Some observations on the soon to be withdrawn (but hopefully not) Bristol <-> Waterloo
SWR» services.
Today there is/was one up service and three down. It's a Friday so one can perhaps expect healthy loadings. And on the 1220 from Waterloo there was certainly a more than healthy loading. The service was made up of eight carriages. Six for Exeter St Davids and two for Bristol Temple Meads.
I boarded the train at Basingstoke and noted just how busy the rear two carriages (for Bristol
TM‡) were. At the behest of no one, and totally of my own accord, I decided to do a survey of the passengers in the rear two carriages.
I counted 108 pax in these two carriages on departure from Basingstoke. Including some standing in the vestibules. I walked through both carriages asking passengers what there ultimate destination was. Approximately 90 were headed to stations between Salisbury and Bristol. Warminster, Westbury, Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon, Bath Spa, Keynsham and Bristol were all mentioned.
Middle of the day so most definitely not commuters or students. And most definitely not fresh air. I chatted to a few of those who were headed to destinations between Salisbury and Bristol:
(paraphrasing)
"I use this route because it's cheaper."
"Waterloo is more convenient for me."
"I'm returning from visiting parents in Sussex. Clapham Junction is a much better place to change than going via Paddington."
My surveying was in no way scientific but I think it provides an accurate snapshot of a well used, necessary, indeed vital, service.
The two carriages destined for Bristol after leaving Andover.
(Note: There were people standing in the vestibules and in 1st Class. Most of the 1st Class seats were occupied too)
