Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Epping Ongar Railway In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [371866/26356/47] Posted by johnneyw at 18:04, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
The Epping Ongar heritage railway may have a view on this, after all, what sort of state would the line and stations be in if they had not taken over.? Just a thought though..... there's ex London Underground D stock converted to battery operation entering service not far away from there. Perhaps a little room for weekday/weekend partnership between TfL and the Epping Ongar Railway is in both parties future interest, especially if it means reinstating the line right back into Epping.
Meanwhile, back in the real world......
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371865/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 18:03, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Further Information
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:30/01/2026 17:54
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Further Information
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:30/01/2026 17:54
| Commuter was left traumatised after trapped inside a train toilet for almost two In "Cross Country services" [371864/31552/43] Posted by ChrisB at 18:03, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
From YouTube/Birmingham Live
A commuter was left traumatised after being trapped inside a train toilet for almost two hours, with firefighters eventually being called in to cut down the door.
Robin Smith experienced the rail journey from hell after a malfunctioning automatic door left her stuck inside the small loo.
The 35-year-old, who is severely claustrophobic, almost fainted twice during the shocking incident.
Keen athlete Robin was travelling down to take part in a hyrox open ladies event when her day was turned upside down.
It happened last Saturday (24 Jan) on CrossCountry rail service from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly.
Robin Smith experienced the rail journey from hell after a malfunctioning automatic door left her stuck inside the small loo.
The 35-year-old, who is severely claustrophobic, almost fainted twice during the shocking incident.
Keen athlete Robin was travelling down to take part in a hyrox open ladies event when her day was turned upside down.
It happened last Saturday (24 Jan) on CrossCountry rail service from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly.
Something oddly that was exdactly workshopped last year by the XC accessibility Panel.
| Re: Epping Ongar Railway In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [371863/26356/47] Posted by Oxonhutch at 17:56, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Maybe tunnel under the existing heritage railway, like HS2 to Ruislip and Euston [Image from here is not available to guests] [Image from here is not available to guests]
| M5 at the Avonmouth bridge closed. In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371862/31551/5] Posted by Mark A at 17:42, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
A scrolling notice at Bath Bus Stations one surviving screen of the bank of three at the west end announcing that this was becoming a problem for bus timings.
Presumably with the motorway closed and the motorway traffic seeping into the City, the Bristol CAZ zone profits mightily?
Mark
| Re: South Western Railways Waterloo - Bristol services axed In "South Western services" [371861/25368/42] Posted by Mark A at 17:35, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Another take: the service met a whole slew of different travel needs for people, was popular and well used, and as long as the railway doesn't introduce and develop this sort of service as part of addressing the glaring shortcomings of rail travel in the south west arising from the shortage of staff, rolling stock and infrastructure, it's relegating itself to a legacy transport mode.
Mark
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [371860/28982/26] Posted by REVUpminster at 17:29, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Planned 175004 and 175110 dragged to Wolverton today but the planned move from Wolverton to Laira was cancelled.
Ely Mif 7: 175005/008, 175103/104/105/109 (175008 is in two halves)
Wolverton : 10 : 175102/106/107/108/110/111/112/113/115/116
Laira : 9: 175002/004/007/009, 175114; 175001/003/006/011, 175101 are refurbished.
Long Rock : 1 : 175010
Updated 30 January 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOCFBzYBXjY
| Re: London bus driver sacked after chasing and punching thief - 25 June 2024 In "Transport for London" [371859/31547/46] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:20, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
All the processes in the employment dispute appear to have been actioned correctly. Not sure what "common sense and decency" has been ignored. Unless one is advocating for ignoring due process.
QED
| Re: Elderly may lose free travel over Sadiq Khan’s fare rises In "Transport for London" [371858/31392/46] Posted by JayMac at 16:32, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Nice to see Evercreech Junction (Southwood Trading Estate) getting a public transport 'rail' service again!
Saturday 28th March 2026 marks the present West Somerset Railway's 50th anniversary of getting back into business
Trains started running between Minehead and Blue Anchor. The first departure was at 1000 from Minehead. 0-6-0ST "Victor" hauled six coaches, some of which had arrived from the Big Railway only two days before and were still in BR blue and grey
I'm pleased to say the anniversary will be marked suitably, and full details will be made known on the WSR website and supporters' websites
| Re: London bus driver sacked after chasing and punching thief - 25 June 2024 In "Transport for London" [371856/31547/46] Posted by JayMac at 16:21, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
All the processes in the employment dispute appear to have been actioned correctly. Not sure what "common sense and decency" has been ignored. Unless one is advocating for ignoring due process.
| Re: Day out - 20th January 2026 In "The Lighter Side" [371855/31499/30] Posted by Red Squirrel at 15:24, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
5: Wigton?
| Re: South Western Railways Waterloo - Bristol services axed In "South Western services" [371854/25368/42] Posted by ChrisB at 14:55, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
The reductions were nothing to do with ORCATS anyway, they were removed on request from the DfT about service duplication. There was no need for it & saved both units & staff time if removed. As the DfT is still looking to shave the budget, there is no chance of the duplications being reinstated IMHO
| Re: South Western Railways Waterloo - Bristol services axed In "South Western services" [371853/25368/42] Posted by paul7575 at 14:28, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
From RailUser Express ("RUX may be forwarded, or items copied") January 2026
Fine in theory, but I bet there’s no available rolling stock in practice. There’s also no evidence that ‘division of fares income’ will go away, it was BR who introduced ORCATS, to try and accurately allocate fare income to services that passengers actually used. RAILFUTURE WESSEX
Rf Wessex hopes that when every TOC in the south is operating under the GBR brand, some of the direct links that were lost with privatisation could be restored: Brighton - Southampton trains extended to Bournemouth; Waterloo – Salisbury to Bristol, and some Reading - Basingstoke shuttles to Salisbury. There must be many other examples around Britain, where direct connections could be restored once the accurate division of fares income is no longer an issue.
Rf Wessex hopes that when every TOC in the south is operating under the GBR brand, some of the direct links that were lost with privatisation could be restored: Brighton - Southampton trains extended to Bournemouth; Waterloo – Salisbury to Bristol, and some Reading - Basingstoke shuttles to Salisbury. There must be many other examples around Britain, where direct connections could be restored once the accurate division of fares income is no longer an issue.
| Re: Travel disruption likely after weather warnings issued for Devon & Cornwall In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [371852/31263/25] Posted by grahame at 14:26, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Dear Graham,
We promised to keep you updated on the impact of recent storms on the rail network. We're very grateful for the patience of our customers and communities over the past week as we've dealt with substantial flooding and damage to the railway, and the resulting impact on our train services.
Currently, the Barnstaple, Okehampton, Newquay and Looe lines remain closed. All four of these routes have substantial damage due to flooding and landslips. Our teams are working very hard each day to get these lines safely reopened as quickly as possible, but in some cases have not yet been able to assess damage because flood levels are too high and the flow of water is too fast.
As it stands, we hope that the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines will reopen for passenger services on Tuesday 3rd February, though this is subject to change. We are now able to run an hourly all stations replacement bus, an hourly direct Barnstaple-Exeter replacement bus, and a two-hourly Okehampton to Exeter replacement bus. Capacity is limited so we're asking customers to consider if their journey is necessary before setting off. Full details including ticket acceptance on local buses is available here and our team are updating journey planners as soon as possible.
The Par-Newquay line also remains closed due to flooding, and we anticipate rail services will not start again until Monday 2nd February at the earliest. Replacement buses are in operation, running from St Austell instead of Par, and we also have ticket acceptance on local buses.
Finally, the Looe line also remains closed due to damage caused by storms and flooding. This closure is expected to last until next week at the earliest and again we have replacement buses and local ticket acceptance in place.
Customers should continue to check their journeys at www.gwr.com/check or through our social media channels. With flooding still in place and saturated ground, it is possible that further rain will result in more disruption and we will of course keep you updated.
Any help you can give to share this amongst your networks would be much appreciated, and if there's any questions you may have please do not hesitate to let us know.
We promised to keep you updated on the impact of recent storms on the rail network. We're very grateful for the patience of our customers and communities over the past week as we've dealt with substantial flooding and damage to the railway, and the resulting impact on our train services.
Currently, the Barnstaple, Okehampton, Newquay and Looe lines remain closed. All four of these routes have substantial damage due to flooding and landslips. Our teams are working very hard each day to get these lines safely reopened as quickly as possible, but in some cases have not yet been able to assess damage because flood levels are too high and the flow of water is too fast.
As it stands, we hope that the Barnstaple and Okehampton lines will reopen for passenger services on Tuesday 3rd February, though this is subject to change. We are now able to run an hourly all stations replacement bus, an hourly direct Barnstaple-Exeter replacement bus, and a two-hourly Okehampton to Exeter replacement bus. Capacity is limited so we're asking customers to consider if their journey is necessary before setting off. Full details including ticket acceptance on local buses is available here and our team are updating journey planners as soon as possible.
The Par-Newquay line also remains closed due to flooding, and we anticipate rail services will not start again until Monday 2nd February at the earliest. Replacement buses are in operation, running from St Austell instead of Par, and we also have ticket acceptance on local buses.
Finally, the Looe line also remains closed due to damage caused by storms and flooding. This closure is expected to last until next week at the earliest and again we have replacement buses and local ticket acceptance in place.
Customers should continue to check their journeys at www.gwr.com/check or through our social media channels. With flooding still in place and saturated ground, it is possible that further rain will result in more disruption and we will of course keep you updated.
Any help you can give to share this amongst your networks would be much appreciated, and if there's any questions you may have please do not hesitate to let us know.
| Re: Epping Ongar Railway In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [371851/26356/47] Posted by grahame at 14:21, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
from myLondon
Transport for London has ruled out reviving a "lost" London Underground station which shut due to a lack of passengers. Commuters in Ongar, Essex want Central line services which currently terminate in Essex to be extended to the previous terminal which was axed in 1994.
Passenger numbers had dropped throughout previous decades until just 85 people a day were using it. London Regional Transport, which ran the Central line until TfL took ownership in 2003, was losing so much money the Ongar stationmaster remarked it would be cheaper to buy each passenger an Austin 7 car rather than keep it open.
However, local leaders are now calling on TfL to reinstate the line to help Epping Forest District Council keep pace with Government housebuilding targets. Speaking at a committee meeting on Tuesday (January 27), Ongar councillor Tom Bromwich said: “We're looking at a different reality.
Passenger numbers had dropped throughout previous decades until just 85 people a day were using it. London Regional Transport, which ran the Central line until TfL took ownership in 2003, was losing so much money the Ongar stationmaster remarked it would be cheaper to buy each passenger an Austin 7 car rather than keep it open.
However, local leaders are now calling on TfL to reinstate the line to help Epping Forest District Council keep pace with Government housebuilding targets. Speaking at a committee meeting on Tuesday (January 27), Ongar councillor Tom Bromwich said: “We're looking at a different reality.
| Re: Inspiration train, winter of 2026 - first South West venue announced In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [371849/31448/20] Posted by grahame at 13:08, 30th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A | ![]() |
Thinking of where in the Coffeeshop area people would like to send (in a positive way) the Inspiration Train. Not sure what it needs by way of length of platform face and of course it needs not to bring the network to a halt... Parkend?
Mark
Mark
Not sure where it will be is Salisbury - probably in platform 5. And Temple Meads can probably manage it in Platform 13. Newquay before the enhanced service is introduced is logical, and the west-facing bay in the downside at Taunton too. I suspect the London-facing empty carriage bay at Plymouth might be possible - and if they'd known it was to be closed for so long, it could have visited the Looe line platform at Liskeard this month.
| Re: Hastings Diesel - 2026 In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [371848/31531/47] Posted by grahame at 12:55, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Hmmm. I wouldn't describe a Hastings Diesel as able to 'glide'.... [Image from here is not available to guests] [Image from here is not available to guests] [Image from here is not available to guests]
I'm glad we're all different. I did search for a word though. My alternative was coasting. As the train rolled into Orpington at line speed, no sound from the engines, but as it passed by they turned up to a 'screaming' full throttle ; I can still hear than sound as I write today, over half a lifetime later, far better than I can translate it into words.
I commuted for 10 years or so on these from T Wells. In the morning everyone formed a neat queue opposite each door stopping place. As the train entered Grove Hill tunnel everyone counted the number of windows. If the train included a 'short ' unit (seven windows per carriage rather than eight) the queue neatly snaked forward to the revised stopping place. No pushing or shoving. All very civilised!
| 19th March 2026 - Community Rail Awards, Derby In "Diary - what's happening when?" [371846/31549/34] Posted by grahame at 09:58, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Community Rail Network is excited to announce the shortlisted entries for the 2026 Community Rail Awards.
The Awards, now in their 21st year, recognise the vital work carried out by community rail partnerships, station friends and other community groups working to connect communities with railways and stations.
Organised by Community Rail Network, the Awards recognise a diverse array of projects that support stronger, greener, more inclusive communities, served and connected by their railways and the wider sustainable transport network.
The winners will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony in Derby on Thursday 19 March 2026, supported by headline partners East Midlands Railway.
The Awards, now in their 21st year, recognise the vital work carried out by community rail partnerships, station friends and other community groups working to connect communities with railways and stations.
Organised by Community Rail Network, the Awards recognise a diverse array of projects that support stronger, greener, more inclusive communities, served and connected by their railways and the wider sustainable transport network.
The winners will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony in Derby on Thursday 19 March 2026, supported by headline partners East Midlands Railway.
See Shortlist via https://communityrail.org.uk/shortlist-announced-for-community-rail-awards-2026/
A good case study of everything that has gone wrong with this country over the last 20-30 years, common sense and decency completely overturned.
Hardly surprising that people are so reluctant to intervene when they see anti social behaviour occurring.
| Re: South Western Railways Waterloo - Bristol services axed In "South Western services" [371844/25368/42] Posted by grahame at 09:30, 30th January 2026 Already liked by PrestburyRoad | ![]() |
From RailUser Express ("RUX may be forwarded, or items copied") January 2026
RAILFUTURE WESSEX
Rf Wessex hopes that when every TOC in the south is operating under the GBR brand, some of the direct links that were lost with privatisation could be restored: Brighton - Southampton trains extended to Bournemouth; Waterloo – Salisbury to Bristol, and some Reading - Basingstoke shuttles to Salisbury. There must be many other examples around Britain, where direct connections could be restored once the accurate division of fares income is no longer an issue.
Rf Wessex hopes that when every TOC in the south is operating under the GBR brand, some of the direct links that were lost with privatisation could be restored: Brighton - Southampton trains extended to Bournemouth; Waterloo – Salisbury to Bristol, and some Reading - Basingstoke shuttles to Salisbury. There must be many other examples around Britain, where direct connections could be restored once the accurate division of fares income is no longer an issue.
| Re: Glastonbury - Castle Cary bus link trial ambition In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371843/31542/5] Posted by grahame at 09:22, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
From Facebook and linking to their web site at https://www.glastonburytrainlink.org
As of December 2025, the government announced a new fund for local bus services, the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG). Somerset Council has been awarded £4.3 million for each of the next three years. Through the Somerset Bus Partnership, we have submitted a request for £150k to cover the entire cost of the pilot service for the first six months and to add a buffer to ensure the trial lasts for at least 12 months (see details of funding requirements below).
The decision on the allocation of these funds is due shortly. If you get an opportunity to talk to your local councillor in the coming days, expressing your support can only help.
The decision on the allocation of these funds is due shortly. If you get an opportunity to talk to your local councillor in the coming days, expressing your support can only help.

Due to flooding between Exeter St Davids and Crediton all lines are closed. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Train services between Exeter Central and Barnstaple via Exeter St Davids have been cancelled.
Train services between Exeter Central and Barnstaple via Exeter St Davids have been cancelled.
From GWR this morning ... answer to a query in public.
If your journey is essential, limited rail replacement services are now operating between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple only, due to road conditions we are unable to serve intermediate stations. As this is so limited and due to the conditions of the roads, these will be roughly every 2 hours at approximately half past every even hour from Barnstaple (e.g. 10:30, 12:30). - this is a direct service to Exeter st David’s no stops
| Re: London bus driver sacked after chasing and punching thief - 25 June 2024 In "Transport for London" [371841/31547/46] Posted by Oxonhutch at 08:38, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Where was the driver's union rep?
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [371840/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:03, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Reading
Due to a points failure between London Paddington and Reading fewer trains are able to run on some lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 11:15 30/01.
| Re: Glastonbury - Castle Cary bus link trial ambition In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371839/31542/5] Posted by grahame at 07:29, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Very good idea,although hoped the time table would be flexible so if the train is running late,
the bus would still wait a reasonable time to connect for the journey to Glastonbury
the bus would still wait a reasonable time to connect for the journey to Glastonbury
What is the status these days on buses-awaiting-trains. It used to be that the traffic commissioner could penalise bus operators for a pattern of late running and wait-at-station could be expensive. Where bus routes call at stations to pick up only a minor part of their traffic, that is understandable but where the major flow is from the train ...
| HS2 and UK are not unique In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [371838/31548/52] Posted by CyclingSid at 07:18, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Latvian project head: Rail Baltica will be years late https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/28.01.2026-latvian-project-head-rail-baltica-will-be-years-late.a631976/?utm_source=RTE&utm_medium=aep&utm_campaign=box&utm_content=link
The first phase of the Rail Baltica railway project could be delayed by 3 to 5 years. Just need to spend some money on another redesign. All sounds so familiar.
Pressing the Rail Balitica Related Articles gives a bit of a news timeline.
| Re: Glastonbury - Castle Cary bus link trial ambition In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371837/31542/5] Posted by infoman at 05:35, 30th January 2026 | ![]() |
Very good idea,although hoped the time table would be flexible so if the train is running late,
the bus would still wait a reasonable time to connect for the journey to Glastonbury














