I looked up "new" in the dictionary

I also took a look at the "new" season ticket fare and it's 15p per mile (7 day ticket, assuming 5 return journeys) which was easily accessible data.   And that compares to 33p per mile Tonbridge to London (cheaper by the slower route via Redhill and to 36p per mile Reading to London - similar distances.   All the more stark when you look at cost per minute on the train I suspect if anyone wants to do the maths!

I never knew any of the Camp Hill Flight had individual names!

Would the money be better spent on electrification from Cardiff to Swansea/Carmarthen

Not sure of the cost of Cardiff to Swansea electrification though

‘New’ trains 

GWR responds to concerns over rising rail fares in North Devon

GWR responds to fare rise concerns with plans for new trains to improve service

Great Western Railway (GWR) has provided a response following concerns raised by North Devon’s MP, Ian Roome, regarding the recent 4.6 per cent rise in rail fares.

Roome had highlighted that an annual season ticket from Barnstaple to Exeter now costs £2,724, while passengers continue to face overcrowding and infrastructure challenges.

GWR, which operates trains to and from Barnstaple, has clarified that fare rises are determined by government policy rather than individual train operators.

A spokesperson for GWR explained that all revenue raised through fares is returned to the Treasury.

[snip]

As part of this ongoing investment, GWR is set to welcome 26 new Class 175 trains to its fleet, which will run to Barnstaple.

These new trains are expected to replace older diesel models, offering better fuel efficiency, improved environmental performance, and enhanced passenger comfort.

The Class 175 trains will help improve punctuality and reliability for commuters travelling across the network, including those in North Devon.

It's well worth visiting Bordesley Station on maps.nls.com.

Also, as an aside, much taken with the name of the lock above the (moved) Sandy Lane Lock. Seeing "Hen's Row Lock" has made the day better.

I could have sworn there were more than one service on a match day
When I have returned home starting here there have been a number of services available

I wonder if someone high up has noticed my comment at https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=29251.msg352532#msg352532

And realised the big problem that has developed over the last few years.

As Paddington and Bristol HSS▸ drivers finish the ability to do short notice diversions via the B+H is drastically reduced. Out of all the GWR depots only Exeter are capable of going Reading Newbury Westbury Bath. No other GWR depot signs between Bedwyn and Westbury.

Devon & Cornwall CRP picked up at least two places....hopefully, Mr Bermingham will advise us soon

An inspiring range of community rail initiatives, delivered by community rail partnerships, station friends volunteers, and other community groups across Britain, has been recognised at the 20th Community Rail Awards this week.

The event, organised by Community Rail Network and headline partnered by Lumo, was this year held in Newcastle, to honour the wider railway industries’ celebration of 200 years since the birth of modern railways. A record-breaking 510 guests were in attendance including senior rail and transport leaders and community rail officers and volunteers. The evening recognised projects supporting diversity, accessibility and inclusion, sustainable travel and tourism, youth and schools engagement, community-led station improvements, empowered communities and influencing positive change.

Most Effective Communications Campaign sponsored by West Midlands Trains
Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership for Black History Month Every Month

Influencing Positive Change and Sustainability sponsored by Northern
Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership for Youth Travel Toolkit

Most Enhanced Railway Spaces sponsored by Greater Anglia
Severnside Community Rail Partnership for Mike Hodge Community Room at Bridgwater Station

BTW, I agree with CfN on the repaint/vinyl issue. All they need is a GWR logo on the side for the time being, much in the way the C2C stock drafted in at the height of the cracking IET crisis did, or the Thames Trains liveried Turbos acquired FGW Link logos for a couple of years after termination of the former's franchise. Spend the time and money saved on more maintenance of the rest of the current fleet.

Confirming good news - but will it really "transform South West travel"?

Confirming good news - but will it really "transform South West travel"?

New GWR trains set to transform South West travel

Great Western Railway (GWR) is set to roll out a fleet of 26 Class 175 trains, replacing its ageing diesel fleet with a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative. The move is expected to enhance punctuality and reliability for passengers while paving the way for future decarbonisation.

The fleet upgrade, which marks the first phase of GWR’s regional and suburban service improvements, will introduce 10 two-car and 16 three-car trains. These units will enter service in Devon and Cornwall later this year, with full deployment expected by the end of next year.

A consultation to close Birmingham’s ‘ghost’ railway station which delivers one service a week to St Andrews is set to get underway.

Rail bosses confirmed a formal process to close Bordesley Railway Station will start in late spring and early summer, as part of the major Midlands Rail Hub project.

The station hosts one service a week on a Saturday to help football fans get to St Andrews for Birmingham City home games. Other football specials are put on when Blues are playing home games at other times.

Apparently 57305 and 57311 are being hired in for a year to cover 602 and 604 which are both due heavy maintenance exams.
Hopefully that will improve reliability, however time will tell!