Well it sounds like someone is taking the p**s

It got stuck on slippery rails:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-somerset-41229861/flying-scotsman-gets-stuck-on-somerset-hill

There is a slightly later X31 (but run by first as it's council funded I believe) bus that leaves Bath at 23:00 for Chippenham, though obviously a lot longer journey that the train.  Gives you an extra 15 mins if your Chippenham pax, and cheaper than a taxi.
I am not looked at what other onward travel options (if any) this bus would give you upon it's arrival in Chippenham.
I've heard this bus then runs empty back to it's depot in Bath

It kind of depends what 'sort' of bypass it is, if it's a bypass that's used predominately by through traffic then I would say no it isn't counter productive, but the trouble is a lot of bypasses are built and then in fill development is allowed so the so called bypass if used just as much by local traffic as well as the through traffic.  Chippenham springs to mind as an example of this (of which some sections are currently being dualled)- Infill housing development (with more planned) plus retail stores at every junction. 

Additionally there are a number of posts up where the railway crosses the A429 road, near Hullavington, some both sides, some just one side, and there seems to be the odd gap here and there where it looks like one is missing.

Gazette link, content looks similar to others:

http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/15130267.Rail_minister_travels_on_special_TransWilts_train/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-38807979

A guard was accidentally stranded at a railway station when the train left without him.

The route the X31 takes:

Perhaps a roof was needed after all 

http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/14709377.New_railway_station_bridge_in___3m_revamp_needs_work_after_just_8_months/

Myself and MrsF have returned our consultations supporting option 24/7 

My own situation is that any funding withdrawal on the 231 means an evening out meeting friends in Bath or Chippenham becomes taxis both ways if I want to enjoy a beer or two.
My friend who lives in Melksham now has to rely on his wife to pick him up this coming Saturday evening from Chippenham as the 234 has already gone.

Playing Devils Advocate, could any reduction in Wiltshire's Bus Services be used as leverage for improved rail services in the county, particularly those proposed by Trans Wilts CRP^▸ (Community Rail Partnership)? (hourly Trans Wilts, Corsham, RWB, Wilton Parkway etc)

Wiltshire Council confirm the hopper will be discontinued:

http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/14205844.Wiltshire_Council_confirm_Hopper_bus_will_be_discontinued/?ref=mr&lp=5

On some of the railcards including the friends and family (which I will be buying) there is a three year offer for ^70, which in the long run works out to be better value unless of course you circumstances change during that time frame.

I^m planning a couple of trips from Bristol over the next couple of weeks.  The first being this Friday departing as close as possible to midday, the second being next Tuesday departing at 0900.
I want to drive to either Parkway or Filton Abbey Wood, park and go on from there.  My preference would be Abbey Wood as the parking is free compared to the ^8ish pounds that Parkway would be.  My concern is that the car park at Abbey Wood is quite small and as I am arriving after morning peak I may arrive and not be able to find a space, meaning I will have to find somewhere else nearby (not easy when you don^t have local knowledge) or end up going to Parkway anyway and scuppering my finely tuned plans.
Does anyone have local knowledge on Abbey Wood as to whether parking spaces are easy to come by or would it be better just to go to Parkway to be on the safe side and take the hit on the parking cost?