Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: South Western Railways Waterloo - Bristol services axed In "South Western services" [376869/25368/42] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:12, 9th July 2026 |      |
From the BBC:
Town fighting to restore direct trains to London
John Baxter, Brian Mathew MP, Sam Blackwell and Mark Annand want to see the route to London reinstated - Image © Brian Mathew MP
People have urged transport bosses to reinstate train services between a west Wiltshire town and London.
Passengers had previously been able to travel from Bradford-on-Avon to London Waterloo until the route, which went via Salisbury, was axed in 2021.
A consultation has now been launched by South Western Railway (SWR) to ask people what they would like to see changed about current services; a development which has heartened campaigners.
Sam Blackwell, mayor of Bradford-on-Avon, told Radio Wiltshire. "It is encouraging. They are taking ideas and trying to understand what changes passengers want from the timetable."
A spokesperson for SWR and Network Rail Wessex said "all feedback" is welcomed as part of a "timetable refresh".
Blackwell is among those who have backed West Wiltshire Rail User Group's campaign to restore direct train services between Bradford-on-Avon and the capital. The group says bringing the services back would make journeys easier, especially for older people and those with mobility needs, while supporting local businesses, tourism and sustainable travel.
Blackwell continued: "We currently have a regular service which goes down to Salisbury, stops there and then comes back. There is also an SWR existing service which goes from Salisbury to London Waterloo. Part of this proposal would ask the rail operators to look at joining those services up."
The mayor said reinstating the route would also benefit other stations such as Trowbridge and Keynsham.
Graham Ellis, a transport campaigner based in Melksham, said he believed there would not be large costs associated with getting the service up and running again. He added: "There is a train which runs from Bristol to Salisbury and we're simply saying connect that up with the train from Salisbury to London. Sure there is timetable planning and likely consultation costs, but we aren't looking for any extra trains."
Meanwhile, Wiltshire Council has said it would "strongly welcome" the introduction of a direct service between west Wiltshire and London.
Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "We have already committed to promoting new railway stations at Devizes, Corsham and Wilton, as well as a new platform at Westbury, and will continue to work closely with local partners, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and train operators to secure better rail services and strengthen connectivity across Wiltshire."
Brian Mathew, MP for Melksham and Devizes, said he "fully supports" reinstating the service. "Restoring through trains would be a practical and cost-effective step to improve access to jobs and education, support local tourism and deliver a more connected railway for passengers," he added.
A SWR spokesperson every suggestion will be carefully reviewed as we balance enhancing connectivity and meeting demand. "Responses will be provided through the formal consultation process at the appropriate time," they added.
John Baxter, Brian Mathew MP, Sam Blackwell and Mark Annand want to see the route to London reinstated - Image © Brian Mathew MP
People have urged transport bosses to reinstate train services between a west Wiltshire town and London.
Passengers had previously been able to travel from Bradford-on-Avon to London Waterloo until the route, which went via Salisbury, was axed in 2021.
A consultation has now been launched by South Western Railway (SWR) to ask people what they would like to see changed about current services; a development which has heartened campaigners.
Sam Blackwell, mayor of Bradford-on-Avon, told Radio Wiltshire. "It is encouraging. They are taking ideas and trying to understand what changes passengers want from the timetable."
A spokesperson for SWR and Network Rail Wessex said "all feedback" is welcomed as part of a "timetable refresh".
Blackwell is among those who have backed West Wiltshire Rail User Group's campaign to restore direct train services between Bradford-on-Avon and the capital. The group says bringing the services back would make journeys easier, especially for older people and those with mobility needs, while supporting local businesses, tourism and sustainable travel.
Blackwell continued: "We currently have a regular service which goes down to Salisbury, stops there and then comes back. There is also an SWR existing service which goes from Salisbury to London Waterloo. Part of this proposal would ask the rail operators to look at joining those services up."
The mayor said reinstating the route would also benefit other stations such as Trowbridge and Keynsham.
Graham Ellis, a transport campaigner based in Melksham, said he believed there would not be large costs associated with getting the service up and running again. He added: "There is a train which runs from Bristol to Salisbury and we're simply saying connect that up with the train from Salisbury to London. Sure there is timetable planning and likely consultation costs, but we aren't looking for any extra trains."
Meanwhile, Wiltshire Council has said it would "strongly welcome" the introduction of a direct service between west Wiltshire and London.
Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "We have already committed to promoting new railway stations at Devizes, Corsham and Wilton, as well as a new platform at Westbury, and will continue to work closely with local partners, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and train operators to secure better rail services and strengthen connectivity across Wiltshire."
Brian Mathew, MP for Melksham and Devizes, said he "fully supports" reinstating the service. "Restoring through trains would be a practical and cost-effective step to improve access to jobs and education, support local tourism and deliver a more connected railway for passengers," he added.
A SWR spokesperson every suggestion will be carefully reviewed as we balance enhancing connectivity and meeting demand. "Responses will be provided through the formal consultation process at the appropriate time," they added.
| Re: Jude Bellingham station to keep name until Monday In "The Lighter Side" [376868/32209/30] Posted by Merthyr Imp at 22:53, 9th July 2026 | |
This was at York on the day of the semi-final in 2018:
| Re: The Cheddar Valley Lost Railway - the 'Strawberry Line' from Yatton to Cheddar and beyond In "Railway History and related topics" [376867/444/55] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:56, 9th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
An update, from the BBC:
Railway route named as one of UK's favourite paths
Fletcher said he is delighted by the nomination - Image © Daniel Mumby
A pathway that follows an old railway route linking the coast with a hilly landscape has been named as one of Britain's favourite paths.
The Strawberry Line, which runs between Yatton in North Somerset and Cheddar, has been nominated as one of eight routes in walking charity Ramblers' annual competition.
Public voting has now opened and Britain's Favourite Path 2026 will be announced later this year.
Mick Fletcher, the chair of the Strawberry Line Society, said he was "absolutely delighted" to get the nomination, adding the path was in "good company".
Fletcher and his team have been working for years to extend the traffic-free route which will eventually run uninterrupted to Shepton Mallet through the Mendip Hills. He described the nomination as a "feather in our cap".
"I feel it reflects some of the hard work people have done to bring the path into being and to keep it as beautiful as it is," he added. He also said he believes the recognition will appeal to decision makers to show its value.
The path was nominated by Amanda Jane Baldwin, who lives in the village of Winscombe and described the route as "stunning". She added: "I moved to Winscombe more than seven years ago and this path has been trod by myself more times than I can count. It's accessible in all weathers, it goes on for miles, it's an absolute pleasure to walk on. It's beautiful and I appreciate the nature all around me while on the path."
The walking and cycling route follows much of the old Cheddar Valley Railway, which closed in 1963 as part of the Beeching cuts.
The Strawberry Line Society has been working with Somerset Council and local landowners to deliver the remaining sections of the path – with the council announcing in early-April that £730,000 would be provided towards this and other rural routes over the next two years.
A further £30,000 for smaller-scale improvements to the route was provided in early-June by the management team of the Mendip Hills National Landscape (formerly area of outstanding natural beauty, or AONB).
Other routes nominated include Buttermere Circular Path in Cumbria, Hangleton to Devil's Dyke Path, Sussex, and Holy Island Causeway Path, Northumberland.
Fletcher said he is delighted by the nomination - Image © Daniel Mumby
A pathway that follows an old railway route linking the coast with a hilly landscape has been named as one of Britain's favourite paths.
The Strawberry Line, which runs between Yatton in North Somerset and Cheddar, has been nominated as one of eight routes in walking charity Ramblers' annual competition.
Public voting has now opened and Britain's Favourite Path 2026 will be announced later this year.
Mick Fletcher, the chair of the Strawberry Line Society, said he was "absolutely delighted" to get the nomination, adding the path was in "good company".
Fletcher and his team have been working for years to extend the traffic-free route which will eventually run uninterrupted to Shepton Mallet through the Mendip Hills. He described the nomination as a "feather in our cap".
"I feel it reflects some of the hard work people have done to bring the path into being and to keep it as beautiful as it is," he added. He also said he believes the recognition will appeal to decision makers to show its value.
The path was nominated by Amanda Jane Baldwin, who lives in the village of Winscombe and described the route as "stunning". She added: "I moved to Winscombe more than seven years ago and this path has been trod by myself more times than I can count. It's accessible in all weathers, it goes on for miles, it's an absolute pleasure to walk on. It's beautiful and I appreciate the nature all around me while on the path."
The walking and cycling route follows much of the old Cheddar Valley Railway, which closed in 1963 as part of the Beeching cuts.
The Strawberry Line Society has been working with Somerset Council and local landowners to deliver the remaining sections of the path – with the council announcing in early-April that £730,000 would be provided towards this and other rural routes over the next two years.
A further £30,000 for smaller-scale improvements to the route was provided in early-June by the management team of the Mendip Hills National Landscape (formerly area of outstanding natural beauty, or AONB).
Other routes nominated include Buttermere Circular Path in Cumbria, Hangleton to Devil's Dyke Path, Sussex, and Holy Island Causeway Path, Northumberland.
I have remarked on it before, but the BBC are wrong in stating, "A pathway that follows an old railway route linking the coast with a hilly landscape ...". Yatton is not on the coast: Clevedon is, but that branch line from Yatton was never part of the Strawberry Line.
| Re: Andy Burnham elected to parliament, with a strong transport reputation In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [376866/32149/40] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:59, 9th July 2026 | |
... and wonders what would happen if he failed to get trades union support ...
I can't see that happening: even the RMT support Andy Burnham. See their press release, at https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-responds-to-keir-starmer-announcing-resignation-timetable/
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376865/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 20:28, 9th July 2026 | |
The unit doing the Bedwyn shuttle has expired now.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376864/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 20:27, 9th July 2026 | |
There is a programme to improve the air cooling in the cabs of some of the units - not sure if it is the turbos or the 158s or both.
It will take 12 months to complete and it will probably still struggle on the hottest day as it can only reduce the temperature by about 7 degrees.
In the meantime crew are being asked to lower blinds and leave windows open when units are laying over between trips to try to reduce the greenhouse effect.
| Re: Andy Burnham elected to parliament, with a strong transport reputation In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [376863/32149/40] Posted by grahame at 20:20, 9th July 2026 | |
That's just ONE nomination short of preventing any other Labour MP getting the required 81 in order to be able to stand against him.
The statistician in me reads this:
As well as 323 nominations - which is when no one else can reach the 81-MP threshold needed to run against him - Burnham would also need to garner nominations next week from at least three of the 31 socialist societies and trade unions affiliated to the party, although this is expected to be a formality for him.
and wonders what would happen if he failed to get trades union support ...
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376862/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 20:17, 9th July 2026 | |
Heat getting to them? They are very old
I know how they feel too. But I don't have any data as to what the failures are, or indeed where "more trains than usual require repair" it could relate to trains sitting in sidings waiting for parts, or waiting for technicians to fix them. Rumour has suggested that a/c failure in the driving cab is a major cause of trains being declared unusable in very hot weather and that sounds plausible to me.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376861/31359/18] Posted by PrestburyRoad at 20:12, 9th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A, eightonedee | |
Heat getting to them? They are very old
I know how they feel! I am having very long siestas in this heatwave.| Re: Andy Burnham elected to parliament, with a strong transport reputation In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [376860/32149/40] Posted by ChrisB at 19:55, 9th July 2026 | |
That's just ONE nomination short of preventing any other Labour MP getting the required 81 in order to be able to stand against him.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376859/31359/18] Posted by ChrisB at 19:54, 9th July 2026 | |
Heat getting to them? They are very old
| Re: Andy Burnham elected to parliament, with a strong transport reputation In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [376858/32149/40] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:54, 9th July 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Andy Burnham set to be next Prime Minister as 322 Labour MPs back him in first nomination tally
Andy Burnham has taken another step towards becoming the next Labour leader and prime minister, after the vast majority of Labour MPs nominated him to replace Sir Keir Starmer.
Burnham's Labour leadership bid has been backed by 322 Labour MPs as he remains the only declared candidate after nominations began on Thursday.
It makes him just one short of the 323 needed before it is mathematically impossible for a rival to run against him. Some MPs say they were not able to vote on Thursday, but would back Burnham once they are back in Parliament.
If no one else enters the contest, as expected, Burnham will be declared Labour leader next week before taking office as prime minister on 20 July.
(BBC article continues)
Andy Burnham has taken another step towards becoming the next Labour leader and prime minister, after the vast majority of Labour MPs nominated him to replace Sir Keir Starmer.
Burnham's Labour leadership bid has been backed by 322 Labour MPs as he remains the only declared candidate after nominations began on Thursday.
It makes him just one short of the 323 needed before it is mathematically impossible for a rival to run against him. Some MPs say they were not able to vote on Thursday, but would back Burnham once they are back in Parliament.
If no one else enters the contest, as expected, Burnham will be declared Labour leader next week before taking office as prime minister on 20 July.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [376857/31371/14] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:12, 9th July 2026 | |
16:58 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 19:25 has been cancelled.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
....
17:34 London Paddington to Hereford due 20:23 has been cancelled.
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.
....
17:34 London Paddington to Hereford due 20:23 has been cancelled.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
I'm not sure those two 'reasons for their cancellation' even make sense.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [376856/31371/14] Posted by charles_uk at 19:03, 9th July 2026 | |
16:58 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 19:25 has been cancelled.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
2E14 1704 Didcot Parkway to Evesham cancelled due to unknown cause (ZW).
17:34 London Paddington to Hereford due 20:23 has been cancelled.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
17:57 London Paddington to Worcester Foregate Street due 20:11 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
18:51 Evesham to Oxford due 19:50 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
19:45 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 22:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
20:56 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington due 23:29 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
22:00 Hereford to London Paddington due 01:16 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
2E14 1704 Didcot Parkway to Evesham cancelled due to unknown cause (ZW).
17:34 London Paddington to Hereford due 20:23 has been cancelled.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
17:57 London Paddington to Worcester Foregate Street due 20:11 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
18:51 Evesham to Oxford due 19:50 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
19:45 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 22:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
20:56 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington due 23:29 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
22:00 Hereford to London Paddington due 01:16 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| New railway station at Balgray, near Barrhead, to open in September 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376855/32212/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:57, 9th July 2026 | |
From the BBC:
New railway station to open in September
The new station at Balgray near Barrhead will open at the end of September - Image © Network Rail
A new railway station on the outskirts of Glasgow will open at the end of September, Network Rail has confirmed.
The new £18m Balgray station, near Barrhead in East Renfrewshire, will open to passengers on Sunday 27 September.
It had been originally planned to open the station, which sits on the Neilston to Glasgow Central line, in spring but the date had been put back to November.
It will have two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, waiting shelters and cycle storage, as well as an 80-space car park with electric vehicle charging points.
Walkways to the platforms will connect to nearby housing developments and the Balgray reservoir paths.
The station will be paid for through the Glasgow City Region City Deal - meaning contributions of £7.87m from both the UK and Scottish governments, and £2.56m from East Renfrewshire Council.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail's service delivery director, said: "The opening of Balgray station is fantastic news for the local community and everyone who travels by rail in East Renfrewshire. By creating a new gateway to the railway, it will give people more choice over how they travel and make it easier to leave the car at home for everyday journeys. We know that convenient, accessible stations encourage more people to choose rail, and Balgray has been designed with that in mind."
The new station at Balgray near Barrhead will open at the end of September - Image © Network Rail
A new railway station on the outskirts of Glasgow will open at the end of September, Network Rail has confirmed.
The new £18m Balgray station, near Barrhead in East Renfrewshire, will open to passengers on Sunday 27 September.
It had been originally planned to open the station, which sits on the Neilston to Glasgow Central line, in spring but the date had been put back to November.
It will have two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, waiting shelters and cycle storage, as well as an 80-space car park with electric vehicle charging points.
Walkways to the platforms will connect to nearby housing developments and the Balgray reservoir paths.
The station will be paid for through the Glasgow City Region City Deal - meaning contributions of £7.87m from both the UK and Scottish governments, and £2.56m from East Renfrewshire Council.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail's service delivery director, said: "The opening of Balgray station is fantastic news for the local community and everyone who travels by rail in East Renfrewshire. By creating a new gateway to the railway, it will give people more choice over how they travel and make it easier to leave the car at home for everyday journeys. We know that convenient, accessible stations encourage more people to choose rail, and Balgray has been designed with that in mind."
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [376854/28982/26] Posted by REVUpminster at 18:53, 9th July 2026 | |
The 175s have been in service since December (7 months) and provided one extra train (Newquay). They have not improved any other service; only made them worse. GWR have 16 of them at the moment. A green one, 175103, is expected next week.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [376853/31163/26] Posted by grahame at 18:26, 9th July 2026 | |
I guess the GWR masterplan of shove everyone to the Elizabeth Line and forget about them wasn’t so full proof after all.
Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between London Paddington and Reading the Reading bound high speed line is blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
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What has happened?
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We have had a report of a fault with the Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) between Reading and Paddington. OLE is the name given to the overhead wires and other equipment on electrified railway lines that provides power to the trains.
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What are we doing about it?
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We are working with Network Rail to be able to return to running our normal timetable as soon as possible.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
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What has happened?
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We have had a report of a fault with the Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) between Reading and Paddington. OLE is the name given to the overhead wires and other equipment on electrified railway lines that provides power to the trains.
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What are we doing about it?
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We are working with Network Rail to be able to return to running our normal timetable as soon as possible.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [376852/31163/26] Posted by NickB at 18:21, 9th July 2026 | |
I guess the GWR masterplan of shove everyone to the Elizabeth Line and forget about them wasn’t so full proof after all.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376851/31359/18] Posted by John D at 18:16, 9th July 2026 | |
............there is some lengthy advice about rail replacement and alternatives if you're at either end of the line but didn't want to fill the space up here!!!
We have space on the server, and for completeness I will quote it.
Due to a broken down train between Swindon and Westbury fewer trains are able to run.
Looks right "no spare train" in the Cardiff -> Portsmouth is running with only 3 and 2 car trains. Love it that you can take "next 2 services" - that reads to me that you can use today's ticket on the first train or two tomorrow.
GWR DMUs are failing all over the place today
The train being used for the Par to Newquay service has broken down, and a spare is not currently available.
-The train that runs between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton has broken down.
One of the train being used on the Exeter to Barstaple service has developed a fault and has been taken out of service. There is no spare immediately available, and so regretfully we have had to reduce to service from hourly to two hourly. This is likely to be for the remainder of the day.
The train operating between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham has failed and there is no spare train available to replace it
Clearly a serious DMU crisis, units breaking down, no serviceable spares, are they simply be worked unrealistically hard, beyond point where they can repair them fast enough
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [376850/31163/26] Posted by Mark A at 18:05, 9th July 2026 | |
Has there just been a report that all lines from Paddington are closed?
[Edit] Ah. https://bsky.app/profile/gwr.com/post/3mqa3vg7sno2l
⚠ Travel Update - 09/07 ⚠
Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between London Paddington and Reading all lines are blocked.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Mark
| Re: SWR timetable consultation - a suggestion In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [376849/32168/20] Posted by grahame at 17:50, 9th July 2026 | |
Apart from being mortified that I've not joined, I wonder if the WWRUG has a category of membership for the likes of organisations. A 'Corporate' class of membership as it were..
Mark
Mark
I don't believe we have such a class - we are a USER group - but we would love to have you as a member, Mark. On the other way round, WWRUG *is* a member of organisations which have corporate memberships.
| Re: SWR timetable consultation - a suggestion In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [376848/32168/20] Posted by Mark A at 17:36, 9th July 2026 | |
Apart from being mortified that I've not joined, I wonder if the WWRUG has a category of membership for the likes of organisations. A 'Corporate' class of membership as it were..
Mark
| Re: British Airways chief comment on UK rail fares In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376847/32106/51] Posted by Mark A at 17:32, 9th July 2026 | |
There are now no through trains inbound to Stratford-on-Avon from Marylebone.
Heading for London, a train departs Stratford on Avon at 21:33 (that sounds too early for people leaving a performance). It reaches Marylebone at four minutes to midnight, so, around two and a half hours - it calls at most stations on the way. Today, it's a 2 carriage 165.
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376846/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 17:28, 9th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
............there is some lengthy advice about rail replacement and alternatives if you're at either end of the line but didn't want to fill the space up here!!!
We have space on the server, and for completeness I will quote it.
Due to a broken down train between Swindon and Westbury fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
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What has happened?
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The train operating between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham has failed and there is no spare train available to replace it
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What are your options?
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We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
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Option 1: Passengers from Westbury and Trowbridge are advised to await the next service towards Bath Spa and then change there for services towards Chippenham and Swindon.
Passengers from Swindon and Chippenham are advised to await the next service towards Bath Spa and then change there for services towards Trowbridge and Westbury.
Passengers from Melksham are advised await the rail replacement services to Chippenham and Westbury via Trowbridge
Passengers from Westbury or Trowbridge for Melksham should contact station staff for onward road transport.
Passengers from Swindon for Melksham should travel to Chippenham on the next available service and then liaise with station staff for onwards road transport to Melksham.
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Option 2: Replacement transport provided by us will operate between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham and Trowbridge will start operating from 18:00 onwards
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Option 3: If your train is cancelled, you may travel on either of the two services before, or two services after, your original train. If these are peak services or less flexible, you can still travel with your original ticket, at no extra cost.
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Option 4: Consider postponing your journey until our service returns to normal.
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For more information:
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Use the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to check if a journey by rail is currently possible. If you are at a station please check the live departure boards or speak to a member of station staff.
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Let us help you:
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If you're already travelling when disruption happens, we'll get you where you need to go. If you miss the last train of the day due to cancellation or because another train was delayed, we wont leave you stranded.
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If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to staff at the station or on the train. Use the Customer Help Point on the platform.
Message us on X @GWRHelp, Facebook Messenger @gwruk, Instagram @gwruk or WhatsApp 07890 608043. Our team is available daily between 06:00 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 23:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday and Sunday, or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
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Delay Repay:
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If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
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Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
Last Updated:09/07/2026 17:14
Looks right "no spare train" in the Cardiff -> Portsmouth is running with only 3 and 2 car trains. Love it that you can take "next 2 services" - that reads to me that you can use today's ticket on the first train or two tomorrow.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376845/31359/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:49, 9th July 2026 | |
[snip]
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
[snip]
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
[snip]
Oh dear - five trains out of 9 each way cancelled, and only one train Westbury to Swindon after the 09:45 - that's the 20:06, left, and only one train Swindon to Westbury after the 10:41 (the 11:05 normal time, but running earlier) - that's the 18:44.
No alternative transport mentioned on JourneyCheck, and no suggestions to passengers as to how they should travel. It appears to be purely an operational announcement, with nothing to help passengers get to where they need / want / planned to go.
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
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
Most passengers I speak to would prefer to have a service and get home, rather than getting there money back and being left to fend for themselves on how to travel ... by a travel company!
Now in Journeycheck;
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury
Due to a broken down train between Swindon and Westbury fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
The train operating between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham has failed and there is no spare train available to replace it
............there is some lengthy advice about rail replacement and alternatives if you're at either end of the line but didn't want to fill the space up here!!!
| Re: Stonehenge - Love it or hate it? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [376844/32211/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:34, 9th July 2026 | |
So does Stanton Drew - The Druids Arms.
| Re: SWR timetable consultation - a suggestion In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [376843/32168/20] Posted by grahame at 16:24, 9th July 2026 | |
I have been asked to describe this suggestion on BBC Radio Wiltshire just after 08:00 tomorrow, 9.7.2026
Touched on at 8:00 in the news update, and then at 8:08am, interviews. This probably won't be a direct link...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_wiltshire
Mark
I should have a link to the interviews with the Mayor of Bradford-on-Avon and the Committee member of WWRUG who spoke within the next 24 hours.
Sound bites shared for members from the BBC for critical review and further comment:
Mayor of Bradford-on-Avon at https://www.passenger.chat/lib/SBBBCWilts090726.wav
Myself as a committee member of WWRG at https://www.passenger.chat/lib/GJEBBCWilts090726.wav
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376842/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 16:10, 9th July 2026 | |
[snip]
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
[snip]
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
[snip]
Oh dear - five trains out of 9 each way cancelled, and only one train Westbury to Swindon after the 09:45 - that's the 20:06, left, and only one train Swindon to Westbury after the 10:41 (the 11:05 normal time, but running earlier) - that's the 18:44.
No alternative transport mentioned on JourneyCheck, and no suggestions to passengers as to how they should travel. It appears to be purely an operational announcement, with nothing to help passengers get to where they need / want / planned to go.
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
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
Most passengers I speak to would prefer to have a service and get home, rather than getting there money back and being left to fend for themselves on how to travel ... by a travel company!
| Re: Stonehenge - Love it or hate it? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [376841/32211/31] Posted by bobm at 16:06, 9th July 2026 | |
Avebury has a pub too.
| Re: British Airways chief comment on UK rail fares In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376840/32106/51] Posted by Witham Bobby at 15:58, 9th July 2026 | |
“The other thing is the lack of options to travel around the UK, because of things like rail networks which are fragmented, the lack of [rail] passes – the lack of a kind of curation of tourists is a big issue.”
“We end up with tourism concentrated in places like London and Edinburgh, but the rest of the economy doesn’t get the benefit of it."
“We end up with tourism concentrated in places like London and Edinburgh, but the rest of the economy doesn’t get the benefit of it."
Yep - I agree with him. There are pockets of good ... and huge numbers of tourists will always make for the "Honey Pots" of York, and Stratford-on-Avon. I am involved in a number of tourist groups on social media - most of them for people already with a rail bias - but questions like "is 25 minutes enough to change from New Street to Moor Street long enough, and how do I reserve a seat from Moor Street" - example posted yesterday - indicate some of the issues. You can guess, I suspect, the total day's journey that was posted ... those honey pots.
This is not a UK / unique problem, though; hard to quantify the data but you see some of the same across Europe.
What happened to the Marylebone - Stratford upon Avon direct trains? A service that obviously would be very useful for tourist visitors
