As well as the exciting news that IETs may now call at Melksham, I have noticed a recent use of extra stops on long-distance services to cover cancelled (local) trains. Unsure if this is a new effort to provide a better service or has been commonplace before.

Two weeks ago I returned to Westbury from Fratton to find the PAD (1808) to Frome service cancelled. The connection was instead provided by the following PAD (1837) to PLY which had also called at the Kennet Valley stations. This only incurred an 18 min delay for my journey - which I am still contesting on Delay Repay!  Tonight I notice that the early evening service from Bruton and Frome will be provided by extra stops on a Paignton to PAD service. This is to cover a missing local service which is frequently canned on Sundays.

So at least Control is now considering these missing services which can only be a good thing.