Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption elsewhere - ongoing, since Oct 2014

[whole diary]

[NickB]

No ventilation on the 18.18. Windows are running with condensation and tempers are getting elevated. 

[a-driver]

Stationary in the Hanwell area on my way out of London. The main line is closed due to problems with the execrable signalling system  and 30 minute delays are to be expected, according to twitter.

Points failure at Airport Junction the cause.  No detection in the normal position (ie. for the mainline) so all services are running on the down relief.

[TaplowGreen]

Looks like this has been an "all dayer";

Cancellations to services between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Terminal 5
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Terminal 5 fewer trains are able to run on some lines.

Impact
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or revised. Disruption is expected until 21:00 02/09.

Customer Advice
Underground services are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for First Great Western rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys. London Buses are accepting First Great Western tickets on any reasonable route.

[TaplowGreen]

............and just now for your regular pleasure and delectation......I bring you your old favourite..........just in time for the rush hour..........

Delays to services between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington some London bound fast lines are closed.

Impact
Train services running to and from these stations may be delayed by up to 20 mins. Disruption is expected until 17:00 02/09.

.............let's hope that estimate is accurate!

[NickB]

Why won't fgw admit defeat and publicly denounce network fail for their Thames Valley car crash this year (and last).
It doesn't function. Full stop. Even I as a despiser of fgw want fgw to make the blame 110% clear

[broadgage]

I believe that there is a "gentleman's agreement" not to criticise each other in the rail industry. Criticising network rail who are a government department in all but name, is also probably not a wise move when franchise renewal or not is being considered.
It would certainly be unwise for anyone who hopes for a senior position in government or politics after their stint on the railways.

[ellendune]

I believe that there is a "gentleman's agreement" not to criticise each other in the rail industry. Criticising network rail who are a government department in all but name, is also probably not a wise move when franchise renewal or not is being considered.
It would certainly be unwise for anyone who hopes for a senior position in government or politics after their stint on the railways.

I think the agreement is only in relation to public criticism. I hope that in private there is a very robust debate.

[TaplowGreen]

I believe that there is a "gentleman's agreement" not to criticise each other in the rail industry. Criticising network rail who are a government department in all but name, is also probably not a wise move when franchise renewal or not is being considered.
It would certainly be unwise for anyone who hopes for a senior position in government or politics after their stint on the railways.

............and of course the customers not only pay for FGW^▸ (First Great Western) through their tickets, but NR^» (Network Rail - home page) through their taxes......and so we also pay the compensation that Network Rail (NR) pay FGW (the details of which are top secret!), and for the few crumbs of compo which are cast from the table back at us with 5% reductions every month, what a great merry go round!

"Very robust debate"? Well it doesn't seem to generate very robust actions or results.

Edit; VickiS - Clarifying Acronym

[TaplowGreen]

Miserable journey home for some............

Alterations to services between Bath Spa and Swindon
Due to engineering works not being finished on time between Bath Spa and Swindon all lines are closed.
Impact
Train services running through these stations may be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 18:30 06/09.
Further Information
Road transport will operate between Bath Spa, Chippenham and Swindon as required.

[phile]

I believe that there is a "gentleman's agreement" not to criticise each other in the rail industry. Criticising network rail who are a government department in all but name, is also probably not a wise move when franchise renewal or not is being considered.
It would certainly be unwise for anyone who hopes for a senior position in government or politics after their stint on the railways.

I think though that the public should be made fully aware whose responsibility is what.  Only today with the overrun between Bath and Chippenham this afternoon,  I have noticed FGW^▸ (First Great Western) received many complaints and even abuse directed at them for something that is not their responsibility.   Why should TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) have to take the blame from passengers when it is something completely outside their control.  "Gentlemen's agreement" or not, we should have some fairness here so far as the public perceive the railway.

[JayMac]

Criticism of Network Rail is, by extension, criticism of government. The TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company), when taking on franchises, sign up to being HMG's shield.

[didcotdean]

Now signalling problems at Paddington affecting platforms 8-14.

[phile]

Criticism of Network Rail is, by extension, criticism of government. The TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company), when taking on franchises, sign up to being HMG's shield.

Gives the passengers a poor impression of the TOC when things go wrong

[Timmer]

Miserable journey home for some............

Alterations to services between Bath Spa and Swindon
Due to engineering works not being finished on time between Bath Spa and Swindon all lines are closed.
Impact
Train services running through these stations may be delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 18:30 06/09.
Further Information
Road transport will operate between Bath Spa, Chippenham and Swindon as required.

What a shame after completing the six weeks of work on time.

[Electric train]

I believe that there is a "gentleman's agreement" not to criticise each other in the rail industry. Criticising network rail who are a government department in all but name, is also probably not a wise move when franchise renewal or not is being considered.
It would certainly be unwise for anyone who hopes for a senior position in government or politics after their stint on the railways.

I think the agreement is only in relation to public criticism. I hope that in private there is a very robust debate.

Criticism of Network Rail is, by extension, criticism of government. The TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company), when taking on franchises, sign up to being HMG's shield.

NR^» (Network Rail - home page) always accepts the responsibility when its infrastructure fails and does not ask the TOCs to hide that fact; what it does expect is professionalism, that is state a delay, for example, is due to a signal failure etc. but not to make snide, over egged remarks or excessive articles in the media which was the case a few years ago