. I've emailed Chiltern several times about overcrowding (Even more so now on the Aylesbury -Amersham -Marylebone route), short sets, regular Bus Replacement Services mainly at busy weekends, and constant price hikes, but all I get back from them is how little money they have and how the Department for Transport won't help with funding new trains or let them do anything with existing stock. Excuse after excuse!!

[@Vanmanyo]

Yep! I was going to do a followup video (plus I don't think this video is my best compared to my news ones) and well - there's nothing to follow up on! Services still not up to pre pandemic and no new signs of stock. However December 2025 looks the date for the replacement of the Mk3 silver sets - however 2025!!!!!

[@AFCManUk]

@@Vanmanyo i travel regularly on the tired and uncomfortable 165's between Aylesbury and Marylebone via Amersham, and they still desperately need upgrading or at least refurbishing. 2+2 seating would be a bonus.

[@jonswinfield9336]

I like this kind of documentary style video on TOC’s Black screen pauses between chapters were a bit long/ probably unnecessary Beware of sharing opinions especially when it comes to unions Can you do anymore of these on TOC’s?

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! Do check out my other doc videos as I do improve on what you say & you may find them interesting! I do want to do more TOCs, I've already done one of Avanti/Chiltern of course

[@PaulJaYmes]

Today's Chiltern Mainline isn't the same as the old Grand Central, which ran via Aylesbury and Buckingham. Also the line about the franchise "maybe being too long" is misguided; the plan would always have been to stop investing for the last few years of the franchise, as investments need time to yield returns. A better version of the original franchise system would have been to award 20 year franchises with the renewal process scheduled to complete before the last few years. This way, investment could continue with even an incoming operator starting work before the transfer date.

[@garybroadhurst3548]

The age of stock isn't really an issue so long as it can be maintained enough to be reliable - not easy or cheap I know. The fact is though, as a one-time regular user of these services, I would ONLY use the Mk3 loco-hauled services. It seems a generally accepted fact now, throughout the country and on all operators that the newer the stock, the less comfortable it is for the passenger. If the Mk3s are replaced by the ex-Trans-Pennine stock that would be at least something... but I'd still rather be on a Mk3 or Mk4 or even an Avanti Pendalino than the latest plastic DMU.

[@Vanmanyo]

I agree, but the 168s are still pretty nice and are getting refurbished!

[@tomcarr1358]

Mk 5s failed Trans Pennine because of a lousy ride -see retired railway engineer's past comments in Modern Railways. The same engineer despairs of having to sit on top of under floor engines with noisy transmission .

[@RUOKH]

A good presentation and overview of the rise and fall of this operation. A couple of minor comments; ditch the dreadful and unnecessary music at each chapter introduction, and speak a little slower as occasionally the commentary is too gabbled to hear exactly what is being said. Otherwise, excellent and thank you. Good luck with the next documentary.

[@Vanmanyo]

Hi, thank you for this! I have taken onboard most your feedback and implemented it into my latest videos so hopefully these are more to your liking! Obviously it was the first time I've ever done something like this, so your feedback is appreciated 😆

[@KennySC]

Nice video! I'd definitely like to see more videos like this in the future. I live in between the Chiltern Main Line and West Coast Main Line but we always use Avanti or LNR to go to London. Also at 19:22 do you mean the early 2030s and mid to late 2020s? (Feels like it could be an error, I'm not sure)

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! I'm definitely planning some more doc style videos! Chiltern are getting a few of the class 196s for EWR but the Class 16Xs will still be cleared on the route (I mentioned it in the description but not the video as I felt it a bit irrelevant, the 196s probably won't be used on the rest of the mainline)

[@Discount-Stonks]

Having used Chiltern in the last 2 years, I can honestly say they are actually pretty good as a train operator.. well, in comparison, anyway. Anytime I jump on SWR or GWR, I’m immediately reminded of what a crap TOC looks like.

[@Vanmanyo]

Yes they can be pretty good tbf. However, compared to where they were prior it has declines

[@whyyoulidl]

Thanks for a well scripted and put together docu-vid; great content and highly informative 👌🏿 Will sub if not already done so 👏🏿

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you!!!!

[@BensTransport]

I personally think that their intercity 68 set service timetable should be increased to sort out the overcrowding issues

[@Vanmanyo]

I don't think they are allowed due to noise issues. Also they would have to train more drivers/staff! I would love to see it though!

[@nickryan3417]

As a regular user of the Chiltern line, what I can say is that by way of reliability and so on, it's not really not that bad. Some routes are definitely abused for money though and it's quite obvious that Oxford/Birmingham routes have been the priority for some time now and the commuter routes have been treated as low priority. While the trains are old, they are still more comfortable than so many out there: a friend, who after being charmingly beaten up in her sleep by her husband, has suffered from a bad since and use Thameslink trains but has found that she just can't sit in the regular seats any more as they are so uncomfortable and she has to sit in the de-listed 1st class instead. These 1st class seats are still less comfortable than the regular Chiltern commuter trains and quite comparable to the 5mm thick seat cushioning found in the Elizabeth line trains. I do feel sorry for the staff at Marylebone though with the trains idling and spewing out diesel fumes all day long, the air quality inside the station is appalling.

[@Vanmanyo]

The class 165s aren't great in terms of comfort, but the 168s and mk3s are quite nice! Marylebone doesn't have too bad air quality as they've installed clean air filters at the station!

[@richard_wenner]

Enjoyed this - although I'm nowhere near your region. Did you consider running this past the company? You may at least get a free cab ride or two out of it. Well done.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! I never thought of that! If they want to come to me I'm open to a cash cheque to remove the video if it's too negative (that's a joke by the way!!)

[@richard_wenner]

@@Vanmanyo It is too negative. You need to be more proactive - it could be the start of a good relationship - and career (I'll take 10% of the agreement (that too is a joke - but give it a try - you never know unless you ask) :)

[@Vanmanyo]

@@richard_wenner Maybe 5%??? Haha thank you though! I guess the reason I made the video is because, as a passenger myself, I've not been impressed with the level of service. Everytime I email it's just the same reply so I might as well use my knowledge to educate those who complain everyday to the social media team, perhaps without fully realising the situation! Chiltern staff are very lovely and I know quite a few of them. This video is definitely not directed at them though!

[@richard_wenner]

@@Vanmanyo Did you reference it on 'X' too? I've found that - along with LinkedIn to be good sources of further referrals.

[@TomCro73]

Keep in mind, they're a nationalised company now - they won't give a fig about PR nor customer service, just about job security. At least the line still exists - without privatisation, it'd probably all be cycle paths by now, and Marylebone/Snow Hill/Moor Street all car parks.

[@pete6645]

Apart from very early and very late trains, the services from Oxford were always fast, often non-stop from Bicester Village to London, otherwise just stopping at Haddenham/Thame and/or Wycombe. Now they stop at all the little stations. Why? Chiltern Railways, please return to having fast trains please from Oxford. Services from Wycombe and Gerrards Cross should cover the small interim stations. Also, several of the trains need additional carriages.

[@Vanmanyo]

Yes I agree with you there, journeys have slowed hugely. I believe it's because there's less services overall, so the Oxford services are forced to stop more to give those stations a service.

[@squizza28]

What chiltern DO compete well against Avanti etc with is the price. If you're willing to accept the journey taking longer, you save a lot of money. Put another way, it would be hard to earn the amount you save in the travel time difference. And Marylebone is in central London, so imo it's just as good.

[@Vanmanyo]

LNWR also do well on the price too!

[@stevem-h3562]

hang on, hang on, opening a line from Aylesbury to a Parkway station near Rugby ((insert record scratch sound effect)) - wot? When was that supposed to happen? I lived in Aylesbury for a few years and this service was a huge help and I guess I was lucky to be using their service at a time when it was at its best. I have also noticed though that the services now are fiendishy overcrowded out of Leamington and Warwick to Marylebone and it did make me wonder what the hell went wrong.....

[@Vanmanyo]

Yeah it was never planned it was merely something that they envisioned would be a good service. Chiltern enquired but DfT said no. I agree it would be good though!

[@robdavies8702]

The biggest mistake of privatisation was letting bus companies anywhere near the rail franchises, it all became maximum output for minimum input.

[@Vanmanyo]

Same with Stagecoach (before they got banned) & abellio (before they got bought out and changed name)

[@EdgyNumber1]

First Great Eastern were competing directly with First Bus on between the Colchester to Chelmsford and it showed.

[@richcolour]

Is there a reason why east and west are reversed on your line diagrams?

[@Vanmanyo]

Yes! Well sort of. Basically I made a template for all my maps a few weeks ago and I don't have the time (with schoolwork) to be able to change every map I made. I know it's poor of me (and I do A-level geography!) but I have to do my schoolwork of course! This helps me cut a few corners and make videos whilst doing work! Hope you understand

[@richcolour]

@@Vanmanyo ah, I understand, it's better to take shortcuts and get the video out then to spend too long on details. Thanks for explaining!

[@Vanmanyo]

@@richcolour I love making videos - I do it as a hobby rather than making money of course! Uploading a video every Saturday gives me a sense of satisfaction so I would rather get a video done, cutting a few minor shortcuts, than not get one done! Thanks for your understanding :D