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Journey by Journey => TransWilts line => Topic started by: grahame on January 02, 2020, 08:55:33



Title: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 02, 2020, 08:55:33
How I absolutely did NOT want this thread to start the year ...

Quote
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33

09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33 will be cancelled.
This is due to a person being hit by a train.

Quote
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Chippenham
Due to a person being hit by a train at Swindon all lines are blocked. Disruption is expected until 10:45 02/01.
Train services between Swindon and Chippenham may be cancelled or delayed.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 04, 2020, 21:01:31
Quote
21:07 Swindon to Westbury due 21:49
21:07 Swindon to Westbury due 21:49 will be starting late from Swindon and is expected to be 5 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.

No problem ...


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 06, 2020, 07:25:38
Quote
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:05
Facilities on the 20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:05.
Disabled toilet facilities are not available


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on January 07, 2020, 05:34:55
Cancellations to services between Melksham and Trowbridge


Due to a broken down train between Melksham and Trowbridge the line is blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 07:30 07/01.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 07, 2020, 07:03:48
Quote
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59

05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59 will be cancelled.

This is due to a broken down train.


Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08

06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be started from Westbury.

It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.

This is due to a broken down train.


Quote
07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05

07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05 will be cancelled.

This is due to a broken down train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 07, 2020, 07:40:20
Quote
07:36 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25

08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.

What was that about "delays until 07:30" ... so far first train at Melksham will be 10:01 today.

Quote
Customer Advice

Replacement road transport is in operation in both directions between Swindon and Westbury.
Customers are requested to wait for road transport in the designated road replacement areas. Customers are advised that buses will run later that than the advertised train times due to line of route and additional time required for loading and unloading.

Better than nothing ... and I'm noting SWINDON and Westbury rather than Chippenham ... not sure where the train has sat down (guessing a freight?) as there seem to be mainline issues though Chippenham too.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Timmer on January 07, 2020, 07:57:38
A story of the two Ms this morning - Maidenhead and Melksham!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 07, 2020, 07:59:37
Freight train failed between Melksham and Thingley around 3am.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 07, 2020, 08:06:42
Freight train failed between Melksham and Thingley around 3am.

More promising ... looks like it's on the move ...

Quote
07:36 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19
07:36 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19 has been delayed at Westbury and is now 16 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train.

That replaces a cancellation, and the return trip cancellation has been removed from JourneyCheck


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 07, 2020, 11:24:27
Quote
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to urgent repairs to a bridge.

Quote
Alterations to services between Chippenham and Bath Spa
Following urgent repairs to a bridge between Chippenham and Bath Spa all lines have now reopened.
Train services running through these stations are returning to normal but some services may still be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 15:00 07/01.

Customer Advice
Limited road replacement services are currently in operation between Swindon and Chippenham. There is also limited road replacement services between Chippenham and Westbury.
Stagecoach bus route 55: Swindon (Bus Station) - Chippenham (Station) are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice.
First Bus route D1: Bath (Bus Station) - Bradford on Avon - Trowbridge - Westbury - Warminster - Salisbury and First Bus route D3: Bath (Bus Station Bay 14) - Melksham are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 07, 2020, 11:36:22
No trains from Chippenham today due to a damaged bridge between Chippenham and Bath. Checking online the 11:20 Westbury service looked like it had survived however on arrival at the station it appears to have been cancelled. I guess no ones fault. I wonder how long (days) this will continue for.

Looks like it's fixed quicker than they expected ... saying "all lines have now re-opened"

I am told that the 09:51 from Trowbridge got turned back on the approach to Chippenham and came back to Melksham where everyone was transferred to a bus.   In the unusual circumstances today, probably a good call.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Gaz on January 07, 2020, 12:01:06
Sorry I've been posting in the wrong place, didn't realise new year meant new log!  :D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 07, 2020, 12:37:04
Sorry I've been posting in the wrong place, didn't realise new year meant new log!  :D

Utterly no problem ... I remember the line from Pirates of the Caribbean - "Not a set of rules - more a set of guidelines"; starting a fresh thread at a logical breakpoint (year end) is a fresh start.  Couple of less usual occurrences this morning / we'll always get the occasional one.   If we just have enough drivers and train managers for 2020, it will be a magnitude better than it has been, and authoritative sources (but ones who do sometimes seem to wear rose tinted spectacles) suggest that training new crews in 2019 was towards the 2020 timetable, and crew issues prior to 15th December were because of staffing balanced for new service, but still trying to run old service.    Benefit of doubt to GWR at the moment - New Year issues have not been crew.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Gaz on January 07, 2020, 16:20:16
Looks like it was an unstable embankment at the bridge in Lowden Hill, Chippenham.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 08, 2020, 07:59:45
Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 has been delayed at Westbury and is now 19 minutes late.
This is due to a fault on a train in front of this one.

21 minutes late into Salisbury, but only 9 minutes late on leaving there as it's got an (unnecessary) 12 minute wait there.  No connections missed.

Interesting to note this is train "2O20" - train twenty twenty  ;D ;D - a running number with a ring to it!

07:44 from Salisbury today ... to be followed by at SWR train at 07:50!  It does load well especially from Romsey, but I have to ask whether it might carry more passengers overall if it formed an 07:40 Salisbury to Swindon train, arriving there at 08:50 and returning to Westbury to take over the 09:45 to Swindon, with the TransWilts shuttle half an hour earlier extended to Warminster to take over the return working of 2O20 to Great Malvern.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 09, 2020, 08:27:23
Quote
07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05
Facilities on the 07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.

Perfectly fine prior to Swindon (until we fill the second carriage  ;D ); likely to be very busy from Swindon, but then this was only a 2 car until recently.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 10, 2020, 06:46:04
Quote
2M09 0517 Westbury to Swindon
This service is cancelled.
This service was cancelled due to a problem with the train (M8).

Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a fault on this train.

The 06:36 Melksham to Southampton has always been one of the more reliable trains, but that's the second cancellation already this year.  No more of a flag than "one to watch" at the moment.  A train that had a history of underuse when the following train was not until 19:18, it has developed a loyal, if quieter than other trains, user base.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: phile on January 10, 2020, 10:16:12
Quote
2M09 0517 Westbury to Swindon
This service is cancelled.
This service was cancelled due to a problem with the train (M8).

Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a fault on this train.

The 06:36 Melksham to Southampton has always been one of the more reliable trains, but that's the second cancellation already this year.  No more of a flag than "one to watch" at the moment.  A train that had a history of underuse when the following train was not until 19:18, it has developed a loyal, if quieter than other trains, user base.


Unit now comes off Westbury to work additional 2M09 whereas came off Glo-ucester previously


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 13, 2020, 10:02:54
Quote
2M09 0517 Westbury to Swindon
This service is cancelled.
This service was cancelled due to a problem with the train (M8).

Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a fault on this train.

The 06:36 Melksham to Southampton has always been one of the more reliable trains, but that's the second cancellation already this year.  No more of a flag than "one to watch" at the moment.  A train that had a history of underuse when the following train was not until 19:18, it has developed a loyal, if quieter than other trains, user base.


Unit now comes off Westbury to work additional 2M09 whereas came off Glo-ucester previously

Indeed yet ... which is a good reason to flag it up as "one to watch" ... it switches from being a key lever in the whole train-pattern machine to a service which is off to one side, and has few knock on operational effects if it doesn't run from Swindon to Westbury.  Of course, passengers joining at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge are just as badly effected by its cancellation whether it's a key operational lever or "merely" a service that's provided to help people travel.

That 2M09 you mention - the 05:17 Westbury to Swindon - was a train that I - I will admit - have anticipated being hard to get up in passenger numbers even into double figures.    I may have been unduly pessimistic there - a report this morning tells me that there were ten passengers on it when it arrived in Swindon.   Good - especially as we know that traffic takes some time to grow when a new service is added.

Now that we have an early up train at Melksham - 05:33 to Swindon - please can we have a corresponding and balancing late night train back?   There appear to be three trains terminating at Westbury after 9 p.m. and only one restarting ... so the train resources is there to add a round trip.  And as an educated guess, I would be suggest that a 23:15 off Swindon might be significantly busier that the 05:17 off Westbury.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 15, 2020, 06:18:24
Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be terminated at Salisbury.
It will no longer call at Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

Makes sense ... Salisbury to Portsmouth running via Eastleigh this morning, and perhaps SWR "Romsey 6" running as "Romsey 5" - Salisbury, Dean, Mottisfont, Romsey, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh and stations to Southampton Central.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 15, 2020, 08:50:30
Later revised to terminate at Romsey.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 15, 2020, 09:25:57
Quote
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25 has been delayed between Swindon and Chippenham and is now 13 minutes late.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 15, 2020, 10:17:36
Quote
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33

09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33 was terminated at Chippenham.

It will no longer call at Swindon.

This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.


Quote
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46

11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46 will be cancelled.

This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 15, 2020, 10:24:35
Although Journeycheck hasn't caught up yet, it seems from looking at OpenTrainTimes that the 11:05 will in fact start from Chippenham (which makes sense given the incoming working terminated there).


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 15, 2020, 10:28:26
Quote
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33

09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33 was terminated at Chippenham.

It will no longer call at Swindon.

This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.


Quote
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46

11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46 will be cancelled.

This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

I thought it was just the next line up that as flooded - or is Dauntsey Bank giving problems as well?

They could really do with a "bay" reinstated at Chippenham - platform face is there and even with "wrong" line running from Thingley East.  As is stands, southbound gap (from Chippenham) from 08:59 to 13:29.


[Stop Press]

Although Journeycheck hasn't caught up yet, it seems from looking at OpenTrainTimes that the 11:05 will in fact start from Chippenham (which makes sense given the incoming working terminated there).

Phew(ish) . Hope they've found somewhere for it to wait.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 15, 2020, 10:31:31
The 08:44 was delayed while the driver reported the water levels were rising.

The down line is now closed with services using the reversible up line.

This means the Westbury service can wait at platform 1 at Chippenham as it is effectively a siding from there to Thingley as the down line is closed from Wootton Bassett Junction to Chippenham.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Celestial on January 15, 2020, 10:33:47
Looking at OTT maps the down line is now closed between Wootton Bassett and Chippenham.  So only one line open out of four west of WB Junction.  That means the Melksham train can wait at Chippenham, but presumably the closure is causing chaos with the main line services.

Edit: bobm beat me to it whilst I was posting!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 15, 2020, 10:39:31
Particularly for South Wales services.  They are being diverted via Box because of the flooding on the usual route.  They are then being further delayed snaking through the single line section between Wootton Bassett and Thingley. 

The 08:48 from London Paddington to Swansea left Swindon 43 minutes late and is expected to be nearly 90 minutes late by the time it gets to Bristol Parkway.

Swindon Station's three through platforms are all occupied by westbound services.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 15, 2020, 11:00:35
Particularly for South Wales services.  They are being diverted via Box because of the flooding on the usual route.  They are then being further delayed snaking through the single line section between Wootton Bassett and Thingley. 

An interesting mess ... from my comfortable armchair today  ;D , I wonder if South Wales services that haven't yet got west of Reading or east of Bath Spa should go via the Berks and Hants ... South Wales to / from Swindon passengers changing at Bath Spa.   Or via Kemble and Gloucester?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Celestial on January 15, 2020, 11:03:52
Fortunately it has just re-opened, with a queue of three trains lining up to use it.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 15, 2020, 11:04:26
It now looks like the flooding at Dauntsey has subsided and the down line re-opened.   As a result the Westbury train which had been laying over at Chippenham has left 22 minutes early to clear the line.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 15, 2020, 11:11:26
It now looks like the flooding at Dauntsey has subsided and the down line re-opened.   As a result the Westbury train which had been laying over at Chippenham has left 22 minutes early to clear the line.

But showing "on time" for Melksham on Tiger ... as displayed on the platform.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 15, 2020, 11:13:21
It now looks like the flooding at Dauntsey has subsided and the down line re-opened.   As a result the Westbury train which had been laying over at Chippenham has left 22 minutes early to clear the line.

But showing "on time" for Melksham on Tiger ... as displayed on the platform.

Perhaps just sitting out of the way on the branch while the cavalcade of IETs passes!

Quote
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46 will be reinstated.
It will be started from Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Swindon.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 15, 2020, 11:47:19
Looks suspiciously like it may have started on time from Melksham in the end.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 15, 2020, 12:06:40
Depends who you ask...

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/2m24.png)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 15, 2020, 12:25:13
Depends who you ask...

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/2m24.png)

But does running a walk-up passenger train 22 minutes early count as running that train?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 17, 2020, 06:48:39
Quote
07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05
07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.

Edit to add ... no more than 3 minutes late in the end ...


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 18, 2020, 09:18:14
Quote
08:35 Westbury to Swindon due 09:24
08:35 Westbury to Swindon due 09:24 has been delayed between Trowbridge and Melksham and is now 12 minutes late.
This is due to a late running freight train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: rogerw on January 18, 2020, 11:50:34
Quote
08:35 Westbury to Swindon due 09:24
08:35 Westbury to Swindon due 09:24 has been delayed between Trowbridge and Melksham and is now 12 minutes late.
This is due to a late running freight train.

Delayed by a Westbury to Bescot engineering train which left 15 minutes late.  Also delayed the following Westbury to Gloucester service which was held at Trowbridge until the Swindon service had left Bradford Junction


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 19, 2020, 08:08:42
From Facebook

Quote
Well GWR have done it again. For the Sundays in January it bus replacement to Chippenham which has been good until today. The first bus 08.11 from Trowbridge via Melksham is not running with the first service mid morning. As you know the first service on Sunday there are quite a few people who use this to get to Swindon and beyond. To make matters worse due to engineering works the first train from Trowbridge to Bath is 9.45 so this has impacted as I will be and possibly many others be late thanks GWR.

Trains replaced by buses, planned well ahead - OK, we understand.

First train is busy with Sunday regulars to work - 08:11 from Warminster to Swindon and was replaced by a bus on the first Sunday (and is shown as replaced by a bus next Sunday).   Yet no replacement today.   The mind boggles - why on earth not?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 20, 2020, 06:51:44
Quote
07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05
Facilities on the 07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 23, 2020, 18:34:35
Quote
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Gloucester, Stonehouse, Stroud, Kemble, Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Arrived at Swindon to catch this ... let's see how alternative works.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on January 23, 2020, 19:15:37
Quote
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Gloucester, Stonehouse, Stroud, Kemble, Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Arrived at Swindon to catch this ... let's see how alternative works.

The Class 150 scheduled to work the service from Gloucester failed.  Part of a Portsmouth-Cardiff service detached at Westbury to form the curtailed service south from there.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 23, 2020, 20:29:18
The Class 150 scheduled to work the service from Gloucester failed.  Part of a Portsmouth-Cardiff service detached at Westbury to form the curtailed service south from there.

Train, Swindon to Chippenham.  Wait for 19:06 (no taxi before to gather everyone) the a taxi chit.  Five minute wait for a taxi and four of us crammed in to Melksham - there not much different from 10 minutes late there.  Taxi drive told us that some of his colleagues don't like the chits because they have to wait to the end of the following month to be paid.  I suspect our driver doesn't like them either, and probably doesn't like what I suspect are very thin tips from these passengers.

Didn't think 150s were supposed to be around these parts any longer?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Timmer on January 23, 2020, 21:14:10
Didn't think 150s were supposed to be around these parts any longer?
Oh they are still around. Saw three last weekend working 2 diagrams on the Cardiff-Portsmouth line. A 150/0-150/2 and 150/2-158 (3 car) combinations, so both sets maintaining the offered 5 carriage service in place of a 165/166. I know out of those three combinations which I prefer.

The 158s aren’t done with Cardiff-Portsmouth yet but you’d be fortunate to travel on one now.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 24, 2020, 09:57:12
Didn't think 150s were supposed to be around these parts any longer?
Oh they are still around. ...

Yep, the 09:09 Melksham to Westbury was a 3 car 166 this morning ... rather than for the 09:47 back, it carried on to Weymouth and 150001 which arrived on the Bristol to Weymouth service took over the diagram.  75 mph unit on what's now supposedly a service run with 90 mph stock, but the new stock does seem to have time in hand. Welcome back the "old girl" 150 prototype to the TransWilts.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 27, 2020, 06:33:57
Quote
07:36 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19
Facilities on the 07:36 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19.
Will be formed of 3 coaches instead of 2.

3 carriages all day ... classic case of "oh sh**" when I saw the map at the top of these pages ... moving to "oh - no problem" when I read the reports.

There was a 3 car on Friday on the 14:17 from Westbury.   And a very worried passenger looking for the Swindon train convinced that this unit was headed for Reading because of what it said on the side:

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/traincaredepot.jpg)

The chap concerned expected to see a display by the door telling him where the train was going.   And naming trains after places risks confusion!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 01, 2020, 10:10:00
January 2020 summary - from a MELKSHAM PASSENGER perspective, as analysed off industry feeds:

307 train services on time
55 bus services - no record of timing. All planned ahead for engineering
96 trains just a bit late (< 5 minutes)
37 trains signifanly late
10 trains cancelled
1 service arrived 20 minutes early and left on time
1 service not scheduled at all

Total of 507 services.
10 to 12 cancelled (1.97% to 2.37% cancellation rate)
(for 12, I have counted a train 20 minutes early as cancelled)
(for 12, I have counted a failure to schedue a service as cancelled)
ppm of 90.3% assuming buses were on time

cancellation reasons:
6 - fault or broken down train
2 - person ht by train
1 - urgent repair to bridge
1 - flooding on the line
1 - reason not logged
1 - probably a scheduling error

None of the significant delayes were huge. Some reasons, longest delay quoted
a late running freight train (8 minutes)
a passenger being taken ill on a train (10 minutes)
congestion (10 minutes)
a fault with the signalling system (10 minutes)
a fault with barriers at a level crossing (8 minutes)
heavy rain flooding the railway (21 minutes)
damage to the overhead electric wires (13 minutes)
a broken down train (15 minutes)



An excellent month - 9 out of 10 service near as damn it on time, passenger let down (no service) just 1 journey in 50.  Others may compare to their own lines and think this is just average, but for us it's a massive improvement.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 06, 2020, 05:18:36
Quote
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 06:00
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08

06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be cancelled.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.

Quote
05:10 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington due 07:35
05:10 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington due 07:35 will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon, Trowbridge and Westbury.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on February 08, 2020, 14:46:29
21:07 Swindon to Westbury due 21:49


21:07 Swindon to Westbury due 21:49 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 08, 2020, 15:08:04
Quote
21:07 Swindon to Westbury due 21:49


21:07 Swindon to Westbury due 21:49 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.


Indeed - thanks.  We were both posting at the same time;   I was being slow, as I had something to say ...

Oh great - here we go again

The importance of last / late(r) evening services was highlighted last night.  Local (Melksham) meetings usually end with people headed home within the town on foot or by c-a-r, but last night's was a meeting about public transport and was timed to suit.

As we were winding up, after we had concluded, three or four people said hasty "good bye"s as they headed for their bus back home,  and we also got lifts to the station for several other people for the 21:10 train.   That last train is significantly later than the final train was prior to 15th December last; retimed nearly three quarters of an hour later, it opens up opportunities that weren't there before - inbound and also outbound.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 09, 2020, 16:25:27
Quote
13:41 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:49
13:41 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:49 has been previously delayed and is now 59 minutes late from Westbury.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway earlier today.

If anyone comes to look at this later ... the up train from Weymouth also delayed and a 3 minute turn around achieved at Swindon.   Storm Clara reaking havoc all over the place and a miracle that - so far - TransWilts has kept going.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 10, 2020, 08:29:37
Quote
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55

13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

Quote
07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05
07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05 will no longer call at Kemble, Stroud and Stonehouse.
It is being delayed at Swindon.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 10, 2020, 08:37:10
Quote
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55

13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

Quote
07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05
07:03 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:05 will no longer call at Kemble, Stroud and Stonehouse.
It is being delayed at Swindon.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

I don't think this is quite as simple as it's made out ... the 09:09 at Melksham is running.   I suspect that it's some tree elsewhere that's left a crew shortage or rolling stock shortage and we've got a case of "this is an easy service to cull" again.  Please tell me if I'm wrong.



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on February 10, 2020, 08:49:49
There's a tree down on the Kemble line near Sapperton Tunnel.

EDIT TO ADD:  There is also a tree down between Newbury and Reading with West of England services being diverted via Melksham which is probably more likely to be the reason.   


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 10, 2020, 12:10:12
And 2 more ...

Quote
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55

15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

Additional Information
Road replacement transport will be provided between Chippenham and Trowbridge on both directions. Alternative train services are operating from Swindon and Chippenham via Bath Spa to/from Westbury.

Bit late for me (personally) to tell me about the rail replacement bus ... by the time that was added (10:56 update) I was on the regular bus to get to a meeting ...


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Timmer on February 10, 2020, 12:40:13
Must have been a big tree or damage was done Line side for it to still be causing disruption between Newbury and Reading.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 10, 2020, 12:48:03
Must have been a big tree or damage was done Line side for it to still be causing disruption between Newbury and Reading.

Tree balanced on semi-collapsed electric overheads near Newbury Racecourse


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on February 10, 2020, 15:36:09
The down line through Newbury is now open but apparently the wires are hanging too low on the up line to allow even diesel trains to pass.    Repairs will take until the morning.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 10, 2020, 15:54:17
The down line through Newbury is now open but apparently the wires are hanging too low on the up line to allow even diesel trains to pass.    Repairs will take until the morning.

The benefits of electrification  ;D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on February 10, 2020, 16:01:14
The actual location is between Theale station and the M4 overbridge.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Timmer on February 10, 2020, 16:44:52
The Transwilts is paying the price with further services cancelled. Ironic after being one of the most reliable of services yesterday when the rest of the network was in near meltdown. Not been much better today sadly but somewhat expected after yesterday.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 10, 2020, 16:53:01
The Transwilts is paying the price with further services cancelled. Ironic after being one of the most reliable of services yesterday when the rest of the network was in near meltdown. Not been much better today sadly but somewhat expected after yesterday.


Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:07
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:07 has been cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

Indeed ... and not even a tree blocking "our" line!!

At a meeting - on timetables - today.  I have suggested that now there's a semi-fast service from Reading to Taunton in addition to a none-stop, perhaps the semi-fast should call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge in place of Theale, Thatcham, Newbury, Hungerford and Pewsey should it be diverted and replace the TransWilts train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on February 10, 2020, 16:54:41
The Transwilts is paying the price with further services cancelled. Ironic after being one of the most reliable of services yesterday when the rest of the network was in near meltdown. Not been much better today sadly but somewhat expected after yesterday.

Indeed.

Tree down at Uffington early this morning meant a number of 387s were trapped in Cocklebury sidings at Swindon.
Tree down near Theale closed the Berks & Hants route completely until early afternoon when the down line was opened.
Damage to the overhead at Acton affecting trains leaving London this morning
A trespasser at Hanwell caused severe delays for part of the morning
The signalbox at Par was hit by lightning taking out the signalling in the area (and no doubt giving the signaller a fright!)

In addition sets out of place and staff out of hours after yesterday's problems.

Ironically I had better than expected journey back from Bristol at lunchtime.   Two successive trains from Temple Meads to Swindon via Bath were cancelled but I managed to catch a late running train to Bristol Parkway which connected with a late running train from South Wales and I got to Swindon five minutes earlier than I would have had the first cancelled train run.



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Timmer on February 10, 2020, 17:06:47
For sure GWR and it’s passengers have had a lot to contend with these past couple of days.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 10, 2020, 17:10:34
Ironically I had better than expected journey back from Bristol at lunchtime.   Two successive trains from Temple Meads to Swindon via Bath were cancelled but I managed to catch a late running train to Bristol Parkway which connected with a late running train from South Wales and I got to Swindon five minutes earlier than I would have had the first cancelled train run.

Two buses each way for me - around 2 x 110 minutes = 220 minutes on buses today for a 120 minute meeting. But then the meeting was quality, and I had my laptop so could work on the bus.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 10, 2020, 18:14:09
Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway earlier today.

Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway earlier today


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 11, 2020, 05:34:52
Summary from yesterday

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/debris20200210.jpg)

First service of this morning on its way from Westbury - hopefully they will do better today.  Joueneycheck tells us of problems still around Theale with train diversions inbound towards Reading / London and buses for local trains.

Let's hope that at this point "no news is good news" rather than "no news is because we haven't got around to telling you yet in Wiltshire".


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 12, 2020, 06:22:34
Quote
07:36 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19
07:36 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

I am jinxed, I tell you!   Third trip I have taken this year to be cancelled (and I have only made 5 trips out of town so far by - or planned - on public transport).

Never mind ... if the 07:52 is cancelled perhaps the 10:01 will run?  Yes - defensive planning already ... 

Quote
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 15, 2020, 21:02:45
Quote
21:07 Swindon to Westbury due 21:49 will be started from Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Swindon.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

This service is "fed" by 5M44 - an empty from Bristol up to Swindon.  Running neatly 50 minutes late off Bristol tonight, so being turned at Chippenham no doubt to have it on time for the rest of its run.   Sensible operational call, provided there's a connection that will get people from Swindon to Chippenham to get on.  Timetable wise though, silly empty working.   Better run it in service from Westbury, which would will sort out the biggest hole on TransWilts services in the week.





Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 17, 2020, 16:46:56
Quote
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Well disguised because it's a through train but, yes, that's the 18:51 Swindon to Westbury service. next train, 20:45.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on February 17, 2020, 17:41:21
Service now starts at Westbury.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 17, 2020, 18:24:00
Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 is being delayed at Chippenham.
This is due to the ambulance service dealing with an incident.

Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to the ambulance service dealing with an incident.

goodness ... an interesting evening.  From Chippenham (http://www.mrug.org.uk/cpm.html)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/cpm_20200217.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 17, 2020, 18:49:58
Service now starts at Westbury.

Real time trains offers

Quote
This service is partially cancelled
This service was cancelled between Gloucester and Westbury due to the planned train being replaced with a slower train (MS).


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 18, 2020, 17:40:43
Through passenger numbers from Melksham and north thereof to Romsey and Southampton at this time of night are limited ... but recorded here for completeness.  South of Salisbury , this is something on an "extra" in the 2 trains per hour normally run - one SWR and one GWR; realistically, it would link into / become a SWR "Romsey 6" service at Salisbury.

Quote
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36 will be terminated at Salisbury.
It will no longer call at Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to a landslip.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 19, 2020, 08:08:08
Guess which line is allocated the train that's not working!

Quote
07:36 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19
07:36 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.

Quote
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.

Quote
Further Information

If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay

Yes, thank you.   But how do I travel??

P.S.

Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to an earlier landslip.

And why the **** could that not have been used for the 07:36 Westbury to Swindon and 08:44 return, into Westbury at 09:25 and picking up the 09:40 to Great Malvern which is where the diagram of the 06:11 is resuming this morning:

Quote
08:23 Southampton Central to Great Malvern due 12:28 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Southampton Central, Romsey, Salisbury, Warminster and Dilton Marsh.
This is due to an earlier landslip.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Timmer on February 19, 2020, 08:31:30
Quote
Further Information

If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay

Quote
Yes, thank you.   But how do I travel??

Interesting you bring this up. Before Delay Repay, the 'Further Information' part of JourneyCheck was often populated with at times useful advice with what to do, not anymore, just the same standard line about Delay Repay.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: RA on February 19, 2020, 20:56:17
The 17:50 Gloucester to Westbury (instead of Southampton Central because of the landslip) service was cancelled throughout owing to disruption from the incident at Keynsham earlier.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 20, 2020, 08:04:45
The 17:50 Gloucester to Westbury (instead of Southampton Central because of the landslip) service was cancelled throughout owing to disruption from the incident at Keynsham earlier.

Sadly, a lack of information at Melksham (I sound like a well worn record!).   On the Melksham Rail User Group Facebook page, I read

Quote
And cancel the 19.06 last night back to trowbridge so had to wait for the 21.09 train .as the bus x34 didnt come at 17.56 .from where I was waiting at melksham opposite the McDonald.

Little wonder that people drive, is it?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: phile on February 20, 2020, 09:07:30
The 17:50 Gloucester to Westbury (instead of Southampton Central because of the landslip) service was cancelled throughout owing to disruption from the incident at Keynsham earlier.

Sadly, a lack of information at Melksham (I sound like a well worn record!).   On the Melksham Rail User Group Facebook page, I read

Quote
And cancel the 19.06 last night back to trowbridge so had to wait for the 21.09 train .as the bus x34 didnt come at 17.56 .from where I was waiting at melksham opposite the McDonald.


Little wonder that people drive, is it?
I suggest that every time there is a cancellation and no travel information on Journey Check,  GWR should be tweeted to ask for such information

edit: fixing quote box


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 20, 2020, 09:18:07
Quote
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 20, 2020, 09:57:40
Quote
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

The 08:44 Swindon to Westbury had to return to Swindon (so that's the 09:09 at Melksham cancelled)

Quote
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Chippenham
Due to a tree blocking the railway between Swindon and Chippenham the line towards Chippenham is blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or diverted. Disruption is expected until 12:00 20/02.

Delay above has turned into a cancellation:

Quote
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:33 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Timmer on February 20, 2020, 10:00:08
The offending tree:
https://twitter.com/GWRHelp/status/1230430751033827329


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on February 20, 2020, 10:19:57
Quote
An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown

10:03 Swindon to Westbury due 10:44.

Calls Melksham at 10:28


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 20, 2020, 11:04:39
Quote
An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown

10:03 Swindon to Westbury due 10:44.

Calls Melksham at 10:28

We have a serious robustness / reputational issue. From last night - public post on Facebook:

Quote
Why was it cancelled? That happened to me they were sending a bus to west bury but bus was late , I missed my train from westbury got to Cornwall 9 hrs later. Second time was waiting train never arrived missed my train at westbury I give up going from melksham. Found out later there was no train drivers.

and 3 days out of 4 so far this week, at least one cancellation.

Looks like that extra got cancelled too ... train waited an hour in Swindon to resume its normal diagram. Probably the wisest / pragramtic thing to have done as otherwise it would have been out of step all day unless they turned it short on the next run at Chippenham.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/mon_20200217_rtt.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/tues_20200218_rtt.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/weds_20200219_rtt.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/thur_b_20200220_rtt.jpg)

Edit to add complete record for Thursday in place of partial record posted during the day


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Gaz on February 20, 2020, 11:18:57
The 08:59 from Chippenham to Trowbridge has been cancelled two days in a row, yesterday because of a broken down train and today due to a tree. I'm hoping to get into the office tomorrow, fingers crossed!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 20, 2020, 12:01:17
I will update the real time screen capture above as  / when / if trains resume.

Quote
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46 has been cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

Quote
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.

I guess one of the benefits of electrification is that it takes longer to clear fallen trees away, even for diesel trains.   Don't recall that benefit being one of the quoted sales features  :D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 20, 2020, 12:52:23
Quote
12:35 Swindon to Westbury due 13:16
An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown 12:35 Swindon to Westbury due 13:16.

Err ... OK.    Noting that 12:16 Westbury to Swindon (due 12:59) is cancelled, I wonder what will happen to the 13:14 Swindon to Westbury.   

Love to have that as a permanent advertised additional train if the existing trains remained in the timetable and ran!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on February 20, 2020, 12:53:50
The additional 12:35 has run - albeit 10 minutes late.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 20, 2020, 13:29:54
The additional 12:35 has run - albeit 10 minutes late.

so no stock available for the 13:14.

Quote
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway earlier today.

Why not simply hold it back half an hour in Swindon?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on February 20, 2020, 13:32:09
Having tried to run it earlier it may have been the crew were getting near the end of their hours.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 20, 2020, 17:16:56
Quote
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to an earlier landslip.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Phil on February 21, 2020, 08:39:58
The 08:59 from Chippenham to Trowbridge has been cancelled two days in a row, yesterday because of a broken down train and today due to a tree. I'm hoping to get into the office tomorrow, fingers crossed!

I booked this week off work as soon as I saw the weather forecast. There was never going to be a reliable service on this benighted line once GWR got a sniff of even potential excuses reasons not to run any trains.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 25, 2020, 16:25:59
Quote
Cancellations to services at Swindon
Due to a person being hit by a train at Swindon all lines are blocked.
Train services running through this station may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 17:15 25/02.

Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:07
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17

17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be cancelled.
This is due to a person being hit by a train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Gaz on February 25, 2020, 21:25:52
Yeah sad... my 16:31 was cancelled so took the 16:47 to Gloucester, obviously getting off at Bath. Not sure where that train comes from, maybe Weymouth? The fatality occured in the Swindon area we were told by the Bath announcer and it was causing delays/cancellations on the mainline. In the end got home about an hour late.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on February 29, 2020, 10:14:12
Just two cancellations at the moment across the GWR network.

Quote
10:05 Westbury to Swindon due 10:48
11:04 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:04 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.

There seem to be disproportionate cancellations due to train faults on the TransWilts, and yet they're the same type of train as used on many other lines / service from, to and through Westbury.  Which leads to the question "Why?".  Is there something about the line than causes the trains to fail more frequently, is it the easiest one to cancel if they're a train short, or do they get less complaints if this is the one cancelled?



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 01, 2020, 17:19:11
Quote
16:50 Westbury to Swindon due 17:34
17:44 Swindon to Westbury due 18:25
18:35 Westbury to Swindon due 19:17
19:30 Swindon to Westbury due 20:11

19:30 Swindon to Westbury due 20:11 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Further Information

If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on March 01, 2020, 18:25:41
Appears to the result of a double failure.

The set working the 15:46 from Swindon had to come out of service and then a set brought out of the yard also had a problem leading to the cancellation of the 16:50 back to Swindon and its return.

A unit is now being detached from a Cardiff to Fareham service at Westbury for the 20:18 to Swindon.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: brooklea on March 01, 2020, 22:19:04
Appears to the result of a double failure.

The set working the 15:46 from Swindon had to come out of service and then a set brought out of the yard also had a problem leading to the cancellation of the 16:50 back to Swindon and its return.

A unit is now being detached from a Cardiff to Fareham Salisbury service at Westbury for the 20:18 to Swindon.

Fixed that for you  ;)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 06, 2020, 11:22:22
Quote
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
 
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a person being hit by a train earlier.

Additional Information

Customers with via Melksham tickets may travel via Bath Spa. Road transport will be requested for customers at Melksham.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on March 06, 2020, 13:13:12
Both now reinstated. 


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 06, 2020, 16:05:08
Quote
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55 will be delayed at Chippenham.
This is due to the train departing late to maintain customer connections.

Real time trains suggests its was a three minute delay to ensure a connection off the 15:00 from Bristol - makes sense.   Still making connections to London, Plymouth, Salisbury (and Cardiff) at Westbury.  Good call to hold at Chippenham.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 09, 2020, 20:46:07
Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a train hitting an obstruction on the line.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: RA on March 09, 2020, 20:54:28
Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a train hitting an obstruction on the line.

The 17:50 Gloucester to Warminster service is currently (as at 20:50) sat at Melksham station. It has struck something in the vicinity of Dunch Lane bridge. Both engines were initially shut down but the crew have managed to revive them and limp forwards to Melksham station. The unit from the 20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham service (cancelled) is being used to rescue the stranded train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 09, 2020, 20:57:16
The 17:50 Gloucester to Warminster service is currently (as at 20:50) sat at Melksham station. It has struck something in the vicinity of Dunch Lane bridge. Both engines were initially shut down but the crew have managed to revive them and limp forwards to Melksham station. The unit from the 20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham service (cancelled) is being used to rescue the stranded train.

Oh dear ...

Completing the story, Journeycheck tells us

Quote
Alterations to services between Chippenham and Trowbridge
Due to a train hitting an obstruction on the line between Chippenham and Trowbridge the line is blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be suspended. Disruption is expected until 21:00 09/03.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: RA on March 09, 2020, 21:01:43
It appears that a road vehicle has struck one of the bridge parapets (road over rail) and knocked some of the masonry onto the track before leaving the scene without reporting the damage and obstruction.  >:(


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 09, 2020, 21:15:33
It appears that a road vehicle has struck one of the bridge parapets (road over rail) and knocked some of the masonry onto the track before leaving the scene without reporting the damage and obstruction.  >:(

That would seem logical ... it's an "interesting" bridge ... https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/18293127.railway-bridge-collapses-train-goes-near-melksham/

I started a separate thread ... https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/18293127.railway-bridge-collapses-train-goes-near-melksham/ and http://www.passenger.chat/23016 . In hindsight that may be overdoing it, as it sounds like trains will be running again in the morning.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 09, 2020, 21:39:12
Further text in the Gazette and Herald (https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/18293170.passengers-speak-shock-train-hits-rubble-melksham-bridge/)

Quote
ENGINEERS are clearing rubble from the railway line after a vehicle struck a bridge near Melksham.

A Great Western Railway service on its way from Chippenham to Warminster hit the stones at around 7.20pm, damaging the front of the train.

Network Rail hopes to have the line reopened by the morning rush hour. A damaged wall by the steel bridge is being rebuilt.

'Panic'

Passengers on the Warminster-bound service spoke of their shock at feeling the train "steer off the tracks".

Tracey Hannam, who joined the train at Chippenham, said: “I felt the train steer off the tracks.


“There was a really loud noise like the train was going to go over.

“A lot of us in our carriage held on to something and put our heads down.

“You just start panicking because you think the worst is going to happen.

“I’ve been travelling this route for six years and nothing like this has ever happened.”

Tracey works for the RSPCA in Chippenham and was travelling home to Trowbridge. She added: “It was very scary. I usually get an earlier train home from work but I stayed late today.



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 11, 2020, 16:16:20
Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:07
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:07 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 13, 2020, 07:04:01
Quote
06:11 Swindon to Westbury due 06:53
 
06:11 Swindon to Westbury due 06:53 is being delayed between Chippenham and Melksham and is now expected to be 12 minutes late.
This is due to congestion.

2 track now  ;D ;D (or passing loop(s) or whatever helps get all the freight and an hourly or better passenger train through!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on March 22, 2020, 06:21:44
Quote
08:20 Westbury to Swindon due 09:03
09:12 Swindon to Westbury due 09:52
10:44 Westbury to Swindon due 11:28
11:41 Swindon to Westbury due 12:21
14:50 Westbury to Swindon due 15:34
15:46 Swindon to Westbury due 16:26

08:20 Westbury to Swindon due 09:03 will be cancelled.
This is due to a short-notice change to the timetable.
Further Information
Following discussions with Government and the wider rail industry, Great Western Railway is reducing services to reflect national advice against non-essential travel, while maintaining services critical to keeping key workers moving during the current situation.

Posted to the log with no analysis of the particular choices made on the TransWilts - separate subject(s) ...


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on April 01, 2020, 15:28:12
Quote
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55 is being delayed at Swindon.
This is due to trespassers on the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on April 03, 2020, 16:11:28
Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:07
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:07 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to a fault on this train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on April 25, 2020, 08:23:35
Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:24
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:24 has been delayed at Westbury and is now 26 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on April 27, 2020, 18:24:45
Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21

18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will be cancelled.

This is due to a fault on this train.

Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26

20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 will be cancelled.

This is due to a fault on this train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on May 03, 2020, 08:01:46
Each month, I consolidate data from http://www.mrug.org.uk/record.html into a Melksham specific report for TransWilts. I did wonder what I should do for April; in the absence of feedback or change requests, I simply carries on - it makes sense to do so, as it means that statistical series will be complete in the future.  Unusually, though, I am posting my report summary here as well as emailing it in, as it provides some useful indicators and some news from the line - such news is scarse from any service at the moment right across the UK as there simply aren't passengers on the trains and buses to report in anything like the normal numbers.




Another calendar month [April 2020] has ended - but a very different one.  For what it’s worth and in the absence of requests otherwise, we have continued to log Melksham train performance against the timetable as being advertised on the day on the WEBTIS screen at the station, which we are able to view remotely. (Summary paragraphs follow, raw data below)

About 486 services in the original timetable (may be inaccurate due to Easter public holiday)
348 services scheduled to call at Melksham during April 2020 on modified timetable
316 ran on time, 20 were slightly late, 10 were 5 minutes or more late, 2 were cancelled.

We have lost incredibly few service in the emergency timetable - probably because the line already has a very thin service which would be useless with cuts, the line provides an operation and key worker service, and there's nothing really left to cut as it's now a single train operation.

Most (but not all) of the people I know who use the TransWilts service are not using it at present - in line with goverment guidelines and rules, and common to all GWR services. The little 'intelligence' I have talks of trains with just a handful of people, but loadings per carriage actually remains slighlty higher (on tiny numbers) than many / most(?) other GWR services.

99.4% of services ran (excellent month; a rare example of meeting target)
96.5 ppm - again an excellent (even superb) figure.
In summary - the rail infrastrucure is no longer overoaded with services, and there are plenty of trains and crews.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on May 06, 2020, 06:20:44
From yesterday (on Twitter, public tweet):

Quote
@GWRHelp
thanks for not opening the doors at Trowbridge station at 05:23 I loved my little stop off in Melksham and then an hour wait to go back to Trowbridge


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on May 20, 2020, 10:24:01
Quote
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34

09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34 was terminated at Chippenham.

It will no longer call at Swindon.

This is due to animals on the railway.

Quote
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47

11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.

This is due to animals on the railway.

Herd of cows on the line at Wootton Bassett Junction.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on May 20, 2020, 10:26:25
Quote
10:30 Chippenham to Westbury due 10:56

An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown

10:30 Chippenham to Westbury due 10:56.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on May 20, 2020, 10:34:27
Quote
10:30 Chippenham to Westbury due 10:56

An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown

10:30 Chippenham to Westbury due 10:56.

Logical to get the train back to Westbury ... expect it to be ultra-safe (no passengers) as it's running some 50 minutes ahead of the train cancelled in the timetable.   

Reports to me are very very thin at present, but the 09:45 Westbury to Swindon (which ran as far as Chippenham) is carrying passengers. The 11:05 back much less so (educated guess - no report)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on May 20, 2020, 10:53:40
Will be some lengthy delays.  Two IETs (one in each direction) have struck the cows.   One train has a broken windscreen, the other is blocking Wootton Bassett Junction.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on May 20, 2020, 11:45:15
Quote
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01

12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01 will be cancelled.

This is due to animals on the railway.

Quote
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55

13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be cancelled.

This is due to animals on the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on May 20, 2020, 13:27:30
Quote
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 will be terminated at Chippenham.

It will no longer call at Swindon.

This is due to animals on the railway.

Unit will then be used to provide a shuttle between Chippenham and Bath Spa.

Quote
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55

15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55 will be cancelled.

This is due to animals on the railway.

Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08

16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08 will be cancelled.

This is due to animals on the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on May 20, 2020, 14:20:08
But then back down to Westbury on the evening 'peak' service.

Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be started from Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Swindon.
It will be delayed at Chippenham and is expected to be 9 minutes late.
This is due to animals on the railway.

I hope the late start is to let the bus from Swindon arrive, but I fear it's to let the train from Bath arrive.

Through train, Bath to Melksham ... now there's a novel idea  ;D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on May 20, 2020, 16:29:21
Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21

18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will be terminated at Chippenham.

It will no longer call at Swindon.

This is due to animals on the railway earlier today.

Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26

20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 will be started from Chippenham.

It will no longer call at Swindon.

This is due to animals on the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 12, 2020, 15:19:22
Quote
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 12, 2020, 16:50:49
Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08 will be diverted between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 10 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 12, 2020, 17:54:06
Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 12, 2020, 19:08:07
Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will be diverted between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 10 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
Further Information


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Reginald25 on June 12, 2020, 19:12:12
As the Melksham route is clearly not in use and trains diverting via Bathampton and BOA, was a bus service laid on automatically without request. And more generally, when more passengers start using the train, would a bustitution service be able to accomodate everyone with the required social distancing?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 16, 2020, 17:11:10
Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08 has been delayed between Melksham and Chippenham and is now 10 minutes late.
This is due to congestion.

No problem ... not due back out until 17:36.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on June 17, 2020, 16:40:46
Same train, different day

Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08

16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a broken down train.

Was held at Westbury for 10 minutes to let the 14:15 diverted service from Plymouth to go in front to avoid a broken down freight train at Bedwyn.  It called at Westbury and will call at Swindon so anyone making an end to end journey could have caught it and not been inconvenienced.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 19, 2020, 05:35:37
Quote
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a fault on this train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on June 19, 2020, 06:01:18
Now running but 16 minutes late.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 19, 2020, 15:20:25
Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08 will be cancelled.
This is due to failure of the electricity supply earlier today.
Further Information

Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be cancelled.
This is due to failure of the electricity supply earlier today.

Err ... diesel train ?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on June 19, 2020, 15:44:43
Err ... diesel train ?

Agreed, and I don't know the specific reason for the cancellations, but the points and signals need electricity.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on June 19, 2020, 15:53:19
Both now re-instated anyway!   ;D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 22, 2020, 07:42:51
Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19 will no longer call at Melksham.
This is due to a points failure.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 23, 2020, 07:12:41
Interesting to see how problems knock on ... and rather confirming that the line through Melksham is a key part of the network, and at times has capacity issues.

Failed freight train at just to the east of Kintbury.
1K01 in the platform at Bedwyn
5K21 in the turnback siding

Quote
Cancellations to services between Bedwyn and Newbury
Due to a broken down train between Bedwyn and Newbury the line towards Reading is blocked.
Train services running through these stations will be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or diverted.
Disruption is expected until 08:30 23/06.

Quote
06:12 Frome to London Paddington due 08:01
06:12 Frome to London Paddington due 08:01 will be diverted between Westbury and Reading.
It will no longer call at Pewsey, Bedwyn, Hungerford, Kintbury, Newbury, Thatcham, Theale and Reading West.
This is due to a broken down train.

Quote
06:11 Swindon to Westbury due 06:53
06:11 Swindon to Westbury due 06:53 has been delayed at Chippenham and is now 11 minutes late.
This is due to a problem currently under investigation.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/thinwait.jpg)



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on June 23, 2020, 07:22:09
Interesting to see how problems knock on ... and rather confirming that the line through Melksham is a key part of the network, and at times has capacity issues.

Failed freight train at just to the east of Kintbury.
1K01 in the platform at Bedwyn
5K21 in the turnback siding


And 2 more coming through

... first one running close to the path of the 07:04 from Westbury to Cheltenham Spa ... but - no worry this time - that's not running at the moment anyway.

... second one in the gap between the 07:52 and 10:01 at Melksham; no same-direction delays and it will be well clear before the 09:09 in the other direction.

Quote
04:51 Plymouth to London Paddington due 08:35
04:51 Plymouth to London Paddington due 08:35 will be diverted between Westbury and Reading.
It will no longer call at Pewsey, Bedwyn, Hungerford and Newbury.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 11 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train.

Quote
05:34 Plymouth to London Paddington due 09:19
05:34 Plymouth to London Paddington due 09:19 will be diverted between Westbury and Reading.
It will no longer call at Pewsey and Newbury.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 24 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on June 23, 2020, 07:50:30
The 06:11 from Swindon was delayed to allow the rescue loco to come up the single line.  Had to be sent from Westbury to Reading and then Newbury to attach to the front of the failed train near Kintbury.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 14, 2020, 13:07:32
My heart misses a beat when I see a great glob of blue on out map at the top left of the page.

Today's, though, totally acceptable.

Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
Facilities on the 17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17.
Will be formed of 3 coaches instead of 2.

I really must try to get into the code to make these go red, blue or green (calamity, oh dear and Thank You respectively!)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on July 14, 2020, 13:37:43
I really must try to get into the code to make these go red, blue or green (calamity, oh dear and Thank You respectively!)

Well, that is the rest of your afternoon sorted...  ;D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 15, 2020, 15:14:13
I really must try to get into the code to make these go red, blue or green (calamity, oh dear and Thank You respectively!)

Well, that is the rest of your afternoon sorted...  ;D

Hmm ... not a brilliant day ... feeling a bit down ... felt like doing a bit of playing around.   All experimental stuff but the map is slightly more coloured:

Red - Cancellation
Brown - Toilet problems
Green - something additional (train or stops)
Dark Blue - delayed or late
Normal Blue - I haven't yet identified any key words in this report!

I will keep my eyes open over coming days and weeks and fine tune - for the moment, do not trust the colours to be accurate ....

adding ...
Orange - different length train to planned (e.g. 5 carriages for 10)
Magenta - only running part of the route (not calling at all stations)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 25, 2020, 14:37:08
Quote
14:07 Westbury to Swindon due 14:56
14:07 Westbury to Swindon due 14:56 will be reinstated.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be starting late from Westbury and is expected to be 10 minutes late.
This is due to a broken rail.

Quote
15:05 Swindon to Westbury due 15:49
15:05 Swindon to Westbury due 15:49 will be reinstated.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed between Chippenham and Westbury and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a broken rail.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: GBM on July 25, 2020, 15:20:46
Can't be a broken rail AT Melksham, otherwise the whole train would be cancelled.
So a broken rail somewhere on a double line??


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 25, 2020, 15:41:36
Can't be a broken rail AT Melksham, otherwise the whole train would be cancelled.
So a broken rail somewhere on a double line??

Likely on the single line through Melksham, with the train diverted from Trowbridge up to Bathampton, reversing there and through Corsham to Chippenham.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 26, 2020, 07:20:10
Quote
08:47 Westbury to Swindon due 09:30
08:47 Westbury to Swindon due 09:30 will be cancelled.
This is due to a problem currently under investigation.

Quote
09:39 Swindon to Westbury due 10:24
09:39 Swindon to Westbury due 10:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a problem currently under investigation.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on July 26, 2020, 08:21:36
Could possibly be a planning error.   Neither train appears on Real Time Trains.  In addition two services to the West of England have been diverted via the single line - due to pass Melksham at 09:04 and 09:53.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 26, 2020, 08:33:04
Quote
08:47 Westbury to Swindon due 09:30
08:47 Westbury to Swindon due 09:30 will be cancelled.
This is due to a problem currently under investigation.

Quote
09:39 Swindon to Westbury due 10:24
09:39 Swindon to Westbury due 10:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a problem currently under investigation.

Real time trains suggests that an IET from London to Plymouth (an "important" train) passes Melksham at 09:05 and Journey Check suggests that the 08:47 from Westbury to Swindon (a train that key workers were delighted to get back couple of weeks ago through scheduled 27 minutes later than normal today, and has built up again quickly) was due to call at 09:04.

Looks like a planning error.  Has it really just come light this morning, I wonder?  Planning must have been done at least a few days ago and people can re-arrange if they know.

With the next London to Plymouth train on the single track at the same time the train was due to return from Swindon, and a freight train in between ... simplest solution is to cancel the 08:47 ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/rtt_20200726.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/jc_20200726.jpg)

Could possibly be a planning error.   Neither train appears on Real Time Trains.  In addition two services to the West of England have been diverted via the single line - due to pass Melksham at 09:04 and 09:53.

Exactly, Bob .... I was slower in replying as I've been answering regular user frustration on Facebook!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on July 26, 2020, 13:46:04
Can't be a broken rail AT Melksham, otherwise the whole train would be cancelled.
So a broken rail somewhere on a double line??

Likely on the single line through Melksham, with the train diverted from Trowbridge up to Bathampton, reversing there and through Corsham to Chippenham.

Now had a chance to investigate this.

The preceding train from Swindon to Westbury reported a defect between Thingley Junction and Melksham on the single line.    It was then established as a gap between two sections of track rather than a broken rail.  So while the 14:22 from Westbury was diverted via Bathampton the return from Swindon at 15:05 did go booked route and call at Melksham.  This allowed trackside staff to watch a train over the affected stretch and carry out the work needed to solve the problem.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 28, 2020, 03:40:14
Quote
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Quote
06:11 Swindon to Westbury due 06:53
06:11 Swindon to Westbury due 06:53 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 28, 2020, 08:16:59
Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19 has been cancelled.
This is due to a problem currently under investigation.

Quote
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25 will be cancelled.
This is due to a problem currently under investigation.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 31, 2020, 13:45:42
Quote
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.

Quote
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.

for the record ... I suspect the root cause is
Quote
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Newbury
Due to a broken down train between Westbury and Newbury the line towards Reading is blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or diverted. Disruption is expected until 16:00 31/07.
any yet again diversions via the TransWilts, cancelling the local trains, and not having the diverted semi-fasts make the extra calls.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on July 31, 2020, 14:47:42
Indeed. 

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/mkmcanc.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 31, 2020, 16:46:23
A couple of hours added to the problems at Bedwyn

Quote
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Newbury
Due to a broken down train between Westbury and Newbury the line towards Reading is blocked.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or diverted. Disruption is expected until 18:00 31/07.

And a couple more TransWilts service sacrificed so the important trains can use our line none-stop.

Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
Additional Information
Customers with tickets routed 'via Melksham' may travel via Bath Spa.

Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
Additional Information
Customers with tickets routed 'via Melksham' may travel via Bath Spa.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 31, 2020, 17:32:30
A stop in the right direction  ;)

Quote
15:38 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington due 18:09
15:38 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington due 18:09 will be diverted between Westbury and Reading.
It will no longer call at Pewsey and Newbury but will call additionally at Swindon.
It is being delayed between Westbury and Reading and is now expected to be 24 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train.

Quote
16:46   Westbury   16:46
17:02   Pewsey   Not Stopping
17:22   Newbury   Not Stopping
Swindon   17:32
17:42   Reading   18:06


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Adelante_CCT on July 31, 2020, 17:41:11
Offending train now finally moved out of the way


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on July 31, 2020, 18:25:22
A stop in the right direction  ;)

Quote
15:38 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington due 18:09
15:38 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington due 18:09 will be diverted between Westbury and Reading.
It will no longer call at Pewsey and Newbury but will call additionally at Swindon.
It is being delayed between Westbury and Reading and is now expected to be 24 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train.

Quote
16:46   Westbury   16:46
17:02   Pewsey   Not Stopping
17:22   Newbury   Not Stopping
Swindon   17:32
17:42   Reading   18:06

Sort of - trains booked to call at Pewsey usually get a Swindon stop to provide a shorter distance for road replacement.  I think they also find it easier to organise it from Swindon rather than Westbury - but yes a bonus for anyone making an end to end journey on the TransWilts.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on July 31, 2020, 20:13:49
Quote
Delays to services between Westbury and Newbury
Following a broken down train earlier today between Westbury and Newbury the line towards Reading is now open.
Train services running through these stations are returning to normal. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.


16:00 .... 18:00 .... end of day.  Wonder if anyone analyses first estimates and final results to help get the first estimates better next time ... bit fed up ... cancellations 4 out of the last seven days.  Nice to see IETs, but between rather than in place of scheduled calling services would be far nicer.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on July 31, 2020, 21:07:20
I don’t have the details about today but the rescue loco was shown on Open Train Times map as ready to leave Theale around 14:30.  What happened after that I’m not sure.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: GBM on August 01, 2020, 17:50:19
I don’t have the details about today but the rescue loco was shown on Open Train Times map as ready to leave Theale around 14:30.  What happened after that I’m not sure.
If you happen to hear, I'd be interested please.
Watched for a while, but didn't see any thunderbird, so was called to housework...............


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 03, 2020, 06:42:42
Quote
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59
Facilities on the 05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59.
Will be formed of 3 coaches instead of 2.

6 out of 7 (12 services) today with an extra carriage. 2 journeys unreported in the middle of the day (I wonder if a different set is used?) and 3 individual journeys remain suspended due to Coronavirus reductions. 

Ironically perhaps, those suspended journeys are the ones that ran all through the dark days up to 2013 when we had two trains each way per day, "too early and too late" and whilst they form an important element of the ongoing service and their none-running leaves a hole, they are probably the easiest-lost services.   

Note, please, if you are reading this at GWR HQ or at the DfT, I write "easyEST lost" and not easily lost.
... the resultant gap from 17:36 to 20:45 in return trains at the end of a days' work from Swindon really needs to be plugged when you can.  The 18:44 is the most missed of the three
... the loss of the final train up from Westbury at 19:35 is disappointing; not a busy train but a socially necessary one.

Should some bright person take the current 16:25 trip off Westbury and then replicate it at 18:25 (replacing the 18:39) and 20:25, returning as current at 17:36, 19:36 (but 19:16 preferable) and 21:36 (but 21:16 OR 22:36 both preferable), I think we would be close to the best one-train solution.  No - that is is not a hint.  Yes - this is a hint.

Still reading?  The suggestion probably mucks up the Stroud Valley extras.  The long-running 07:01 Westbury to Swindon arrived in Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa for start-or-work and the return 18:44 off Swindon started as an excellent return -from-work train from those places to Stroud, Kemble and Swindon.  Up to 2013, as the only services off the TransWilts into Swindon these extras only had a very niche clientelle of people who wanted to spend 11 hours in Swindon. Post 2013, they have become useful trains for people who want to 9 or 10 hours in Swindon - up on an old train and back on a new, or vice versa.

Let's sort out the Stroud Valley commuters too.  Re-instate our 07:01 off Westbury.  Balance working back, the 18:44 off Swindon.   Push back that 19:16 or 19:36 return from Swindon (above) to 20:06, and run the final round trip at 21:01 from Westbury and 22:36 from Swindon.   All balances, neat job done.  A single extra journey over the TransWilts, gaps filled.  Mid evening curiosities cleared from Swindon to Gloucester / Cheltenham Spa.

With my crayon sharpened ... south of Westbury (where the original southbound services carried on to Southampton, but northbound only originated from Westbury!) there is ... clear scope for a further post. Yes - looking at linking the services through to the Southampton area,  and/or filling in to Dilton Marsh and Warminster, or to Frome.   And - yes - with an hourly TransWilts service you will on pre-covid logic double the number of passengers; a two-hourly (or slightly worse) commuter service with journey times of perhaps 25 minutes is not THAT attractive; we see locally how robust passenger numbers are to repeated disruption, and that's because the user base is still thin, and self selected from the much larger potential pool who would use it if it were more frequent and generally trusted to run.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 11, 2020, 21:23:24
Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 19 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 12, 2020, 06:27:51
Quote
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59 has been delayed previously and is expected to be 21 minutes late from Chippenham.
This is due to a broken down train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 12, 2020, 06:39:18
Here’s the culprit.

The overnight train from Penzance failed at Chippenham and had to be rescued by the loco which would have met it at Reading.

Seen here passing Swindon nearly three hours late.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/1c50swi.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 12, 2020, 06:45:58
Here’s the culprit.

The overnight train from Penzance failed at Chippenham and had to be rescued by the loco which would have met it at Reading.

Seen here passing Swindon nearly three hours late.


Ironic that I'm giving a short talk today where this is relevant.  May I use the picture(with credit?) please?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 12, 2020, 06:52:24
Of course. If you do need a higher quality version let me know. 

On topic:  The return service from Swindon to Westbury is running 25 minutes late - but it IS running.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 12, 2020, 07:11:38
Of course. If you do need a higher quality version let me know. 

On topic:  The return service from Swindon to Westbury is running 25 minutes late - but it IS running.

Thanks ... 'just' a small image but what a classic illustration of how trains that have nothing to do with the residents in the area get in the way of local trains.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 13, 2020, 04:56:41
Quote
06:37 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids due 08:44
07:04 London Paddington to Paignton due 10:15
08:04 London Paddington to Penzance due 13:07

07:04 London Paddington to Paignton due 10:15 will be diverted between Reading and Taunton.
It will no longer call at Newbury and Pewsey.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time

Effect on local services not yet known ... but it looks like some main line services from London to the West Country are coming through that fine-fettled but low-capacity section between Chippenham and Trowbridge.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 13, 2020, 07:03:16
Effect on local services not yet known ... but it looks like some main line services from London to the West Country are coming through that fine-fettled but low-capacity section between Chippenham and Trowbridge.

Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.

08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:46

It feels like other trains getting in the way is becoming a daily occurrence!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 14, 2020, 08:38:27
Quote
Delays to services between Chippenham and Swindon
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Chippenham and Swindon fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 12:00 14/08.
Further Information
Owing to problems with the signalling system in the Chippenham area a reduced frequency of train service will operate to and from Chippenham and Bath Spa.
If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay

Looks like alternate London <-> Bristol services missing out Chippenham and Bath Spa so I'm guessing single line working from Royal Wootton Bassett to Thingley.  No reports on JourneyCheck of any delays to TransWilts services which is a pleasant change from what I would have expected to see. And when they're about they'll give extra Chippenham to Swindon service about the hourly anyway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 14, 2020, 08:49:12
Service thinned out with some Bristol/London trains going via Hullavington along with freight were possible.

Remaining ones sharing the westbound line between Thingley and Wootton Bassett junctions.

Now if there was only reversible signalling on the Berks & Hants route there would be far fewer diversions via Melksham.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 14, 2020, 13:38:24
Delays to services between Chippenham and Swindon
Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 12:00 14/08.

Ongoing ...

Quote
Alterations to services between Chippenham and Swindon
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Chippenham and Swindon fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 10 minutes or diverted. Disruption is expected until 15:00 14/08.

At least the way the diversions are being routed with alternate London - Bristol and vice versa trains missing out Chippenham and Bath Spa, there's always going to be a train within the hour.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 14, 2020, 13:55:43
Quote
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 29 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
Disabled toilet facilities are not available.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 19, 2020, 21:35:45
NOT a delay - a reminder (just one of many occasions) of when Melksham is on the main line to and from the West Country

Quote
16:15 Penzance to London Paddington due 21:40
16:15 Penzance to London Paddington due 21:40 will be diverted between Westbury and Reading.
It will no longer call at Pewsey and Newbury.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 10 minutes late.
This is due to a broken down train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 19, 2020, 21:42:57
Not sure I follow that.  It was fractionally early at Westbury but 23 minutes late at Reading. 


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 19, 2020, 21:46:50
Not sure I follow that.  It was fractionally early at Westbury but 23 minutes late at Reading. 

I'm looking at it from the viewpoint of the local trains


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 19, 2020, 22:06:45
But it passed through Melksham around 20:40 so I can’t see it delayed anything else?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 20, 2020, 06:42:41
But it passed through Melksham around 20:40 so I can’t see it delayed anything else?

It had been a long day ... poor wording on my part of an unusual post on this thread.  Unusual not because diversions are unusual (it's already happened on a number of days this month - I think this is the 4th) but because I chose to record it here as an example.

No TransWilts trains were delayed or cancelled by this diversion of a Penzance to Paddington train from Westbury via Swindon, including over the single line railway from Bradford Junction to Thingley Junction.   

I estimate the diverted train passed through the station of Melksham at 20:38, and in the gap between the 18:55 call of the final Westbury to Swindon and the 21:10 final Swindon to Westbury.  No delay. Even with an extra southbound call at 19:15 and an extra 19:50 northbound call, currently suspended because of a continued thinning out of services because of Coronavirus, there would have been no delays.  Freight trains passed through at 19:32 and 20:06 - again, no operational conflict in the area.

The 16:15 Penzance to Paddington was on time at Westbury, but 23 minutes late at Reading due to being diverted, and missed out calls at Pewsey and Newbury.  That's around 10 to 15 minutes more delay picked up than would have happened on a run totally free of other trains, and I suspect it had to wait to be threaded through Thingley, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Foxhall and Didcot ... or got caught behind one of those freight trains that was around.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 23, 2020, 07:28:19
Quote
08:11 Warminster to Swindon due 09:06

08:11 Warminster to Swindon due 09:06 will be started from Westbury.

It will no longer call at Warminster and Dilton Marsh.

This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: martyjon on August 24, 2020, 13:19:48
Just now at 1306. Broken Down train on B&H expect diversions via M with associated canx S to W.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 24, 2020, 13:23:07
Line has just re-opened - we might just get away with it!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 25, 2020, 14:16:09
Quote
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 will be cancelled.
This is due to an obstruction on the track.

Quote
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to an obstruction on the track.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 25, 2020, 17:13:09
Two problems this afternoon.  A tree on the line and hit by a freight train near Freshford.  Meanwhile a commercial sized marquee on the track between Melksham and Thingley Junction on the single line.  Makes a change from a trampoline I suppose.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on August 25, 2020, 17:17:51
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08 will be cancelled.
This is due to an obstruction on the track.

17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be cancelled.
This is due to an obstruction on the track.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 25, 2020, 17:27:39
Picture from Network Rail of the offending marquee.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/mkmmarq.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 25, 2020, 17:55:19
Quote
17:51 Chippenham to Westbury due 18:41
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 17:51 Chippenham to Westbury due 18:41


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Lee on August 25, 2020, 20:43:27
Picture from Network Rail of the offending marquee.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/mkmmarq.jpg)

"I said Marston, not Melksham, Biggles!..."


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on August 25, 2020, 21:59:44
Hopefully the rest of the wedding reception went off without a hitch.....albeit a bit breezy.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on August 26, 2020, 18:47:06
Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21

18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been cancelled.

This is due to a fault on this train.

Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26

20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 will be cancelled.

This is due to a fault on this train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on August 26, 2020, 18:48:29
Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Snap  ;D ;D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 13, 2020, 08:14:07
Quote
08:11 Warminster to Swindon due 09:03 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Warminster and Dilton Marsh.
This is due to a fault on this train


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 14, 2020, 08:00:39
Classic example of two or three things going wrong at the same time.  In the server move, there was a gap of a few hours in the automated monitoring of the Melksham train call data, and I have been filling in the gap from Real Time Trains.  But a very odd report on the train due at 15:39 ... does anyone know what happened?

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/rttodd2020011.jpg)

Showing 'right time' into Westbury ... and I suspect that's correct.  Times at Hawkeridge, Trowbridge and Bradford Junction look like the time the same train passed  / called there on its next journey back up to Swidnon - timings are in reverse and right for that hypothesis.  But 16:09 at Melksham???

1. At what time did the 15:14 from Swindon to Westbury call at Melksham, if at all?
2. What was showing on the departure board at the station when the train was due?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 16, 2020, 05:22:53
Quote
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59 will be cancelled.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.

Quote
05:17 Westbury to Bath Spa due 05:46
An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown 05:17 Westbury to Bath Spa due 05:46.

Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be started from Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham and Melksham.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on September 16, 2020, 05:37:40
05:17 Westbury to Bath Spa due 05:46
Additional 05:17 Westbury to Bath Spa due 05:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 16, 2020, 06:53:32
05:17 Westbury to Bath Spa due 05:46
Additional 05:17 Westbury to Bath Spa due 05:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.

Looks like an interesting morning!

In the end, the 05:17 ran (empty? Late? via Melksham or via Bathampton?) to CHIPPENHAM where it reversed and - a few minutes late (after the arrival of the first train from London / Swindon) - set off for Southampton, re-instating calls at Chippenham and Melksham and giving a connection from Swindon too - so nothing lost Southbound.

Although it looks to be around 10 minutes late at Westbury (question over the London connection used by some passengers from Trowbridge), it probably won't need the 12 minutes at Salisbury in the timetable.

Sensible solution ... pity the electronic passenger system sent out cancelled messages to passengers for whom a service was then provided; hope it didn't put too many people off.  The online system seems very binary - either "Cancelled" or not for a train in the future.  I do wonder if "Check Back" or something could be used to alert people to an element of doubt.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 16, 2020, 07:40:19
Although it looks to be around 10 minutes late at Westbury (question over the London connection used by some passengers from Trowbridge), it probably won't need the 12 minutes at Salisbury in the timetable.

Looks like regulars would have made it at Westbury ... though Real Time Trains is a bit granular.  A minute to change - quick dash under the subway.  No connections missed at Salisbury, and it left there on time.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 16, 2020, 12:06:22
Quote
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01 will be cancelled.
This is due to a person hit by a train.

Edit (to add for the record without bring the subject up as a new post):

https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/18724763.person-hit-train-near-trowbridge---delays-expected/

Quote
DELAYS are expected on trains towards Bath after a person has been hit by a train near Trowbridge.

Wiltshire Police are currently assisting at the incident on the railway line near North Bradley.

Delays are expected on the trains to Bath Spa and Westbury until around 2pm.

Contact Great Western Railway for more information if you are travelling in that direction.

It is not known what condition the person who was hit is in.

More to follow.

https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/18725376.person-died-struck-train-trowbridge/

Quote
A person has died after being struck at a railway crossing in Trowbridge.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance was called to the scene at around 11.35am on September 16 following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

Paramedics also attended the incident, but the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: ?Officers were called to Trowbridge station at 11.32am today (16 September) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

?Paramedics also attended, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

?The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 16, 2020, 12:30:13
Quote
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a person hit by a train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 19, 2020, 12:39:20
Quote
12:05 Westbury to Swindon due 12:56
12:05 Westbury to Swindon due 12:56 has been delayed at Westbury and is now 7 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 20, 2020, 07:30:05
Quote
08:11 Warminster to Swindon due 09:03
Facilities on the 08:11 Warminster to Swindon due 09:03.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.

Lots of short forms today ... from reports, although I thought they were supposed to be 2 cars only in the first place.

Interestingly, reports starting to come back of train use - including one suggesting that social distancing was / is beginning to be a bit tight and asking "should the train be stepped up to 3 cars?". 


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on September 20, 2020, 14:44:25
Well, pleased to report there were three coaches on the 13:41 Swindon to Weymouth.  Be welcome on its return trip from the seaside.

(Don?t shout it out loud but spotted it from the restaurant while eating our anniversary meal!)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on September 20, 2020, 15:41:49
But two coaches on the 15:39 to Frome. 

(Pushing my luck here!)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 21, 2020, 15:47:42
Quote
13:40 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington due 16:14
13:40 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington due 16:14 will be diverted between Westbury and Reading.
It will no longer call at Pewsey and Newbury.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

Diversion(s?) via Melksham this afternoon ... unsure how many, but looks like they've done so without any local cancellations - THANK YOU.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on September 21, 2020, 16:31:42
That was the only diverted service in the end.  A couple of other passenger trains delayed by around 30 minutes plus one freight but kept to their original route. 

Luckily the one which was diverted dovetailed well with the booked services on the single line.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 22, 2020, 17:51:45
Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 is being delayed at Swindon.
This is due to a broken down train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 25, 2020, 19:48:18
Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 27, 2020, 08:18:47
Not sure whether to be logging this one or not ... Swindon to Westbury running as timetabled.

Quote
11:22 Swindon to Portsmouth Harbour due 14:04
11:22 Swindon to Portsmouth Harbour due 14:04 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey, Southampton Central, Fareham, Cosham, Fratton, Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on September 27, 2020, 09:58:14
10:04 Westbury to Swindon due 10:52
10:04 Westbury to Swindon due 10:52 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

This one now cancelled throughout

11:22 Swindon to Portsmouth Harbour due 14:04
11:22 Swindon to Portsmouth Harbour due 14:04 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on September 27, 2020, 10:01:43
10:04 Westbury to Swindon due 10:52
10:04 Westbury to Swindon due 10:52 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

This one now cancelled throughout

11:22 Swindon to Portsmouth Harbour due 14:04
11:22 Swindon to Portsmouth Harbour due 14:04 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

Thanks, yes ... and (at least) we have a northbound additional call at Melksham too.

Quote
09:08 Portsmouth Harbour to Swindon due 11:43
09:08 Portsmouth Harbour to Swindon due 11:43 will be diverted between Westbury and Swindon.
It will call additionally at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 5 minutes late.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 01, 2020, 23:13:16
The 20:45 from Swindon to Westbury had some issues tonight ... together with lots of other trains:

Quote
Well an amazing train journey home what should be a 40 min journey home now nearly an hour late into westbury

Cannot access westbury from Trowbridge end so had to go on a loop round down to frome and back into westbury what amazing value for money this is lol plus compensation to come back as well

On time at Swindon, Chippenham and Melksham
34 minutes late at Trowbridge
87 minutes late into Westbury


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 02, 2020, 08:00:48
Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be terminated at Salisbury.
It will no longer call at Romsey and Southampton Central.
It has been delayed at Westbury and is now 32 minutes late.
This is due to a points failure.

Ironically, the busiest section of the route is cancelled ... but then it's also the section on which there's another train.  With the 07:35 from Salisbury cancelled, passengers will drop back to the 07:50.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 02, 2020, 08:05:46
Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20 has been reinstated and is now running as scheduled.

Quote
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25 will be reinstated.
It will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to a points failure.

Glad they're running ... hope that not-too-many people got scared off.  With nothing able to run from the platforms in Westbury out towards Pewsey (as I understand it), the TransWilts service offers the best way for Westbury passengers to Reading and London


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on October 02, 2020, 08:11:53
08:44 cancelled, reinstated, then cancelled again.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/mkmcanx.png)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 02, 2020, 08:19:23
08:44 cancelled, reinstated, then cancelled again.

07:35 from Westbury cancelled too - so that's a round trip gone.  But then the 07:04 from Westbury (the one that goes on from Swindon via Stroud) ran 30 minutes late - in the path of the 07:35. 


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 02, 2020, 10:20:31
Another one bites the dust

Quote
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34 has been cancelled.
This is due to a points failure

JourneyCheck reports 1 cancelled, 7 short run and 34 reformed.  Guess where the cancellation is!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 02, 2020, 10:29:04
Now 2 cancelled ... added

Quote
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to a points failure.

Additional Information
Customers with tickets routed via Melksham may travel via Bath Spa.

Customers at Melksham should use the Customer Help Point or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 detailing the total number of passengers in your party and your intended destination.


Customers at Melksham should note that although the help point looks to be turned off with a dead screen, the information button does work (or was doing on Wednesday).  Be prepared to speak clearly because the line is pretty poor and expect to spend some time in trying to communicate as a result.  They will ask you where you are .... then they will ask you to spell that.   Answer should be M-E-L-K-S-H-A-M as they do not find T-H-A-T helpful.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 06, 2020, 07:37:49
05:17 - Westbury to Swindon
Quote
This service is partially cancelled
This service was cancelled between Chippenham and Swindon due to an issue with the train crew (TG).

Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a member of on-train staff being taken ill.

Wishing the member of staff involved a speedy recovery.



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 12, 2020, 11:38:08
I was in Swindon to 10 O'Clock ... so glad I came back on the 09:59 and cycled from Chippenham!

Quote
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

Been a right morning of it ... at the station for the 05:33.  No indication of anything amiss when I left home, but at the station it flashed up that fateful "Delayed" message on the departure screen.    Help point broken - phone rang, answered, said "please wait" and went dead.    National Rail Enquires on my phone told me the train was delayed, but when I asked how much told me that GWR had not given them the information.   When I asked "what do you advise me to do" she said "all I can tell you is train is delayed - I cannot advise you what to do ...."

Anyway ... It turned up.  On time off Westbury, sat for quarter of an hour at Trowbridge, crept up the single line so it was 40 minutes late into Swindon.   Chap who joined at Melksham with me had missed his connecting bus to work ...

Standing as "Journey Maker" in Swindon Station, I noted the 07:48 arrival from Westbury was also 40 minutes late, and the 08:18 arrival about 30 minutes late.    The 06:36 to Southampton left very late, and I note it terminated at Romsey .. as it's the school train  from Salisbury and Romsey into Southampton, that's a "fail" but then I'm sure all the school-goers caught the SWT half an hour behind, just as the Stroud school traffic from Swindon who usually catch the 07:56 went on the express from London half an hour later.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on October 12, 2020, 11:47:28
Axle counters failed on the single line after the weekend engineering work.   Pilot working in operation.  Repairs underway - hoping for a fix by lunchtime.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 12, 2020, 11:52:58
... hoping for a fix by lunchtime.

To the axle counter or the help point??  :D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 12, 2020, 16:18:04
... hoping for a fix by lunchtime.

To the axle counter or the help point??  :D

Clearly not the axle counter ... or was it just a hope??

Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will be diverted between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 10 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

They've had the whole ****ing weekend to get the line into a fine fettle ....

Noting that Journeycheck says nothing about alternative arrangements - just tells you about compensation ...


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on October 12, 2020, 16:21:47
They've had the whole ****ing weekend to get the line into a fine fettle ....

I think the problem is while doing that work a cable was inadvertently damaged and not discovered until testing at the end of the work.  It isn't an engineering overrun in the usual sense.  Agreed however that is a distinction which won't count for much to those trying to get home in the rain.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 12, 2020, 16:39:31
They've had the whole ****ing weekend to get the line into a fine fettle ....

I think the problem is while doing that work a cable was inadvertently damaged and not discovered until testing at the end of the work.  It isn't an engineering overrun in the usual sense.  Agreed however that is a distinction which won't count for much to those trying to get home in the rain.


Yeah, agreed .... far from the first time that there's been an "oh - whoops" at the tail end of engineering.  I recall similar things when Westbury came to re-open after a Christmas and New Year closure.   

One offs - understandable.  A pattern of finding new problems just before re-opening is worthy of analysis. Either do something to reduce the problems, or have a backup plan. 

"I don't know what's happening and cannot advise you what to do - I can only tell you your train is delayed" is not exactly what the customers headed for work at 05:45 on a Monday morning wanted to here, or found helpful.  Telling us that the next train was 07:21 if the 05:33 didn't come along ... well ... indicated a disjoint between the customer advisor and the customers!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Timmer on October 12, 2020, 17:02:13
"I don't know what's happening and cannot advise you what to do - I can only tell you your train is delayed" is not exactly what the customers headed for work at 05:45 on a Monday morning wanted to here, or found helpful.  Telling us that the next train was 07:21 if the 05:33 didn't come along ... well ... indicated a disjoint between the customer advisor and the customers!
An all to typical response from someone who?s probably many miles away from Melksham reading off a screen exactly what you already knew. I doubt you?d have got any better from the help point that goes to the same place.

That?s the problem with a one size fits all anyone can answer from anywhere type of customer service. In other words a load of rubbish. Things like this are much better served at a local level where control can supply exactly what?s going on for that particular region.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 13, 2020, 04:58:12
Quote
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 06:00
05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 06:00 will be diverted between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 10 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on October 13, 2020, 06:49:57
Although it doesn?t help Melksham passengers, there does seem to be a greater keenness to run via Bathampton (or even Bath Spa station) and reverse when there are problems on the single line rather than cancel completely. 

Perhaps it is easier at present because there are still gaps in the mainline timetable. 


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on October 13, 2020, 07:05:20
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It is being delayed between Chippenham and Trowbridge and is now expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 13, 2020, 07:24:13
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It is being delayed between Chippenham and Trowbridge and is now expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

Yesterday ... I cycled back from Chippenham.  This morning, I am headed for Trowbridge on the bus ...   

I picked up tickets yesterday evening at Melksham Stations and met stranded passengers for the 18:55 to Swindon. Changes "last minute" all day, with no rail replacement alternatives provided or even offered when GWR were contacted.  Three problems - the flat should be fixed much quicker than this, a realistic estimate of when services will be back to normal should be provided, and customers should be provided with alternates / advice and not led to their own devices.  The rail industry has got this one VERY wrong.

In case you think of Melksham as an obscure little place ... must have been 10 people around the station between 19:00 and 19:15 when I was picking up tickets last night.  What was missing was any voice from the rail industry to help.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 13, 2020, 09:03:16
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It is being delayed between Chippenham and Trowbridge and is now expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

Looks like it failed to make Southampton too ... since the return trip has started from Romsey again:

Quote
08:23 Southampton Central to Great Malvern due 12:28
08:23 Southampton Central to Great Malvern due 12:28 will be started from Romsey.
It will no longer call at Southampton Central.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on October 13, 2020, 16:08:48
Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17

17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will no longer call at Melksham.

This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

Additional Information
Passengers for Melksham are advised to alight at Chippenham where onward road transport will be arranged.

Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21

18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will no longer call at Melksham.

This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

Additional Information
Passengers for Melksham are advised to travel to and alight at Chippenham, where onward road transport will be arranged.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 13, 2020, 17:28:17
Well ... looks like the 20:45 ex Swindon is also cancelled at Melksham.  Just asked on Twitter ...

Quote
Planning to catch the 20:45 Swindon to Melksham this evening but seeing many trains cancelled. Will the sone be running?  Thanks

Quote
Hello, sorry for the delays. This service won't be stopping at Melksham due to a fault with the signalling system. Please speak to station staff - Celia

Heard some comment about a pilot man (sort of human single line token) being used while they fix things. What's gone wrong with that plan??


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Lee on October 13, 2020, 17:31:04
Well ... looks like the 20:45 ex Swindon is also cancelled at Melksham.  Just asked on Twitter ...

Quote
Planning to catch the 20:45 Swindon to Melksham this evening but seeing many trains cancelled. Will the sone be running?  Thanks

Quote
Hello, sorry for the delays. This service won't be stopping at Melksham due to a fault with the signalling system. Please speak to station staff - Celia


You'll be talking to yourself then, grahame  ;D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 13, 2020, 17:44:03
Well ... looks like the 20:45 ex Swindon is also cancelled at Melksham.  Just asked on Twitter ...

Quote
Planning to catch the 20:45 Swindon to Melksham this evening but seeing many trains cancelled. Will the sone be running?  Thanks

Quote
Hello, sorry for the delays. This service won't be stopping at Melksham due to a fault with the signalling system. Please speak to station staff - Celia


You'll be talking to yourself then, grahame  ;D

I think she means at a station before Melksham.   Still several hours from Swindon - perhaps I should have a chat at the station I next change at  ;D ;D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 13, 2020, 21:35:14
I think she means at a station before Melksham.   Still several hours from Swindon - perhaps I should have a chat at the station I next change at  ;D ;D

All sorted ... left Far Far Away as per plan ... home an hour earlier than plan.  Every cloud, etc;  story in the morning.  Watching Channel 4 at the moment.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 14, 2020, 07:54:45
Quote
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08
06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 has been previously delayed but is now 2 minutes late from Salisbury.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

It's Wednesday ... if we can get away with no problems more major than this at Melksham, a huge sigh of relief, and it would be the first day since last Friday - best part of a week.   Over the weekend, engineering works and bus substitution were far from ideal but notified well in advance and passengers could plan around them and were provided with alternative journeys.  Then we had two days of further disruption as a result of the engineering works, unplanned ahead of time, passengers being ill informed as to what was going on and a real destroyer of confidence - undoing some of a very great deal of good work done over a very long period.

Things will occasionally go wrong, but passenger advice and information should be set up to handle such situations, not leave people abandoned and not knowing what to do, with one section of the rail industry blaming another ... and real data being hard to come by.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 14, 2020, 08:14:27
Stop Press - I'm sadly unconvinced that the problem has been fixed. An operational line handed over late last Friday to engineers for weekend work is still having problems.  From http://www.mrug.org.uk/record.html at 08:05 this morning, which uses data from GWR's feeds to the help point (broken / displaying nothing at the moment, but we have the URL).

Quote
11:31   Westbury   On time   -
10:02   Swindon   On time   -
09:09   Westbury   On time   -
07:53   Swindon      a fault with the signalling system
07:21   Cheltenham Spa   07:26   --
06:36   Southampton Central      a fault with the signalling system
05:33   Swindon   05:38   --

I read that as two services diverted via Bathampton. Hard to tell without physically visiting the station, discouraged because of Covid at the moment while passengers are around or in the dark.  Real Time trains shows no call at Melksham at 06:36, and a train that lost time between Chippenham and Trowbridge, which is a clue too but only a clue as it could have taken time to pick up a pilotman or receive and follow "proceed with caution" direction.  But then .. no time shown at Melksham ...

"On Time" for 09:09, 10:02 and 11:31 may be ... an optimistic projection, a crystal ball with a fault in its bad news circuit, a dream ... or knowledge that the problem really is fixed or mitigated.  Information Systems that leave significant doubt and make what may be false 'promises' are counterproductive.  An honest "not known" would be better; "20% chance" or "70% chance" would be even better!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on October 14, 2020, 13:43:56
If it is not one thing it is another.

13:14 from Swindon to Westbury running 17 minutes late after a freight train briefly failed on the single line but managed to get going again.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 14, 2020, 13:51:32
If it is not one thing it is another.

13:14 from Swindon to Westbury running 17 minutes late after a freight train briefly failed on the single line but managed to get going again.

Hmm ... I had just asked GWRHelp

Quote
Thank you for your help last night. Am travelling MKM to SWI  mid afternoon, back on the 20:45.  Are these trains running today?

and they have told me in the last couple of minutes

Quote
Hi there. The 20.45 service is scheduled to run as normal and there no delays on the route this afternoon - Josh


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 14, 2020, 15:29:43
Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be diverted between Chippenham and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
Additional Information
Rail replacement road transport has been requested for passengers travelling to/from Melksham.

Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will be diverted between Trowbridge and Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 10 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
Additional Information
Rail replacement road transport has been requested for passengers travelling to/from Melksham.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 14, 2020, 15:34:51
From https://transwilts.org/2020/10/14/extensive-disruption-to-transwilts-services-october/

Quote
Statement from Toby Elliot @ Network Rail ?
Firstly, I?m sorry that you and other TransWilts passengers have been delayed by this issue. On Saturday night (10th) a member of our drainage team was excavating near the railway line at Melksham and pulled up a signalling cable. Due to the force it was pulled up with, it not only snapped the cable in situ but also damaged the cabling along its entire six-mile length (running from Thingley Junction to Bradford Junction).
 
Our telecoms team have been out on site since Sunday finding the all the faults, and there have been many, and replacing the broken cabling with new. This has included digging a 400-metre-long trench to locate signalling cables near Melksham. Last night (13th) we completed the final replacement, but when we came to check the system there was no detection from one of the axel counters. The issue being that no phone signal is coming through to the piece of kit.
 
We are in the middle of rectifying this by two methods. Firstly, installing a temporary phone connection (via mobile phone signal) so that we can get the signalling restored as soon as possible. At the same time, we are replacing the cabling to the axle counter so there is a permanent fix. Both pieces of work should be done by 6pm tonight (14th), if not hopefully sooner (particularly the temporary fix).
 
I hope this helps explain the situation, and I am sorry for the delays and disruption it has caused. If you need any further clarification, please jet let me know.
 
Kind regards,


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on October 14, 2020, 16:57:27
Tonight?s 18:39 now planned to run booked route and call at Melksham.

Edit: Same now applies to the 17:36.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: stuving on October 14, 2020, 17:28:18
Stop Press - I'm sadly unconvinced that the problem has been fixed. An operational line handed over late last Friday to engineers for weekend work is still having problems.  From http://www.mrug.org.uk/record.html at 08:05 this morning, which uses data from GWR's feeds to the help point (broken / displaying nothing at the moment, but we have the URL).

Was that a wise thing to say? Tiger is currently offering just (only for Melksham!): " NoSemaAccess There is currently no train information available. Sorry for the inconvenience "

... but not for long, fortunately.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on October 17, 2020, 17:05:03
Quote
16:53 Westbury to Chippenham due 17:46

16:53 Westbury to Chippenham due 17:46 has been cancelled.

This is due to a problem currently under investigation.

This was a replacement bus.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on October 23, 2020, 07:25:58
Quote
07:05 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:04

07:05 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:04 will be diverted between Chippenham and Gloucester.

It will no longer call at Swindon, Kemble, Stroud and Stonehouse.
It will be delayed at Gloucester.

This is due to a burst water main flooding the railway.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 26, 2020, 12:29:11
Quote
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a problem currently under investigation.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 26, 2020, 13:07:49
Quote
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: IndustryInsider on October 26, 2020, 13:24:11
Quote
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.

Looks like it departed 1 minute early.   :-\


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 26, 2020, 13:45:50
Quote
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.

Looks like it departed 1 minute early.   :-\

Indeed ... I am helping with a survey of traffic/people on Station Approach in Melksham and noted it calling on time.  Can't believe every delay you read online.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on October 28, 2020, 07:41:43
Quote
07:05 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:04
Facilities on the 07:05 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:04.
Toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on November 01, 2020, 08:07:11
Alterations to services between Chippenham and Trowbridge via Melksham
Due to engineering works not being finished on time between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads all lines are blocked. Disruption is expected until 08:15 01/11.
Train services between Chippenham and Trowbridge via Melksham may be delayed or revised.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 01, 2020, 12:26:03
The MRUG web site gathers data on trains calling at Melksham and each month I forward a review to the team at TransWilts - the intent being to assist with long term monitoring and learning and not to get involved in day to day issues.  October having some unusual features which I had hoped no longer happened, I am sharing here too.  10% cancellation is awful! and lack of feedback from the rail industry to the passengers is awful too.

A summary of OCTOBER train services that called (or were supposed to call) at Melksham

467 services scheduled
of which
93 were amended with good notice to buses (where "On time" reports are just assumptions)
37 were cancelled trains
14 were significantly late trains
49 were late trains by < 5 minutes
274 were trains on time

Only 274 of 467 train services ran as per the published timetable - though 93 of the 193 services that did not run were replaces by buses with good notice and that is acceptable / understandable. Which leaves exactly 100 serviced late or cancelled on the day. Just under half of those were just a few minutes late, but that still leaves over 50 services where passengers for Melksham, or waiting at Melksham, suffered significant problems.

Train running rate ? 337 out of 374 ? 90% (versus 98% being regarded as an acceptable worst case)
Train Passenger Performance Measure (ppm) - 86%

Cancellations average through the whole month at five times the minimum acceptable rate, spread across four separate incidents, with once incident lasting for three days It becomes very difficult to support and promote the service, and very tempting to escalate the reports and complaints to higher management with the request that they help local staff with a service fit for purpose by their own standards.

Through the long-lasting incident, where the line was not properly re-opened until the Thursday after engineering works were supposed to be completed on the Sunday, we were being mislead by official feeds such as JourneyCheck that "disruption would be until X time" which was usually just a few hours away. Either this was a repeated over-optimism on the part of the people reporting the issue, or a cynical decision to string the customers along and not admit the extent of the problems.

The events were extraordinary, and Network Rail sent a letter of explanation to the TransWilts CRP who briefly put it on their website, but then withdrew it leaving a broken "404" link.  I regret not copying and pasting the text when I first saw it. when challenged, they explained "We thought it best to remove the post as it was agreed it breached confidentiality with NR.". The lack of any explanation to customers seriously disrupted, and the clubbing together of Network Rail and TransWilts to suppress any explanation, suggests a level of disregard for the travelling passenger bordering on contempt.  I attended the GWR Stakeholder meeting that Friday, at which the Network Rail representative asked attendees to get in touch with him with any matters arising, and I did to shortly thereafter; he acknowledged and passed on the issue, said I would hear from [name redacted] but I have not done so. A request to TransWilts for a copy or summary for customers who were put out for the best part of a week has not been answered apart from the comment above either.

The lack of all but a handful of trains from the end of service on Friday to the start the following Thursday, with the majority of changes being short notice cancellations, will fade from memory, but I think that the rail industry really needs to remember that it's a customer-serving industry and look after customers, treating them with care, respect and honesty if it's looking to come out of the current times strong and well supported.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 01, 2020, 12:32:22
Alterations to services between Chippenham and Trowbridge via Melksham
Due to engineering works not being finished on time between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads all lines are blocked. Disruption is expected until 08:15 01/11.
Train services between Chippenham and Trowbridge via Melksham may be delayed or revised.

08:37 at Melksham eventually ran at 09:00 but only to Chippenham.  8 waiting for train on the platform.

09:37 at Melksham (presumably from Chippenham) was on time. 11 waiting for the train.

I was down there doing light gardening as previous agreed with GWR where I was well clear of passengers.   I did hear the help point suggesting at one point that passengers for the 08:37 wait for the 11:00 ...

Interesting, isn't it  - "Disruption is expected until 08:15" and yet once again disruption seems to have carried on for some time after that ...


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on November 01, 2020, 13:51:22
The return service did indeed start from Chippenham.

One other thing to note. With the service TO Swindon being terminated at Chippenham there is a train from Weston-super-Mare at 09:26 from Chippenham which would get people to Swindon at 09:38. Not too bad for the shop workers who normally use that first TransWilts train on a Sunday.  However today it was delayed at Bristol Temple Meads and was 34 minutes late.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 01, 2020, 16:24:37
The return service did indeed start from Chippenham.

One other thing to note. With the service TO Swindon being terminated at Chippenham there is a train from Weston-super-Mare at 09:26 from Chippenham which would get people to Swindon at 09:38. Not too bad for the shop workers who normally use that first TransWilts train on a Sunday.  However today it was delayed at Bristol Temple Meads and was 34 minutes late.

Good connection FROM Swindon if people were there 10 minutes early ... changing at Chippenham.  I pity Melksham to Gloucester passengers (yes, there were) who would have missed their connection at Swindon.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 02, 2020, 05:51:24
Working as it should this morning  ;D ;D ... 05:33 Melksham to Swindon on time, with five people joining the train - 2 arrived at the station on door, 2 on cycles which they took on the train, and one was dropped off.  Four out of the five are regular users, and all but one of them expect to carry on travelling to work by train even over the next month as their roles cannot be performed from home.  An element of doubt in a couple of cases depending on employer's business decisions.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on November 08, 2020, 13:54:33
The 13:41 Swindon to Weymouth has been delayed at Swindon by nine minutes while a plan is formulated to get it past a failed freight train near Frome.

Three West of England services have been reversed at Westbury and sent via Bristol but that option isn't available to get to Weymouth.

Suspect there will be some form of single line working to get the Weymouth service to Castle Cary.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bradshaw on November 08, 2020, 15:03:57
it seems that the Tackley to Fairwater Yard service has failed on the Westbury Avoider. Traksy showed that some trains are diverting via Westbury itself. The Swindon Westbury is 17 late passing Bruton.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on November 08, 2020, 15:15:46
It failed just before Frome but was top and tailed and so managed to go back wrong road to the avoider to clear the line.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on November 13, 2020, 09:53:03
I understand the 07:05 from Westbury to Cheltenham Spa this morning was diverted via Bathampton Junction (thus missing Melksham) because of a struggling freight train on the single line.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 13, 2020, 10:14:38
I understand the 07:05 from Westbury to Cheltenham Spa this morning was diverted via Bathampton Junction (thus missing Melksham) because of a struggling freight train on the single line.

Many thanks for flagging that, Bob.   It did make it to the automated log ( http://www.mrug.org.uk/record.html ) as follows, so the feedback from MRUG to TransWilts at the end of the month WILL have it noted as a Melksham cancellation, but good to have the background confirmed rather that looking back and wondering

Quote
10:02   Swindon   On time   -
09:09   Westbury   On time   -
07:53   Swindon   On time   -
07:21   Cheltenham Spa      a broken down train
06:36   Southampton Central   On time   -
05:33   Swindon   On time   -


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 14, 2020, 09:14:09
Quote
08:35 Westbury to Swindon due 09:24
08:35 Westbury to Swindon due 09:24 has been delayed at Westbury and is now 8 minutes late.
This is due to this train being late from the depot.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 14, 2020, 19:22:06

Quote
21:07 Swindon to Westbury due 21:49

21:07 Swindon to Westbury due 21:49 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway earlier today.
Further Information


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on November 15, 2020, 11:15:44
In the end it left on time.

Signalling problems at Swindon this morning but resolved before the first train of day from Warminster/Westbury.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 15, 2020, 12:18:27
Quote
11:41 Swindon to Westbury due 12:21
11:41 Swindon to Westbury due 12:21 will no longer call at Chippenham.
It is being delayed at Melksham.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 16, 2020, 07:43:40
Quote
07:05 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:04
Facilities on the 07:05 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:04.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.

That will be ... interesting.  At the moment, that train probably picks up more people at Swindon than any other train on the timetable - a major flow to Stroud which - because schools are not in lockdown - is still there.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on November 29, 2020, 16:02:19
Early advice for tomorrow

Quote
Mon, 30 November 05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59

30/11/20 05:17 Westbury to Swindon due 05:59 will be cancelled.

This is due to a shortage of train crew.

Quote
Mon, 30 November 06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08

30/11/20 06:11 Swindon to Southampton Central due 08:08 will be started from Westbury.

It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.

This is due to a shortage of train crew.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 29, 2020, 16:09:11
Early advice for tomorrow

Thanks for that ... even that early in the morning, you're looking at several dozen people loosing their train.   First train at Melksham put back from 05:33 to 07:20 ...

While I am here ...

Quote
07:05 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:04
Facilities on the 07:05 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 09:04.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.

That will be ... interesting.  At the moment, that train probably picks up more people at Swindon than any other train on the timetable - a major flow to Stroud which - because schools are not in lockdown - is still there.

Report suggests it resulted in the most overloaded train on GWR that day - at 452% of (socially distanced) capacity.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 29, 2020, 17:17:49
Replacement bus on its way (well, not exactly, but it will be EARLY tomorrow!

Facebook:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/earlygone20201130.jpg) (https://www.facebook.com/MelkshamRUG/posts/704234610221322)

Twitter:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/earlygone20201130b.jpg) (https://twitter.com/MelkshamRUG)

Click on images above to go to the feed or http://melksh.am/trains for runner train running

Other live feeds, etc, via http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=MKM

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/earlygone20201130c.jpg) (http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=MKM)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 30, 2020, 05:53:17
So - with extra notice yesterday, how have we done?

Melksham Rail User Group - Melksham Specific notices (but we have many wider followers)

Facebook - 132 people reached, 10 engagements
Twitter - 59 people reached, 2 engagements
and this morning our live display at http: // melksh.am/trains (http://melksh.am/trains) is showing:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201130_7.jpg)

or if you read on a wider screen
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201130_2.jpg)

GWR Journey Check (https://www.journeycheck.com/greatwesternrailway/) also confirming that the train is replaced by a bus:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201130_3.jpg)

But the displays at the station just tell you the train is cancelled:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201130_1.jpg)

TransWilts also posted on Facebook and Tweeted
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201130_6.jpg)

and
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201130_5.jpg)

(I do not have access to stats of numbers of impressions and visits for these pages)

And their Live app at https: // transwilts.org/app/#/home (https://transwilts.org/app/#/home) is showing:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201130_4.jpg)

Links to all the various live feeds via http://new.passenger.chat/better/map.html?stn=MKM (and if you replace MKM by another station code, or click on the map that comes up when you visit that page, you can find out about any other station.



Taking the opportunity to "audit" the data.  I know our MRUG feeds (there are two of us who can update those pages / data, AND we take autometed feeds) reached key people - "likes", etc, including regular passengers. And the number of engagements in the way I chose to write the pages is not relevant - all the information needed was presented on the landing page, so people can read and understand without the need to click through.   

Slightly disappointed that the official WebTIS and TransWilts App just say "cancelled" with no indication there's a bus.  The WebTIS particularly concerbig as that's the same source as the displays at the station at Melksham, so anyone who turns up there may not realise there's a bus coming.  Pressing the button on the Help point will (educated guess) reach someone who knows about the bus, as National Rail advise tends to follow JourneyCheck where it's available.

To some extent, that above is a "one off" check / look. But we at MRUG need to learn from it to help ensure that automated feeds telling people of changes are as thorough as possible including alternative travel plans and that we can minimise local intervention. At the same time, flag up where it's not automated on social media, helping to ensure we tell as positive story as possible - "you are being looked after" and "all these other services are running as normal" - we reach enough people who are not happening to use the particular trains in question for it to be a publicity opportunity. 

P.S. - it's not only about getting the data out there, but about ensuring it has a date and location on it ("tomorrow" must be identified in case it's read on archive and confuses for a later date) and gets removed from the live feed manual text boxes if we have to use them once the services are past.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 30, 2020, 06:00:34
Having JUST posted that .... from JourneyCheck

Quote
Cancellations to services between Trowbridge and Chippenham via Melksham
 
Due to an operational incident between Trowbridge and Bradford-On-Avon the line towards Bath Spa is blocked. Disruption is expected until 08:30 30/11.

Train services between Trowbridge and Chippenham via Melksham may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

Additional Information
If you wish to use local buses as an alternative means of transport and the local bus is not accepting Great Western Railway tickets, please keep the bus ticket and send it, together with your rail ticket, to us for a refund. Ticket acceptance will remain in place until further notice.

Replacement road transport services have been requested and will be advertised when confirmed.
Further Information

If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:30/11/2020 05:50

and it HAS come up straight away at http://melksh.am/trains

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201130_0.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on November 30, 2020, 06:02:25
It looks very likely the train would not have run even with a driver due to an incident near Bradford Junction.  This also has the potential to affect the next two trains to Swindon.  

Disruption expected until 08:30 and more buses trying to be sourced.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 30, 2020, 06:12:26
It looks very likely the train would not have run even with a driver due to an incident near Bradford Junction.  This also has the potential to affect the next two trains to Swindon.  

Disruption expected until 08:30 and more buses trying to be sourced.

Watching ... with passenger numbers low as they are and lockdown rules, social media and automated feeds preclude any follow ups at the station.  Looking forward to when the cafe linked to / operated by TransWilts is open there - it will be really useful to have a real person who can help (even if just telling people who to call / how to find out) on site when things go wrong.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on November 30, 2020, 06:39:09
Line now reopened.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on November 30, 2020, 06:43:30
Line now reopened.

Thanks.  Is that both lines north of Trowbridge, or just the one to Bath?

Quote
Cancellations to services between Trowbridge and Chippenham via Melksham

Following an operational incident between Trowbridge and Bradford-On-Avon the line towards Bath Spa has now reopened. Disruption is expected until 07:00 30/11.

Train services between Trowbridge and Chippenham via Melksham may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

Additional Information

If you wish to use local buses as an alternative means of transport and the local bus is not accepting Great Western Railway tickets, please keep the bus ticket and send it, together with your rail ticket, to us for a refund. Ticket acceptance will remain in place until further notice.

Replacement road transport services have been requested and will be advertised when confirmed.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on November 30, 2020, 06:59:46
Looking at Opentrain times maps - both.  A freight has just headed through Melksham towards Thingley.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 05, 2020, 07:43:23
Quote
08:35 Westbury to Swindon due 09:24
08:35 Westbury to Swindon due 09:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on December 09, 2020, 07:05:17
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25

- cancelled due to staff shortage


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: GBM on December 09, 2020, 07:25:28
Melksham featuring quite heavily on the Channel 5 programme "Paddington  Station 24/7 Back on the tracks".
Half expected to see Grahame on the platform  ;D


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on December 09, 2020, 07:37:22
Melksham featuring quite heavily on the Channel 5 programme "Paddington  Station 24/7 Back on the tracks".
Half expected to see Grahame on the platform  ;D

......they couldn't afford him  ;)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 09, 2020, 09:13:29
Key trains gone ... good to see that alternative transport is arranged.

Quote
Additional Information
Replacement road transport has been arranged to run in lieu of this train service. Please check station signs and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop. The replacement road transport may run later than the advertised train times owing to the additional time taken by road between stations and the time required for loading and unloading at each stop.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 09, 2020, 12:23:14
Melksham featuring quite heavily on the Channel 5 programme "Paddington  Station 24/7 Back on the tracks".
Half expected to see Grahame on the platform  ;D

Passengers had great difficultly finding out what was going on, and certainly weren't given the respect of being told the truth that it might take days, even when the railway team plainly knew that.   Insult added to injury by being told information was "confidential" when it had - it would seem - been sold / contracted to Channel 5!

Oh, irony of ironies ... it seems the unfolding events were being filmed for Channel 5's "Paddington 24/7" ... Monday evening's show (7.12.2020 /  https://www.my5.tv/paddington-station-24-7-back-on-the-tracks/season-4/episode-7 ) showcases the whole thing. 


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 09, 2020, 15:42:14
Almost like old times ...

Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26

Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Further Information

If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay

So much for protecting at least the key train of the day, so much for offering information on alternatives ... noting these are the ONLY cancellations in the area ... next train now is tomorrow.



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 09, 2020, 16:18:58
Just been told

Road replacement has been organised..

One coach will run non stop between Westbury/Swindon
Another will run calling at all stations.

Arrangements in place for all four cancelled services.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 09, 2020, 16:26:23
(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/mkm0912.png)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 09, 2020, 16:39:54
Quote
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Swindon

Due to a shortage of train crew between Westbury and Swindon the line is blocked.

Train services running through these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Customer Advice

Rail replacement coaches have been arranged to operate in both directions between Westbury and Swindon.
Journey times will be significantly extended, and the coaches will be unable to keep to the train timetable therefore station departures will be later than advertised.

Please allow extra time for your journey today. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Please wait at the designated rail replacement bus stop.

Not sure how that blocks the line ... freight trains still showing up on Real Time Trains  :D

BUT good to see we have buses running rather than just telling people they can get their money back.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 12, 2020, 05:49:02
Quote
15:00 Westbury to Swindon due 15:48

15:00 Westbury to Swindon due 15:48 will be cancelled.

This is due to a shortage of train crew.

Additional Information
Replacement road transport has been arranged to run in lieu of this train service. Please check station signs and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop. The replacement road transport may run later than the advertised train times owing to the additional time taken by road between stations and the time required for loading and unloading at each stop.

Similarly

16:02 Swindon to Westbury due 16:43

18:35 Westbury to Swindon due 19:24

19:34 Swindon to Westbury due 20:16







Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 12, 2020, 15:19:11
Quote
19:15 Westbury to Swindon due 20:04

An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown 19:15

Westbury to Swindon due 20:04.

19:15   Westbury   
19:21   Trowbridge   
19:31   Melksham   
19:45   Chippenham   
20:04   Swindon   


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 12, 2020, 19:21:23
Timetabled:
From WSB   07:37   08:35   10:05   12:05   14:07   15:00   16:34   18:35
From SWI   08:45   11:05   13:03   15:05   16:02   17:34   19:34   21:07

Today:
From WSB   07:37   08:35   10:05   12:05   14:07   16:34    19:15 (extra)
From SWI   08:45   11:05   13:03   15:05   17:34   21:07
Frankly, not all that bad - had it been timetabled like that a week ahead, fair enough
Delighted that the 17:34 and 21:07 from Swindon both ran
19:15 from Westbury is an extra. There is usually and ECS to Swindon for the 21:07 and it really should take passengers!

Which leads me to look at the SATURDAY TransWilts service. Although the other days of the week are now sensible, Saturday remains quirky with features which - at best - I say are "for historic reasons", and it feels inefficient to have empties running up and down to fulfill it, with multiple trains "out" at the same time.

Why not:
From WSB   07:37   09:45   12:05   14:07   16:52   19:08   20:48
From SWI   08:34   11:03   13:03   15:05   17:45   19:58   21:48
* Connections at Westbury to make days out possible to Southampton, to Weymouth, to Exeter
* Late(r) trains back from both ends of the line
* Maintains key trains and flows
* One train all day (and indeed one service LESS than specified - add as 22:38 / 23:28 round trip if you like!)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 13, 2020, 02:19:49
Quote
13:41 Swindon to Dorchester West due 15:40

13:41 Swindon to Dorchester West due 15:40 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Frome, Bruton, Castle Cary, Yeovil Pen Mill, Thornford, Yetminster, Chetnole, Maiden Newton and Dorchester West.

This is due to a shortage of train crew.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 13, 2020, 05:46:02
Looks like Saturday?s additional train was a positioning move to get the stock to Swindon for this morning?s first service to Melksham.    Unit berthed overnight in platform 2.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: brooklea on December 14, 2020, 09:50:35
Quote
13:41 Swindon to Dorchester West due 15:40

13:41 Swindon to Dorchester West due 15:40 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Frome, Bruton, Castle Cary, Yeovil Pen Mill, Thornford, Yetminster, Chetnole, Maiden Newton and Dorchester West.

This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Just for the record, this train ran through to Dorchester West as scheduled (it was reinstated just before 1000 on Sunday morning)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: brooklea on December 14, 2020, 10:00:24
Looks like Saturday?s additional train was a positioning move to get the stock to Swindon for this morning?s first service to Melksham.    Unit berthed overnight in platform 2.

The additional 1915 Westbury to Swindon passenger service on Saturday came about by dividing a Portsmouth - Cardiff train at Westbury to provide the rolling stock (the train to Cardiff would normally divide at Bristol Temple Meads, with one set running empty to Swindon to form the 2107 Swindon - Westbury).

There was a separate empty stock move from Bristol to Swindon, which stabled overnight in the bay platform, to form the first train to Westbury on Sunday.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 14, 2020, 10:22:12
Just for the record, this train ran through to Dorchester West as scheduled (it was reinstated just before 1000 on Sunday morning)

Thanks for that ... update (and re-instatement) very much appreciated.  I can't help wondering what proportion of people make other plans when a cancellation or short run is announced and then aren't aware, or stick with their new plans, when the train is re-instated.

I'll characterise this through service from Swindon to Weymouth (usually) as two services joined up at Westbury with little through traffic - there would be through traffic if it was the 09:12 off Swindon that carried on to Weymouth, or if most services were joined up in this way.  Traffic on each of the sections is important though, with the train filling what would otherwise be a massive gap.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 17, 2020, 21:35:44
Quote
Fri, 18 December 16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
Fri, 18 December 17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
Fri, 18 December 18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
Fri, 18 December 20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26

18/12/20 16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Additional Information
Replacement road transport is being arranged to run in place of this service between Westbury and Chippenham. Customers with tickets routed via Melksham may also travel via Bath Spa.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 18, 2020, 15:15:00
Good News!

16:25 ex-Westbury and 17:36 ex-Swindon both re-instated.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 18, 2020, 17:00:39
Good News!

16:25 ex-Westbury and 17:36 ex-Swindon both re-instated.

Good news indeed ... I did a Melksham 'station check' just over an hour ago (litter pick, etc!) and watched the 15:39 (previous train) call.  Around 30 people using it (estimate) ... 6 off and 4 on (those to figures accurate) and around 20 going through.  Not heaving, but not bad for an off peak train on a damp and blowy Friday afternoon in winter.   Also good that the station board was showing the next two trains back, but confirming the 18:55 cancelled [still]


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 21, 2020, 13:38:06
Quote
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01

14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

Quote
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55

15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 22, 2020, 02:49:01
Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
08:45 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26


Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 22, 2020, 07:10:52
Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
08:45 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26


Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

Both now reinstated.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 22, 2020, 17:56:29
 
Quote
17:50 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 20:36 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 23, 2020, 18:32:45
Helpful new poster been put up in the waiting room by Platform 2 at Swindon.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/swidist.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 28, 2020, 17:01:52
Chaos!

Main line from Westbury to Bath and Bristol blocked by flooding at Bradford-on-Avon.  Cardiff - Portsmouth trains diverted via TransWilts and Melksham which, of course, means that "our" trains have been withdrawn ... glad to see one stop (at least) added into the trains that are going through.    And glad to see that the Melksham RUG tracker is coping reasonably:

from http://www.mrug.org.uk/mkm.html
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/mkm_20201228_x2.jpg)

and from http://melksh.am/trains
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/mkm_20201228_x1.jpg)
which on a phone looks like:
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/mkm_20201228_x4.jpg)

And the TransWilts Real Time product also reflect the issues at https://transwilts.org/app/#/home
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/mkm_20201228_x3.jpg)

This first JourneyCheck report is incorrect.  The flooding is NOT between Swindon and Westbury ...
Quote
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury
Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Swindon and Westbury fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Quote
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08 will be cancelled.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

Quote
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17 will be cancelled.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

Quote
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will be cancelled.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

Quote
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

Quote
14:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 17:47
14:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 17:47 will be diverted between Trowbridge and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Chippenham.
It will be delayed at Trowbridge.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

Quote
13:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 16:44
13:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 16:44 will be diverted between Trowbridge and Bath Spa.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 20 minutes late.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

Quote
16:27 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour due 19:52
16:27 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour due 19:52 will be started from Bristol Temple Meads and diverted between Bath Spa and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Cardiff Central, Newport South Wales, Severn Tunnel Junction, Filton Abbey Wood and Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Chippenham and Melksham.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 10 minutes late.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

etc


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: IndustryInsider on December 28, 2020, 17:18:45
Chaos!

Yes.  It would be much less chaotic if the line was doubled between Thingley Junction and Bradford Junction as you point out.  And even less if the third part of the triangle still existed at Thingley Junction.

But...at least the signalling at Thingley/Chippenham is quite flexible.  Bi-directional signalling and reversals possible on both lines at and between both locations.  Without that, there would be no sensible diversionary route at all for the longer distance trains, and it would have been a case of calling up the bus companies again and far worse chaos!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 28, 2020, 17:48:02
Yes.  It would be much less chaotic if the line was doubled between Thingley Junction and Bradford Junction as you point out.  And even less if the third part of the triangle still existed at Thingley Junction.

But...at least the signalling at Thingley/Chippenham is quite flexible. 

Indeed - and one of the reasons the line survived and in good shape though single after 1966 was its use for diversions.  So we smile and say "you are welcome" to all sorts of trains.   Just get even so slightly possessive and peeved when cancellations are blamed on flooding on "our" line when in reality our line is the saviour of the piece.

I have edited my post to include screen captures of our live feeds - this is an excellent test of them.  Far too may such feeds work well when the system is running perfectly or close to it, but then fall apart as the service falls apart which is the very time they need to work well.  So you will find me at times like this pulling up all the screens and checking our (MRUG) data interpretation.

Nothing has been built on the south to west curve trackbed at Thingley ... which was a major connection in the Second World War. Re-instatement would certainly be useful today (28/12/2020) but I'm not sure how much so in normal service unless you look way ahead to the Bristol Metro Westbury service at via B-o-A with a further 1 or 2 via Corsham and Melksham; it would certainly a catchment of 45k at those two stations rather than the 15k or so who are at B-o-A.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 03:47:59
29.12.2020, 03:50 - almost all TransWilts services cancelled to make the line available for diverted longer distance trains from the line through Bradford-on-Avon, which is closed.  As I write, passengers are told they can get their money back if they were planning to travel on one of the cancelled trains. Good data is provided on alternatives for stations on the line though Bradford on Avon, but nothing on alternative provision  (yet?) for passengers on the line through Melksham.

Quote
Cancellations to services between Trowbridge and Bath Spa
Due to flooding between Trowbridge and Bath Spa all lines are closed.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 45 minutes or diverted between Trowbridge and Bath Spa. Bradford-On-Avon, Avoncliff and Freshford will not be served. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Journey times will be extended by up to 20 minutes due to the diversion.

Passengers for travelling to Freshford, Avoncliff and Bradford on Avon from Bristol and Bath should alight at Bath Spa where onward road transport will be arranged.
First Bus route D1: Bath (Bus Station) - Bradford on Avon - Trowbridge - Westbury - Warminster - Salisbury, First Bus route D1x: Bath (Bus Station) - Bradford on Avon (Railway Bridge/United Church) - Trowbridge (Trinity Church), First Bus route D2: Bath (Bus Station) - Frome (Market Place) and First Bus routes 39 / X39: Bath, Bus Station - Keynsham (Church) - Bristol Temple Meads (Temple Gate) are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
Customers travelling from unstaffed stations are requested to make use of the Customer Help Point systems available, or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 detailing the total number of passengers travelling, and their intended destinations. This will enable us to get suitable road replacement transport to customers as quickly as possible.
If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:29/12/2020 02:14

Line from Westbury to Swindon appears OPEN but the following cancellations are listed:

07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
08:45 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34
11:06 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01
13:15 Swindon to Westbury due 13:56
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26

Although good replacement data is provided for Bradford-on-Avon, Avoncliff and Freshford (see above in this post), no data is provided concerning replacement alternatives at Melksham or on TransWilts journeys.  Here's an example.

Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20 will be cancelled.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.
Further Information

If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:29/12/2020 02:46

Noting no cross-availability on (for example) bus x34 (Trowbridge - Melksham - Chippenham), nor on 271,272,273 Melksham to Bath routes. 

Not seeing any extra stops reported on diverted trains (yet?)

Hopefully further updates to follow.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 04:03:39
Noting that the 05:33, 06:36, 07:20 and 19:15 (all Melksham times) aren't even shown on Real Time Trains - looks as if they may have been taken off to a plan for the Christmas / New Year, even though we are back to a "Normal Working day".   Only call that appears intact at Melksham out of 17 is the 20:21 - the Westbury to Cheltenham Spa via Swindon train.

Snapshot from map at http://new.passenger.chat/map/_CAACAAEAAA.jpg
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201219_001.jpg)

The decision to cancel the TransWilts service is understandable.  The failure to offer any alternative at the same time - such as extra stops on diverted trains which are the whole reason for the cancellations, and cross acceptance of tickets on buses, could be seen as an abdication of responsibility at this time for the service and passengers.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 08:31:56
Four hours later, @GWRHelp have not given any advice for passengers to or from Melksham. Tweets asking have been read but not answered. It appears that trains are being run through the station but none calling.  Plenty of advice for passengers at Bradford-on-Avon, Avoncliff and Freshford. Departure boards just say "Cancelled" and point to refunds and compensation, with no suggestion of how key workers should travel.  Sadly, GWR have surpassed themselves - not even a "sorry - we have abandoned you". The promise of improvements in immediate information after the fiasco in October appear to have been just words. 



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on December 29, 2020, 08:36:23
Four hours later, @GWRHelp have not given any advice for passengers to or from Melksham. Tweets asking have been read but not answered. It appears that trains are being run through the station but none calling.  Plenty of advice for passengers at Bradford-on-Avon, Avoncliff and Freshford. Departure boards just say "Cancelled" and point to refunds and compensation, with no suggestion of how key workers should travel.  Sadly, GWR have surpassed themselves - not even a "sorry - we have abandoned you". The promise of improvements in immediate information after the fiasco in October appear to have been just words. 



GWR website re: Swindon - Westbury: "We are struggling to source rail replacement transport at this time. Customers travelling from unstaffed stations are requested to make use of the Customer Help Point systems available, or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 detailing the total number of passengers travelling".


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 29, 2020, 08:43:43
Quote
08:55 Swindon to Westbury due 09:36

An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown 08:55 Swindon to Westbury due 09:36.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Timmer on December 29, 2020, 08:52:34
According to Journeycheck the 06.10 Salisbury to Gloucester was down to stop at Melksham at 06.56.

Also showing the 06.42Weymouth to Bristol diverted to Swindon calling at Melksham at 08.34

So it looks like thinking is to stop some services at Melksham.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 08:55:20
Four hours later, @GWRHelp have not given any advice for passengers to or from Melksham. Tweets asking have been read but not answered. It appears that trains are being run through the station but none calling.  Plenty of advice for passengers at Bradford-on-Avon, Avoncliff and Freshford. Departure boards just say "Cancelled" and point to refunds and compensation, with no suggestion of how key workers should travel.  Sadly, GWR have surpassed themselves - not even a "sorry - we have abandoned you". The promise of improvements in immediate information after the fiasco in October appear to have been just words. 



GWR website re: Swindon - Westbury: "We are struggling to source rail replacement transport at this time. Customers travelling from unstaffed stations are requested to make use of the Customer Help Point systems available, or contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 detailing the total number of passengers travelling".

Ah - thank you.  And looks like information systems are just starting to change ... a couple of extra train stops added in too on the services diverted through Melksham. Makes sense.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 29, 2020, 09:00:37
Noting that the 05:33, 06:36, 07:20 and 19:15 (all Melksham times) aren't even shown on Real Time Trains - looks as if they may have been taken off to a plan for the Christmas / New Year, even though we are back to a "Normal Working day".   Only call that appears intact at Melksham out of 17 is the 20:21 - the Westbury to Cheltenham Spa via Swindon train.

From the December TransWilts Newsletter

Quote
Then between the 28th and 1st January there will be a near normal service except some early morning journeys will not run.  Full details are now available from on line journey planners.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 29, 2020, 09:10:18
Quote
08:55 Swindon to Westbury due 09:36

An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown 08:55 Swindon to Westbury due 09:36.

Service yet to leave Swindon because the incoming stock - the aforementioned 06:42 from Weymouth has yet to arrive.  Looks like it will be around 20 minutes late leaving.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 29, 2020, 11:21:58
I have spoken with GWR and this is the latest

Road Replacement has been arranged to cover for cancelled services AND will be advertised
Where possible three-car diverted services will make an extra call at Melksham
Next inspection of the state of the floods in the Avon Valley will be made late this afternoon

Looking ahead, a warning.  Both Westbury and Fratton depots now have a high number of staff off with either the virus or being in close contact with those who have, so there may be alterations and cancellations in the days to come.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: Adelante_CCT on December 29, 2020, 11:30:55
Quote from: grahame
...It appears that trains are being run through the station but none calling....


From GWR
Quote
Due to flooding in the Freshford area, GWR is diverting a limited number of train services between Bath Spa and Westbury via Melksham. Unfortunately, we are not able to call these trains at Melksham due to the difference between platform and train lengths.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 11:36:59
I have spoken with GWR and this is the latest

Road Replacement has been arranged to cover for cancelled services AND will be advertised
Where possible three-car diverted services will make an extra call at Melksham
Next inspection of the state of the floods in the Avon Valley will be made late this afternoon

Looking ahead, a warning.  Both Westbury and Fratton depots now have a high number of staff off with either the virus or being in close contact with those who have, so there may be alterations and cancellations in the days to come.

Thanks, Bob - these are from a few minutes ago (and I have just refreshed the first one and it's unchanged) - look forward to seeing cover AND advertised!

Appreciate the problems and the potential for more virus issues.  Frustration and lack of sympathy come from perceiving a failure to take simple steps that - whilst they would not eliminate the problems - would so make things so much better for passengers both in what they are told, and how they can travel.    

I sorta look forward to saying "hey - service has fallen apart, but go the station anyway because something else will be calling at around 0x:00, you'll need to change at Chippenham" - and that would have been so easy today with a couple of stop orders and telling people.  Perhaps if the inspection shows the line will still be closed through the valley tomorrow, these stops and data could be included in the replanning in the early hours?

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/oops_20201229_01.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/oops_20201229_02.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 11:41:19
Quote from: grahame
...It appears that trains are being run through the station but none calling....

From GWR
Quote
Due to flooding in the Freshford area, GWR is diverting a limited number of train services between Bath Spa and Westbury via Melksham. Unfortunately, we are not able to call these trains at Melksham due to the difference between platform and train lengths.

Interesting excuse.  They seem perfectly able to call trains longer than the platform at Dilton Marsh and Avoncliff, and assured us that an extension from 1 to 3 carriages at Melksham was all that was needed ... which is why plans to reclaim the platform face that's still there behind Melksham Tyres were taken no further.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 11:45:52
P.S.  Melksham Station regularly takes trains that are 2 and 3 carriages long.  Scroll up to look at the report just above from Trowbridge and you'll see that all trains coming this way in the next couple of hours are 2 and 3 carriages long.   Suggestions that the trains won't fit are poppycock!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 29, 2020, 12:13:43
Timed at 11:50

Quote
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury

Due to a shortage of train crew between Swindon and Westbury the line towards Melksham is disrupted.

Train services running through these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until 23:59 31/12.

Customer Advice
Replacement road transport is in place between Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury in both directions.

You are advised to wait for road transport in the designated replacement road transport areas and that buses will run later that than the advertised train times due to line of route and additional time required for loading and unloading.

Due to flooding in the Freshford area, GWR is diverting a limited number of train services between Bath Spa and Westbury via Melksham. Unfortunately, we are not able to call these trains at Melksham due to the difference between platform and train lengths.

If you are travelling from Westbury to Chippenham and Swindon, you are advised to travel by train via Bath Spa, to connect with train services to Chippenham, Swindon and London Paddington.

If you are travelling from Swindon or Chippenham to Westbury, you are advised to use replacement road transport from Chippenham to Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury. Some GWR train services will divert and stop at Chippenham, calling at Trowbridge and Westbury. Where these train services are available, they will be quicker than the replacement road transport.

Replacement road transport services are conveying passengers between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham in both directions until further notice.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 12:25:04
Timed at 11:50

Quote
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury

Due to a shortage of train crew between Swindon and Westbury the line towards Melksham is disrupted.

Train services running through these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until 23:59 31/12.

Is that an announcement of three days of cancellations?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: IndustryInsider on December 29, 2020, 16:41:37
Line through Bradford-On-Avon just reopened.  First trains going through now.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: a-driver on December 29, 2020, 21:38:09
P.S.  Melksham Station regularly takes trains that are 2 and 3 carriages long.  Scroll up to look at the report just above from Trowbridge and you'll see that all trains coming this way in the next couple of hours are 2 and 3 carriages long.   Suggestions that the trains won't fit are poppycock!

I?m not familiar with the route but are they different classes of train being used? 

Sometimes it?s just a case that there?s no agreed method of working the doors if it?s a different class of train then what normally operates the route.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 21:54:39
I?m not familiar with the route but are they different classes of train being used? 


No. 165, 166 and 158 coming through.  Regular service are 165, 166 and 158 as well.  So

Quote
Sometimes it?s just a case that there?s no agreed method of working the doors if it?s a different class of train then what normally operates the route.

Maybe sometimes, and we appreciate that's the case when London to West Country trains get diverted through, but it has not been the case in current disruption.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: a-driver on December 29, 2020, 22:19:03
I?m not familiar with the route but are they different classes of train being used? 


No. 165, 166 and 158 coming through.  Regular service are 165, 166 and 158 as well.  So


That?s fair enough then, realised after I posted that they must usually stop Avoncliff so it?s a bit of an odd reason


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 29, 2020, 22:24:31
I?ve taken so many photos at Melksham but none of them answer the question.

Apart from the usual 2/3 car stop I assume there are no others.  That might be an issue stopping other trains.  Or have I got that wrong.  Does a driver have to have a stop board for his/her length of train to be able to call?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: a-driver on December 29, 2020, 22:42:13
I?ve taken so many photos at Melksham but none of them answer the question.

Apart from the usual 2/3 car stop I assume there are no others.  That might be an issue stopping other trains.  Or have I got that wrong.  Does a driver have to have a stop board for his/her length of train to be able to call?

If you?re running part of your train off the platform, then I?d say you?d need a stop board.  The risk would be too high otherwise. Where the platform is long enough to accommodate the whole train, you don?t need one.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 22:51:51
I?ve taken so many photos at Melksham but none of them answer the question.

Apart from the usual 2/3 car stop I assume there are no others.  That might be an issue stopping other trains.  Or have I got that wrong.  Does a driver have to have a stop board for his/her length of train to be able to call?

If you?re running part of your train off the platform, then I?d say you?d need a stop board.  The risk would be too high otherwise. Where the platform is long enough to accommodate the whole train, you don?t need one.

There are "S" stop boards for all lengths of trains at the front of the platform in both directions .   No need to run off at the ends, and indeed when longer multiple unit trains have called in the past, the front has stopped at the front marker leaving the train hanging. Exactly as they do at Dilton Marsh every time they stop there.

I do have pictures ... coming in a few minutes.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 29, 2020, 23:01:28
I do have pictures ... coming in a few minutes.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/sb_northend.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/sb_southend.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: GBM on December 30, 2020, 06:36:35
I do remember (yonks ago) a DMU crawling along a station, with the driver waiting for a 1 bell stop buzz from the guard.  Happened a few times.
Also happened in steam days with the driver waiting for a long whistle as to when to stop.

Apologies, off topic!


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 30, 2020, 06:57:42
Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Additional Information
Replacement road transport has been arranged to run in lieu of this train service. Please check station signs and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop. The replacement road transport may run later than the advertised train times owing to the additional time taken by road between stations and the time required for loading and unloading at each stop.
Further Information

If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay

Gone are:
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
08:45 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34
11:06 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01
13:15 Swindon to Westbury due 13:56
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26

A single service remains at 20:06 from Westbury ...


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: TaplowGreen on December 30, 2020, 07:07:33
Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Additional Information
Replacement road transport has been arranged to run in lieu of this train service. Please check station signs and wait for the replacement road transport at the designated stop. The replacement road transport may run later than the advertised train times owing to the additional time taken by road between stations and the time required for loading and unloading at each stop.
Further Information

If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay

Gone are:
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
08:45 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34
11:06 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01
13:15 Swindon to Westbury due 13:56
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26

A single service remains at 20:06 from Westbury ...

Given that replacement transport is being provided, it's one of the quietest travelling days of the year, the only people travelling to/from Swindon (tier 3) will be doing so in extremely specific, essential circumstances, this should hopefully not cause too much hardship?


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 30, 2020, 07:21:40
Given that replacement transport is being provided, it's one of the quietest travelling days of the year, the only people travelling to/from Swindon (tier 3) will be doing so in extremely specific, essential circumstances, this should hopefully not cause too much hardship?

It is certainly one of the best periods of the year for it to happen - totally agreed.  The service is used by key workers; numbers will not be great, but individual effects may be significant. Lack (so far) of anything but "later than normal" for timing ... no bus times on departure screens, for example ... leaves it pretty darned impractical to use the alternative at present with a bus going to turn up at some time every couple of hours.

Journey check has been updated (06:15), but advise there is out of date in talking about line closures due to flooding ...  might be better to say nothing than something that's wrong?

Quote
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury
Due to a shortage of train crew between Swindon and Westbury the line towards Melksham is disrupted.
Train services running through these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until 23:59 31/12.
Customer Advice
Replacement road transport is in place between Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury in both directions.

You are advised to wait for road transport in the designated replacement road transport areas and that buses will run later that than the advertised train times due to line of route and additional time required for loading and unloading.

Due to flooding in the Freshford area, GWR is diverting a limited number of train services between Bath Spa and Westbury via Melksham. Unfortunately, we are not able to call these trains at Melksham due to the difference between platform and train lengths.

If you are travelling from Westbury to Chippenham and Swindon, you are advised to travel by train via Bath Spa, to connect with train services to Chippenham, Swindon and London Paddington.

If you are travelling from Swindon or Chippenham to Westbury, you are advised to use replacement road transport from Chippenham to Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury. Some GWR train services will divert and stop at Chippenham, calling at Trowbridge and Westbury. Where these train services are available, they will be quicker than the replacement road transport.
Replacement road transport services are conveying passengers between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham in both directions until further notice.
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:30/12/2020 06:15


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 30, 2020, 07:47:55
From GWR:

Quote
Morning, Replacement road transport is in place between Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury in both directions. The buses should run near to the train times. Will be a bit longer as it's by road.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 30, 2020, 08:26:51
Social media posts - for the record

https://www.facebook.com/MelkshamRUG/posts/722279858416797
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201230_fb1.jpg)

https://twitter.com/MelkshamRUG/status/1344194947612880897
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201230_tw1.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: brooklea on December 30, 2020, 11:14:42
I?ve taken so many photos at Melksham but none of them answer the question.

Apart from the usual 2/3 car stop I assume there are no others.  That might be an issue stopping other trains.  Or have I got that wrong.  Does a driver have to have a stop board for his/her length of train to be able to call?

If you?re running part of your train off the platform, then I?d say you?d need a stop board.  The risk would be too high otherwise. Where the platform is long enough to accommodate the whole train, you don?t need one.

There are "S" stop boards for all lengths of trains at the front of the platform in both directions .   No need to run off at the ends, and indeed when longer multiple unit trains have called in the past, the front has stopped at the front marker leaving the train hanging. Exactly as they do at Dilton Marsh every time they stop there.

I do have pictures ... coming in a few minutes.

I shall attempt to shed some light on this!

The method of work for door release on classes 165 and 166 is that the driver stops at the correct stop mark, checks, and then releases the doors on the correct side EXCEPT at a very few platforms where local door release is mandated. In these specific cases, the driver does not release any doors once stopped at the platform, and it is for the guard to open the local door (the first passenger door). Different signage is provided, as shown here in grahame s second photo at Dilton Marsh http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=22329.0 This method of work applies for the likes of Avoncliff, Thornford, Chetnole, Dilton Marsh, Mottisfont and Dunbridge, and certain stations in the Exeter area since Turbos were introduced around there.

The fundamental point is that for safe operations, only one method of work is employed at each platform, and the method of work for Melksham is the first i.e. the driver releases the doors. Therefore 4/5/6 coach 165/166 formations do not call at Melksham. A workaround would be to manually lock all the doors on the rear unit before leaving the previous station to Melksham, once you had moved all the passengers to the leading unit, all of which would take time and cause some inconvenience to the displaced passengers.



Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 30, 2020, 17:46:21
Same story for tomorrow (New Years Eve).

All TW services except the 20:06 from Westbury will be replaced by road transport.

Further afield Cardiff-Portsmouth will be every two hours.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 31, 2020, 08:08:07
Same story for tomorrow (New Years Eve).

All TW services except the 20:06 from Westbury will be replaced by road transport.

Further afield Cardiff-Portsmouth will be every two hours.

Today's list ...

Quote
07:37 Westbury to Swindon due 08:20
08:45 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
09:45 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34
11:06 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
12:16 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01
13:15 Swindon to Westbury due 13:56
14:16 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:55
16:25 Westbury to Swindon due 17:08
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:17
18:39 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:45 Swindon to Westbury due 21:26

Which leave the 20:21 as the only train calling at Melksham ...

Quote
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury
Due to a shortage of train crew between Swindon and Westbury the line towards Melksham is disrupted.
Train services running through these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until 23:59 31/12.
Customer Advice
Replacement road transport is in place between Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury in both directions.

You are advised to wait for road transport in the designated replacement road transport areas.

Buses will run later that than the advertised train times due to the additional time required for loading and unloading and coaches being unable to match the train timetable.

If you are travelling from Westbury to Chippenham and Swindon, you are advised to travel by train via Bath Spa, and then change there for train services to Chippenham, Swindon and London Paddington.

If you are travelling from Swindon or Chippenham to Westbury, you are advised to use replacement road transport from Chippenham to Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury.

Some GWR train services will divert and stop at Chippenham, calling at Trowbridge and Westbury. Where these train services are available, they will be quicker than the replacement road transport.
Replacement road transport services are conveying passengers between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham in both directions until further notice.
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
If you hold a valid single, return, or weekly ticket, you will be able to claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:31/12/2020 07:30


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 31, 2020, 09:32:12
This has been added to the message for each train

Quote
You may use your ticket for travel between Swindon and Westbury on our train services via Bath Spa.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 31, 2020, 10:20:44
This has been added to the message for each train

Quote
You may use your ticket for travel between Swindon and Westbury on our train services via Bath Spa.

Good - however, if you book / look at fares on GWR's own web site, you will find that passengers booking via Bath are being told and sold the higher, and not the 8.10 return fare (yes, less than half today's price) offered on direct trains.  Come on - GWR - isn't that just a bit naughty?

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/20201231_ripoff.jpg)


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: bobm on December 31, 2020, 15:34:10
Of course with the turn of the year this should probably be the start of a new thread, however...  it seems likely trains will be replaced by buses for the next three days - ie up to and including Sunday 3rd January.

Those responsible for rostering are working now to see what resources they will have available from Monday with priority being focussed on rush hour services for key workers.


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on December 31, 2020, 16:00:25
Of course with the turn of the year this should probably be the start of a new thread, however...  it seems likely trains will be replaced by buses for the next three days - ie up to and including Sunday 3rd January.

Those responsible for rostering are working now to see what resources they will have available from Monday with priority being focussed on rush hour services for key workers.

We'll start a new thread when the New Year starts, Bob ... in the meantime from GWR - pretty sure this is circular / shareable as it refers to the temporary timetables from just before Christmas; that was the replacement of the semifast services from Paddington via Westbury with extra stops in the expresses - sensible way to serve a thinner market and with thinner services, keeping effect on passenger journeys down.

Quote
Dear Graham
 
I hope that you had a good Christmas, and we can now all look forward to a better 2021.
 
As you know we made some temporary timetable changes just before Christmas as a result of reduced numbers of depot and train crew staff due to Covid-19 cases and self-isolation, and I promised to keep you updated. 
 
We are still seeing staff reductions, and as you will know we have also now had further Tier 3 and Tier 4 announcements. We will therefore continue to run the temporary timetable next week (commencing Monday 4 January).  Details are on our website gwr.com and we are reminding customers to check timetables before they travel. 
 
We know how important it is to offer consistent, robust timetables.  We want to avoid ad hoc on the day cancellations, and we know customers need information more than a week ahead.  We are therefore working with government and colleagues to review our January/February timetable, taking into account the latest changes to tiers, and I will be in touch again early next week to let you know our plans.
 
Finally, thank you for all the kind thoughts and concern for our staff. We really do appreciate it, and we are very proud of all the teams who have stepped up and worked so hard over Christmas to keep services running and to make sure we had a reliable timetable in place for Monday.
 
Best wishes
 


Title: Re: 2020 - TransWilts cancellation and amendment log
Post by: grahame on January 01, 2021, 04:09:48
Sadly, had to start a new thread for 2021 at http://www.passenger.chat/24452 .



Summarising December 2020 here:

448 services scheduled

315 ran as trains on time
57 as trains slightly late
15 trains significantly late
5 ran scheduled as buses *
* - said to be on time but we don't know. I saw three - each a few minutes late
56 trains cancelled

Cancellation reasons:
16 due to "heavy rain flooding the railway" (but on another railway line not ours  :D )
38 due to a shortage of train crew
1 due to a fault on the train
1 - no reason logged
 
85% ppm - which is below 90% target but not unreasonable so.
87.5% running rate is dreadful - cancellation rate (12.5%) of between 5 and 10 times the target, and I suspect the worst around by a long way on lines that remain open (Landslip at Ash and floods near Exeter have lead to closed lines where the figures may be as bad - difference is that the TransWilts line has not been closed!)

Noting that cancellations continue 1.1.2021 which may be somewhat forgiven because replacement bus alternatives are starting to appear in the journey planner.   Replacement buses without timetable information on a very sparse service (rather than a turn-up-anytime-and-ride frequency) are of very limited use to customers.



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