Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373424/31359/18] Posted by matth1j at 19:20, 19th March 2026 |      |
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
Not sure how much to claim though - the next service from Chippenham to Melksham is the 19:07 to Salisbury, over an hour later than the cancelled service (due 17:59). However if I didn't have the bus option I would have taken the train from Bristol to Trowbridge instead of Chippenham, then the 18:43 from there to arrive in Melksham at 18:53, less than an hour late.
I'll claim the <1 hour; last time I did that I was refunded for >=1 hour, I suspect because the <1 hour route I took included changing between trains that were too close together to be an official connection.
| King Charles III opens world's longest coastal path around England In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373423/31759/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:20, 19th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
King opens world's longest coastal path around England
2,689 miles and 18 years in the making, King Charles III opens his namesake coastal path
King Charles has inaugurated a new footpath stretching around the entire coast of England.
At 2,689 miles long, it is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, according to Natural England, the government body which created it.
Its name is quite a trek too - King Charles III England Coast Path - but for the first time it creates a continuous trail, allowing walkers to explore England's shoreline step by step.
Along the way, it passes through some of the country's most beautiful and varied landscapes, from salt marshes and sandy beaches to cliffs, dunes and historic coastal towns.
Among the highlights is the iconic chalk downland of the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, which also forms part of a newly designated National Nature Reserve being announced by Natural England.
The King inaugurated the coastal path and the new nature reserve at a reception hosted by the South Downs National Park Authority. He later walked a section of the newly completed path at Seven Sisters, joined by Natural England Chair Tony Juniper and Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds.
Juniper said the path "is a testament to how public enjoyment, conservation, heritage, history and community can come together, helping make life better for millions of people."
Much of the new coastal route already existed, but more than 1,000 miles of new paths have been created, and many other sections upgraded. Paths have been resurfaced, stiles removed, boardwalks built and bridges installed.
A new boardwalk over salt flats near Portsmouth has been built for the path
The project was initiated during Gordon Brown's government, and it has taken 18 years and seven prime ministers to get to this stage.
About 80% of the route is now open and most of the rest of the path is due to be completed by the end of the year.
(BBC article continues)
2,689 miles and 18 years in the making, King Charles III opens his namesake coastal path
King Charles has inaugurated a new footpath stretching around the entire coast of England.
At 2,689 miles long, it is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, according to Natural England, the government body which created it.
Its name is quite a trek too - King Charles III England Coast Path - but for the first time it creates a continuous trail, allowing walkers to explore England's shoreline step by step.
Along the way, it passes through some of the country's most beautiful and varied landscapes, from salt marshes and sandy beaches to cliffs, dunes and historic coastal towns.
Among the highlights is the iconic chalk downland of the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, which also forms part of a newly designated National Nature Reserve being announced by Natural England.
The King inaugurated the coastal path and the new nature reserve at a reception hosted by the South Downs National Park Authority. He later walked a section of the newly completed path at Seven Sisters, joined by Natural England Chair Tony Juniper and Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds.
Juniper said the path "is a testament to how public enjoyment, conservation, heritage, history and community can come together, helping make life better for millions of people."
Much of the new coastal route already existed, but more than 1,000 miles of new paths have been created, and many other sections upgraded. Paths have been resurfaced, stiles removed, boardwalks built and bridges installed.
A new boardwalk over salt flats near Portsmouth has been built for the path
The project was initiated during Gordon Brown's government, and it has taken 18 years and seven prime ministers to get to this stage.
About 80% of the route is now open and most of the rest of the path is due to be completed by the end of the year.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373422/31005/51] Posted by ChrisB at 17:52, 19th March 2026 | |
DfT» cost saving
Possibly also because (as I understand it) we've lost some of the Electrostar fleet to other routes.
One & the same.....
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373421/31005/51] Posted by eightonedee at 17:16, 19th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Anyone care to explain logic of why if passengers are growing, GWR shorten the average number of carriages per train please
DfT» cost saving
Possibly also because (as I understand it) we've lost some of the Electrostar fleet to other routes. To be fair (but see concluding comment below) a lot of this was because there were a lot of 8-car Electrostar trains running very lightly loaded off-peak between Paddington and Didcot.
BUT... had we got the electrification all the way to Oxford and on the Thames Valley branches as I believe was anticipated when they were ordered, those trains (and the ones refitted for Heathrow Express use) might have been more fully used.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373420/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 16:32, 19th March 2026 | |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373419/31005/51] Posted by a-driver at 15:04, 19th March 2026 | |
Anyone care to explain logic of why if passengers are growing, GWR shorten the average number of carriages per train please
DfT cost saving.
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373418/31005/51] Posted by John D at 14:32, 19th March 2026 | |
Latest ORR quarterly data is now published
https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/2hto1os3/passenger-rail-usage-oct-dec-2025.pdf
For GWR
Passenger numbers up 6% on 2024 to 23.8m
Passenger km up 5% on 2024
so on average journeys are 0.5% shorter
Train km up 3% to 11.6m km
Vehicle km up 2% to 68.2m km
so trains have on average got bit shorter
Clearly if passenger km increase is 3% more than train carriage km increase, then on average every journey is now 3% busier (so crowding is more likely).
Anyone care to explain logic of why if passengers are growing, GWR shorten the average number of carriages per train please
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373417/31359/18] Posted by matth1j at 12:21, 19th March 2026 | |
What has happened?
Some axle counters, part of the signalling system, have stopped working in the Swindon area that is affecting the services to Gloucester and to Melksham. Axle counters tell the signalling system if a section of track has a train on it. If an axle counter stops working, trains need to stop at the affected signal so that the driver can speak to the signaller to confirm if the track ahead is clear.
We are working with Network Rail to be able to return to running the normal timetable as soon as possible.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service-disruptions/kemble-20260319/
| Re: Scotrail contract for 22 5car 222 (ex EMR) In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373416/31758/51] Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:50, 19th March 2026 Already liked by Clan Line | |
One can only hope that their record with trains is better than that with ferries.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373415/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:48, 19th March 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Melksham
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Swindon and Melksham the line is blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 13:00 19/03.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [373414/31371/14] Posted by Witham Bobby at 11:08, 19th March 2026 | |
A sad event today, 19 March.
A person was hit by a train, between Moreton in Marsh (as far as I can tell) and Evesham. No news released at present
The 0851 Paddington to Great Malvern departed Moreton in Marsh on time, but there's no report on RTT of it arriving at Honeybourne
1053 Paddington to Wortcester Shrub Hill cancelled throughout, as is the 1151 Paddington to Hereford. The return working of both have also been cancelled
My thoughts and prayers are with all involved in this horrible business
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [373413/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 10:47, 19th March 2026 | |
From National Rail;
Description
Lines have reopened following an earlier fault with the signalling system at Slough. Trains between London Paddington and Reading are returning to normal but may still be delayed by up to 25 minutes.
Disruption is expected until 12:00.
| Re: Scotrail contract for 22 5car 222 (ex EMR) In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373412/31758/51] Posted by stuving at 10:22, 19th March 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby, GBM, Mark A, eightonedee | |
Presumably because the Scottish Assembly is prepared to pay for it?
Yes, obviously put quality in much higher priority
But I suppose it is reflection of different countries approaches, Scotland goes in for rolling electrification programme, no difference between peak and off peak fares, and high quality train interiors.
But here in England we are in second tier on quality (could argue bottom tier, with make do approach, when it comes to fixing something like IET seats).
Like most of these comparisons, it's related to the "West Lothian question". The Union government and Parliament do not hand over a defined English budget to a devolved English administration - not even one that's the same people as the Union ones wearing hats with one less colour. So if borrowing is too high, but more money is needed for defence (very mush a Union matter), the Treasury will tour departments jangling their thumbscrews and demanding their cut from domestic English spending.
Of course on top of that DfT might be worse at making timely decisions then ... pretty well anyone, really.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373411/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 10:15, 19th March 2026 | |
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:28
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:28 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:28 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: Weston-super-Mare - Birnbeck Pier restoration: ongoing developments and discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373410/16547/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 10:03, 19th March 2026 | |
Another update, from the BBC:
Historic pier gets £19m to complete restoration
The restoration of a crumbling historic pier can be completed after the government allocated a further £19m to the project.
The money from the Growth Mission Fund will be invested into Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, to create a new cultural space, restore the historic clock tower and turnstiles, repair the 1888 boathouse, renovate the pavilion buildings and restore the North Jetty.
The Grade II-listed pier has been closed for more than 30 years due to safety concerns, but work on a £20m project to restore it is under way.
Dan Aldridge, the MP for Weston-super-Mare, said: "For too long the pier stood as a symbol of decline. Now it will become a symbol of Weston's comeback."
The money allocated by the government comes from a pot aimed at providing investment in town centres and communities.
Aldridge told the government Weston-super-Mare "could not afford to miss out" on receiving a share of the fund, he said. He added: "Birnbeck should be a hub for Weston - somewhere people come together, where opportunities are created and where the whole town can feel proud again."
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell called the money "game-changing".
"A year ago we thought that the project was in jeopardy," he said. "We can now fast-track the work on the island and the land-side to really bring the pier and island back to life and hopefully boost the economy of Weston-super-Mare for generations to come."
Birnbeck, known locally as 'The Old Pier', is the only pier in the UK to link to an island - a small, rocky piece of land known as Birnbeck Island.
Since its closure, the pier has been battered by storms, partially collapsed into the sea and has become too unsafe for the former resident RNLI lifeboat crews to use.
The restoration project is expected to be completed by summer 2027.
The restoration of a crumbling historic pier can be completed after the government allocated a further £19m to the project.
The money from the Growth Mission Fund will be invested into Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, to create a new cultural space, restore the historic clock tower and turnstiles, repair the 1888 boathouse, renovate the pavilion buildings and restore the North Jetty.
The Grade II-listed pier has been closed for more than 30 years due to safety concerns, but work on a £20m project to restore it is under way.
Dan Aldridge, the MP for Weston-super-Mare, said: "For too long the pier stood as a symbol of decline. Now it will become a symbol of Weston's comeback."
The money allocated by the government comes from a pot aimed at providing investment in town centres and communities.
Aldridge told the government Weston-super-Mare "could not afford to miss out" on receiving a share of the fund, he said. He added: "Birnbeck should be a hub for Weston - somewhere people come together, where opportunities are created and where the whole town can feel proud again."
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell called the money "game-changing".
"A year ago we thought that the project was in jeopardy," he said. "We can now fast-track the work on the island and the land-side to really bring the pier and island back to life and hopefully boost the economy of Weston-super-Mare for generations to come."
Birnbeck, known locally as 'The Old Pier', is the only pier in the UK to link to an island - a small, rocky piece of land known as Birnbeck Island.
Since its closure, the pier has been battered by storms, partially collapsed into the sea and has become too unsafe for the former resident RNLI lifeboat crews to use.
The restoration project is expected to be completed by summer 2027.
| Re: The sounds of a sleeper In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373409/31756/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 09:56, 19th March 2026 | |
| Re: Eurostar - merged posts, ongoing discussion topic In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373408/26929/52] Posted by John D at 09:23, 19th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Looks like competition might be happening year or two before Virgin.
Trenitalia have signed a 35 year deal for a maintenance depot near Paris, which when fully open will be able to handle 25 trains, including those for its proposed service to London
Trenitalia France has signed a 35-year lease with SNCF Réseau for a rail site at Maisons-Alfort Pompadour, southeast of Paris, where it will build a high-speed train maintenance centre.
The facility will maintain Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa high-speed fleet operating in France and will also support planned Paris–London services via the Channel Tunnel. The depot is intended to strengthen the operator’s fleet management and maintenance capacity in the French market.
The site will operate 24 hours a day and include three tracks equipped for the simultaneous maintenance of three trains. It will also feature dedicated installations for train washing, cleaning and stabling. Once fully operational, the depot will be able to accommodate up to 25 trains.
The facility will maintain Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa high-speed fleet operating in France and will also support planned Paris–London services via the Channel Tunnel. The depot is intended to strengthen the operator’s fleet management and maintenance capacity in the French market.
The site will operate 24 hours a day and include three tracks equipped for the simultaneous maintenance of three trains. It will also feature dedicated installations for train washing, cleaning and stabling. Once fully operational, the depot will be able to accommodate up to 25 trains.
https://railmarket.com/news/infrastructure/53186-trenitalia-france-signs-35-year-lease-for-eur-80m-paris-depot
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [373407/28982/26] Posted by John D at 09:17, 19th March 2026 | |
There is a path for another class delivery from Wolverton tomorrow (Friday), 4 weeks after last one.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K63327/2026-03-20/detailed
I think 6 units are still stored at Ely, and haven't even got to Wolverton yet, and Wolverton often seems to have them about 4 months
| Re: Scotrail contract for 22 5car 222 (ex EMR) In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373406/31758/51] Posted by John D at 08:55, 19th March 2026 | |
Presumably because the Scottish Assembly is prepared to pay for it?
Yes, obviously put quality in much higher priority
But I suppose it is reflection of different countries approaches, Scotland goes in for rolling electrification programme, no difference between peak and off peak fares, and high quality train interiors.
But here in England we are in second tier on quality (could argue bottom tier, with make do approach, when it comes to fixing something like IET seats).
| Re: Scotrail contract for 22 5car 222 (ex EMR) In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373405/31758/51] Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:29, 19th March 2026 | |
Scotrail has agreed deal to get 22 trains (ex east Midlands)
Will be introduced 2027 - December 2028 replacing the HSTs.
10 year maintenance contract, with possible extension to March 2042
Giving the refurbishment with things that can only be dreamed of in GWR land eg maximising alignment with windows, new reservation systems (if Scotrail can have new systems for 9-14 years, why do we still have empty reservation seat back card slots on 166s with no replacement, that could have been used 15-20 years during which have mere counted place reservations)
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-announces-plans-to-replace-high-speed-trains?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQof6xjbGNrBCh_nWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHljda9jhXBbg2vEG9f5zIs2tDSgk885XFmQZvjqihMEauYT_a8Wv5eA9NvYK_aem_f1j2hFpIo50bsv88Cit0qQ
https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/3/alstom-secures-long-term-train-services-and-refurbishment-contracts-ps330-million1-eu380-million-scotrail-and-beacon-uk
Will be introduced 2027 - December 2028 replacing the HSTs.
10 year maintenance contract, with possible extension to March 2042
Giving the refurbishment with things that can only be dreamed of in GWR land eg maximising alignment with windows, new reservation systems (if Scotrail can have new systems for 9-14 years, why do we still have empty reservation seat back card slots on 166s with no replacement, that could have been used 15-20 years during which have mere counted place reservations)
Refurbishment will be undertaken by Alstom and the makeover will include:
Full exterior repaint and updated livery.
Comprehensive interior refresh, including new carpets and full interior repaint.
A new passenger information system, including multimedia displays.
New Wi-Fi with Low Earth Orbit Satellite connectivity and voice-over-internet phone capability.
Family friendly area, providing space for passengers with an unfolded pushchair.
Wheelchair facilities in both First Class and two spaces in Standard Class.
Storage for six bikes.
New electronic seat reservation system.
New CCTV system – enhancing the safety and security of customers and staff.
Intelligent Engine Start Stop (automatically stops an engine to reduce emissions).
New First and Standard Class seats and tables, with plug sockets, USB-A and USB-C at every seat.
Onboard catering facilities to support at seat and trolley service.
Reconfigured carriage layout to maximise window alignment and luggage storage.
Full exterior repaint and updated livery.
Comprehensive interior refresh, including new carpets and full interior repaint.
A new passenger information system, including multimedia displays.
New Wi-Fi with Low Earth Orbit Satellite connectivity and voice-over-internet phone capability.
Family friendly area, providing space for passengers with an unfolded pushchair.
Wheelchair facilities in both First Class and two spaces in Standard Class.
Storage for six bikes.
New electronic seat reservation system.
New CCTV system – enhancing the safety and security of customers and staff.
Intelligent Engine Start Stop (automatically stops an engine to reduce emissions).
New First and Standard Class seats and tables, with plug sockets, USB-A and USB-C at every seat.
Onboard catering facilities to support at seat and trolley service.
Reconfigured carriage layout to maximise window alignment and luggage storage.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-announces-plans-to-replace-high-speed-trains?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQof6xjbGNrBCh_nWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHljda9jhXBbg2vEG9f5zIs2tDSgk885XFmQZvjqihMEauYT_a8Wv5eA9NvYK_aem_f1j2hFpIo50bsv88Cit0qQ
https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/3/alstom-secures-long-term-train-services-and-refurbishment-contracts-ps330-million1-eu380-million-scotrail-and-beacon-uk
Presumably because the Scottish Assembly is prepared to pay for it?
| Scotrail contract for 22 5car 222 (ex EMR) In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373404/31758/51] Posted by John D at 08:18, 19th March 2026 | |
Scotrail has agreed deal to get 22 trains (ex east Midlands)
Will be introduced 2027 - December 2028 replacing the HSTs.
10 year maintenance contract, with possible extension to March 2042
Giving the refurbishment with things that can only be dreamed of in GWR land eg maximising alignment with windows, new reservation systems (if Scotrail can have new systems for 9-14 years, why do we still have empty reservation seat back card slots on 166s with no replacement, that could have been used 15-20 years during which have mere counted place reservations)
Refurbishment will be undertaken by Alstom and the makeover will include:
Full exterior repaint and updated livery.
Comprehensive interior refresh, including new carpets and full interior repaint.
A new passenger information system, including multimedia displays.
New Wi-Fi with Low Earth Orbit Satellite connectivity and voice-over-internet phone capability.
Family friendly area, providing space for passengers with an unfolded pushchair.
Wheelchair facilities in both First Class and two spaces in Standard Class.
Storage for six bikes.
New electronic seat reservation system.
New CCTV system – enhancing the safety and security of customers and staff.
Intelligent Engine Start Stop (automatically stops an engine to reduce emissions).
New First and Standard Class seats and tables, with plug sockets, USB-A and USB-C at every seat.
Onboard catering facilities to support at seat and trolley service.
Reconfigured carriage layout to maximise window alignment and luggage storage.
Full exterior repaint and updated livery.
Comprehensive interior refresh, including new carpets and full interior repaint.
A new passenger information system, including multimedia displays.
New Wi-Fi with Low Earth Orbit Satellite connectivity and voice-over-internet phone capability.
Family friendly area, providing space for passengers with an unfolded pushchair.
Wheelchair facilities in both First Class and two spaces in Standard Class.
Storage for six bikes.
New electronic seat reservation system.
New CCTV system – enhancing the safety and security of customers and staff.
Intelligent Engine Start Stop (automatically stops an engine to reduce emissions).
New First and Standard Class seats and tables, with plug sockets, USB-A and USB-C at every seat.
Onboard catering facilities to support at seat and trolley service.
Reconfigured carriage layout to maximise window alignment and luggage storage.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-announces-plans-to-replace-high-speed-trains?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQof6xjbGNrBCh_nWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHljda9jhXBbg2vEG9f5zIs2tDSgk885XFmQZvjqihMEauYT_a8Wv5eA9NvYK_aem_f1j2hFpIo50bsv88Cit0qQ
https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/3/alstom-secures-long-term-train-services-and-refurbishment-contracts-ps330-million1-eu380-million-scotrail-and-beacon-uk
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373403/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 07:12, 19th March 2026 | |
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
I arrived at Melksham Station at 15:30 for the 15:40 yesterday afternoon - to find a report of "delayed" and the service was a complete and utter mess thereafter.
Occasionally, "these things happen". But what was shocking was the lack of correct customer support and practical information from automated systems and from help point staff - some of which was clearly in error (making impossible assertions) even during the ongoing issues.
Until 17:30, I saw no GWR staff; I went out of my way to speak with one at 17:40. Returning to Trowbridge station at 21:18 for the 21:22 to Melksham, the same experience. The report shows the train as cancelled, yes, but whilst it was pretty obvious it was in trouble if we looked at public online technical systems, the station board showed it expected at 21:26.
Getting home? I caught the 21:52 to Bath Spa, from there the 23:15 bus ... home at midnight. Staff for the 21:52 - excellent / helpful for multiple customers and GWR should be proud of them. But the system's a mess. I did decline the offer of a taxi from Bath - well made, and advise to Chippenham and Swindon passengers also well given.
Lessons / comments - to be written up. I found myself talking with fellow passengers at both Melksham and Trowbridge, trying to explain what we were being told and put it into a context at what was likely, and telling them what the options they might wish to consider were, but doing so purely as a volunteer who has read the runes and seen many things before. And evaluating the help that was lacking for people and how a regular present Information at the Station might address the issues.
My apologies to GWR for sending their customers away. By the time the 15:40 arrived - at 17:30 - it was long gone off the automated screens and so were the passengers, making use of other modes of transport to actually get them towards where they needed - London, and Bath Spa, and Trowbridge, and Fratton and Brighton. And to have re-assured them that their tickets would be accepted on the later connecting trains.
I find myself noting the suggestions made to fellow passengers, and how they might help form an FAQ to help address the failures of the system, especially when factored in for delivery by someone with a little more knowledge of the systems that the customers have. And I concluded that some 95% of people can be helped in these circumstances, and also can be reassured that they are in the unknown.
Industry standard systems that most passengers use do provide the right information 98% of the time. The problem is that the other 2% - when they should be the most useful - that are crassly incorrect.
| Re: Go-Op Cooperative - proposals for additional rail services In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [373402/11010/28] Posted by grahame at 06:29, 19th March 2026 | |
In public to Heritage Railways Permanent Way and Civil Engineering Facebook Group
Hi I'm a volunteer on the catering side with West Somerset Railway and also a Director of Go-op Rail trying to get a battery operated service from Taunton to Swindon so Heritage Railways means a lot to me.
We need to raise £3 million in double quick time. If you'd like to help get this up and running look us up on line and find out how you can help
Best wishes
John Hassall
We need to raise £3 million in double quick time. If you'd like to help get this up and running look us up on line and find out how you can help
Best wishes
John Hassall
Philip Pratt
Why not share a link to it?
I'm sort of thinking that to raise 3m through a collection of social media posts is a very tall order. Where's the business case for it? Is there a community benefit and why aren't existing rail operators delivering it if there's a case for it already?
I'm sort of thinking that to raise 3m through a collection of social media posts is a very tall order. Where's the business case for it? Is there a community benefit and why aren't existing rail operators delivering it if there's a case for it already?
John Hassall
Strangely GWR is quite supportive their current services don't cover all day direct connections with Swindon passengers have to change at Bristol ,Parkway or Westbury and have to wait up to 56 minutes for a connection . There is a business plan we have a backer who is looking for a supportive backer which we may have found but it is awaiting confirmation . One hold up was level crossing safety but that seems to be on a back burner and we are looking for drivers and rolling stock 150s were first choice but because Welsh lines continue to rehire them due to delays in the arrival of their new stock we're still looking
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373401/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 22:04, 18th March 2026 | |
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: The sounds of a sleeper In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373400/31756/31] Posted by bobm at 20:28, 18th March 2026 Already liked by johnneyw | |
A couple of G&Ts helps, or on the Caledonian Sleeper a whisky with ginger ale and ice.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373399/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 17:54, 18th March 2026 | |
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
The 15:15 Swindon to Westbury left Swindon 101.75 minutes late (at 16:57) and was 107 minutes late into Westbury ... by which time the next two trains to Dilton Marsh had left ...
Lots of learning this afternoon - to be written up over the next 48 hours. Information and alternatives misleading and scant.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373398/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:26, 18th March 2026 | |
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: Stonehenge - National Monument in Wiltshire: merged posts, ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373397/22806/31] Posted by John D at 15:36, 18th March 2026 | |
BBC advising that Planning consent for Stonehenge tunnel has been formally revoked
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7959v897n9o
DfT documents which says signed by Heidi Alexander, apparently to save money (and with no obvious alternative improvement by rail or road to/from south west).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proposed-revocation-of-the-a303-amesbury-to-berwick-down-development-consent-order-2023
| Re: Glasgow Central Station closed by fire in adjoining building - 8 March 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373396/31728/51] Posted by Mark A at 15:04, 18th March 2026 | |
Fast forward to March 18th and this from a Glasgow Times blog on the progress with demolition. The blog features photos of the demolition crew carefully approaching a now free-standing masonry element above the surviving facade. Then, this:
"The Glasgow Times understands that today will be the last day of demolition work on the building at the corner of Union Street and Gordon Street."
Perhaps given the costs of the ongoing disruption to the station and streets, it's now calculated to be more cost effective to quickly secure the facade, returning the station, streets and businesses to operation and the facade can then be worked on at less risk.
Mark
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/25945759.live-updates-union-street-building-demolition-continues/
| Re: National Car Parks (NCP) goes into administration In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373395/31752/5] Posted by anthony215 at 13:49, 18th March 2026 | |
Maybe tfw should look at purchasing the ncp car park by queen street station/Newport road in Cardiff and demolish it would make it easier to widen the. Newport road bridge to accommodate 4 tracks instead of 2
