A reliable service?

[whole diary]

[bradshaw]

Today sees three of the first four up trains cancelled due to a lack of crew. Looking at RTT^» (Real Time Trains - website) over the past few months it is noticeable that it is not uncommon for one of the first three services to be cancelled.
A trip to Bristol these days is probably easier via Crewkerne and SWR^» (South Western Railway - about). Here the ticket is valid in either direction and thus gives you a half hourly choice! The downside is an increase in cost.

22.34 A total of SEVEN services cancelled due to shortage of crew, with another one reinstated and running 50 minutes late..

[bradshaw]

The onset of winter conditions has seen the early trains having problems.
Yesterday, Jan18, saw two of the first three up trains from Weymouth cancelled as well as the first down service.
Today it was the turn of the early up service from Yeovil as the ecs from Bristol to Yeovil ran 90mins late into Westbury where it formed the Filton Abbey service. Then the 07.33 Weymouth to Gloucester failed at Weymouth, running ecs towards Bristol.
Add that to the experience of a couple of friends travelling for a day out in Bath makes one question travelling until more reliability is seen.
09.31 GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) Journey check announces
Cancellations to services between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Yeovil Pen Mill and Weymouth all lines are blocked.

Meanwhile on SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) Journey Check

Alterations to services between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill
Due to a speed restriction over defective track between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.

Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 11:00 19/01.