Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [379316/10737/21] Posted by Noggin at 17:55, 8th September 2026 |      |
Passed through their yesterday
I am intrigued how much use it will get and how much increased footfall there will be going the opposite way to normal at the station
I am intrigued how much use it will get and how much increased footfall there will be going the opposite way to normal at the station
The estimate was 2m people p/a - so 20% of station users-ish
Now - is that 2 million abstracted from the main entrance, or two million new customers? And if the latter, where are the extra carriages on trains like the Cross Country ones, and the services to Cardiff and via Bradford-on-Avon to cope?
Dunno about new vs existing, but the Portishead line's business case forecast 1.2 million extra journeys by 2040, so the way these things usually work, expect 2m by 2030.
IIRC there's supposed to be a GBR rolling stock procurement plan published by the end of this year. The suggestion was that GBR/DfT were waiting to see the results of the Scottish rolling stock procurement exercise, and then would add theirs if they liked what they saw.
| Re: Bristol trams - moved and merged topics, ongoing discussion In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [379315/24687/21] Posted by Noggin at 17:43, 8th September 2026 | |
From the BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8egjgejxxo
Will Bristol ever get a tram network?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to "making progress" on a mass transit system for Bristol - leaning into a decades-long saga that has left the West of England as one of the biggest city regions in the country without a tram or light rail.
"Mass transit" can include buses, trams and trains - the key is the service moves separately to other vehicles, preventing it from getting stuck in traffic.
Labour's West of England Mayor Helen Godwin has already allocated £150m to develop a mass transit "vision", with the aim of work starting within five years.
But government funding to deliver the project has not been guaranteed. A similar project for a tram system in Leeds is set to cost £2.1bn.
"The big cities of England... should have mass transit systems," Burnham said. "I'm talking about Leeds, I'm talking about Bristol.
"I will work with the wonderful mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, to make progress on that.
"To connect Bristol, its new arena, the station, the development at Temple Meads, into a mass transit system that takes Bristol forward."
Why hasn't Bristol got a mass transit system?
Continues ...
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to "making progress" on a mass transit system for Bristol - leaning into a decades-long saga that has left the West of England as one of the biggest city regions in the country without a tram or light rail.
"Mass transit" can include buses, trams and trains - the key is the service moves separately to other vehicles, preventing it from getting stuck in traffic.
Labour's West of England Mayor Helen Godwin has already allocated £150m to develop a mass transit "vision", with the aim of work starting within five years.
But government funding to deliver the project has not been guaranteed. A similar project for a tram system in Leeds is set to cost £2.1bn.
"The big cities of England... should have mass transit systems," Burnham said. "I'm talking about Leeds, I'm talking about Bristol.
"I will work with the wonderful mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, to make progress on that.
"To connect Bristol, its new arena, the station, the development at Temple Meads, into a mass transit system that takes Bristol forward."
Why hasn't Bristol got a mass transit system?
Continues ...
Curious timing for this to pop up with no real news - perhaps no coincidence that it's in the run up to the Budget?
For those interested, a good reference is February's vision doc linked from https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/about-us/our-strategy/transport-vision/. p39 suggest the routes, their goal was stated to have the first bit "in delivery" within 4 to 5 years (whatever that means).
As ever, the easy win for a first line would seem to be Airport to Temple Meads via the new Epic offices in Long Ashton and Ashton Gate Stadium, on the basis that the three could be called upon to contribute.
| Chiltern Railway Company -> Chiltern Rais, 20.9.2026 In "Chiltern Railways services" [379314/32476/44] Posted by grahame at 17:35, 8th September 2026 | |
Dear Graham,
From 20th September, Chiltern will be operated by a new company Chiltern Rail Limited as part of a planned transition into public ownership. Although the legal operator is changing, you'll continue to see the same Chiltern Railways, and the same teams running your trains.
Responsibility for your personal data will transfer from The Chiltern Railway Company Limited to Chiltern Rail Limited. This is a legal change only - your data will continue to be handled in the same systems, by the same teams, and used for the same purposes.
You don't need to take any action now. The updated privacy notice for Chiltern Rail Limited will be published on 20th September.
Our reasons for collecting and using your data remain unchanged. The new operator will also have some additional responsibilities - such as the Freedom of Information Act - but these won't affect how your data is used day to day.
From 20th September, Chiltern will be operated by a new company Chiltern Rail Limited as part of a planned transition into public ownership. Although the legal operator is changing, you'll continue to see the same Chiltern Railways, and the same teams running your trains.
Responsibility for your personal data will transfer from The Chiltern Railway Company Limited to Chiltern Rail Limited. This is a legal change only - your data will continue to be handled in the same systems, by the same teams, and used for the same purposes.
You don't need to take any action now. The updated privacy notice for Chiltern Rail Limited will be published on 20th September.
Our reasons for collecting and using your data remain unchanged. The new operator will also have some additional responsibilities - such as the Freedom of Information Act - but these won't affect how your data is used day to day.
| Named train - but where did it run? In "The Lighter Side" [379313/32475/30] Posted by grahame at 17:11, 8th September 2026 | |
Named trains like the "Cornish Riviera Express", the "Atlantic Coast Express", and the "Bewdley Flyer" contain an indication in their very names of their destination areas - but that's not obvious from all train names from the past. For how many of these can you identify the route served?
Benjamin Britten
Clansman
Elizabethan
Enterprise
Fair Maid
Flying Kipper
Highlandman
Highwayman
Hogwarts Express
Inter City Express
Palatine
Pines Express
Red Dragon
Sunny South Express
Talisman
Zephyr
| Re: Little Libraries In "Across the West" [379312/32473/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:02, 8th September 2026 | |
Opened a month ago ... this one had missed my radar. From the White Horse News
A small library has opened at Westbury railway station, giving passengers of all ages the chance to pick up a book for their journey.
The Great Western Railway (GWR) Little Library opened on Tuesday 4th August as part of a summer reading initiative aimed at encouraging children to keep reading during the school holidays. Following the success of the scheme, the Westbury library will now remain at the station permanently and has books for both children and adults.
The Great Western Railway (GWR) Little Library opened on Tuesday 4th August as part of a summer reading initiative aimed at encouraging children to keep reading during the school holidays. Following the success of the scheme, the Westbury library will now remain at the station permanently and has books for both children and adults.
GWR’s Little Libraries are also located at Didcot Parkway, Exeter St Davids, Gloucester, Penzance, Plymouth, Reading, Swindon, Truro and Worcestershire Parkway.
Famous Five?
| Rail freight increase targets - 40% by 2040 and 75% by 2050 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [379311/32474/40] Posted by grahame at 16:53, 8th September 2026 | |
A written statement from Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport
I wish to inform the House of an additional target that the government is setting for the growth of rail freight, as part of continued support for the freight sector to realise its economic and environmental benefits.
We have previously affirmed our support for the existing target of:
at least a 75% increase in freight moved by rail in net tonne kilometres by 2050
To help realise this ambition, I am now setting an additional target as a milestone towards achieving the desired growth, namely of:
at least a 40% increase in freight moved by rail in net tonne kilometres by 2040
We have previously affirmed our support for the existing target of:
at least a 75% increase in freight moved by rail in net tonne kilometres by 2050
To help realise this ambition, I am now setting an additional target as a milestone towards achieving the desired growth, namely of:
at least a 40% increase in freight moved by rail in net tonne kilometres by 2040
it goes on to say ...
This new target reflects not only our ambition for the sector, but our commitment to improving supply chain resilience, economic growth and decarbonising our logistics sector.
It is estimated that delivering the 2040 growth target will increase the value of goods moved by rail freight from £33.7 billion to £49.5 billion.
It is also estimated that meeting the target would save a million tonnes of CO2 per year compared to if the freight went by road.
It is estimated that delivering the 2040 growth target will increase the value of goods moved by rail freight from £33.7 billion to £49.5 billion.
It is also estimated that meeting the target would save a million tonnes of CO2 per year compared to if the freight went by road.
| Little Libraries In "Across the West" [379310/32473/26] Posted by grahame at 16:35, 8th September 2026 | |
Opened a month ago ... this one had missed my radar. From the White Horse News
A small library has opened at Westbury railway station, giving passengers of all ages the chance to pick up a book for their journey.
The Great Western Railway (GWR) Little Library opened on Tuesday 4th August as part of a summer reading initiative aimed at encouraging children to keep reading during the school holidays. Following the success of the scheme, the Westbury library will now remain at the station permanently and has books for both children and adults.
The Great Western Railway (GWR) Little Library opened on Tuesday 4th August as part of a summer reading initiative aimed at encouraging children to keep reading during the school holidays. Following the success of the scheme, the Westbury library will now remain at the station permanently and has books for both children and adults.
GWR’s Little Libraries are also located at Didcot Parkway, Exeter St Davids, Gloucester, Penzance, Plymouth, Reading, Swindon, Truro and Worcestershire Parkway.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [379309/32456/31] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:28, 8th September 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
From the BBC:
Stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather, minister says
Households should stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather as the strongest El Niño event in a generation develops over the Pacific Ocean, a government minister has said.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle told the Guardian the powerful natural climate phenomenon will lead to "more extreme storms in this country". Her comments came as the National Audit Office (NAO) warned Britain's food supply chain is at risk given the growing threat of cyber-attacks and the climate crisis.
The NAO said the government was too reliant on the private sector to deal with food supply disruption. The government is due to unveil a strategy about preparing for national emergencies later this year.
Dame Angela said "We're about to experience probably the largest El Niño that has ever been seen, and that will lead to drier summers, wetter winters, with more extreme storms in this country.
"It will do a lot more damage in Asia with flooding, and therefore I think that we need to take it seriously. If you've got a store of a bit of food that can keep you going for a while before the emergency services can get to you, you're going to be a lot better off than if you haven't. So some of it is that kind of preparation for just being a bit more resilient."
Her comments came as an NAO report warned Britain's food supply chain is vulnerable to plant or human disease outbreaks, cyber-attacks and extreme weather. It also cited climate change as a longer-term chronic risk which could leave Britain's food supply at risk. The disruptions could push up prices and leave vulnerable people struggling to buy food, it said.
The NAO said the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) was too reliant on private companies to handle disruptions to food supply. It added the department had not done enough in recent years to improve supply chain resilience.
UK households are less prepared for emergencies than those in several other countries such as Finland, Sweden and European Union nations, the NAO added. It said ministers should encourage households to prepare for supply chain disruptions and learn from the approaches taken by other countries.
Households should stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather as the strongest El Niño event in a generation develops over the Pacific Ocean, a government minister has said.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle told the Guardian the powerful natural climate phenomenon will lead to "more extreme storms in this country". Her comments came as the National Audit Office (NAO) warned Britain's food supply chain is at risk given the growing threat of cyber-attacks and the climate crisis.
The NAO said the government was too reliant on the private sector to deal with food supply disruption. The government is due to unveil a strategy about preparing for national emergencies later this year.
Dame Angela said "We're about to experience probably the largest El Niño that has ever been seen, and that will lead to drier summers, wetter winters, with more extreme storms in this country.
"It will do a lot more damage in Asia with flooding, and therefore I think that we need to take it seriously. If you've got a store of a bit of food that can keep you going for a while before the emergency services can get to you, you're going to be a lot better off than if you haven't. So some of it is that kind of preparation for just being a bit more resilient."
Her comments came as an NAO report warned Britain's food supply chain is vulnerable to plant or human disease outbreaks, cyber-attacks and extreme weather. It also cited climate change as a longer-term chronic risk which could leave Britain's food supply at risk. The disruptions could push up prices and leave vulnerable people struggling to buy food, it said.
The NAO said the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) was too reliant on private companies to handle disruptions to food supply. It added the department had not done enough in recent years to improve supply chain resilience.
UK households are less prepared for emergencies than those in several other countries such as Finland, Sweden and European Union nations, the NAO added. It said ministers should encourage households to prepare for supply chain disruptions and learn from the approaches taken by other countries.
I suspect Broadgage is way ahead of the game on this one!
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [379308/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:24, 8th September 2026 | |
Huh? This is totally the result of the vandalism & fire at the Kensal Green electricity Feeder Station. Not due to be fixed until close on the 8th.
The entire Didcot - Paddington overheads being fed from Didcot Feeder station! So hence the IETs on diesel & Elizabeth Line being allowed the run on the local lines. One tri[p now takes out everything from PAD to Didcot.
HEX reduced to half-hourly, not to T5 either. Didcot & Newbury stoppers as far as Reading only.
Railforums reporting that someone threw a disposable BBQ into the Kensal Green Feeder Station from the Grand Union canal towpath.
The entire Didcot - Paddington overheads being fed from Didcot Feeder station! So hence the IETs on diesel & Elizabeth Line being allowed the run on the local lines. One tri[p now takes out everything from PAD to Didcot.
HEX reduced to half-hourly, not to T5 either. Didcot & Newbury stoppers as far as Reading only.
Railforums reporting that someone threw a disposable BBQ into the Kensal Green Feeder Station from the Grand Union canal towpath.
For "close on the 8th" make that the 9th............................
Cancellations to services between Reading and London Paddington
Due to vandalism of railway equipment between Reading and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day on 09/09/26.
| Cornwall’s top 10 train‑accessible walks In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [379307/32472/50] Posted by grahame at 16:23, 8th September 2026 | |
From https://www.rewindradio.co.uk/news/news/cornwalls-coast-shines-in-new-list-of-britains-best-train%E2%80%91accessible-walks/
Cornwall’s coast shines in new list of Britain’s best train‑accessible walks
Cornwall’s top 10 train‑accessible walks
Porthmeor Beach – View over Porthmeor Beach loop from St Ives (4.7)
St Ives Harbour – St Ives Harbour loop from Carbis Bay (4.6)
South West Coast Path: St Ives to Lelant (4.7)
Swanpool Beach – Maenporth Beach loop from Falmouth Town (4.6)
Gribbin Head and Saints Way Trail from Par (4.
Porthminster Beach – Porth Kidney Sands loop from Carbis Bay (4.5)
Fistral Beach – Fistral Beach loop from Newquay (4.5)
Newquay Harbour – Fistral Beach loop from Newquay (4.
Porth Kidney Sands – View of Carbis Bay loop from St Ives (4.7)
Pendennis Castle and Headland – Colourful Victorian Houses loop from Falmouth Town (4.
Cornwall’s top 10 train‑accessible walks
Porthmeor Beach – View over Porthmeor Beach loop from St Ives (4.7)
St Ives Harbour – St Ives Harbour loop from Carbis Bay (4.6)
South West Coast Path: St Ives to Lelant (4.7)
Swanpool Beach – Maenporth Beach loop from Falmouth Town (4.6)
Gribbin Head and Saints Way Trail from Par (4.
Porthminster Beach – Porth Kidney Sands loop from Carbis Bay (4.5)
Fistral Beach – Fistral Beach loop from Newquay (4.5)
Newquay Harbour – Fistral Beach loop from Newquay (4.
Porth Kidney Sands – View of Carbis Bay loop from St Ives (4.7)
Pendennis Castle and Headland – Colourful Victorian Houses loop from Falmouth Town (4.
| Re: Bristol trams - moved and merged topics, ongoing discussion In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [379306/24687/21] Posted by grahame at 16:15, 8th September 2026 | |
From the BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8egjgejxxo
Will Bristol ever get a tram network?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to "making progress" on a mass transit system for Bristol - leaning into a decades-long saga that has left the West of England as one of the biggest city regions in the country without a tram or light rail.
"Mass transit" can include buses, trams and trains - the key is the service moves separately to other vehicles, preventing it from getting stuck in traffic.
Labour's West of England Mayor Helen Godwin has already allocated £150m to develop a mass transit "vision", with the aim of work starting within five years.
But government funding to deliver the project has not been guaranteed. A similar project for a tram system in Leeds is set to cost £2.1bn.
"The big cities of England... should have mass transit systems," Burnham said. "I'm talking about Leeds, I'm talking about Bristol.
"I will work with the wonderful mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, to make progress on that.
"To connect Bristol, its new arena, the station, the development at Temple Meads, into a mass transit system that takes Bristol forward."
Why hasn't Bristol got a mass transit system?
Continues ...
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to "making progress" on a mass transit system for Bristol - leaning into a decades-long saga that has left the West of England as one of the biggest city regions in the country without a tram or light rail.
"Mass transit" can include buses, trams and trains - the key is the service moves separately to other vehicles, preventing it from getting stuck in traffic.
Labour's West of England Mayor Helen Godwin has already allocated £150m to develop a mass transit "vision", with the aim of work starting within five years.
But government funding to deliver the project has not been guaranteed. A similar project for a tram system in Leeds is set to cost £2.1bn.
"The big cities of England... should have mass transit systems," Burnham said. "I'm talking about Leeds, I'm talking about Bristol.
"I will work with the wonderful mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, to make progress on that.
"To connect Bristol, its new arena, the station, the development at Temple Meads, into a mass transit system that takes Bristol forward."
Why hasn't Bristol got a mass transit system?
Continues ...
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [379305/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 15:02, 8th September 2026 | |
Additional Information
Due to the cancellation of the 18:37 Westbury to Swindon service, you are advised of the following road transport running in replacement of this service. You may use the following road transport using your original ticket; at no additional cost.
A minibus will depart Westbury at 18:37, calling all stations to Chippenham where you may use alternative services towards Swindon.
-
Due to the cancellation of the 20:12 Swindon to Westbury service, you are advised of the following road transport running in replacement of this service. You may use the following road transport using your original ticket; at no additional cost.
Please board the 20:26 GWR service from Swindon towards Weston-super-Mare and alight at Chippenham where a minibus will depart at 20:41 calling all stations towards Westbury.
-
Due to the cancellation of the 21:16 Westbury to Swindon service, you are advised of the following road transport running in replacement of this service. You may use the following road transport using your original ticket; at no additional cost.
A minibus will depart Westbury at 21:16, calling all stations to Chippenham where you may use alternative services towards Swindon.
-
Due to the cancellation of the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury service, you are advised of the following road transport running in replacement of this service. You may use the following road transport using your original ticket; at no additional cost.
Please board the 22:58 GWR service from Swindon towards Bristol Temple Meads and alight at Chippenham where a minibus will depart at 23:15 calling all stations towards Westbury.
Last Updated:08/09/2026 14:53
Due to the cancellation of the 18:37 Westbury to Swindon service, you are advised of the following road transport running in replacement of this service. You may use the following road transport using your original ticket; at no additional cost.
A minibus will depart Westbury at 18:37, calling all stations to Chippenham where you may use alternative services towards Swindon.
-
Due to the cancellation of the 20:12 Swindon to Westbury service, you are advised of the following road transport running in replacement of this service. You may use the following road transport using your original ticket; at no additional cost.
Please board the 20:26 GWR service from Swindon towards Weston-super-Mare and alight at Chippenham where a minibus will depart at 20:41 calling all stations towards Westbury.
-
Due to the cancellation of the 21:16 Westbury to Swindon service, you are advised of the following road transport running in replacement of this service. You may use the following road transport using your original ticket; at no additional cost.
A minibus will depart Westbury at 21:16, calling all stations to Chippenham where you may use alternative services towards Swindon.
-
Due to the cancellation of the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury service, you are advised of the following road transport running in replacement of this service. You may use the following road transport using your original ticket; at no additional cost.
Please board the 22:58 GWR service from Swindon towards Bristol Temple Meads and alight at Chippenham where a minibus will depart at 23:15 calling all stations towards Westbury.
Last Updated:08/09/2026 14:53
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [379304/10737/21] Posted by TaplowGreen at 14:41, 8th September 2026 | |
I hear the new entrance etc cost £23 million, surely that can't be true? Does anyone know the actual figure?
From a friend who supervised the work on the new entrance...
I worked on that job in summer 2024. Absolute clusterf**k.
Roof Steels all need redrilling as they sagged under their own weight, requiring a crane and us using handheld drills instead of magdrills…
Bomb proof glass all round except the cladding that hod 3mm galvanised steel sheets behind, nothing was coming out the factory correct and the building leaked like a sieve until recently.
Main company went bust after the job.
No wonder it ended up costing so much!!
Everything else is caked in bird poo
...........somehow I doubt that made the Press release - but always good to have the view from those on the ground rather than the Marketing Department!!!
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [379303/10737/21] Posted by Phantom at 12:18, 8th September 2026 | |
Incidentally, the floating footpath to Temple Quay apparently cost £10m. I believe that was paid for by the University as a planning condition.
Is this lit at night? Any separators between pedestrians & pushbikes - in either direction?
Not very safe then? Would you use it after supper?
Yes, there is lighting built into the sides of the walkway, it is very well lit
There is a blue line down the middle of the pathway indicating the cyclepath / walkway, though not all signage has been painted onto the walkway yet
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [379302/10737/21] Posted by Phantom at 12:16, 8th September 2026 | |
I hear the new entrance etc cost £23 million, surely that can't be true? Does anyone know the actual figure?
From a friend who supervised the work on the new entrance...
I worked on that job in summer 2024. Absolute clusterf**k.
Roof Steels all need redrilling as they sagged under their own weight, requiring a crane and us using handheld drills instead of magdrills…
Bomb proof glass all round except the cladding that hod 3mm galvanised steel sheets behind, nothing was coming out the factory correct and the building leaked like a sieve until recently.
Main company went bust after the job.
No wonder it ended up costing so much!!
Everything else is caked in bird poo
| Re: Request stops becoming compulsory ones with added stop-order calls In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [379301/32471/25] Posted by Hafren at 12:12, 8th September 2026 | |
This is one of those areas where a bit of care in the wording would help to reassure passengers when an issue has already arisen! Understand that passengers won't know the exact arrival time, might be worried about this, and might not even realise the stop order is there and be waiting around for a later trian, and reassure that it will be a mandatory stop.
"This is due to the train making extra stops"... more to the point, it is the making of extra stops! I sort of accept that template wording won't always be great but still reads strangely!
| Re: Request stops becoming compulsory ones with added stop-order calls In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [379300/32471/25] Posted by ChrisB at 11:05, 8th September 2026 | |
There needs to be a 'thumbs up' icon/smiley.....yes.
| Request stops becoming compulsory ones with added stop-order calls In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [379299/32471/25] Posted by grahame at 11:02, 8th September 2026 | |
Where a train is cancelled, it makes sense to put in a "stop order" on a subsequent train to provide an alternative service
I'm noticing that where a train that calls only on request is cancelled, the stop orders seem to turn it into a mandated, compulsory stop on the following train? Use of the word "will" rather than "may". Is that to re-assure waiting passengers who may no longer have a timetable reference for the train coming and may not notice it in time to signal to the driver?
10:48 Liskeard to Looe due 11:16 will call additionally at St Keyne Wishing Well Halt, Causeland and Sandplace.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
| Re: Cornish mainline and branch line delays - ongoing discussion In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [379298/28556/25] Posted by grahame at 10:48, 8th September 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
...................and of course by 11 December it will no longer be GWR's problem, as they will no longer exist.
Well, it’ll no longer be First Group’s problem (from 13th December) - the GWR brand will carry on for a little while at least, and it’ll be the pretty much the same group of people trying to address the problem.
Most importantly, the average passenger won’t know/care about the changes in December anyway.
I have (already) quite a number of LinkedId contacts ... and sometimes it suggests new ones to me. From just now, here are the roles of people suggested to me, mostly at "GWR" - in addition to the three pages of "currently at GWR" contacts I have.
Business Development Portfolio Director
Strategy Director
Head of Business Planning
Regional Developemnt Manager
Deputy Head of Public Affairs
Regional Growth Manager
Customer Planning and Interface Manager
Head of Business Transformation
Deputy Head of External Communications
Head of Learning and Development
It strikes me that many of these roles will change out of recognition - or out of existence - over the next six months. Those in roles which involve planning, development, growth, strategy, transformation, etc, will potentially be looking at very different scenarios if they look at the next 3 months or the next three years, and may feel themselves in limbo at the moment.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [379297/7862/47] Posted by Ralph Ayres at 10:35, 8th September 2026 | |
Good to see something a bit more unusual than the ex-industrial saddle tank that heritage lines of this size typically use. Must pay a visit once it's up and running.
| Re: Cornish mainline and branch line delays - ongoing discussion In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [379296/28556/25] Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:16, 8th September 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
...................and of course by 11 December it will no longer be GWR's problem, as they will no longer exist.
Well, it’ll no longer be First Group’s problem (from 13th December) - the GWR brand will carry on for a little while at least, and it’ll be the pretty much the same group of people trying to address the problem.
Most importantly, the average passenger won’t know/care about the changes in December anyway.
| Re: Cornish mainline and branch line delays - ongoing discussion In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [379295/28556/25] Posted by grahame at 09:44, 8th September 2026 | |
The subject line is "delays" but this is more fully fledged cancellations ... not enough working trains ... samples which indicate at least 4 trains short.
09:01 Severn Beach to Bristol Temple Meads due 09:45
09:01 Severn Beach to Bristol Temple Meads due 09:45 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
09:01 Severn Beach to Bristol Temple Meads due 09:45 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
10:14 Plymouth to Penzance due 12:12
10:14 Plymouth to Penzance due 12:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
10:14 Plymouth to Penzance due 12:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
10:45 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 11:09
10:45 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 11:09 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
10:45 Truro to Falmouth Docks due 11:09 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
10:24 Okehampton to Exeter Central due 11:08
10:24 Okehampton to Exeter Central due 11:08 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
10:24 Okehampton to Exeter Central due 11:08 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [379294/7862/47] Posted by bobm at 09:40, 8th September 2026 Already liked by johnneyw | |
From an email to members
The Swindon and Cricklade Railway Trustees are thrilled to announce Steam is returning to the Railway in October.
The Railway will soon be welcoming the arrival of the ‘Lady Lisa’. Lady Lisa is a rare vertical-boiler “coffee pot” steam locomotive that has been operating on the Lavender Line in East Sussex. Built and manufactured in 1920 by Cockerill in Seraing, Belgium, as a shunting engine with a wheel arrangement of 0-4-0 VBT (Works No 2950).
Originally named Yvonne before being renamed Lady Lisa, the locomotive was withdrawn from service at Brussels Gas Works in 1967 and was stored until 1987. She moved to the Lavender Line in 2013 and returned to steam following extensive restoration.
With the arrival of Lady Lisa the railway is looking for any members who wish to be re-certified as steam crew and be rostered to operate her. Training for those who wish to be involved with the Loco can also be arranged. We will be offering Driver Experiences and Footplate Experiences to our customers.
Dates when the loco will be in action will be published on our website soon.
The Railway will soon be welcoming the arrival of the ‘Lady Lisa’. Lady Lisa is a rare vertical-boiler “coffee pot” steam locomotive that has been operating on the Lavender Line in East Sussex. Built and manufactured in 1920 by Cockerill in Seraing, Belgium, as a shunting engine with a wheel arrangement of 0-4-0 VBT (Works No 2950).
Originally named Yvonne before being renamed Lady Lisa, the locomotive was withdrawn from service at Brussels Gas Works in 1967 and was stored until 1987. She moved to the Lavender Line in 2013 and returned to steam following extensive restoration.
With the arrival of Lady Lisa the railway is looking for any members who wish to be re-certified as steam crew and be rostered to operate her. Training for those who wish to be involved with the Loco can also be arranged. We will be offering Driver Experiences and Footplate Experiences to our customers.
Dates when the loco will be in action will be published on our website soon.
| Pick of the month - meetings for autumn 2026 In "Diary - what's happening when?" [379293/32470/34] Posted by grahame at 09:30, 8th September 2026 | |
For readers who are time (or interest) limited, I have posted the following in West Wiltshire / Melksham groups. Personally I'll 2 or 3 (or a dozen) more things to do before Christmas. These events are in the Coffee Shop diary individually too - see https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/diary.html
September 2026
16th - West Wiltshire Rail User Group - guest speaker Peter West, Trowbridge
Peter was Senior Commercial Manager responsible for negotiating the GWR rail franchise. This places him well to five us an insight into the relationship between the Department for Transport and a commercial operator, and what we may expect when the rail companies are absorbed into Great British Railways
See https://www.wwrug.org.uk/flyer.html
October 2026
9th - TravelWatch SouthWest general meeting, Taunton
Are we set up to cover the journeys we need? How can rail, bus, and infrastructure in the South West better serve aging populations, rural communities, and accessibility needs? We’ll explore how socially necessary services are delivered and how grassroots voices can shape them. How can the Department for Transport and transport operators better listen to - and act on - community feedback?
See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/travelwatch-southwest-autumn-general-meeting-2026-tickets-1999846046359
November 2026
25th - West Wiltshire Rail User Group - guest speaker Nathan Sealey, Trowbridge
The Bath and Wiltshire Metro - what, why, where, when. Who? - Nathan is one of the key team who's been heaily involved in the South Wales Metro at a senior level. I would like to tell you he's coming from afar, but actually he lived in the West Wiltshire area and so knows it well.
December 2026
5th - Melksham Transport User Group - Christmas Lights / Melksham
We'll be distributing new timetables for all public transport providers who serve the town at this event. For those of you who live in Melksham, keep your eyes peeled for earlier events too!
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [379292/10737/21] Posted by ChrisB at 09:25, 8th September 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
Incidentally, the floating footpath to Temple Quay apparently cost £10m. I believe that was paid for by the University as a planning condition.
Is this lit at night? Any separators between pedestrians & pushbikes - in either direction?
Not very safe then? Would you use it after supper?
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [379291/10737/21] Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:41, 8th September 2026 | |
I hear the new entrance etc cost £23 million, surely that can't be true? Does anyone know the actual figure?
Apparently so, and I believe part of £94m allocated for the three new entrances (South, East and I presume the renovations and public realm around the Midland Shed on the north side).
Yes, it's a bonkers amount of money but take a look at the photo at https://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/news/eastern-entrance-reaches-construction-milestone-with-building-shell-complete/ - there's more to it than you think, don't forget that it all had to be done around a live railway just metres away from passengers and the underpass.
Incidentally, the floating footpath to Temple Quay apparently cost £10m. I believe that was paid for by the University as a planning condition.
"Bonkers" sums it up quite well.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [379290/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 07:42, 8th September 2026 | |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
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 shortage of train crew.
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
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 shortage of train crew.
10:14 Plymouth to Penzance due 12:12
13:14 Penzance to Plymouth due 15:10
08/09/26 13:14 Penzance to Plymouth due 15:10 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
13:14 Penzance to Plymouth due 15:10
08/09/26 13:14 Penzance to Plymouth due 15:10 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
With a pattern in cancellations (and posting elsewhere that the Cornish service reductions will last for months), are there spare crews around who might be able to learn a route in Wiltshire and help out here?
| Re: Cornish mainline and branch line delays - ongoing discussion In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [379289/28556/25] Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:17, 8th September 2026 | |
From the BBC
Agreed that it's probably the least bad choice in the short term. But it feel like (another?) case of over-optimism that has gone wrong, with the old trains withdrawn before the "new" ones are working properly. And/or a case of taking on an increased service before properly prepared for it - it wasn't so many years ago that the Cornish Main Line had hour gaps anyway.
The word "hope" is used twice. Nice stuff is hope. I hope it happens
Campaigners say the cancellation of five weekday services between Penzance in Cornwall and Plymouth or Exeter in Devon has been "the least bad choice" for operator GWR to get on top of reliability problems with its newer Class 175 fleet locally.
Roger Blake, national director at campaigning group Railfuture, said temporary cancellations from Monday were "an unfortunate step back in order to then, we hope, take a couple of steps forward".
The trains, previously been used by Transport for Wales, were in storage for two years before GWR started using them in May.
Timetable changes were scheduled to run until 11 December, but GWR said it hoped to bring the trains back before that if possible.
Roger Blake, national director at campaigning group Railfuture, said temporary cancellations from Monday were "an unfortunate step back in order to then, we hope, take a couple of steps forward".
The trains, previously been used by Transport for Wales, were in storage for two years before GWR started using them in May.
Timetable changes were scheduled to run until 11 December, but GWR said it hoped to bring the trains back before that if possible.
Agreed that it's probably the least bad choice in the short term. But it feel like (another?) case of over-optimism that has gone wrong, with the old trains withdrawn before the "new" ones are working properly. And/or a case of taking on an increased service before properly prepared for it - it wasn't so many years ago that the Cornish Main Line had hour gaps anyway.
The word "hope" is used twice. Nice stuff is hope. I hope it happens
...................and of course by 11 December it will no longer be GWR's problem, as they will no longer exist.
| Re: Cornish mainline and branch line delays - ongoing discussion In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [379288/28556/25] Posted by grahame at 07:11, 8th September 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
From the BBC
Campaigners say the cancellation of five weekday services between Penzance in Cornwall and Plymouth or Exeter in Devon has been "the least bad choice" for operator GWR to get on top of reliability problems with its newer Class 175 fleet locally.
Roger Blake, national director at campaigning group Railfuture, said temporary cancellations from Monday were "an unfortunate step back in order to then, we hope, take a couple of steps forward".
The trains, previously been used by Transport for Wales, were in storage for two years before GWR started using them in May.
Timetable changes were scheduled to run until 11 December, but GWR said it hoped to bring the trains back before that if possible.
Roger Blake, national director at campaigning group Railfuture, said temporary cancellations from Monday were "an unfortunate step back in order to then, we hope, take a couple of steps forward".
The trains, previously been used by Transport for Wales, were in storage for two years before GWR started using them in May.
Timetable changes were scheduled to run until 11 December, but GWR said it hoped to bring the trains back before that if possible.
Agreed that it's probably the least bad choice in the short term. But it feel like (another?) case of over-optimism that has gone wrong, with the old trains withdrawn before the "new" ones are working properly. And/or a case of taking on an increased service before properly prepared for it - it wasn't so many years ago that the Cornish Main Line had hour gaps anyway.
The word "hope" is used twice. Nice stuff is hope. I hope it happens
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol and Bath (WECA, now WEMCA)" [379287/10737/21] Posted by grahame at 06:59, 8th September 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Passed through their yesterday
I am intrigued how much use it will get and how much increased footfall there will be going the opposite way to normal at the station
I am intrigued how much use it will get and how much increased footfall there will be going the opposite way to normal at the station
The estimate was 2m people p/a - so 20% of station users-ish
Now - is that 2 million abstracted from the main entrance, or two million new customers? And if the latter, where are the extra carriages on trains like the Cross Country ones, and the services to Cardiff and via Bradford-on-Avon to cope?
