Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [360565/29711/14] Posted by IndustryInsider at 21:30, 15th April 2025 |      |
Expect driver shortages....whose idea was that, I wonder?
All part of a depot wide review on routes. Worcester is expanding and Oxford has a fair bit of spare capacity, so it might not be the worst idea in the world as they only cover a handful of trains over the route. Time will tell.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [360564/29711/14] Posted by ChrisB at 21:19, 15th April 2025 | |
I'm hearing that Bristol drivers are losing driving knowledge for the North Cotswold Line at the May timetable change, so only Worcester & Oxford drivers will be signing the line after that.
So Bristol drivers take IETs out of Stoke Gifford & pass stock over to Worcester drivers when heading to the North Cotswolds....
Expect driver shortages....who's idea was that, I wonder?
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [360563/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 21:05, 15th April 2025 | |
15:18 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington due 17:29 has been delayed at Worcester Shrub Hill and is now 22 minutes late.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:15/04/2025 15:58
16:32 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 19:29 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:15/04/2025 15:58
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:15/04/2025 15:58
16:32 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 19:29 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:15/04/2025 15:58
| Re: St Erth station - facilities, footbridge, improvements, incidents and awards (merged posts) In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [360562/3828/25] Posted by RailCornwall at 21:01, 15th April 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
A confession, have not been west of Truro since Feb, can someone update the status of the lifts at St Erth? The season is approaching it'll be maddening if they aren't in service when peak loads appear.
| Firstgroup's rail division trading 'ahead of expectations' In "Across the West" [360561/30153/26] Posted by ChrisB at 20:57, 15th April 2025 | |
From Business Live, via MSN
Firstgroup's rail division has been performing better than anticipated, despite the UK government's radical reforms of the railway network that are raising industry-wide concerns.
On Tuesday, the publicly-traded transport company acknowledged that revenues from the Department for Transport (DfT) for contracted train operators surpassed previous projections, as reported by City AM.
The firm is also experiencing "strong demand" in its open access services, which are delivered by Lumo and Hull Trains.
Within the half-year period, Firstgroup secured access rights for two additional open access services and cemented a £500 million deal to lease 14 new trains manufactured in the UK.
However, the company has issued several warnings indicating that the establishment of the state-run Great British Railways (GBR) might constraint the expansion of open access services.
In comments to the DfT submitted on Monday, Firstgroup expressed apprehension that GBR could display "adverse monopolistic" behaviour, advocating for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulator, responsible for approving new routes, to be "empowered to adjudicate fairly and impartially with fair, transparent and open decision-making."
Graham Sutherland, the head of Firstgroup, mentioned existing agreements that would allow them to double their open access operations with possibilities for even further growth.
In a reflective statement, Firstgroup declared its balance sheet remains "strong," projecting its net debts to fall between £85 and £90 million by the year's end.
At First Bus, the company predicts a two per cent rise in passenger numbers, with revenue from First Bus London expected to reach between £300m and £350m annually. The firm also anticipates maintaining its adjusted earnings per share in 2026.
"We have continued our strong financial and operational delivery in the second half of our financial year and have committed significant capital to further grow and diversify our portfolio," Sutherland stated.
On Tuesday, the publicly-traded transport company acknowledged that revenues from the Department for Transport (DfT) for contracted train operators surpassed previous projections, as reported by City AM.
The firm is also experiencing "strong demand" in its open access services, which are delivered by Lumo and Hull Trains.
Within the half-year period, Firstgroup secured access rights for two additional open access services and cemented a £500 million deal to lease 14 new trains manufactured in the UK.
However, the company has issued several warnings indicating that the establishment of the state-run Great British Railways (GBR) might constraint the expansion of open access services.
In comments to the DfT submitted on Monday, Firstgroup expressed apprehension that GBR could display "adverse monopolistic" behaviour, advocating for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulator, responsible for approving new routes, to be "empowered to adjudicate fairly and impartially with fair, transparent and open decision-making."
Graham Sutherland, the head of Firstgroup, mentioned existing agreements that would allow them to double their open access operations with possibilities for even further growth.
In a reflective statement, Firstgroup declared its balance sheet remains "strong," projecting its net debts to fall between £85 and £90 million by the year's end.
At First Bus, the company predicts a two per cent rise in passenger numbers, with revenue from First Bus London expected to reach between £300m and £350m annually. The firm also anticipates maintaining its adjusted earnings per share in 2026.
"We have continued our strong financial and operational delivery in the second half of our financial year and have committed significant capital to further grow and diversify our portfolio," Sutherland stated.
| Re: The Cheddar Valley Lost Railway - the 'Strawberry Line' from Yatton In "Railway History and related topics" [360560/444/55] Posted by ChrisB at 20:35, 15th April 2025 | |
"Behind the bikeshed" - ooer, missus!
| New British airline opens first transatlantic flight sale In "Buses and other ways to travel" [360559/30152/5] Posted by ChrisB at 20:24, 15th April 2025 | |
]From the Independent, via MSN
Global Airlines, the British start-up airline planning a transatlantic network, has started selling tickets for its first flight.
Seats have gone on sale one month before planned inaugural flight from Glasgow to New York. An Airbus A380 is scheduled to depart from the Scottish city at 11am on 15 May. The world’s biggest passenger plane, fitted with more than 500 seats, is due to arrive at JFK airport seven hours later.
The aircraft will remain on the ground in New York for four days, returning to Scotland on 19 May. The next venture leaves Manchester two days later, on 21 May, for another four-day trip to New York.
The aircraft is a 12-year-old former China Southern jet. Although it is owned by Global Airlines, it will be operated by Hi Fly Malta, a subsidiary of the Portuguese aviation firm Hi Fly. Tickets for what is a charter flight are being sold through a Slough-based “travel solutions company”, Travelopedia.
The configuration is the same as the China Southern original: 428 economy seats, 70 business and eight first class.
A “Global Traveller” (economy class) return ticket is selling for £778. Business class is £3,700, while first costs £7,127. At 9am on Tuesday, the online seat map shows two of the eight first class seats filled.
Unlike the originally envisaged scheduled link between London Gatwick and JFK, the maiden flight is one of a pair of one-off charters rather than regular scheduled flights.
“Seeing 9H-GLOBL flying reminds me of the monumental efforts of so many people in the last two years that have led us to this moment. I want to say a huge thank you to every single person who has played their part in this journey.”
In May 2024, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated Mr Asquith’s wealth at £182m.
The 36-year-old airline founder told The Independent before the first tickets went on sale: “I’m feeling good. It’s been a long road to get here. It’s those crazy kind of last couple of days and weeks looking to enter into service and it has certainly not been easy.
“We knew it would be massively challenging. But we persevered and here we are.”
Many aviation industry insiders have questioned the prospects of a start-up airline profitably filling seats on the world’s biggest passenger plane across the Atlantic – especially with figures showing a sharp downturn in travel to the US from the UK and the rest of Europe since Donald Trump began his second term as president.As The Independent has reported, British Airways is cutting some peak summer fares from Copenhagen via London to New York to just £365 return.
At present no other airline flies from Glasgow to New York. But from Edinburgh airport, 42 miles away, three airlines compete between the Scottish capital and America’s biggest city: JetBlue, United and Virgin Atlantic.
On the same dates as Global Airlines, United is selling tickets for £413 return – though this does not include checked baggage. That puts the premium from Scotland to New York for Global Airlines as 88 per cent.
Seats have gone on sale one month before planned inaugural flight from Glasgow to New York. An Airbus A380 is scheduled to depart from the Scottish city at 11am on 15 May. The world’s biggest passenger plane, fitted with more than 500 seats, is due to arrive at JFK airport seven hours later.
The aircraft will remain on the ground in New York for four days, returning to Scotland on 19 May. The next venture leaves Manchester two days later, on 21 May, for another four-day trip to New York.
The aircraft is a 12-year-old former China Southern jet. Although it is owned by Global Airlines, it will be operated by Hi Fly Malta, a subsidiary of the Portuguese aviation firm Hi Fly. Tickets for what is a charter flight are being sold through a Slough-based “travel solutions company”, Travelopedia.
The configuration is the same as the China Southern original: 428 economy seats, 70 business and eight first class.
A “Global Traveller” (economy class) return ticket is selling for £778. Business class is £3,700, while first costs £7,127. At 9am on Tuesday, the online seat map shows two of the eight first class seats filled.
Unlike the originally envisaged scheduled link between London Gatwick and JFK, the maiden flight is one of a pair of one-off charters rather than regular scheduled flights.
“Seeing 9H-GLOBL flying reminds me of the monumental efforts of so many people in the last two years that have led us to this moment. I want to say a huge thank you to every single person who has played their part in this journey.”
In May 2024, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated Mr Asquith’s wealth at £182m.
The 36-year-old airline founder told The Independent before the first tickets went on sale: “I’m feeling good. It’s been a long road to get here. It’s those crazy kind of last couple of days and weeks looking to enter into service and it has certainly not been easy.
“We knew it would be massively challenging. But we persevered and here we are.”
Many aviation industry insiders have questioned the prospects of a start-up airline profitably filling seats on the world’s biggest passenger plane across the Atlantic – especially with figures showing a sharp downturn in travel to the US from the UK and the rest of Europe since Donald Trump began his second term as president.As The Independent has reported, British Airways is cutting some peak summer fares from Copenhagen via London to New York to just £365 return.
At present no other airline flies from Glasgow to New York. But from Edinburgh airport, 42 miles away, three airlines compete between the Scottish capital and America’s biggest city: JetBlue, United and Virgin Atlantic.
On the same dates as Global Airlines, United is selling tickets for £413 return – though this does not include checked baggage. That puts the premium from Scotland to New York for Global Airlines as 88 per cent.
| Re: Isles of Scilly sea ferry and air services - merged posts In "Buses and other ways to travel" [360558/11098/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:18, 15th April 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
From YouTube, I commend his personal account of a day out on Scillonian III - from about a year ago, 27 minutes of excellent documentary by Steve Marsh.
CfN.
| The Cheddar Valley Lost Railway - the 'Strawberry Line' from Yatton In "Railway History and related topics" [360557/444/55] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:05, 15th April 2025 | |
From the BBC:
Next Strawberry Line section close to completion
A section of a new walking and cycling path in Somerset is close to completion.
The Strawberry Line link, near Kings Academy in Cheddar, will extend the existing route from the village's reservoir down to local housing developments. The path currently runs from Yatton railway station to Wedmore Road in Cheddar and will eventually reach all the way to Collett Park in Shepton Mallet.
David Parkin said the Strawberry Line project, which he has been involved with for more than 20 years, had faced many setbacks over the years.
"For a long long time, we have repeatedly tried to get a route through in this direction and it's been repeatedly blocked by one thing or another," he said. "So it's a terrific day to see this happen."
The new section of path will be constructed near Cheddar's household waste recycling centre, the Local Democracy Reporting Service was told. South of the playing fields, a new walking and cycling bridge will be constructed over the Cheddar Yeo – along the lines of the bridge installed over the B3136 West Shepton, in Shepton Mallet, in October 2024.
Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, said the team needed to obtain approval from the Environment Agency for the bridge. "That bridge will arrive almost in kit form and be assembled on site," he said. "It won't be quite as big as the bridge that was put in at Shepton Mallet but it will require more volunteers' effort to do it."
Mr Fletcher went on to thank all of the neighbouring communities - the school, multi-academy trust and the Diocese of Bath and Wells - for their "tremendous co-operation".
The Strawberry Line Society said funding for this section of the route came from grants provided by Mendip District Council, Active Travel England and the UK shared prosperity fund.
A section of a new walking and cycling path in Somerset is close to completion.
The Strawberry Line link, near Kings Academy in Cheddar, will extend the existing route from the village's reservoir down to local housing developments. The path currently runs from Yatton railway station to Wedmore Road in Cheddar and will eventually reach all the way to Collett Park in Shepton Mallet.
David Parkin said the Strawberry Line project, which he has been involved with for more than 20 years, had faced many setbacks over the years.
"For a long long time, we have repeatedly tried to get a route through in this direction and it's been repeatedly blocked by one thing or another," he said. "So it's a terrific day to see this happen."
The new section of path will be constructed near Cheddar's household waste recycling centre, the Local Democracy Reporting Service was told. South of the playing fields, a new walking and cycling bridge will be constructed over the Cheddar Yeo – along the lines of the bridge installed over the B3136 West Shepton, in Shepton Mallet, in October 2024.
Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, said the team needed to obtain approval from the Environment Agency for the bridge. "That bridge will arrive almost in kit form and be assembled on site," he said. "It won't be quite as big as the bridge that was put in at Shepton Mallet but it will require more volunteers' effort to do it."
Mr Fletcher went on to thank all of the neighbouring communities - the school, multi-academy trust and the Diocese of Bath and Wells - for their "tremendous co-operation".
The Strawberry Line Society said funding for this section of the route came from grants provided by Mendip District Council, Active Travel England and the UK shared prosperity fund.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [360556/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 17:26, 15th April 2025 | |
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:14 Swindon to Westbury due 20:57
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:14 Swindon to Westbury due 20:57
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: A quick hello. In "Introductions and chat" [360555/29086/1] Posted by UstiImmigrunt at 17:25, 15th April 2025 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
All of that is great information, UstiImmigrunt - welcome to the Coffee Shop forum! 
Please do provide us with more details - I'm particularly intrigued by your reference to one of our topics where you have 'a starring role'!
CfN.
Please do provide us with more details - I'm particularly intrigued by your reference to one of our topics where you have 'a starring role'!
CfN.
https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=18491.0
| Re: Gunnislake branch shut 15/04/2025 In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [360554/30151/25] Posted by ChrisB at 16:16, 15th April 2025 | |
No proactive maintenance - example - Platform 5 at Taunton been gone a month, still out, rails gone extremely rusty.
Nowhere any different, join the club.
| Re: Gunnislake branch shut 15/04/2025 In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [360553/30151/25] Posted by AMLAG at 16:14, 15th April 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
This latest points/signals failures/problems in the South West causing cancellation to services and resultant disruption to people’s planned rail journeys today in the Plymouth area and also now at Bridgwater, follows an increasing trend in last few months of such causes of disruption, which all leads to a reduction in reliability confidence by passengers.
Other recent points and signal incidents that come to mind include Exeter St D, N.Abbot, Barnstaple, Bristol Parkway and again Crediton (although RTT coded this OC = Signaller Error)
Is there a fundamental cause eg shortage of skilled staff /reorganisation/reviews of testing and mtce. procedures, delays in getting spares etc.
| Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard to Minehead (merged posts) In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [360552/2688/47] Posted by The Tall Controller at 14:16, 15th April 2025 Already liked by broadgage | |
Bit of both. The WSR is keeping it safe for GWR by giving it a temporary home, but with permission to use it occasionally. The set in question has been stored at Minehead throughout the winter, but has just been moved to the siding in front of the signal box. Presumably to have it out of the way ready for the Steam Gala.
| Re: Gordon Pettitt 12/04/34 - 31/03/25 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [360551/30107/51] Posted by Mark A at 13:57, 15th April 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
An article in 'Rail' magazine on Gordon Pettitt.
Mark
https://www.railmagazine.com/news/people/2025/04/10/gordon-pettitt-manager-who-built-regional-railways-and-took-care-of-his-staff
| Re: Gunnislake branch shut 15/04/2025 In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [360550/30151/25] Posted by RichardB at 12:20, 15th April 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
Pleased to see that the service restarted with the 10 28 Plymouth - Gunnislake.
| Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard to Minehead (merged posts) In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [360549/2688/47] Posted by broadgage at 11:59, 15th April 2025 | |
Have just observed that short HST is stabled near Minehead station, adjacent to the Seaward lane level crossing.
Is just being stored ? or is the intention to use it.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [360548/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 11:35, 15th April 2025 Already liked by IndustryInsider, Witham Bobby, Mark A | |
A good idea that. Provides a daily summary in a very clear and easy to understand format and quick and easy to do. When things go wrong more detail is useful, but most of the time a screenshot like that from RTT is perfect.
Are you listening, Melksham?
Are you listening, Melksham?
What would improve it would be if short workings had their starting or finishing stations shown in red.
Are you listening, RTT?
| Re: Single scheme needed? So people know to show xtra consideration In "Transport for London" [360547/30147/46] Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:33, 15th April 2025 Already liked by grahame, Timmer | |
I think there is a difference in attitude of people to those with an obvious issue (and, ChrisB, your wheelchair is obvious) and those with a less or invisible issue. People tend to do the right thing (and delighted you confirm it, Chris) if the issue is to be seen.
Indeed. There's been a big focus on staff training for dealing with hidden disabilities in recent years. The general public hasn't been trained though.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [360546/29711/14] Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:29, 15th April 2025 | |
Monday April 14
A good day. Attached is the RTT listing for GWR at Evesham. Only three red departures, and the worst of those was +7. No short workings.
A good day. Attached is the RTT listing for GWR at Evesham. Only three red departures, and the worst of those was +7. No short workings.
A good idea that. Provides a daily summary in a very clear and easy to understand format and quick and easy to do. When things go wrong more detail is useful, but most of the time a screenshot like that from RTT is perfect.
Are you listening, Melksham?
| Re: Spreading wings for a few days In "Introductions and chat" [360545/30134/1] Posted by Mark A at 10:16, 15th April 2025 | |
Posted from a very old laptop without a smell checker - so probably even more typos than usual!
**snip**
... but because he works for SWR and the train is run by GWR, he can't do anything to let people know there are connecting passengers. He assures me it will be better when everyone is nationalised and they run like a network.
**snip**
**snip**
... but because he works for SWR and the train is run by GWR, he can't do anything to let people know there are connecting passengers. He assures me it will be better when everyone is nationalised and they run like a network.
**snip**
Great. Now I'm going to have that earworm from Handel's Messiah playing in my head for a couple of hours.
Mark
| Gunnislake branch shut 15/04/2025 In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [360544/30151/25] Posted by Witham Bobby at 09:27, 15th April 2025 | |
Alterations to services between Plymouth and Gunnislake
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Plymouth and Gunnislake the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations have been suspended. Disruption is expected until 09:45 15/04.
Customer Advice
-
We are sorry for the delay to your journey.
-
Owing to a fault with the signalling system we are unable to run trains between Plymouth and Gunnislake. Network Rail have specialist staff are attending who will investigate and fix the fault.
-
We have arranged taxis to run in place of the train service. Before getting in any taxi vehicle please check with the driver that they are working on behalf of GWR, the driver should not ask for payment. Please check the stations Onward Travel Information poster and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop.
-
If you are travelling from an unstaffed station, and no taxi arrives, please use the Customer Help Point or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 detailing the total number of passengers in your party and your intended destination.
-
We will update this message with more information when we have it.
-
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.
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:15/04/2025 08:51
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Plymouth and Gunnislake the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations have been suspended. Disruption is expected until 09:45 15/04.
Customer Advice
-
We are sorry for the delay to your journey.
-
Owing to a fault with the signalling system we are unable to run trains between Plymouth and Gunnislake. Network Rail have specialist staff are attending who will investigate and fix the fault.
-
We have arranged taxis to run in place of the train service. Before getting in any taxi vehicle please check with the driver that they are working on behalf of GWR, the driver should not ask for payment. Please check the stations Onward Travel Information poster and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop.
-
If you are travelling from an unstaffed station, and no taxi arrives, please use the Customer Help Point or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 detailing the total number of passengers in your party and your intended destination.
-
We will update this message with more information when we have it.
-
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.
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:15/04/2025 08:51
| Re: Spreading wings for a few days In "Introductions and chat" [360543/30134/1] Posted by Witham Bobby at 09:11, 15th April 2025 Already liked by Mark A, chuffed, grahame, Timmer | |
Very, very disappointing
What stops staff of one operator getting information to/from staff of a different operator? Nothing. If they wanted to, they would. Via the two operator's control Offices, if necessary
Four Platforms Now!
| Re: "Long Products"... Steel Rail. In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [360542/30070/51] Posted by broadgage at 07:47, 15th April 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
Network rail have already tested arc-furnace produced rails from a European supplier with no ill effects
Yes, but my point was not in reference to the quality of arc furnace steel, but referred to the problems in supplying enough electricity at an affordable price and without interfering with the supply to other customers.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [360541/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 07:36, 15th April 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
Monday April 14
A good day. Attached is the RTT listing for GWR at Evesham. Only three red departures, and the worst of those was +7. No short workings.
Though 1W05 19:53 London Paddington to Hereford was a 5-car unit - which means that Tuesday's 1P02 05:23 Hereford to London Paddington (08:23) is a 5-car.
| Re: Spreading wings for a few days In "Introductions and chat" [360540/30134/1] Posted by grahame at 07:28, 15th April 2025 Already liked by PrestburyRoad, Witham Bobby, froome, Timmer | |
Posted from a very old laptop without a smell checker - so probably even more typos than usual!
The passennger experience ... found wanting
The 17:42 from Salisbury to Westbury ... delayed by 25 minutes as I waited on the platform at Salisbury yesterday "due to a late running train in front of this one". The reason may be true, but 25 minutes is a heck of a long delay for getting caught with another train in the way, ans is it just me, or does it conveniently pass the blame on to some other operator? The official departure board says it will now arrive in Westbury at 18:35 - in time for the 18:37 to Melksham, and a member of staff re-assures my that the connection will make, but because he works for SWR and the train is run by GWR, he can't do anything to let people know there are connecting passengers. He assures me it will be better when everyone is nationalised and they run like a network.
The train leaves Salisbury at about the newly scheduled time - with an arrival expected (ha,ha) into Westbury 2 minutes before the Swindon service is due to leave, but then slows down and comes to a halt at the signal on the approach to Warminster. It seems that the stock for the 18:29 from Warminster to Bristol is sitting in the platform at Warminster and we have to wait for it to leave, on time. And after a Warminster call, we come to a further signal stop just after leaving Warminster as the Bristol stopper dawdles down the hill to Westbury.
26 minutes late from Salisbury and through the countryside
30 minutes late into Warminster
35 minutes late from the Warminster signal
(as an aside - 42 minutes late by Bristol Temple Meads)
So why was the 18:29 Bristol stopper crossed over at Westbury ahead of the semi-fsat from Portsnmouth? I don't know; it's not the first time it's happened and it's usuaully done to clear the local train off the line in the other direction - except that yesterday that wasn't necessary - it was done to get it out of the way of a train that had been cancelled - a phantom train. Poor decision - or poor tools provided to the staff making the decisions to do their best on a congested railway?
No announcements on the train at all from Salisbury until the approach to Westbury. The only sight of the train manager was to see her briefly dash through to hand someone a ticket - I suspect concluding a transaction started south of Salisbury. No explanation of the 10 minutes of signal stops which was disappointing - we were all sitting there in the countryside wondering why our train had come to a halt. She DID announce ongoing trains and platforms as we approached Westbury - studiously ignoring advise for any passengers looking to connect on to the Swindon train, which of all the changes is the most natural onwards flow rather than the doglegs helpfully offered.
Train staff at Westbury approached as they were standing around chatting and confirmed that the Swindon had left. Looked confused when asked about the next one - looked at the departures display and it offered nothing. As customer asked about the 20:06 to Cheltenham Spa and "Oh yes that's the next one". Referred me on to platform staff who confirmed that the 20:06 was next, there was nothing between, and advised me to change at Bath Spa. "For Melksham?" I asked "Oh - you'll have to wait if you want to go there" in a tone that made me feel very little indeed. "Are there any buses available?" I asked - "I wouldn't know about that" says the bloke. Now in some ways, correct in the next train. Not sure what my rights would have been for alternative provision. And - wouldn't you think - that in a public transport network the staffwould be informed / have the tools to advise the next quickest way to get to destination. Of course, when it's all nationnalised it will be much better, won't it?
Ah - but, yes, I feel for the staff. The tools are often embryonic and give incorrect forecasts (there was no way the connection was going to make - systems clearly allowing predictions that put 2 trains on the same track at the same time) and don't offer alternatives if that don't happen to be run by the same First subsidiary.
| Re: Spreading wings for a few days In "Introductions and chat" [360539/30134/1] Posted by GBM at 07:00, 15th April 2025 | |
Returning to Plymouth for a moment, if I may?
My home city, too.
From grahame's pictures: 6. Saltram House. A quite large National Trust property, absolutely beautiful. I used to live fairly near it, so our family went for many walks around the grounds and gardens.
As children, we were shown the 'secret door' in the Library by our guide: I could probably show you the hidden release catch now, if I were there, such was the fun we had finding it.
Chris from Plymouth.
God's own City!
Hope you enjoyed Plymouth!
Hope you enjoyed Plymouth!
My home city, too.
From grahame's pictures: 6. Saltram House. A quite large National Trust property, absolutely beautiful. I used to live fairly near it, so our family went for many walks around the grounds and gardens.
As children, we were shown the 'secret door' in the Library by our guide: I could probably show you the hidden release catch now, if I were there, such was the fun we had finding it.
Chris from Plymouth.
My student study city for three and a bit years (or was it four!).
Where I joined my second ship.
| Re: Spreading wings for a few days In "Introductions and chat" [360538/30134/1] Posted by grahame at 05:50, 15th April 2025 | |
Returning to Plymouth for a moment, if I may?
My home city, too.
[snip]
Chris from Plymouth.
God's own City!
Hope you enjoyed Plymouth!
Hope you enjoyed Plymouth!
My home city, too.
[snip]
Chris from Plymouth.
A lovely weekend based in Saltash and 000s more pictures to share - BUT - coffee spilled in my laptop "Cato" (and it was excellent coffee to waste) was also terminal to Cato. Thought I had got away with it ... headed by train towards Falmouth but by the time I got to Truro it was clear that Cato was terminal without help ... straight back on the train to Plymouth and the Apple Store Genius Clinic who, sadly, with the covers off confirmed my diagnosis.
My daily mile was satisfied wandering around and back up to the station later ... and then by train change at Exeter St Davids, Salisbury, Westbury, Bath Spa then the bus to Melksham. That was another change of plans.
The 17:42 off Salisbury (Portsmouth to Cardiff train) was shown as being 25 minutes late, showing at 18:35 arrival into Westbury, just in time for the 18:37 connection on to Melksham at 18:53, so home at 19:15. Ah yes, but ... we came to a stand on the approach to Warminster, dropped another 4 minutes there, and then came to a halt (signal?) just after leaving Warminster too. Real Time Trains confirmed that the 18:37 to Swindon had left on time as we passed through Dilton Marsh. I ended up catching the next Bath Spa train and the bus from there - 20:30 into the Market Place and home at 20:35. Another example of the terrible toll exacted by a short(ish) delay when compounded and connecting into an infrequent service.
| Re: Jethro In "The Lighter Side" [360537/25768/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:36, 14th April 2025 Already liked by Western Pathfinder, TonyK | |
Jethro's humour extended into Norfolk, as well. This clip, from 'The Generation Game out-takes' had me rofl:
From YouTube, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twYZH_XNqDk - just under 3 minutes of pure corpsing, with Jim Davidson.
| Re: Can a penguin fly a helicopter? In "The Lighter Side" [360536/30137/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:56, 14th April 2025 | |
I sent a link to this story to my brother-in-law, who used to live in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape: his observation, in a typically laconic South African style was, "An unusual story !!"
CfN.
