Bristol is our nearest big city, and the third most popular destination by train from Melksham. That's in spite of it requiring a change along the way, and there being options that involve a bus too. In fact the whole business is so complicated it puts people off.  Let's look at the options.

What are the options?
1. From Melksham, you can catch the train to Chippenham and change there onto another train that goes to or through Bristol
2. From Melksham, you can catch the train to Trowbridge and change there onto another train that goes to or through Bristol
3. From Melksham, you can catch x34 bus to Chippenham station and change there onto a train that goes to or through Bristol
4. From Melksham, you can catch x34 bus to Chippenham bus station and cross town to catch a train that goes to or through Bristol
5. From Melksham, you can catch x34 bus to Trinity Church Trowbridge and change there to a train that goes to or through Bristol
6. From Melksham, you can catch x34 bus to Sainsuburys, Trowbridge and walk to the station to catch a train that goes to or through Bristol
7. From Melksham, you can catch 69 bus to Bradford-on-Avon and then catch a train that goes to or through Bristol
8. From Melksham, you can catch 271 bus to Bath (Manvers Street) cross the road and get a train to Bristol
9. From Melksham, you can catch 272 bus to Bath (Manvers Street) cross the road and get a train to Bristol
10. From Melksham, you can catch 273 bus to Bath (Manvers Street) cross the road and get a train to Bristol
11. From Melksham, you can catch 271 bus to Bath (Bus Station) and change there onto an x39 bus to Bristol
12. From Melksham, you can catch 272 bus to Bath (Bus Station) and change there onto an x39 bus to Bristol
13. From Melksham, you can catch 273 bus to Bath (Bus Station) and change there onto an x39 bus to Bristol
14. From Melksham, you can catch 273 bus to Bath (Bus Station) and change there onto a 39 bus to Bristol
15. From Melksham, you can catch the x76 to Bath (Grand Parade) and walk to railway station for the train to Bristol
16. From Melksham, you can catch the x76 to Bath (Grand Parade) and walk to the bus station to catch the x39
17. From Melksham, you can catch x69 bus to Bradford-on-Avon and then catch a train that goes to or through Bristol

What would effect your choice?
A. Does it run when you want it?
B. Ease of the change along the way
C. Journey time
D. Bicycles, dogs. luggage, accessible
E. Frequency and reliability
F. Last service back
G. Route within Melksham - where does it pick up?
H. Route within Bristol - where does it drop off?
I. Bus Pass valid?  RailCard, Groupsave and fares
J. Return tickets interchangeable with other routes?
K. Is it comfortable to read / sleep / work as I travel?
L. Am I allowed to consume food and drink as I go?
M. Is there a loo on board

How do I find out what's the best way home when I have finished in Bristol?
i. Good luck!  If you are starting at the station, ask the chap/chapess at the gateline
ii. Note that on the return journey, the 271/2/3 buses do not stop in Manvers Street (drive straight though) so longer walk to bus station

%Embargoed to: 202502100600
%Written for: MTUG