Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Railways Bill 2025: introducing and designing Great British Railways - general topic In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375446/31038/40] Posted by grahame at 20:02, 24th May 2026 |      |
And here was me thinking that Scotland and Wales are also in Great Britain.
Interestingly missing Northern Ireland too.
| Re: Railways Bill 2025: introducing and designing Great British Railways - general topic In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375445/31038/40] Posted by Oxonhutch at 19:56, 24th May 2026 | |
And here was me thinking that Scotland and Wales are also in Great Britain.
| Re: Railways Bill 2025: introducing and designing Great British Railways - general topic In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375441/31038/40] Posted by ChrisB at 18:52, 24th May 2026 Already liked by grahame | |
I spent over 15 mins trying to do that, unsuccessfully!!
| Re: Railways Bill 2025: introducing and designing Great British Railways - general topic In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375440/31038/40] Posted by grahame at 18:38, 24th May 2026 | |
New names for the old TOCs in the file attached
Thanks, Chris - I have extracted the new names from that
Great British Railways | Southern
Great British Railways | South East
Great British Railways | Thameslink
Great British Railways | Great Northern
Great British Railways | Great Western
Great British Railways | South Western
Great British Railways | Island Line
Great British Railways | Chiltern
Great British Railways | Anglia
Great British Railways | East Coast
Great British Railways | West Coast
Great British Railways | West Midlands
Great British Railways | North Western
Great British Railways | North
Great British Railways | TransPennine
Great British Railways | East Midlands
Great British Railways | CrossCountry
Great British Railways | High Speed
Great British Railways | Sleeper
Great British Railways | South East
Great British Railways | Thameslink
Great British Railways | Great Northern
Great British Railways | Great Western
Great British Railways | South Western
Great British Railways | Island Line
Great British Railways | Chiltern
Great British Railways | Anglia
Great British Railways | East Coast
Great British Railways | West Coast
Great British Railways | West Midlands
Great British Railways | North Western
Great British Railways | North
Great British Railways | TransPennine
Great British Railways | East Midlands
Great British Railways | CrossCountry
Great British Railways | High Speed
Great British Railways | Sleeper
| Re: UK sees hottest day of year as bank holiday travellers face queues In "Across the West" [375439/32055/26] Posted by eXPassenger at 18:11, 24th May 2026 | |
From the BBC:
.....Passengers travelling to Europe from the Port of Dover earlier faced delays of several hours, due to the introduction of a new entry and exit system.....
.....Passengers travelling to Europe from the Port of Dover earlier faced delays of several hours, due to the introduction of a new entry and exit system.....
Rather amusingly, at around 09:30 on Saturday due to the queues becoming unmanageable the French Border Police stopped using the EES and reverted to the good old stamping of passports. This has been confirmed by Simon Calder.
So it is not just our government that are crap at designing & implementing technology!
The problem is worse than that. The overall requirement was designed by the EU to cover airports as that was the chief method of entry before Brexit. In airports passengers arrive at the desks on foot and can be fairly easily processed (I know there have been snafus in airports). Entry from the UK via Dover has families in cars in a confined space. The time to process a car load of passengers is longer that the same number of passengers at an airport. Dover has come up with a number of interesting solutions including processing coaches off sit and then sealing them for the journey to the ferry.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [375438/31359/18] Posted by John D at 17:11, 24th May 2026 Already liked by Phil | |
Very interesting stats, Graham. Thanks for providing them so quickly.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
So what would you say GWR has done/is doing differently to upgrade performance from "woeful" to "poor"?
Personally I would use a worse than poor description for things like 2 consecutive trains not running. Woeful seems as good a word as any.
If > 3% cancellations, or less than two thirds on time, 19% not within 3 minutes, and what appears to be increasing numbers of short forms, can be described as upgraded from woeful to poor, is debatable in my mind
https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/publications/performance-report/gwr-performance-report-period-2701.pdf
| Re: Railways Bill 2025: introducing and designing Great British Railways - general topic In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [375437/31038/40] Posted by ChrisB at 17:00, 24th May 2026 | |
New names for the old TOCs in the file attached
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [375436/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:49, 24th May 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Reading and Newbury
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Reading and Newbury some lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled or delayed.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
| This one is for a member of the Coffee Shop forum - no names given ;-) In "The Lighter Side" [375434/32069/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:46, 24th May 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Bank Holiday BBQ
Break out the barbie this Bank Holiday. We've got everything you need for an alfresco bumper barbecue from coleslaw to cocktails.
(BBC article continues)
Break out the barbie this Bank Holiday. We've got everything you need for an alfresco bumper barbecue from coleslaw to cocktails.
(BBC article continues)
| Minister defends Translink fares freeze despite possibility of cuts to services In "Fare's Fair" [375433/32068/4] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:28, 24th May 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Minister defends Translink fares freeze despite possibility of cuts to services
The Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has defended freezing bus and train fares across Northern Ireland, despite warnings from Translink that it could reduce public transport services and discounts.
Cuts to services across Metro, Ulsterbus and NI Railways are being explored under the proposals, with the company trying to make savings of £10m.
Translink is publicly owned but operates at arm's length from Stormont's Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
Despite proposals to cut services, Kimmins said on Sunday that her decision last month to freeze fares for a second year running was the right move.
Kimmins said "for every decision there is a consequence and in this case I feel that the consequences of increasing fares would have been far more detrimental than freezing fares". She said she would continue to work with Translink "so that we can find solutions and find a way forward".
Translink's Chief Executive Chris Conway previously told a Stormont committee that freezing fares has cost more than £20m of revenue over the past nine years.
However, speaking on Sunday, the minister said that putting fares up "at a time when people are struggling would act as a deterrent for people to use public transport, so we have to get the balance right".
(BBC article continues)
The Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has defended freezing bus and train fares across Northern Ireland, despite warnings from Translink that it could reduce public transport services and discounts.
Cuts to services across Metro, Ulsterbus and NI Railways are being explored under the proposals, with the company trying to make savings of £10m.
Translink is publicly owned but operates at arm's length from Stormont's Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
Despite proposals to cut services, Kimmins said on Sunday that her decision last month to freeze fares for a second year running was the right move.
Kimmins said "for every decision there is a consequence and in this case I feel that the consequences of increasing fares would have been far more detrimental than freezing fares". She said she would continue to work with Translink "so that we can find solutions and find a way forward".
Translink's Chief Executive Chris Conway previously told a Stormont committee that freezing fares has cost more than £20m of revenue over the past nine years.
However, speaking on Sunday, the minister said that putting fares up "at a time when people are struggling would act as a deterrent for people to use public transport, so we have to get the balance right".
(BBC article continues)
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [375431/28355/22] Posted by Richard Fairhurst at 15:08, 24th May 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Everything was running late at Oxford on Friday afternoon, but while waiting for my train home I noticed the 1700 to Bristol was very healthily loaded. It left Oxford 22 minutes late but was only 9 late by Bristol, by the looks of it thanks partly to a scheduled six-minute dwell at Bath. https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:G15077/2026-05-22/detailed
| Re: Paddington <-> Bristol: service updates and amendments - ongoing discussion In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [375430/18525/10] Posted by Mark A at 15:08, 24th May 2026 Already liked by PrestburyRoad | |
Catching the 10:13 Bath Spa to Chippenham this morning to hear a thing at Chippenham's folk festival, platform at Bath was cheerfully very busy, with staff to manage it, the train came in, also cheerfully busy, everyone aboard somehow and off up we all went. Quite a few off at Chippenham and very many more waiting to board. Chippenham Station forecourt on a Sunday morning was a surprise as it was by no means devoid of bus services and I could have chosen several destinations including, heaven help us, Castle Combe. Not sure if Melksham was an option but a bus did leave for Trowbridge, so, perhaps.
Also to be seen, that commendable covered bicycle parking provision, albeit with just two bikes in it. Useful to know that that's there. Wishing Bath had something like it.
The festival, very cheerful, and the park by the river hosting the public part of it with stalls + music - pretty ideal as the trees were providing copious shade and cooled air. It runs tomorrow as well.
Back on the 13:38 which was announced as arriving full and standing, passengers please spread out along the platform (the platform was on the way to being as busy as the one at Bath earlier). It took a little while to motivate the people standing aboard the train to free up the copious (standing) space in the carriages at each side, but once that was done, all aboard and... off we all went down the line. About 8027 people alighted at Bath, but from its appearance, the train was still pretty full when it left for Bristol. Good, well used public transport even if the route could probably have run to three trains an hour to soak up both existing and suppressed demand this sunny Sunday.
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [375429/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 14:04, 24th May 2026 | |
Very interesting stats, Graham. Thanks for providing them so quickly.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
So what would you say GWR has done/is doing differently to upgrade performance from "woeful" to "poor"?
| Re: Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [375428/13608/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:51, 24th May 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Steam railway installs solar panels to cut bills
A steam railway in Kent has installed rooftop solar panels to cope with rising energy costs.
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway fitted panels to two engine sheds, its cafe and its exhibition hall at New Romney station, as well as its restaurant at Dungeness station.
Kent Community Energy, the group behind the project, estimated the scheme could cut up to £18,000 from the miniature heritage railway's annual energy bill.
Railway general manager Stuart Ross said that running costs had "increased hugely" in recent years because of "spiralling energy costs".
The solar panels are forecasted to generate 110,000 kWh per year, according to Kent Community Energy.
The railway has not had to invest in the panels themselves but instead will buy the electricity they generate at a "lower cost" for the duration of the 20-year contract, it said.
Ross said it would "help us to improve our environmental credentials while making cost savings".
Michael Bax, of Kent Community Energy, said: "Later this year, we hope to install a charger for electric vehicles in their car park and further solar to help a coal-burning railway keep saving on carbon emissions."
It is the first rooftop project for the group.
The railway, which opened in 1927, is to cut the ribbon on the new installation on Friday.
The government has committed up to £1bn of funding for local energy projects such as solar panels on community buildings.
"We are going further and faster in getting off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and onto clean homegrown power we control, because it is the only route to lower bills for good," a government spokesperson said.
A steam railway in Kent has installed rooftop solar panels to cope with rising energy costs.
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway fitted panels to two engine sheds, its cafe and its exhibition hall at New Romney station, as well as its restaurant at Dungeness station.
Kent Community Energy, the group behind the project, estimated the scheme could cut up to £18,000 from the miniature heritage railway's annual energy bill.
Railway general manager Stuart Ross said that running costs had "increased hugely" in recent years because of "spiralling energy costs".
The solar panels are forecasted to generate 110,000 kWh per year, according to Kent Community Energy.
The railway has not had to invest in the panels themselves but instead will buy the electricity they generate at a "lower cost" for the duration of the 20-year contract, it said.
Ross said it would "help us to improve our environmental credentials while making cost savings".
Michael Bax, of Kent Community Energy, said: "Later this year, we hope to install a charger for electric vehicles in their car park and further solar to help a coal-burning railway keep saving on carbon emissions."
It is the first rooftop project for the group.
The railway, which opened in 1927, is to cut the ribbon on the new installation on Friday.
The government has committed up to £1bn of funding for local energy projects such as solar panels on community buildings.
"We are going further and faster in getting off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and onto clean homegrown power we control, because it is the only route to lower bills for good," a government spokesperson said.
| Re: A week back in the UK In "The Lighter Side" [375427/32057/30] Posted by RobT at 13:35, 24th May 2026 | |
7. Trowbridge.
| Kent rail line closes for nine days for upgrade work - May 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [375426/32065/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:27, 24th May 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Rail line closes for nine days for upgrade work
A railway line in Kent has closed for nine days so that upgrade works can be completed.
The line between Borough Green & Wrotham and Ashford International, via Maidstone East, will be closed until 31 May as Network Rail complete works for the "long-term reliability" of the line.
During the closure, buses will replace trains with services running from Borough Green to London and also from Ashford. Stations that will have no service include West Malling, Bearsted and Lenham.
Passengers have also been told they can use services from Maidstone West to Paddock Wood to connect with services to London, which is 17 minutes quicker than using a bus and train to the capital.
Works will include improving drainage in the Wheeler Street tunnel between Maidstone East and Bearstead, replacing nearly 2,500 yards of track between Harrietsham and Charing, and the replacement of the level crossing at Ryarsh Lane near West Malling.
The line had to partially close in 2021 after a landslip in the Bearsted area.
(BBC article continues)
A railway line in Kent has closed for nine days so that upgrade works can be completed.
The line between Borough Green & Wrotham and Ashford International, via Maidstone East, will be closed until 31 May as Network Rail complete works for the "long-term reliability" of the line.
During the closure, buses will replace trains with services running from Borough Green to London and also from Ashford. Stations that will have no service include West Malling, Bearsted and Lenham.
Passengers have also been told they can use services from Maidstone West to Paddock Wood to connect with services to London, which is 17 minutes quicker than using a bus and train to the capital.
Works will include improving drainage in the Wheeler Street tunnel between Maidstone East and Bearstead, replacing nearly 2,500 yards of track between Harrietsham and Charing, and the replacement of the level crossing at Ryarsh Lane near West Malling.
The line had to partially close in 2021 after a landslip in the Bearsted area.
(BBC article continues)
| Pakistan: Blast targeting train kills at least 20 - 24 May 2026 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [375425/32064/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:41, 24th May 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Blast targeting train kills at least 20 in Pakistan
At least 20 people have been killed and 70 others injured in an explosion targeting a train transporting military personnel in Pakistan.
The blast occurred while the train was travelling through Chaman Phatak station in Quetta, the capital of the western Balochistan region, on Sunday morning.
Railway officials told BBC Urdu that three coaches and the engine were derailed while two were overturned. The shuttle service had primarily been transporting service personnel and their families who had been returning home for Eid.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) separatist group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was a suicide bombing. Pakistani officials have not yet confirmed this.
(BBC article continues)
At least 20 people have been killed and 70 others injured in an explosion targeting a train transporting military personnel in Pakistan.
The blast occurred while the train was travelling through Chaman Phatak station in Quetta, the capital of the western Balochistan region, on Sunday morning.
Railway officials told BBC Urdu that three coaches and the engine were derailed while two were overturned. The shuttle service had primarily been transporting service personnel and their families who had been returning home for Eid.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) separatist group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was a suicide bombing. Pakistani officials have not yet confirmed this.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: EPF conference 2026 - 5th and 6th June, Maastricht In "Diary - what's happening when?" [375424/31013/34] Posted by grahame at 12:03, 24th May 2026 | |
From https://www.epf.eu/wp/join-us-at-the-23rd-epf-conference-in-maastricht-5-6-june-2026
Join us at the 23rd EPF Conference in Maastricht (5-6 June 2026)
We are pleased to invite you to register for and attend the 23rd Conference of the European Passengers’ Federation, bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, passenger organisations and other stakeholders to exchange views on the future of passenger mobility in Europe.
This year’s conference will take place on 5-6 June 2026 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, at the Gouvernement aan de Maas (Provincial House of Limburg), and is organised by EPF member organisation Reizigersvereniging Rover.
continues - speaker and loads of other details
We are pleased to invite you to register for and attend the 23rd Conference of the European Passengers’ Federation, bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, passenger organisations and other stakeholders to exchange views on the future of passenger mobility in Europe.
This year’s conference will take place on 5-6 June 2026 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, at the Gouvernement aan de Maas (Provincial House of Limburg), and is organised by EPF member organisation Reizigersvereniging Rover.
continues - speaker and loads of other details
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [375423/31359/18] Posted by IndustryInsider at 11:34, 24th May 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, ChrisB, GBM | |
Very interesting stats, Graham. Thanks for providing them so quickly.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [375422/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 11:27, 24th May 2026 | |
We have already been informed of 2/14 (14%) cancellation rate for today ... let's see what the next week brings before we make any longer term judgement.
And as soon as I write that, 4/14 = 28% ... seems to happen disproportionatly on nice sunny Bank Holiday weekends ...
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [375421/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:23, 24th May 2026 | |
20:38 Westbury to Swindon due 21:23
20:38 Westbury to Swindon due 21:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [375420/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 11:15, 24th May 2026 Already liked by IndustryInsider, Mark A | |
In the end, the final round trip train ran yesterday, and indeed the [Melksham time] 08:02 and 09:09 that were "cancelled" earlier in the week had been re-instated, giving a 11.8% cancellation rate for the last week.
What's the TransWilts cancellation rate so far for the year? Is it worse, the same, or better than the same point last year? And is there any trend to the rate for each individual month, year on year?
Last ...
7 days - 11.9%
14 days - 6.3%
28 days - 5.1%
56 days - 4.0%
112 days - 3.7%
From 1st January - 3.8%
I am wondering if the last - back to the 2025 sub-standard running rate - is a glitch or the system creaking again for the summer, and the jury is out on that.
My monitoring URL is https://www.wellho.info/sh4.php?daze=56 (replace the final number with the number of days you want to look back)
Notes
* The stats given are actual running and , and my view is that once a train is cancelled and notified as such it should be included in the failures. Four trains in the last seven days have been advertised as cancelled but have ended up running - not much good to passengers who have made other arrangements based on advice given, or been put off travelling.
* These are MELKSHAM calls - and where a train is terminated short, for example at Chippenham and it never reaches Chippenham, it shows up above as running AOK
* Where an alternative train makes a call at Melksham - this now sometimes happens when our train in cancelled to make way for a longer distance diverted service - it does not show up in the report / stats
We have already been informed of 2/14 (14%) cancellation rate for today ... let's see what the next week brings before we make any longer term judgement.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [375419/31359/18] Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:48, 24th May 2026 | |
In the end, the final round trip train ran yesterday, and indeed the [Melksham time] 08:02 and 09:09 that were "cancelled" earlier in the week had been re-instated, giving a 11.8% cancellation rate for the last week.
What's the TransWilts cancellation rate so far for the year? Is it worse, the same, or better than the same point last year? And is there any trend to the rate for each individual month, year on year?
| Re: A week back in the UK In "The Lighter Side" [375418/32057/30] Posted by stuving at 10:02, 24th May 2026 | |
4. Oxford. An unfamiliar livery, on a poor little unloved EWR unit wondering if it will ever get a chance to run in service before it's given a more garish makeover.
| Re: Wokingham station - improvements, resignalling and siding - merged posts In "South Western services" [375417/11448/42] Posted by bobm at 10:02, 24th May 2026 Already liked by GBM, Mark A, eightonedee | |
Some photos from yesterday for the record.
