Which is the *worst* FGW route.....

[whole diary]

[Umberleigh]

Worst route is Penzance to Plymouth or even Exeter in a two-car unit.

Best route is Penzance to Plymouth/Exeter in a FGW^▸ (First Great Western) HST^▸ (High Speed Train) with the express cafe open.

[Fourbee]

The old service pattern would have been more useful for the minor stations between Guildford and Redhill with hourly Reading-Shalford stoppers and two hourly Guildford-Redhill all station services. Reverting back to that wouldn't provide 2tph to Gatwick though.

Agreed, the 2tph to Gatwick with as much balance as possible between departures at the termini should be the objective (I did realise after giving it some thought that there is no way that could be maintained with jiggery-pokery at Guildford).

That should also mean the minor stations will get more through services to Gatwick without changing at Redhill.

Obviously a lot of holidaymakers use the line, I would like to see First push the advertising for these passengers (e.g. Flyaway Tickets) a bit more. The enhanced service should help them to do that (as much as I hate manoeuvring round the sea of luggage!).

[Southern Stag]

As long as the trains are 166s rather than 165s as well they are pretty suitable for all the luggage, they have plenty of large luggage racks.

[thetrout]

Heart of Wessex on a Sunday during the winter months is awful for trains South of Westbury... Although considering the level of service Melksham receives on a weekday basis. I feel like I have little to moan about.

But using Frome as an example:

Sunday 267 Bus Service: 4 Return Journeys from the town centre: 10:03, 12:13, 15:13 & 17:23

Sunday Rail Service: 4 Direct services to Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads. 5th (First of the day) Journey requires a change at Westbury (Times: 12:27*, 15:37, 17:31, 19:18 & 21:34)

*Terminates at WSB^» (Westbury - next trains).

Sadly, The level of service has not changed at all since I've lived in and around Somerset since 2006!