Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol Service Starting Sept 14th 2024 In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [359373/28355/22] Posted by grahame at 16:56, 13th March 2025 |      |
Why would Milton Keynes be a more attractive destination than Oxford? 
On its own, it wouldn't. But if you add the people attracted to Milton Keynes to the people attracted to Oxford, you may get better mass transit which is combining all the flows along a flow and sharing costs between all the various bums on seats.
| Re: Connectivity - north to south Wales In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [359372/29974/23] Posted by anthony215 at 16:32, 13th March 2025 | |
I can see there being a demand for a north to SW Wales service, but not to the extent of 8 coaches a day. Much of the demand will be capable of being satisfied using the existing T1 and 2 services, so as already said, tweaking these plus maybe a couple of through services that are very limited stop, would I would have thought, be a more sensible way of matching demand to supply.
Improving train times, and more importantly, providing greater capacity (ie more carriages) from north to SE Wales would satisfy the greater demand for a reasonably quick and comfortable service from north Wales to Cardiff and Swansea.
I don't think long-distance coach services can ever really fully replace long-distance trains. There will be many people who find being in a coach for several hours (even if it has toilet facilities) very uncomfortable or completely impossible. How would they accommodate wheelchair users and others of limited mobility? What about luggage space (which the current trains fail to provide adequately)?
Improving train times, and more importantly, providing greater capacity (ie more carriages) from north to SE Wales would satisfy the greater demand for a reasonably quick and comfortable service from north Wales to Cardiff and Swansea.
I don't think long-distance coach services can ever really fully replace long-distance trains. There will be many people who find being in a coach for several hours (even if it has toilet facilities) very uncomfortable or completely impossible. How would they accommodate wheelchair users and others of limited mobility? What about luggage space (which the current trains fail to provide adequately)?
I think the 1st timetable they proposed which was 4 or 5 coaches per day was acceptable. The T1.does get very busy in fact it seriously needs later services especially a 2100 from Carmarthen up.to lampeter at least.
This express should run-through to Swansea at least I think especially serving Crosshands
| Re: Images show £140m revamp plan for Cardiff Central In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [359371/30018/23] Posted by anthony215 at 16:29, 13th March 2025 | |
Not what I was hoping for could really have done with more especially the proposed bridgedeck like Readings at the western end of te statio to cope with the crowds.
These proposals still see the bottlenecks caused by the two subways. No.idea too.if platform 0 is going to be extended like tfw and network rail want.
As well is this is do hope Cardiff West junction is sorted
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol Service Starting Sept 14th 2024 In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [359370/28355/22] Posted by ChrisB at 16:26, 13th March 2025 | |
Why would Milton Keynes be a more attractive destination than Oxford?
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol Service Starting Sept 14th 2024 In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [359369/28355/22] Posted by anthony215 at 16:24, 13th March 2025 | |
Possible progress, with an hourly Bristol-Oxford service hoving in to view. Hopefully.
Mark
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedlxqg7ex5o
Mark
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedlxqg7ex5o
Long overdue I think it will prove quite popular especially if it ran beyond Oxford to Milton keynes
| Re: First Bus cuts through buses from Falmouth to Newquay In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359368/30017/5] Posted by LiskeardRich at 15:02, 13th March 2025 | |
The current through route was only introduced 2-3 years ago, along with St Austell/ Newquay to Penzance/st ives, which have both been cut.
It was an initiative to save buses, as they were all terminating at Truro college to serve Treliske Hospital previously.
It combined Falmouth to Truro college with Truro to Newquay via Truro college, which saved several buses off the peak requirement, with big cost savings.
The problem is knock on delays, get delayed in Newquay it affects the Falmouth side. The new schedule no longer sees Falmouth buses continuing to Treliske and Truro college.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [359367/29726/18] Posted by brooklea at 13:56, 13th March 2025 | |
Hold it!
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
Facilities on the 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47.
Toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Additional Information
Toilets are available in coaches X.
Accessible toilet and wheelchair facilities in coach X.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.
Facilities on the 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47.
Toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Additional Information
Toilets are available in coaches X.
Accessible toilet and wheelchair facilities in coach X.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.
Coincidentally(??), the same train as was on the 17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury yesterday (165132 according to RTT).
Swapping units at Westbury this morning caused an eleven minute delay to the TransWilts train, but presumably there were working toilets on the substitute train (and an extra carriage), so not all bad news (unless you were on the Castle Cary to Filton train without a working loo from Westbury….)
| Re: Personal Plans for 2025 In "Introductions and chat" [359366/29709/1] Posted by grahame at 12:22, 13th March 2025 Already liked by rogerw | |
This look attractive to fill the gaps
https://www.interrail.eu/en/plan-your-trip/trip-ideas/recommended-routes/classic-routes/london-istanbul-train-route
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol Service Starting Sept 14th 2024 In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [359364/28355/22] Posted by Mark A at 11:40, 13th March 2025 Already liked by grahame | |
Possible progress, with an hourly Bristol-Oxford service hoving in to view. Hopefully.
Mark
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedlxqg7ex5o
| Re: Personal Plans for 2025 In "Introductions and chat" [359363/29709/1] Posted by grahame at 11:35, 13th March 2025 | |
This should probably be half in "The West but not the West's trains" and half in "Diary"
https://grahamellis.uk/blog1533.html
Looking forward to being able to re-allocate the red time (and all the prep that goes with it) to purple and black time, and being able to get rid of most of the sleepless nights that come hand in bloody glove with the red items.
| Re: First Bus cuts through buses from Falmouth to Newquay In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359362/30017/5] Posted by old original at 11:17, 13th March 2025 Already liked by Mark A, grahame, froome | |
no.1 - not too many. on the occasions I've done it, probably once a month, there's been about half a dozen-ish.
no.2 - Perhaps I've been lucky but it's been ok, when I've used it. There was quite a bit of disruption when the A30 was being rebuilt last year and it got to a stage where the delays were bad, especially during the summer that they did split the journey to maintain a regular Truro - Falmouth service but that project is just about complete so shouldn't be a factor. Perhaps First are being cautious.
no.3 - using my experience if it has fair loadings throughout, even mid-winter. Some sections are busier than others. Falmouth to the Uni campus in Penryn always tends to be the busiest. Then pick ups at Devoran & Playing Place into Truro before generally emptying. From Truro bus station people get on for the Railway station then Treliske Hospital (Cornwall's main Hospital) and Threemilestone. After that it is quieter but, especially during the holiday season, it can get quite busy again as it calls at St Agnes (alternate services) and Perranporth and Perran Sands Holiday camp taking people into Newquay.
no.4 You would hope not. During the Roadworks on the A30 when the service was split they did keep through ticketing. The difference then was both parts of the service operated under the same number U1 / U1A. Now it's going to be two different services I'm not optimistic. I think I'll ask the question.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [359361/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 09:09, 13th March 2025 | |
Thursday March 13
Morning 'halts' train, 2E80 07:00 Shrub Hill to Didcot Parkway, started from Oxford.
| Re: First Bus cuts through buses from Falmouth to Newquay In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359360/30017/5] Posted by grahame at 09:03, 13th March 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
The current U1 / U1A/E runs hourly through the main part of the day, from Falmouth through Truro and Perranporth to Newquay. From April it will only run Falmouth - Truro with passengers having to change onto the 87.
Does this prove that there isn't a call for a through service? or, more likely, to publicise "the only direct way between these two places" is by the fantastic new Cornwall Metro coming sometime.....
Does this prove that there isn't a call for a through service? or, more likely, to publicise "the only direct way between these two places" is by the fantastic new Cornwall Metro coming sometime.....
Questions I would have, not knowing the service(s)
1. How many people remain on the existing service at Truro?
2. How often does disruption on one leg of the service lead to disruption on the other leg?
3. Is there notable overcapacity (lots of fresh air) on one leg but not the other?
4. Does this mean that the fare from Falmouth to Newquay goes up from £3 to £6?
| Images show £140m revamp plan for Cardiff Central In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [359359/30018/23] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 08:56, 13th March 2025 | |
From the BBC:
New images for a proposed £140m revamp of Cardiff Central railway station have been released.
The photos from Transport for Wales (TfW) show a glimpse of how Wales' busiest station could look with the investment, including a new brick arch at the rear entrance and additional retail and cycle facilities. The plans hope to alleviate overcrowding and improve accessibility for those with reduced mobility, TfW said.
Alexia Course, chief commercial officer, said the investment would "modernise the station, make it fit for a capital city and sustain future growth".
The train operator said plans include a larger concourse to increase capacity and improve passenger access through additional gate-lines. The proposed improvements aim to modernise the station while still complimenting the history and heritage of the building, they added.
Planning documents will be submitted soon for the scheme, which is subject to planning and full business case approval. Should the plans be approved, up to £140m funding for the enhancements will be provided by the Department for Transport, Cardiff Capital Region and the Welsh government.
TfW said the proposals for the station are part of wider investment into "transforming transport in central Cardiff" - including ambitious regeneration plans.
Work is currently ongoing to deliver the South Wales Metro service as part of plans to improve the network. The first phase promises twice the number of services across the south Wales network by early 2026, a number of new stations proposed including Cardiff Parkway, Cardiff East, Newport West, halts at Somerton and Llanwern in Newport and a station at Magor and Undy in Monmouthshire.
Ms Course said: "We've submitted the full business case for the scheme and we'll soon be submitting the planning documents, and if this is approved, we can progress with the delivery of the enhancements."
A decision on the full business case is expected in autumn 2025.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [359358/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 08:56, 13th March 2025 | |
Hold it!
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
Facilities on the 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47.
Toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Additional Information
Toilets are available in coaches X.
Accessible toilet and wheelchair facilities in coach X.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.
Facilities on the 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47.
Toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Additional Information
Toilets are available in coaches X.
Accessible toilet and wheelchair facilities in coach X.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.
| First Bus cuts through buses from Falmouth to Newquay In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359357/30017/5] Posted by old original at 08:24, 13th March 2025 | |
The current U1 / U1A/E runs hourly through the main part of the day, from Falmouth through Truro and Perranporth to Newquay. From April it will only run Falmouth - Truro with passengers having to change onto the 87.
Does this prove that there isn't a call for a through service? or, more likely, to publicise "the only direct way between these two places" is by the fantastic new Cornwall Metro coming sometime.....
| Re: FGW announce link with Singapore Airlines In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359356/13495/5] Posted by UstiImmigrunt at 07:31, 13th March 2025 | |
If you can afford it, Singapore Airlines business class is the best long haul experience that I've sampled. Not yet done Turkish, Qatar or Emirates which are supposed to be better.
| Re: Night Riviera - merged posts, ongoing discussion In "London to the West" [359355/489/12] Posted by UstiImmigrunt at 07:28, 13th March 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
On a serious note though...
The drawbar on a HST is supposed to be for emergency use only but GWR continually use them willy nilly.
My suggestion, permanent 105 tonne tail light, 57 each end? Performance will drop a bit but the timings are deliberately slack anyway.
| Re: Night Riviera - merged posts, ongoing discussion In "London to the West" [359354/489/12] Posted by UstiImmigrunt at 07:24, 13th March 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
Having lots of locos standing idle at depots is obviously an expensive and bad thing But one or two Thunderbird locos strategically located would be very useful.
I suppose with most passenger trains now being powered by more than a single power unit, the general thought is that even the failure of a couple of its engines would not mean a train cannot limp on
For failures in Cornwall, is there a way to seek assistant locos from the remaining loco pool for the clay traffic?
I suppose with most passenger trains now being powered by more than a single power unit, the general thought is that even the failure of a couple of its engines would not mean a train cannot limp on
For failures in Cornwall, is there a way to seek assistant locos from the remaining loco pool for the clay traffic?
You’d think they’d be a case for funding from the DfT of additional 57s based at Laira purely for rescuing IETs at Dawlish
But we were assured that Super Hitachi Intercity Trains would be Dawlish proofed...
Oh maybe not.
| Re: Over the country towards Skye In "The Lighter Side" [359353/29979/30] Posted by grahame at 06:32, 13th March 2025 | |
And 3 is Conon Bridge; a station I’ve only visited once, but which is quite distinctive.
I see that Conon Bridge is listed with a platform length of 15 m, the same as Beauly.
Yes, and both are "rear door, front coach" operations ... but the physical build of the platforms is very much "ancient and modern" with Beauly having traditional sloping ends on what was I would be pretty sure one of the old platforms - a former loop there and the old station house, now in private hands, across the way. Conon Bridge shouts "need build" - barriers to contain people to the platform area, and steps down to track level beyond the barriers. The third intermediate station between Inverness and Dingwall - at Muir of Old - was also closed and re-opened. There's a passing loop there snd two full length platforms. Personal observation from the train only / no pictures taken.
| Re: Over the country towards Skye In "The Lighter Side" [359352/29979/30] Posted by stuving at 23:13, 12th March 2025 | |
And 3 is Conon Bridge; a station I’ve only visited once, but which is quite distinctive.
I see that Conon Bridge is listed with a platform length of 15 m, the same as Beauly.
| Re: A move to longer trains? In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359351/30009/40] Posted by grahame at 22:47, 12th March 2025 | |
(1) In the West Highland example, they probably don't want the cycle vehicle to be the non-platformed one - a bit awkward if the cyclists need to carry the bike through after being given their dedicated carriage. Not completely different from any train with designated bike spaces, but more notable if there's a whole carriage designed for the purpose and it's a USP on the line.
(2) If there are too many short platforms, or main stations have short platforms, it may reach the point where the majority of people in a carriage are for stations where that car isn't platformed, in which case the operational hassle is increased.
(3) If SDO isn't available (i.e. local door operation is the only option) the short platforms only really 'work' at minor stations; at least the main stops need to be lengthened to avoid large numbers of people having to fit through one door, and move through the train before arriving, and there's a greater risk of people being caught out.
(2) If there are too many short platforms, or main stations have short platforms, it may reach the point where the majority of people in a carriage are for stations where that car isn't platformed, in which case the operational hassle is increased.
(3) If SDO isn't available (i.e. local door operation is the only option) the short platforms only really 'work' at minor stations; at least the main stops need to be lengthened to avoid large numbers of people having to fit through one door, and move through the train before arriving, and there's a greater risk of people being caught out.
Yes - with qualification.
On the Kyle line last week - six outbound request stops and six inbound, but the train only made 3 out of the 12 calls - one for me at Duirinish outbound, and two inbound at Achnashelleach and Achanalt. So IF they had been short, not a capacity problem.
Now actually the two short platforms are NOT request stops, but as it's rear door of front coach, both coaches are fine for people to use. And a new station would be highly unlikely to be justified if it were to be a request stop.
| Re: A move to longer trains? In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359350/30009/40] Posted by grahame at 22:39, 12th March 2025 | |
How the train service has increased since the 1960s
| Engineering Work Swindon area weekends of 22/23 and 29/30 March In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [359349/30016/10] Posted by Timmer at 22:02, 12th March 2025 | |
https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/planned-engineering
Track renewal work will affect trains between Didcot Parkway and Bristol Parkway or Chippenham.
Trains between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads or Swansea will use an alternative route – not stopping at Didcot Parkway, Swindon or Chippenham.
Trains will still run between Swindon and Cheltenham Spa, plus trains will run between Chippenham and Westbury or Frome.
Some trains will also be running between Chippenham, Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads on Saturdays only.
Replacement buses are planned between Swindon and:
Didcot Parkway
Reading (non-stop)
Bristol Parkway (weekend of 29/30 March only)
Chippenham (Saturday) or Bath Spa (Sunday)
Important to note
On Sundays a reduced train service will be running hourly between London Paddington and South Wales via Bristol Temple Meads.
Trains between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads or Swansea will use an alternative route – not stopping at Didcot Parkway, Swindon or Chippenham.
Trains will still run between Swindon and Cheltenham Spa, plus trains will run between Chippenham and Westbury or Frome.
Some trains will also be running between Chippenham, Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads on Saturdays only.
Replacement buses are planned between Swindon and:
Didcot Parkway
Reading (non-stop)
Bristol Parkway (weekend of 29/30 March only)
Chippenham (Saturday) or Bath Spa (Sunday)
Important to note
On Sundays a reduced train service will be running hourly between London Paddington and South Wales via Bristol Temple Meads.
Nothing unusual about this engineering work and its location. It’s the last paragraph that is of note with Bristol and South Wales services merged with no additional ‘peak hours’ Bristol to London services in the afternoon.
My guess is this is down to ongoing train crew issues with GWR covering their back sides, something they did the last time work was taking place in the Swindon area merging both Bristol and South Wales services, but at the last minute.
Could be some very busy trains, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
However, the stop at Reading is set down only in the up direction and pick up only in the down direction with GWR running an hourly shuttle between Reading and Paddington. Sensible moves which may help a bit to mitigate the reduction in services.
| Re: Small rise in crime at Melksham Station In "TransWilts line" [359348/30014/18] Posted by grahame at 20:52, 12th March 2025 Already liked by eXPassenger | |
or headline it:
'Quadrupling of crimes at Melksham station.
depending on the slant you want to use.
'Quadrupling of crimes at Melksham station.
depending on the slant you want to use.
I am ... not really unhappy about a rising crime rate over the years. Busier station means, almost inevitably, an increase in crime. And the figures are so low that it's not really statistically significant.
By the way - I think the figures refer to reported crimes and not to all crimes
| Re: A move to longer trains? In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359347/30009/40] Posted by Hafren at 20:50, 12th March 2025 Already liked by Andy E | |
Many services run long trains to stations with platforms that are not long enough for all doors to open, so I don't see why longer platforms per se are necessary before longer trains are introduced.
A few things that might be relevant here:
(1) In the West Highland example, they probably don't want the cycle vehicle to be the non-platformed one - a bit awkward if the cyclists need to carry the bike through after being given their dedicated carriage. Not completely different from any train with designated bike spaces, but more notable if there's a whole carriage designed for the purpose and it's a USP on the line.
(2) If there are too many short platforms, or main stations have short platforms, it may reach the point where the majority of people in a carriage are for stations where that car isn't platformed, in which case the operational hassle is increased.
(3) If SDO isn't available (i.e. local door operation is the only option) the short platforms only really 'work' at minor stations; at least the main stops need to be lengthened to avoid large numbers of people having to fit through one door, and move through the train before arriving, and there's a greater risk of people being caught out.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [359346/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 20:47, 12th March 2025 | |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury via Swindon:
This service is partially cancelled
This service was cancelled between Westbury and Salisbury due to the train operator's request (TB).
This service was cancelled between Westbury and Salisbury due to the train operator's request (TB).
| Re: Dangers of the underground In "Transport for London" [359345/30013/46] Posted by Ralph Ayres at 19:59, 12th March 2025 Already liked by johnneyw | |
I see the article quotes the somewhat clumsy description of "Non-subsurface stations" so on that basis a book exchange would still be allowed at Rayners Lane for example. Books are actually pretty hard to set light to, particularly when packed close together, so low risk at an above-ground station. Try it some time with an unloved book! They would eventually burn if the station building went up in flames but would be a trivial part of the overall blaze rather than the cause. One reason piles of Metro newspapers (clearly visible in one of the photos) are allowed.
The book exchanges are not on the train where there might be rather more concern, so the (almost certainly dodgy) e-bike is very different in that respect, though modified/non-compliant ones ought to be dealt with on a wider level than just by LU as they're a safety hazard wherever they are.
| Re: Connectivity - north to south Wales In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [359344/29974/23] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:18, 12th March 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
When my daughter was at University in Bangor (North Wales, not the other one!), she made several rail journeys from there to Nailsea & Backwell (via Newport, South Wales) and back.
She is not particularly a fan of the railways, but she apparently found those journeys quite acceptable - offering good views of the Welsh countryside.
CfN.
