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 Now the fare on the only available train is over 100 pounds, with off peak fares withdrawn in December and a further price rise on the standard fares in January.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?
2009-05-18 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 ...
2008-08-29 The Black Box Train Fellows [Link]
The train was about to leave this morning and I heard the doors lock. This was followed by some pleading sounds and the stern response of Collyn the train manager.Apparently he was unable to re-open the doors for the late running passenger because if he did, "the information would be recorded on the black box and I'd have to explain why I'd opened the ...
2008-08-29 A Right Royal Green Dressing Down Train Fellows [Link]
Arrived at station this morning to be greeted by the Royal Green Jacket.Today is Friday so I am wearing my "dress down" clothes - funky jeans, Gapshirt, v-neck jumper and some brown boots. In my humble opinion, flirting with cool but not too much.. RGJ said to me "Is this what it's come to? Dress down Friday." I know he was baiting me so we went on ...
2008-08-28 Back to work with a cold Train Fellows [Link]
After 3 weeks off, I steeled myself and went back to work today. It wasn't as bad as I feared although the commute was still punctuated with the usual banal annoucements.I can now complain about something other than the trains though. I've had to find a new route to the station due to no less than 3 sets of roadworks along my route, all of which involve ...
2008-08-26 On yer bike...or not as the case may be! First Late Western [Link]
Oh dear, looks like the Government's attempts to develop a more joined-up national transport infrastructure is about to get another kick in the teeth from First Great Western.On the Friday before the bank holiday weekend, I skipped onto the platform in my usual upbeat manner to find a couple of annoyed cyclists berating a member of station staff. The ...
2008-08-24 Trying to relax Train Fellows [Link]
I've had a couple of weeks off work - it's been fun and I've managed to get some decorating done and go away on holiday as well.But all the time, I've had this nagging feeling at the back of my mind that I have to go back to work at the end of the month. And I'm scared of what I will find when I do get there. Some churning mess of confusion and blame ...
2008-08-17 Preserved Railways - a look forward Save the Train [Link]
Bitton ... Blaenavon ... Bodmin ... Bristol Harbour ... Bronwydd Arms ... Buckfastleigh ... Cranmore ... Cricklade ... Didcot ... Helston ... Kingswear ... Lydney ... Minehead ... Okehampton ... Seaton ... Swanage ... Toddington ... Wallingford ... "Preserved" railways,...
2008-08-15 I warned you about the Buddleia Train Fellows [Link]
This incredible plant is able to grow in the most unlikely of places.As much as I love to hate the monster that is taking over my garden (I cut it back from the washing line today), I do have a sneeking admiration. Today I found a single Buddleia plant growing out of a crevice on a brick.No idea how it got there and it's not there any more but here's ...
2008-08-14 Buddleia Train Fellows [Link]
One of the things I have noticed after many many hours on trains is the frequency and size of Buddleia that grow near railways. They rampage if left unchecked and can be one of 2 things:1. Beautiful - they have a very pretty purple flower - wow I'm such a girl.2. Unsightly and weed like. This is often the state I see them in. Well, in my garden I have ...
2008-08-12 Choices Train Fellows [Link]
We all have choices to make throughtout our lives - at least from when our parents allow us to make these choices - the age can vary depending on the style of parenting that was adopted for you.Major Clanger noted in one of his recent responses on this 'ere blog that we all have choices - it is something given to us by God.I often have a nagging doubt ...
2008-08-10 Liberals again Train Fellows [Link]
I had a welcome comment the other day from someone who feels it is right to argue that God is a delusion of the human mind. This is very much a Richard Dawkins thing I suspect.It is often said that there is no scientific proof of God. It is also true to say that there is no scientific way of prooving there is no God. (Interestingly, type into Google ...
Prime Minister's Petition -Report
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