Greater Western Route Utilisation Strategy
The GWRUS consultation - looking forward to how Network Rail could / should alter / develop the infrastructure for train services 10 and 20 years hence is underway at present. Although it's a long way into the future, this is an opportunity for inputs to be made with regards to practical developments for the future.
We asked our members (currently over 600) how they wished "The Coffee Shop" to handle the GWRUS issues ... and they have asked that we provide active forums for discussion, and also make official inputs (that's amongst other things).
* GWRUS - what we are doing
* GWRUS - activities poll
* GWRUS - discussion
*** Are you looking for the Coffee Shop Forum - it's HERE! - 50,000 messages in 5,000 subjects***
About this site
This is web site run by a First Great Western customer and for First Great Western Customers. We welcome YOUR contributions too via the coffeeshop forum ... How are their trains running? - a page that reports on cancellations, short working and skipping stops in the last 48 hours
Here's anIntroduction to some of the issues
The Department for Transport (and through them, the treasury) and First Great Western (and through them First shareholders) appears to be the top two concerns of the operator, with their voices first and second. But I feel that the CUSTOMER should be King - or should at least feature in the pecking order ....
The First group subsidiary First Great Western runs most train services in a wedge westward from London under a Franchise agreement with the Department for Transport which commenced on 1st April 2006 and runs for 7 years with an optional 3 year extension. The official FGW web site is here. The web site you are currently on is run by one of their customers. SeeAbout
There have been major changes to the service provided, and to its cost, many of which are to the detriment of the service provided to the railway's customers - its passengers. The service to my home town ofMelksham , Wiltshire for example - with a population of around 24,000 - has had its train service cut from 5 a day (each way) to just 2 a day, and they run at times that aren't convenient for most passengers. Travelling from Melksham to London for the day, I could buy a return ticket on the train for under 50 pounds last November. Now the fare on the only available train is over 100 pounds, with off peak fares withdrawn in December and a further price rise on the standard fares in January.
What are the bloggers saying?
2009-12-14 New timetable Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
We seem to have acquired an additional early eveing train from BTM in the new timetable. There are now services leaving BTM at 1649, 1705, 1711 and 1723 that call at Oldfield Park. Seems too good to be true. Anyone spotted any downsides with the new timetable?
2009-12-02 First Great Western to lose 30 carriages Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
First Great Western has lost out on 30 carriages dubbed "Boris Johnson's hand-me-downs" to two northern Integrated Transport Authorities in the north.The company had hoped to receive the carriages next year, to replace 24 that are due to be returned to other train operating companies at the end of June.Instead, passengers in the Merseyside and South ...
2009-11-16 Sweeping it under the carpet Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
Oldfield Park station has been without a ticket machine for 2 months and is staffed only irregularly. So, arriving this morning I was pleased to see a member of FGW staff on the station. Maybe today I could buy a ticket before I boarded the train and would not have to join the long queue at the barrier at BTM.The ticket office was shut, so customers ...
2009-11-06 More Inspiration Commuter Train [Link]
We've been getting poor service recently (the stats FGW produced are not correct for my route), and since we are not going to be given the usual 10% crap service discount I sent my 5 month log of real-life statistics to FGW. I hope to receive a nice payment...perhaps in time for Christmas.
2009-10-13 Picture this! First Late Western [Link]
Transforming travel my bottom! Subscribe in a reader
2009-10-03 The Highway Patrol Train Fellows [Link]
Anyone who still reads this will remember my general dis-enchantment with the "Train Managers" apart from 1 or 2 helpful exceptions.I now have a similar irritation with the imitation policemen who turn up to every flat tyre incident on the M4.... aka the Highways Agency highway patrol.Last week, they shut an entire lane of the motorway so that someone ...
2009-10-01 The Metro Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
We can now get a copy of the Metro at Oldfield Park station. Can't buy a ticket but we can get a newspaper!
2009-09-15 Response from Passenger Focus re ticketing Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
Yes i am aware of teh issue and have spoken to FGW a number of times.The machines in the area have been broken into for their money and so severely damaged that they have to go back to germany for repair which can take up to three months! Similar problem at keynsham and the staff shortages at temple meads is not helping. I am satisfied that issues are ...
2009-09-14 No ticket machine, no staff at Oldfield Park Station Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
We have had no ticket machine for several weeks, and no staff for at least 2 weeks. Make buying a ticket at the station rather tricky and usually means having to queue up at BTM.
2009-07-27 Chaos tonight Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
Took 2 hours to get home tonight due to the "signalling/power" problems at Bath.One coach an hour to Keynsham and Oldfield Park...
2009-05-18 Brakes stuck on Third Rate Western [Link]
It's probably better that the brakes are stuck on, rather than stuck off. I presume they are designed this way. Nonetheless, it's not getting us to Reading any faster and when we do manage to make it that extra 200 yards into the station no doubt we will be slung off the train. The buffet may be open but whether or not it has any lager left is debatable.On ...
2009-05-16 The Emperor's New Carriages Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
Once again Bristol Temple Meads is awash with posters promising new, extra carriages on First Great Western services. Seeing is believing. My service home, which was always 3 carriages until last December, was reduced to just one carriage last night. I suspect these "extra" carriages are an illusion.
2009-04-09 Pledge your support for an appropriate TransWilts Train service Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
Please help support this campaign by signing the petition at http://www.transwilts.org.uk/pledge.html
2009-03-12 Spring 2009 Campaign update Save the Train [Link]
We've been quiet over the winter ... but there have been things going on behind the scenes. With the economic downturn that we're all hearing about, it might seem a strange time to be looking for rail service improvements on...
2009-03-03 Irritating people on trains Third Rate Western [Link]
Third Rate Western have managed to get me to London on time this morning and, midway through the return journey, they seem in significant danger of getting me home on time too. So to while away the time, I shall direct my simmering annoyance at my fellow passengers. Specifically the one opposite me.Perhaps the message she is trying to give out is "Look ...
2009-02-18 Inspired again! Commuter Train [Link]
Due to popular demand the blog is back! We feel a need to start recording our experiences, as although we have enjoyed a long period of relative calm, we are starting to see it slipping. And with the prospect of losing the poor performance discount, there is a need to document the perofrmance we experience.For starters, the 1742 to BTM is delayed due ...
2009-01-28 1707 Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
What IS going on with the 1707 from Bristol Temple Meads?Reduced to 2 carriages since the timetable change it is regularly late and for the past 2 nights has been joined to the 1722. Tonight there was confusion as the dricer announced the first stop was Bath. We got off, thenn we got on again. Unlike last night the combined train did not call at Keynsham, ...
2009-01-27 LWW Train Fellows [Link]
FAO: TrainmanDelighted to hear your Bicester journey is going so well. I have to say, the M4 has been relatively easy and it gives me a lot of flexibility. Famous last words I guess.Interesting to see how Beeching's cuts are being undone - the Cotswold Line and the back on the agenda doubling of the line through Kemble.Best to avoid blogging at the ...
2009-01-19 The M4-fellow Train Fellows [Link]
I'm giving some serious thought to changing this blog rather a lot...I've been very silent for quite a while - partly due to a severe case of the "I can't be bothereds" and the fact that I've deserted Worst Great Western and have started driving.This is down to cost and flexibility. I want to get home on my terms, not FGW's. That and the price increase ...
2009-01-17 Station manned at last Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
It looks like First Great Western have completed their recruitment process and Oldfield Park Station was manned for the first time in months on Friday. This SHOULD be a permanent arrangement.I am still awaiting feedback from Passenger Focus with regard to the loss of a carriage on the 1707 from Bristol Temple Meads. Since the December time table change ...
2009-01-17 Buying a monthly season ticket Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
For the first time I attempted to buy a monthly season ticket on-line via the FGW web site. I applied a week before I needed the ticket and was not worried because delivery was by First class post.The ticket did not arrive. I contacted FGW Customer Services and was given a number for their On line Booking department, who in turn gave me a number for ...
2009-01-16 Premature seat selection Third Rate Western [Link]
A nice dose of chaos today to remind me why I drive to work these days. Already distraught at the thought of the last off-peak train of the week, my mood was not lifted by the prospect of severe delays heading into Didcot (is there a worse place to get delayed?) caused by some kind of signalling malady. So a mad dash to the Swansea train, with a change ...
2009-01-06 Tuesday 6th January Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
Chaos this morning due to a loss of power and signalling problems between Bath and Bristol. The only information available at Oldfield Park(because the station is unmanned in contravention of FGW's franchise commitments) was that from the automated information system. This very helpfully told you that "no trains were scheduled to depart from this station ...
2008-12-19 Cold comfort Train Fellows [Link]
The new timetable is working well then.... 1st day and my train was cancelled. More embarassing was the fact that I had my most reverend and excellent friend Hitch (see blog) with me. I was hoping to introduce him to the high speed life I live when commuting.It was not to be. The exciting, new, 7.15am train just didn't happen and it took the best ...
2008-12-16 New timetable less carriages...again Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
We seen to have lost a carriage from the 1707 from Bristol Temple Meads since the timetable changed.Has anyone else noticed any trains with fewer carriages since last weekend?
2008-12-02 It's (not) good to be back Third Rate Western [Link]
Several months with not a single journey requiring the services of Third Rate Western has been most pleasant. Off to London yesterday, though, and even I am not stupid enough to attempt that journey in the car. There's only so much Radio 4 one can tolerate to be honest.So, up early and away we go.Suit - checkWallet - checkOyster card - checkMobile - ...
2008-11-29 Staffing of Oldfield Park Station Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
I have recently been in regular contact with Mike Greedy of Passenger Focus on the subject of the staffing of Oldfield Park Station. Since the installation of the unreliable ticket machine, staffing of the station has become extremely irregular.Mike has now held meetings with First Great Western to remind them that they have a franchise commitment to ...
2008-11-27 I can't be bothered Train Fellows [Link]
I confess that, in recent weeks I have not been bothered to write on this here blog.I must note that we've had some exciting new announcements on my little journey to work - "in this festive season, please do keep a look out for any suspicious items OR PEOPLE and report them to a member of staff or a police officer".Yes, how festive.Yes, officer, that ...
2008-11-17 Just 8 new carriages for FGW Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
Only 52 of the 1,300 carriages to be introduced nationwide in 2010 will be allocated to First Great Western, which operates services across the South West and to London.But the real number of carriages dedicated to the South West will be in single figures.Twenty carriages are destined for First?s operations in London and the Thames Valley while a further ...
2008-10-21 Worrying sights Train Fellows [Link]
Sometimes on the train one is given a special treat when the train stops somewhere that it has never stopped before - this time it was just outside Goring - very lovely. The hills were very pretty in the Autumn sunshine and the colours of the trees were breath-taking. However the really exciting thing was seeing the train driver walk past my window.It's ...
2008-10-20 PC or not PC Train Fellows [Link]
I heard a wonderful sounding programme advert on Radio 4 today.."Is Political Correctness the new Orthodoxy?"Political correctness stiffles thought and opinion. Welcome to a world of mediocrity, shades of grey and no real colours.I feel bored just thinking about it.TTF.
2008-10-13 VISAMAN! Train Fellows [Link]
Sometimes it's lonely being a commuter. So you can imagine my joy when Visaman (ex Kingham commuter) got in touch. He has a boring drive to Swindon every day. And he's home by 6pm... That's part time really.Git. I'm jealous.TTF
2008-10-07 Bras Train Fellows [Link]
Now I know this is a bit strange sounding but please stay with me on this:I was on the train this week and had to go to London for some meetings. I was working hard on my laptop, attempting to get the 3g card to work for more than 30 seconds at a time.At Reading, a large young lady placed herself none too gracefully in the spare seat next to me, thus ...
2008-09-21 Where are the updates? Third Rate Western [Link]
My regular readers (both of you, to borrow a phrase from Terry) will no doubt be wondering why I haven't posted anything for, ooh, several months.Two reasons: firstly, much of my time has been taken up changing nappies and other baby-related activities. Secondly, I haven't commuted with Third Rate Western since April. Instead, I drive to work. In my ...
2008-09-18 Ouch Train Fellows [Link]
So, on the train outside Oxford I was waiting in the queue of people to get off the train and the woman in front of me had one of those wheelie trolley overnight bag things.We'd be standing there for a couple of minutes and then, without explanation, she let go of her bag and it toppled over smacking me in the goolies.Of course one makes light of the ...
2008-09-18 Limping Train Fellows [Link]
One of the things I have been doing over recent months is running. This is an attempt to stave off the lardy appearance and actually be slightly fit.Sadly I have been running so hard that my right knee is giving me some proper pain which makes running for the train a bit of a challenge. You see I've been falling into the trap of assuming the train ...
2008-09-11 Bad week Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
It's been a bad week to be travelling between Bristol Temple Meads and Oldfield Park.Along with not being able to buy a ticket because the ticket office is unmanned and the ticket machine is not working because of the rain, the fire near Trowbridge caused chaos on Wednesday evening at Bristol Temple Meads. As hundreds of passengers milled around on ...
2008-09-09 Ticketing at Oldfield Park Oldfield Park Trains [Link]
It is becoming very difficult to but a ticket at the station. The ticket offfice is raely manned nowadays and the single ticket machine is in adequate. And it doesn't work in the rain and the screen is unreadable in bright sunshine.
2008-09-08 When we caught up with time Train Fellows [Link]
I was slighted vexed to note this morning that my train was to be 16 mins late. I checked this before I even left the house. This was due to an "unstable track bed due to flooding in South Wales."And so I made my way to the station feeling slightly pressured as I had to leave for a client meeting fairly soon after arriving at the office.But by the ...
2008-09-05 Nearly..... Train Fellows [Link]
I humiliated myself properly this morning.I decided to take the 4x4 to the station on account of all the rain and the forecast floods, disaster and general pestilence. This car doesn't go as fast and I left late to get to the station.Also, in my haste, I managed to overshoot one of my turnings thus delaying myself further.The praying that was going ...
Prime Minister's Petition -Report
NEW PAGES -Savethetrain andCommunitynew - 1.3.07
A station and service for CorSham? 10.4.07
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Link to the coffeeshop to talk about any of these subjects with your fellow passengers
N.B. - This site is owned and run by a customer of First Great Western and is not an official site of the company. If you are looking for First Great Western's web site please go to http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk. If you want to know more about this site, go here.
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