Train GraphicClick on the map to explore geographics
 
I need help
FAQ
Emergency
About .
Travel & transport from BBC stories as at 17:55 28 Mar 2024
- How do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?
- Passengers pleaded with knifeman during attack
* Family anger at sentence on fatal crash driver, 19
- Easter travel warning as millions set to hit roads
Read about the forum [here].
Register [here] - it's free.
What do I gain from registering? [here]
 02/06/24 - Summer Timetable starts
17/08/24 - Bus to Imber
27/09/25 - 200 years of passenger trains

On this day
28th Mar (1988)
Woman found murdered on Orpington to London train (*)

Train RunningCancelled
16:54 Cardiff Central to London Paddington
17:48 Reading to Gatwick Airport
17:54 Cardiff Central to London Paddington
17:57 London Paddington to Worcester Foregate Street
18:04 Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood
18:04 Bedwyn to Newbury
18:08 London Paddington to Frome
18:26 Newbury to Bedwyn
18:37 Westbury to Swindon
18:51 Filton Abbey Wood to Bristol Temple Meads
18:55 Bedwyn to Newbury
19:24 Newbury to Bedwyn
19:29 Gatwick Airport to Reading
19:33 London Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill
19:55 Bedwyn to Newbury
20:13 Swindon to Westbury
20:16 Frome to Westbury
20:49 Newbury to Bedwyn
20:56 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington
21:16 Bedwyn to Newbury
Short Run
14:49 Plymouth to Cardiff Central
15:10 Gloucester to Weymouth
15:15 Plymouth to London Paddington
15:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central
15:30 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour
15:42 Exeter St Davids to London Paddington
16:19 Carmarthen to London Paddington
16:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central
16:35 London Paddington to Plymouth
16:50 Plymouth to London Paddington
17:03 London Paddington to Penzance
17:30 London Paddington to Taunton
17:30 Warminster to Bristol Temple Meads
17:36 Swindon to Westbury
17:36 London Paddington to Plymouth
Delayed
13:59 Cardiff Central to Penzance
14:15 Penzance to London Paddington
14:36 London Paddington to Paignton
15:03 London Paddington to Penzance
16:03 London Paddington to Penzance
Additional 17:17 Exeter St Davids to Penzance
An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown 17:26 Castle Cary to Penzance
17:29 Gatwick Airport to Reading
PollsOpen and recent polls
Closed 2024-03-25 Easter Escape - to where?
Abbreviation pageAcronymns and abbreviations
Stn ComparatorStation Comparator
Rail newsNews Now - live rail news feed
Site Style 1 2 3 4
Next departures • Bristol Temple MeadsBath SpaChippenhamSwindonDidcot ParkwayReadingLondon PaddingtonMelksham
Exeter St DavidsTauntonWestburyTrowbridgeBristol ParkwayCardiff CentralOxfordCheltenham SpaBirmingham New Street
March 28, 2024, 18:03:53 *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Forgotten your username or password? - get a reminder
Most recently liked subjects
[133] West Wiltshire Bus Changes April 2024
[132] would you like your own LIVE train station departure board?
[53] Return of the BRUTE?
[44] If not HS2 to Manchester, how will traffic be carried?
[41] Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption el...
[32] Reversing Beeching - bring heritage and freight lines into the...
 
News: the Great Western Coffee Shop ... keeping you up to date with travel around the South West
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Pages: [1] 2
  Print  
Author Topic: Parlimentary train to West Ruislip  (Read 11932 times)
sunshinehappyness
Newbie
*
Posts: 4


View Profile
« on: January 20, 2018, 21:31:24 »

Obviously this is not really a Thames Valley branch, but no where else obvious for this question.  Since the changes at the beginning of the year, has this once per day shuttle from Ruislip been removed?

It previously travelled from South Ruislip to Paddington (almost certainly empty) around 10.30 and returned to West Ruislip about an hour later (again, almost certainly empty).

No one uses it, but in a way, a shame if it has gone.
Logged
Witham Bobby
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 556



View Profile
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2018, 21:41:02 »

I couldn't find this train journey on the Chiltern site just now.  Maybe it has gone?  It was on my 'to do' list  Sad
Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40690



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2018, 21:44:41 »

Obviously this is not really a Thames Valley branch, but no where else obvious for this question.  Since the changes at the beginning of the year, has this once per day shuttle from Ruislip been removed?

It previously travelled from South Ruislip to Paddington (almost certainly empty) around 10.30 and returned to West Ruislip about an hour later (again, almost certainly empty).

No one uses it, but in a way, a shame if it has gone.

Realtime Trains still shows them on a random day next week ...
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
Chris from Nailsea
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 17865


I am not railway staff


View Profile Email
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2018, 21:52:08 »

Meanwhile ... many thanks for posing that interesting question, sunshinehappyness - and may I offer you a slightly belated, but nevertheless very sunny and happy, welcome to the Coffee Shop forum!  Smiley

Logged

William Huskisson MP (Member of Parliament) was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830.  Many more have died in the same way since then.  Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.

"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner."  Discuss.
Adelante_CCT
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 1314



View Profile
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2018, 23:13:40 »

It still operates, 10:57 from South Ruislip, and since May has returned non-stop to High Wycombe at 11:36 from Paddington
Logged
JayMac
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 18894



View Profile
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2018, 23:32:47 »

Still running, and will continue to do so for Chiltern staff route knowledge. There for Chiltern diversions into Paddington during engineering works or other disruption into Marylebone.

Of course, route knowledge can be maintained on non-passenger services, but to end the parliamentary service would require the Secretary of State to initiate a formal closure process of the Up/Down Wycombe Line from Old Oak Common West Junction to South Ruislip. Formal closure is, of necessity, a drawn out process, to protect lines from closure at the whim of politicians.

So, its often easier to retain a token passenger service, rather than 'close' a line to passenger trains.

Another 'parliamentary' service in the Thames Valley is the 2145 M-F CrossCountry service from Reading to Birmingham New Street. This reverses at Foxhall Junction to take Didcot West Curve, thus maintaining a passenger service over said curve.
Logged

"Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."

- Sir Terry Pratchett.
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40690



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #6 on: January 21, 2018, 07:26:23 »

A good source for Passenger Train Services over Unusual Lines is - err - the "Passenger Train Services over Unusual Lines" web site - current year at http://www.psul4all.free-online.co.uk/2018.htm

Here are some in / near GWR (Great Western Railway) territory (bold title on block is GWR operated train)

Quote
Old Oak Common West - Northolt Junction (115) PA01
    Mondays to Fridays:
2M29 1136 Paddington - High Wycombe
2V27 1057 South Ruislip - Paddington

Didcot West Curve Junction - Foxhall Junction (via Didcot West Curve) (116) PA04
    Mondays to Fridays:
1M79 2145 Reading - Birmingham New Street

Bristol Dr Days Junction - Feeder Bridge Junction (123,132) PC01
    Mondays to Fridays:
2R98 1553 / 1554 Bristol Parkway - Bath Spa

Carmarthen Junction - Carmarthen Bridge Junction (128) PB04
    Mondays to Fridays:
2E18 0814, 1B96 1100 Swansea - Fishguard Harbour
     Saturdays:
1B96 1100 Swansea - Fishguard Harbour

Briton Ferry, Court Sart Junction/Up Flying Loop Junction - Morlais Junction (Swansea District line) (128) PB09
    Mondays to Fridays:
1V62 1830 FX Manchester Piccadilly - Carmarthen
1W48 0503 Carmarthen - Manchester Piccadilly
1B97 1250 Fishguard Harbour - Cardiff Central
    Saturdays:
1V54 1630 Manchester Piccadilly - Milford Haven
1W48 0504 Carmarthen - Manchester Piccadilly
    Sundays until 14 January 2018:
1E16 1205 Cardiff Central - Milford Haven

Landore Junction - Swansea Loop West Junction (128) PB04
     Saturdays:
1B97 1243 Fishguard Harbour - Cardiff Central
    Sundays:
1B97 1240 Fishguard Harbour - Cardiff Central
1E16 1205 Cardiff Central - Milford Haven (from 21 January 2018)
[note: trains in previous entry may use this route on occasion to suit operating convenience]

Margam East Junction - Margam Moors Junction via OVE (Ogmore Vale Extension) line (125,128) PB03
    Mondays to Fridays:
1L05 0352 Swansea - Paddington

Laverstock North Junction - Laverstock South Junction WG04
The Railway Touring Co's return Dorset Coast Express WO in summer
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
Surrey 455
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 1229


View Profile
« Reply #7 on: January 21, 2018, 10:28:22 »

Obviously this is not really a Thames Valley branch, but no where else obvious for this question.  Since the changes at the beginning of the year, has this once per day shuttle from Ruislip been removed?

It previously travelled from South Ruislip to Paddington (almost certainly empty) around 10.30 and returned to West Ruislip about an hour later (again, almost certainly empty).

No one uses it, but in a way, a shame if it has gone.

I have used it once, just to tick it off my list of things to do. It's not a very scenic route. After North Acton the train goes through some depressing industrial wastelands before arriving in South Ruislip (in Nov 2016).
Logged
eightf48544
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4574


View Profile Email
« Reply #8 on: January 21, 2018, 11:01:16 »

I did it when it stopped at West Ruislip. It's a pity now it's non stop High Wycombe as you can't do it on a Travelcard!

The most famous parliamentary train is the once a week Stockport Staybridge service or is it the  other way round they keep changing it. It used to on Friday's only one way.

Interestingly enough at one time just after electrification it used to be a quick way to Sheffield change Stockport and Guide Bridge.

There was also the Wandsworth Ealing Broadway Bus. I think there's a thread on Coffee Shop about it.
Logged
onthecushions
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 977


View Profile
« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2018, 13:02:47 »


Interestingly enough at one time just after electrification it used to be a quick way to Sheffield change Stockport and Guide Bridge.


You could also use it to get to Leeds from Reading, Cross Country, earlier than via Derby, at one time.

OTC
Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40690



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #10 on: January 21, 2018, 13:19:50 »


Interestingly enough at one time just after electrification it used to be a quick way to Sheffield change Stockport and Guide Bridge.


You could also use it to get to Leeds from Reading, Cross Country, earlier than via Derby, at one time.

OTC

The 18:58 Aberystwyth to York (arrive 03:15) used to go that way too ... change at York onto the overnight Glasgow to Colchester train ... memories of all line rovers!
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40690



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #11 on: November 27, 2018, 07:47:39 »

From The Londonist

Quote
The 'ghost train' service shuttles in and out of London Paddington from South Ruislip to High Wycombe once a day, on weekdays only. It is rarely advertised and attracts few riders; it's a parliamentary service, meaning the railway company only runs it to keep the line open.

Alas, the train's days are numbered, according to Londonist train expert Geoff Marshall. Its final day will be 7 December 2018, after which it will run no more. The reason for its termination? Works on HS2 (The next High Speed line(s)) are demolishing the track on which the train runs.

Want to catch the train while you can? Here's its timetable for its final week in operation:

Monday 3- Thursday 6 December 2018:
South Ruislip depart 10:57; arrives Paddington 11:26
Paddington depart 11:35; arrives High Wycombe 12:30 (no intermediate stops)

Friday 7 December 2018 (final day):
For this final day, Chiltern has changed the train from Paddington, which allows a more local travel opportunity:
South Ruislip depart 10:57; arrives Paddington 11:26
Paddington depart 11:35; calling South Ruislip 12:00; Gerard’s Cross 12:10; Beaconsfield 12:17; arriving High Wycombe 12:30
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
bobm
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 9809



View Profile
« Reply #12 on: November 27, 2018, 08:50:14 »

Probably means this was the last time I will see it.  Approaching Paddington on 29th October this year.

Logged
rogerw
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 1336



View Profile
« Reply #13 on: November 27, 2018, 08:57:41 »

Still runs but only to/from West Ealing
Logged

I like to travel.  It lets me feel I'm getting somewhere.
Electric train
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4355


The future is 25000 Volts AC 750V DC has its place


View Profile
« Reply #14 on: November 27, 2018, 18:00:47 »

Still runs but only to/from West Ealing

Get used to seeing that as I feel in the longer term Chiltern will be operating the Greenford's and the potential of West Ealing - Wycombe
Logged

Starship just experienced what we call a rapid unscheduled disassembly, or a RUD, during ascent,”
Do you have something you would like to add to this thread, or would you like to raise a new question at the Coffee Shop? Please [register] (it is free) if you have not done so before, or login (at the top of this page) if you already have an account - we would love to read what you have to say!

You can find out more about how this forum works [here] - that will link you to a copy of the forum agreement that you can read before you join, and tell you very much more about how we operate. We are an independent forum, provided and run by customers of Great Western Railway, for customers of Great Western Railway and we welcome railway professionals as members too, in either a personal or official capacity. Views expressed in posts are not necessarily the views of the operators of the forum.

As well as posting messages onto existing threads, and starting new subjects, members can communicate with each other through personal messages if they wish. And once members have made a certain number of posts, they will automatically be admitted to the "frequent posters club", where subjects not-for-public-domain are discussed; anything from the occasional rant to meetups we may be having ...

 
Pages: [1] 2
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.2 | SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!
This forum is provided by customers of Great Western Railway (formerly First Great Western), and the views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that the content provided by one of our posters contravenes our posting rules (email link to report). Forum hosted by Well House Consultants

Jump to top of pageJump to Forum Home Page