Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Homeward bound - and a fare comparison In "Fare's Fair" [381602/32687/4] Posted by grahame at 08:58, 4th November 2026 |      |
"I'm on a train"!
Lisa and I did not have our return plans mapped out when we set out - what - 18 days ago, but we are headed home today - booked a couple of days ago. Out of interest, I checked on Rail Europe yesterday to wee what fare it offered, see below per person. I will stress this is NOT what we paid - I am on another Interrail pass which runs until midJanuary, and cost me less than the figure quoted just for today's journey.
| Re: New TfW services to Bristol in December timetable In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [381599/32236/23] Posted by grahame at 07:07, 4th November 2026 | |
And the BBC reports it, adding https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm0e0j29prwjo
During its application phase, Great Western Railway (GWR), which already runs Cardiff to Bristol trains, said a new line could have a "significant effect" on its revenue. But now the operator says it is looking forward to working with TfW to ensure services are provided in a coordinated way.
Thank goodness for that. Both will be in public ownership and absolutely an integrated service is good for passengers and for the public purse too. I am reminded just how wrong things can be - back in out bad old local bus days where there were 2 and hour - with 2 minutes and 58 minutes between them during the day, and people being turfed off return buses for having a ticket with the wrong operator when a much reduced service was provided in the evening.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [381598/31163/26] Posted by NickB at 07:06, 4th November 2026 | |
Looks like all of the Didcot Paddington services are canned due to overhead cable issues, plus Elizabeth Line services are reduced due to defective track. A great day for Network Rail bingo players.
Didcot Parkway to London Paddington will be started from Reading.
It will no longer call at Didcot Parkway, Cholsey, Goring & Streatley, Pangbourne and Tilehurst.
This is due to damage to the overhead electric wires.
| Re: Caledonian MacBrayne ferries in Scotland In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381597/30034/5] Posted by broadgage at 01:02, 4th November 2026 | |
"more ships than usual needing repair"
| Re: Network Rail sues companies for £5m over Llangennech derailment in August 2020 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [381596/32406/51] Posted by grahame at 22:16, 3rd November 2026 | |
And there is now a countersuit
From the Swanses Bay News
LLANGENNECH: Train firm blames a signaller for the diesel fire and wants £30m from Network Rail
Network Rail went to court in August wanting £5m from the firms it blames for the fire. One of them has answered with a far bigger bill of its own, and a claim about what should have happened that night.
The company that ran the fuel train that derailed and burned at Llangennech in 2020 says a signaller could have stopped it before it came off the rails. It is suing Network Rail for more than £30m
Network Rail went to court in August wanting £5m from the firms it blames for the fire. One of them has answered with a far bigger bill of its own, and a claim about what should have happened that night.
The company that ran the fuel train that derailed and burned at Llangennech in 2020 says a signaller could have stopped it before it came off the rails. It is suing Network Rail for more than £30m
| Re: Spain - 69 dead after two trains collide south of Madrid - 28 October 2026 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [381595/32669/52] Posted by JayMac at 21:12, 3rd November 2026 | |
Taking a bit of responsibility for once.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6wydqd4yxdyo
Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente has resigned - six days after the high-speed train collision in which at least 69 people were killed and dozens injured.
He announced his decision in Congress, where he had appeared to give the circumstances of last Wednesday's crash near the town of Urda, south of the capital Madrid.
"A transport minister in a country like Spain cannot remain in office after two accidents of this seriousness in less than a year," he said, also referring to a deadly crash in January in Andalusia, southern Spain
The latest tragedy in Urda happened when a state-operated Renfe high-speed train smashed into the back of another stationary train operated by the Iryo company.
continues...
He announced his decision in Congress, where he had appeared to give the circumstances of last Wednesday's crash near the town of Urda, south of the capital Madrid.
"A transport minister in a country like Spain cannot remain in office after two accidents of this seriousness in less than a year," he said, also referring to a deadly crash in January in Andalusia, southern Spain
The latest tragedy in Urda happened when a state-operated Renfe high-speed train smashed into the back of another stationary train operated by the Iryo company.
continues...
| Re: New TfW services to Bristol in December timetable In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [381594/32236/23] Posted by ChrisB at 20:47, 3rd November 2026 | |
From what I read in Wales Online they are approved now
What they failed to report was that approval was only given for 12 months running.....
Transport for Wales (TfW) has been given the go-ahead to run a new cross-border rail service to Bristol. The Welsh Government-owned transport company has secured approval from regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for a two-hourly service from west Wales to Bristol Temple Meads.
GWR, which currently operates South Wales to Bristol Temple Meads services, had objected, claiming that competition from TfW would lead to revenue extraction. However, from the end of this year, it will come under state ownership.
GWR, which currently operates South Wales to Bristol Temple Meads services, had objected, claiming that competition from TfW would lead to revenue extraction. However, from the end of this year, it will come under state ownership.
What they failed to report was that approval was only given for 12 months running.....
| Re: New TfW services to Bristol in December timetable In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [381593/32236/23] Posted by Noggin at 20:13, 3rd November 2026 | |
TfW have been running route learning services into Temple Meads for the last couple of weeks. On Monday I saw a class 150 and two class 153's running together from Temple Meads up to Parkway then reversing to head back to Wales.
I think that I saw one at Temple Meads this afternoon and on the Filton Diamond yesterday evening.
Have seen one in the bay at the south side of the station the last two mornings
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Westbury" [381592/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 18:50, 3rd November 2026 | |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
Facilities on the 17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
Facilities on the 17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
| Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381591/2688/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:36, 3rd November 2026 | |
The West Somerset Railway is asking people to suggest a new tagline to emphasize it's coastal destinations. Perhaps the collective creative genius that is the Coffee Shop could come up with a few to help them?
....
I couldn't decide if this merited a new topic, perhaps on the "lighter side", or if it should reside more happily here. Admins, feel free to move this if appropriate.
....
I couldn't decide if this merited a new topic, perhaps on the "lighter side", or if it should reside more happily here. Admins, feel free to move this if appropriate.
Thank you for posting, johnneyw.
As this appeal relates specifically to the West Somerset Railway, and it would seem out of context to start a new topic elsewhere, I'm content to continue the discussion here.
CfN.
| Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381589/2688/47] Posted by johnneyw at 17:02, 3rd November 2026 | |
I suggested (slightly with tongue in cheek) that they could put a name to some of their seasonal services such as "Bucket and Spade Express" or "Flying Beachcomber".
| Re: Oxford Street, London has been pedestrianised In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [381588/32663/50] Posted by Marlburian at 15:10, 3rd November 2026 | |
600 cyclists flout ban
The participants may get something out of it, but such action serves only to annoy a great many other people.
| Free bus plan in Guernsey scrapped over fear it would be too popular In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381587/32685/5] Posted by grahame at 15:03, 3rd November 2026 | |
From The BBC
Proposals for a free bus service in Guernsey will no longer be considered for next year's budget, deputies who suggested the move have said.
Deputies Sally Rochester and Ross Le Brun put the plan forward as an amendment to the 2027 budget, asking the Policy and Resources Committee for £1.9m to "enable the existing public transport service" to be made free of charge in a one-year pilot.
They have now pulled the plans after "concern from [operator] Stagecoach" that increased passenger numbers could mean certain routes not coping with the additional demand.
Deputies Sally Rochester and Ross Le Brun put the plan forward as an amendment to the 2027 budget, asking the Policy and Resources Committee for £1.9m to "enable the existing public transport service" to be made free of charge in a one-year pilot.
They have now pulled the plans after "concern from [operator] Stagecoach" that increased passenger numbers could mean certain routes not coping with the additional demand.
| Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381586/2688/47] Posted by grahame at 14:57, 3rd November 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
The West Somerset Railway is asking people to suggest a new tagline to emphasize it's coastal destinations. Perhaps the collective creative genius that is the Coffee Shop could come up with a few to help them?
Here's the article where I read about it:
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/26691504.west-somerset-railway-seeks-become-key-coastal-attraction/
I couldn't decide if this merited a new topic, perhaps on the "lighter side", or if it should reside more happily here. Admins, feel free to move this if appropriate.
Here's the article where I read about it:
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/26691504.west-somerset-railway-seeks-become-key-coastal-attraction/
I couldn't decide if this merited a new topic, perhaps on the "lighter side", or if it should reside more happily here. Admins, feel free to move this if appropriate.
The article says as a caption to the illustration "One of the many trains that pass through Bishops Lydeard Station along the West Somerset Railway line" and on that basis "County Town to Coast Line" would sound appropriate.
| Re: West Somerset Railway - Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [381585/2688/47] Posted by johnneyw at 14:35, 3rd November 2026 | |
The West Somerset Railway is asking people to suggest a new tagline to emphasize it's coastal destinations. Perhaps the collective creative genius that is the Coffee Shop could come up with a few to help them?
Here's the article where I read about it:
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/26691504.west-somerset-railway-seeks-become-key-coastal-attraction/
I couldn't decide if this merited a new topic, perhaps on the "lighter side", or if it should reside more happily here. Admins, feel free to move this if appropriate.
Edit to add that the only place I could find to make any suggestions to them is from a day old post (2 Nov?) on their Facebook page headed something like "What's in a name".
| Re: Isn't it great that we are all different! Madrid to Narbonne In "Introductions and chat" [381584/32680/1] Posted by grahame at 13:31, 3rd November 2026 | |
Not train related but I did wonder if you tried to explain why you couldn't lift their luggage or just politely decline? I have what is an essentially a hidden disability which means I can't lift more than a couple of kilos although I actually look fit and healthy. I've got into argument with couriers who refuse to accept I'm not going to help them carry something as there's 'nothing wrong with you'. Conversely when I started to explain why I can't lift a 25kg bag of salt into the car it got a bit long winded. I've also been told off for 'making' my other half carry the shopping.
I explained that I no longer have the ability to lift heavy weights above my head (and I did not add the words "just like you say you can't"). Sounds very similar to your limits.
With - both - of our limitations, there's a fascinating study for us to see the assumptions people make on sight, how they react, and how much and how often we need to explain.
| Re: Isn't it great that we are all different! Madrid to Narbonne In "Introductions and chat" [381583/32680/1] Posted by Sixty3Closure at 13:04, 3rd November 2026 | |
Not train related but I did wonder if you tried to explain why you couldn't lift their luggage or just politely decline? I have what is an essentially a hidden disability which means I can't lift more than a couple of kilos although I actually look fit and healthy. I've got into argument with couriers who refuse to accept I'm not going to help them carry something as there's 'nothing wrong with you'. Conversely when I started to explain why I can't lift a 25kg bag of salt into the car it got a bit long winded. I've also been told off for 'making' my other half carry the shopping.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [381582/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 12:19, 3rd November 2026 | |
From National Rail
Route(s) affected
Between Abbey Wood and Heathrow Terminal 4 / Heathrow Terminal 5 / Maidenhead / Reading, and also between Shenfield / London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5
Description
A speed restriction over a defective track at Hayes & Harlington means trains will run at a reduced speed on some lines. Trains running between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminals / Reading may be revised.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Route(s) affected
Between Abbey Wood and Heathrow Terminal 4 / Heathrow Terminal 5 / Maidenhead / Reading, and also between Shenfield / London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5
Description
A speed restriction over a defective track at Hayes & Harlington means trains will run at a reduced speed on some lines. Trains running between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminals / Reading may be revised.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Not going down well with the public!!!
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/major-london-train-line-to-endure-delays-all-day-because-of-defective-track/ar-AA2gEnSJ?ocid=socialshare
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [381581/28982/26] Posted by REVUpminster at 10:32, 3rd November 2026 | |
This time last year sunflowers were no problem, but became a problem this year.
They were a problem and identified from the start
Now apparently 2 guards needed when they operate in multiple on lines with short platforms.
Because, when a passcom or call for aid is activated in the rear, unstaffed unit, there's no one to attend the potential emergency or reset the system.
This was't the "novel system" of working multiple units to Barnstaple that Mark Hopgood was talking about earlier.
I suppose the guard could travel in the rear unit and both unit's would be staffed. How did it work in Wales with multiple units or were there no short platforms.
Edit to clarify quoting - Grahame
| Re: Caledonian MacBrayne ferries in Scotland In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381579/30034/5] Posted by TaplowGreen at 10:14, 3rd November 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby, Western Pathfinder, Phil | |
A pity it wasn't built at a British yard.
That didn't go well for the Scottish Government having their ferries built locally.The clue there is in the words "Scottish Government" - the procurement process was manipulated to favour Ferguson Marine, the yard itself had no experience in constructing the size or type of ferries required for years, they warned they could not hit the financial targets and their bid was the most expensive tendered.
Plenty more detail here
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-62839605
The whole thing was a stitch up so that the First Minister could wave a saltire.
| Re: SWR and Reading In "South Western services" [381578/32684/42] Posted by Mark A at 09:10, 3rd November 2026 | |
Those will be the ones. Thanks.
Mentioning Napier Road, and not particularly rail-related, that extension of Napier Road that is a footpath - that runs beneath the GWML etc in a deep bridge once used by the rail access to was it the biscuit factory? Looking at that, a bit of a planning fail as whaat could be a quality route for people on foot or cycle, that does exist in some form, but it's wildly dysfunctional and intimidating.
The housing already built there is essentially on an island and at first I was reassured that it's served by a bus - but checking, that seems to be a once-a-day service, the other end of the route being... Goring.
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [381577/28982/26] Posted by a-driver at 08:16, 3rd November 2026 | |
This time last year sunflowers were no problem, but became a problem this year.
They were a problem and identified from the start
Now apparently 2 guards needed when they operate in multiple on lines with short platforms.
Because, when a passcom or call for aid is activated in the rear, unstaffed unit, there's no one to attend the potential emergency or reset the system.
Edit to clarify quoting - Grahame
| Re: Isles of Scilly sea ferry and air services - merged posts In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381576/11098/5] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 08:11, 3rd November 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby, TaplowGreen | |
A pity it wasn't built at a British yard.
Indeed. Appledore Shipbuilders are still in business, although now Spanish-owned, and I'm pretty sure could have done the work. One assumes cost was the deciding factor.
| Re: Isles of Scilly sea ferry and air services - merged posts In "Buses and other ways to travel" [381575/11098/5] Posted by GBM at 07:51, 3rd November 2026 | |
A pity it wasn't built at a British yard.
That didn't go well for the Scottish Government having their ferries built locally.| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [381574/28982/26] Posted by REVUpminster at 07:45, 3rd November 2026 | |
This time last year sunflowers were no problem, but became a problem this year.
Now apparently 2 guards needed when they operate in multiple on lines with short platforms.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [381573/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:33, 3rd November 2026 | |
From National Rail
Route(s) affected
Between Abbey Wood and Heathrow Terminal 4 / Heathrow Terminal 5 / Maidenhead / Reading, and also between Shenfield / London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5
Description
A speed restriction over a defective track at Hayes & Harlington means trains will run at a reduced speed on some lines. Trains running between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminals / Reading may be revised.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
