Great Western Coffee Shop

I wonder as to why the Didcot call.  Didcot is already well served to Bristol and Oxford and using the West Curve would save considerable time and a reversal.

I expect time will tell.   With planned calls at intermediate stations between Didcot and Oxford (but not, I note, between Bath and Bristol) I'm guessing in might be taking the path and contractual service needs of those stations. Releasing a turbo ...

I wonder as to why the Didcot call.  Didcot is already well served to Bristol and Oxford and using the West Curve would save considerable time and a reversal.

Interested to see (in the Clarion's second tweet) that GWR are citing "consistent country-end overcrowding experienced on Bristol–London Paddington services".

The OXF-BAN service could also be run by an IET if they chose to.

GWR Press Release
https://news.gwr.com/news/great-western-railway-planning-to-restore-direct-bristol-oxford-services (https://news.gwr.com/news/great-western-railway-planning-to-restore-direct-bristol-oxford-services)

Only one of those it seems will call at Didcot - the one that states that it does - otherwise the others would too.

So on its own, it won't release a turbo.

Hi all,

Found an interesting article stating that GWR are planning to run direct IET services from Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford via Didcot Parkway. I have attached the article below. What does everyone think about these plans? I think it would be very beneficial for passengers travelling down from Bristol and stations in between and it would be an effective way to get more people using the rail network.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/24035352.new-direct-swindon-oxford-trains-planned-great-western-railway/?ref=fbshr&fbclid=IwAR3DWWG1r_EqrqsTeDZZ_LZPwC9zfPCtj1kZ0JM-eWcXYxGsFakbBaXq9CU

Thanks all,
GWR 158

Will it be flood proof?

Really a good flow considering the Didcot Dance that has to be done to make these journeys.

GWR confirm that the services to which this thread refers are *not* stopping at Didcot & are all using the west curve. In both directions.

Being run with a 5car IET GWR said yesterday.

Finmere Station can be regarded as one of the best kept secrets of modern day railway
preservation, as if you don’t know exactly where this former Great Central station is
located, then you have little or no chance of ever finding it.

Anyone else going?

*Waves*

Mark

Pictures to follow - just a few minutes to Melksham ...

Finding the railway swingbridge over the Sheepwash channel on the way to the canal to be staffed by volunteers was a surprise,

You were in luck - Oxford Open House weekend....the same reason Culham station was open

Will not be able to advantage of the Saturday service/s,

not sure if any one would be willing to make the four trips and see if maybe they will use the same set for all four trips.

Not sure of the prices for the round trips,quite willing to contribute to the fare/s if any one is willing to undertake the four trips.

A footnote that Oxford United will be playing at Bristol City.

So numbers MIGHT be higher than what would be expected on a first (Satur)day

A foot note IF its the same set bringing Oxford fans to Ashton Gate is the same
could it take the football followers to Parson Street.
So therefore would be cheaper to shunt towards Ashton Halt or go all the way to Weston and  then return?

Not all football followers want to be in the pubs,

some may have mobility issues and would welcome the chance to have a no change of trains option.

For those who used the service on Saturday just gone, what was the day return fare Oxford to Bristol.

Asking the question again,

A foot note IF its the same set bringing Oxford fans to Ashton Gate is the same set, could it take the football followers to Parson Street. So therefore would be cheaper to shunt towards Ashton Halt or go all the way to Weston and  then return?

... and those with mobility issues might like to go to the pub too!

I was struck at the "Didcot Dance" on Saturday when I returned on the earlier train to watch the 30 people transferring off the local from Oxford onto the Didcot to Bristol express to see them struggling up the stairs - heavy cases, pushchairs and young children, and in once case what I can only guess was a cello.  And some not-so-mobile themselves struggling with the stairs. 

I don't think there's a lift to that platform?    But it is possible to do it on the level (or rather slopes not steps) by going out of the barbered area, around the outside of the station, and entering again at the barrier set which faces towards the western car parks.    I did not take a look at the signage to see how well signposted that option is, nor follow it round to see for myself - so an update from knowledgable members (correcting me as appropriate) would be appreciated.

Off Peak adult day return £32.10 according to real time trains, or £21.15 with a senior railcard. Price with a senior railcard rises to £21.35 for next Saturday.

The new Oxford–Bristol direct train service got underway on Saturday. GWR are trialling the service until December, but the Clarion understands that an extension to May could happen if loadings are good. GWR is expecting a new fleet of local trains for Cornwall which could free up trains for a regular Oxford–Bristol link.

From this week's Oxford Clarion newsletter

Confirmed at WWRUG last Wednesday

Probably the 175s freeing up the IETs

This was confirmed at the TWSW meeting last week - and not only that, but it will continue from Sept 2025 for the season (to May 2026) - still as a trial service though.

No ticket checks and at at Oxford the exit gates near the footbridge were open so no revenue check on whole outbound journey.

Thought I would give my experience of using the service (early October).  Travelled from Bradford on Avon (change at Bath), ticket split at Chippenham

Bit of scrum at Bath, reservations not working (train manager said not programmed)...
The destination displays also displaying Reading.   Apparently since announcing the service in January haven't yet found time to add the route to train computers !

Thanks. That rather shows how capacity-constrained the railways are, that a one day a week service can be reinstated after a gap of some years and promptly fills standard class in a 5 carriage IET full and standing. It's dire, the cost of the infrastructure that could be bringing in far more income but there's often not the capacity in the trains or the variety of services to attract and carry an increase in passenger numbers.

Mark

12:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 13:12
12:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 13:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

15:14 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 16:31
15:14 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 16:31 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

Have GWR produced a leaflet which deals specifically with the Saturday Bristol - Oxford?

12:02 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 13:12
15:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 16:29
17:12 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 18:27

28/12/24 17:12 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 18:27 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Additional Information
We are sorry that this service is cancelled today due to a shortage of train crew. Alternative services are available by changing trains at Didcot Parkway or Reading.

10:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 11:27

10:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 11:27 has been delayed at Chippenham and is now 8 minutes late.
This is due to congestion.
Will be formed of 9 coaches instead of 5.

The case for reinstating Oxford-Swindon-Bath‑Bristol rail services

Quick, affordable and transformational change for the UK economy and transport system

At a glance:

There is a quick, affordable and simple opportunity to reinstate direct rail services between Oxford and Swindon, Bath and Bristol.

Building on the current – highly popular – trial service on Saturdays the new service would provide an all day, every day hourly service.

Journey times between Oxford and Bristol would be a less than an hour and a quarter, and between Oxford and Swindon just over half an hour.

New daily, hourly services will better connect high-performing, knowledge‑intensive sectors and universities at the heart of the Government’s new industrial strategy, together with some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

The scheme would add help maximise the value of investments elsewhere, most notably East West Rail (making it possible, as early as 2026, to travel between Bristol and Milton Keynes with only one change) and MetroWest.

This opportunity does not require capital investment
– the necessary infrastructure is already there. Instead, it requires commitment to fund the operational costs of the new service (ie, train crew, fuel, network access costs, and rolling stock lease cost).

Our ask to government: To specify the service in future timetables and commit to fund its additional operational costs (with the expectation that the service is likely to generate more revenue than it will cost).

Of course, Bristol to Milton Keynes with no changes would be easily possible as well.  One might say, the perfect use of an IET!

I'm sure there is one - and a thread already to post it in?

15:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 16:29
17:12 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 18:23

17:12 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 18:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.

Possible progress, with an hourly Bristol-Oxford service hoving in to view. Hopefully.

Mark

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedlxqg7ex5o (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cedlxqg7ex5o)

Why would Milton Keynes be a more attractive destination than Oxford? ???

On its own, it wouldn't.  But if you add the people attracted to Milton Keynes to the people attracted to Oxford, you may get better mass transit which is combining all the flows along a flow and sharing costs between all the various bums on seats.

Why would Milton Keynes be a more attractive destination than Oxford? ???

People could travel there to connect with other services and destinations plus this service would allow people to avoid have to travel across London or even changing at Birmingham new street etc

Hmm - I think 'Rammed' = 110% plus....so full & standing

Got me thinking - load definitions

0 to less than 5% - "Fresh Air"
5% to less than 15% - "Light"
15% to less than 25% - "Quiet"
25% to less than 50% - "Comfy"
50% to less thsn 80% - "Busy"
80% to less than 95% - "Nesting / Nearly Every Seat Taken"
95% to less than 110% - "Full and Standing"
110% to less than 125% - "Rammed"
125% to less than 150% - "Stuffed"
Over 150% - "Stupid"

$64,000 - by a seat being occupied, are we counting bums, or bums and bags?

The Beaufort scale of train carriage loading.

Which leads me to the question: At what point does a train manager decide to allow standard class passengers occupy first class seats?

Hardly ever in these days of bargain advance first class fares.  First class occupancy, percentage of seats wise, is often the same or even more than standard class on many trains.

From this Saturday, 20th September 2025, the Saturday through train from Chippenham to Oxford returns.  Connection at 10:09 from Melksham, 10:44 from Chippenham, arrive at Oxford at 11:27.  Return service direct to Chippenham from Oxford at 17:12, or return to Melkshan at 16:30, 18:02 or 20:05, changing at Didcot and Swindon.

Day return fare - £21.80 each, or £14.50 each with a railcard or in a group of 3. Same fare also applies if you want to go on from Oxford to Bicester Village, and it's the same fare from Melksham or Chippenham.

Tickets can be purchased prior to departure at the ticket machines at Melksham or at Chippenham Station, or from the ticket office in Chippenham or if you are paying in cash on the train from Melksham.

(https://www.wellho.info/pix/w25ox.jpg)

15:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 16:29
17:12 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 18:23

17:12 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 18:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to a short-notice change to the timetable.

Chippenham to Oxford this morning was fine bus ...

Real time trains blames a planning error.

As I came through Didcot, I noticed that helpful announcements were being made directing people off the train from Oxford to go through the subway and turn left up to platform 1 to head west.    Only those of us in the know would have carried on through the barrier's wide gate, right, around the outside, up the slope and then back in through the sloped wide gate.   One couple were trying it but struggling for at least 5 minutes with the barrier which was unstaffed, closed, and by the looks of things reusing their ticket.  I know there was probably a help point / button they probably weren't aware of.  What a wonderful way to encourage custom.

As I came through Didcot, I noticed that helpful announcements were being made directing people off the train from Oxford to go through the subway and turn left up to platform 1 to head west. 

Well....some might have preferred to take longer but easier with lifts and go via Reading?

Nine coaches on today's services in place of the usual five (or the three which did last Saturday's first round trip).

Different depot.  Different traction.  Different route.

Graham knows this.... ???

Money.

All the abilities you are suggesting with flexibility cost money. And if the DfT don't want the flexibility, they won't pay GWR for it. GWR have NO choice, but do the DfT bidding.

Ollie - are you saying that the same PAD non-HSS drivers drive 166s AND 800s? And the HSS drivers also drive just 800s?

To answer on behalf of Ollie, yes that’s correct.  Non-HSS drivers sign Turbos, IETs, and 387s.

Correct. Talk to your MP.

Sympathy for GWR. Their budget is still shrinking year-on-year

..............not too much sympathy though  ;)

https://www.firstgroupplc.com/investors/results-centre.aspx

The latest Oxford Clarion newsletter (https://oxfordclarion.uk/clarion-weekend-5-december-2025/) reports that GWR have applied to the ORR to introduce a full Oxford–Bristol service. Every two hours from May 2026, increasing to every hour from May 2027.

With what stock, I wonder?

Interesting coz one of the reasons for turning down additional services on that stretch between Swindon & Didcot West was lack of pathing. They've already to find room for the West Wales - Paddington open access

With what stock, I wonder?

Given some of the five car London Paddington-Oxford services have a lengthy layover at Oxford I was wondering if there is some scope for inter-working. 

I assume it’s not possible to arrive and go back from Oxford without the time consuming trip to the sidings and return.

10:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 11:27
12:02 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 13:13

12:02 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 13:13 will be reinstated and will now run as scheduled.
Last Updated:11/04/2026 08:23

10:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 11:27

10:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 11:27 will be reinstated.

This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.

Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 5. First class not available. Catering is not available. There are no reservations on this service.

However on the 13th June (a Saturday) there are trips from Bristol to Oxford and back.

The ORR has approved GWR's bid to run two-hourly Weekday and Saturday services from Bristol to Oxford.

However, Network Rail has to implement risk measures at 13 level crossings before any GWR services can start

This only for a trial period - to end 2027 & ORR is quite clear that a "strong presumption of continuation of rights does NOT apply"

Rich Wilcox has tweeted/x'd (https://x.com/richfromrail/status/2052758067234673032?s=12) -


Suspect that level crossing work will delay the service starting....

Rich Wilcox has tweeted/x'd (https://x.com/richfromrail/status/2052758067234673032?s=12) -


Suspect that level crossing work will delay the service starting....

From where will the additional rolling stock and crews be found to run these services without shortforming/cancelling others?

175s in Cornwall cascading some IETs.   Who knows - Hungerford / Kintbury / Bedwyn may get back their hourly London train.   Not sure on crews - perhaps staff will feel patriotic and be prepared to do more overtime if they're working for the nation.

... the same shortages over summer as every year, especially on Sundays as the DfT are still sitting on the Sunday in the working week proposals.

Purely out of idle curiosity on my part: do any of those jobsworths civil servants at the Department for Transport have invitations to attend these famed GWR staff Sunday BBQs? :P

Purely out of idle curiosity on my part: do any of those jobsworths civil servants at the Department for Transport have invitations to attend these famed GWR staff Sunday BBQs? :P

…so the longer the start is delayed, the better in terms of the problems with that.

Direct trains to run from Swindon to Oxford if line is made safer

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/976/cpsprodpb/bcd9/live/306905b0-ed49-11f0-8ccb-fb1ae208a230.jpg.webp)
The GWR service would mean passengers would no longer need to change at Didcot Parkway - Image © Aled Thomas

A direct daily rail service between Swindon and Oxford has been given the green light as long as some level crossings on the line are made safer.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved an application from Great Western Railway (GWR) to run a two-hourly service between Bristol, Swindon and Oxford on weekdays and Saturdays from 17 May. An ORR spokesman said the service has been approved provided Network Rail brings in "reasonably practicable level crossing safety measures" on the route.

A GWR spokesman, said it understands customers will be "disappointed" the service has not been "fully" reinstated but it will continue to work with Network Rail to "understand what more can be done".

Currently there are no direct services between Swindon and Oxford, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Passengers have to change at Didcot Parkway or Reading to travel between the two stations. A direct service would shave more than 10 minutes off the current fastest weekday journey time to under 30 minutes.

The ORR said after analysing the "impact on punctuality and reliability" as well as level crossing safety, it had approved the service "subject" to certain conditions. "Network Rail will undertake a performance review of the two-hourly service before deciding on a long-term view on GWR's proposal to run hourly services," it said.

A GWR spokesman said customers will be disappointed the ORR "has not been able to approve proposals to fully reinstate services - at this stage as hoped. We will continue working closely with Network Rail and industry partners to understand what more can be done to introduce additional services as quickly and safely as possible," he said.

The proposals came after a trial saw limited weekend services run between Swindon and Oxford in 2024.

Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said it was "outstanding news for Swindon".

"Shortening the time needed to get to Oxford will be massive for people who regularly travel and take pressure off the A420," he said. "This will help us attract even more jobs and growth to the town."

Conservative leader Gary Sumner, said it was "positive news" for the town. "I will be very interested to see the take-up of the service," he said. "Anything that adds to connectivity is to be welcomed, but as usual, it's having reasonably priced fares which are the key to the service being sustainable."

Is it me or does this conflate two separate issues?

In terms of road crossings, on the GWML there's the terrible twosome at Steventon, and on the line to Oxford there's an 'Authorised user only one with a not-particularly-helpful road arrangement at either side - recorded on a Google Streetview from 2011 with a sort of vehicular dance in progress and which can't fill anyone that sees the image with much reassurance.  c. 2016 it received a pair of gantries at either side but I don't know what those were for. (Streetview link below shows the most recent image...)

Mark

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qna9Cq2HHiaDtV9E8 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/qna9Cq2HHiaDtV9E8)

I’m hearing the start might not be delayed now!

Can they be persuaded to continue the service on to Milton Keynes? I understand that there is an unmet need for such a service and a nice newly rebuilt line available...

I'm wondering how the Coffeeshop forum's disruption map will render this service. (Obviously, also hoping it will not need to render it at all.)

Mark

Indeed, all good for a launch on Monday as originally hoped.  Services now in RealTimeTrains and the journey planners:

Brilliant! For my Melksham-Bristol commute:

• it's now practical to catch the 07:21 from Melksham instead of the 06:29 (because if I miss the unofficial 07:33 connection at Chippenham (likely) there's the new 07:47, don't have to wait for the 08:09)
  
• what was going to be a >30 min wait at Chippenham (due to the 18:00 CPM-MKM moving to 18:09) is reduced to ~20 mins thanks to the new 17:15 from Bristol, which I'll catch instead of the 17:00.
  

8)

Yes - those are *very* pleasing ... and it is also pleasing to see practical commutes from Westbury, Trowbridge, Melkshan (and Chippenham and Swindon) to Oxford too.

Can they be persuaded to continue the service on to Milton Keynes? I understand that there is an unmet need for such a service and a nice newly rebuilt line available...

There have been whispers of exactly that happening!  Can’t see it myself, not for a few years at least, but you never know.

A good example of a service planned and implemented for a different market also having positive benefits elsewhere.

Well, the stock do have train managers aboard.

Presumably they're IETs as the National Rail site lists 1st class fares against them.

For Bath to Oxford:

Anytime standard day return £77.20

Lack of stock for those journeys I reckon


Strewth. Not even an hour.

Direct Oxford to Swindon rail service set to begin after 23 years

A direct rail service from Oxford to Swindon is expected to set off for the first time in more than 20 years.

The first daily direct service will begin on Monday from 07:00 BST, travelling from Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads, after Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR) gave the final sign-off on Friday. The new service, which comes back into operation after 23 years, cuts more than 10 minutes off the current fastest weekday journey time to under 30 minutes.

Marcus Jones, Network Rail western route director, said the service would "open up new opportunities for work, education and leisure".

Currently, there are no direct services between Swindon and Oxford, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Passengers have to change at Didcot Parkway or Reading to travel between the two stations.

It comes after the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) approved a bid on 13 May from GWR to run a two-hourly service between Bristol, Swindon and Oxford on weekdays and Saturdays from 17 May.

The new service will run Monday to Saturday, between Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Chippenham, Swindon and Oxford. The first service leaves Oxford at 07:00 on Monday, arriving into Swindon at 07:30 and Bristol Temple Meads at 08:20. From Bristol, the first train will leave at 07:14, arriving into Swindon at 07:59 and Oxford at 08:32. Fastest direct journey times from Oxford will be one hour and eight minutes, and from Bristol one hour and 11 minutes.

Jones said: "These links will make it easier for people to travel between key economic centres, opening up new opportunities for work, education and leisure, while we continue to deliver further improvements across the route in the months ahead."

Transport Secretary and Swindon South MP Heidi Alexander said the service would "provide a fast, convenient alternative to being stuck in a traffic jam on the A420".

Mark Hopwood, GWR managing director, said: "We are confident that these new services demonstrate the value of rail in driving economic growth, environmental benefits, and creating education and employment opportunities."

Presumably they're IETs as the National Rail site lists 1st class fares against them.

For Bath to Oxford:

Anytime standard day return £77.20
Anytime standard return £169.40
Anytime 1st return £202.20
Anytime 1st return £278.60 (allows travel via Reading but not via London terminals - for comparison, a Bath Spa to London Paddington anytime return is £380.60.)

... I've no idea if the annual season ticket holder from Swindon to Oxford qualifies for any additional benefits: rail commuters outside London have reason to look ruefully at people holding annual season tickets for travel within London, as these unlock unlimited travel on some or all of London's rail network.

Yes, 5-car IET’s.  Though no reason why Turbos can’t be used in case of shortages (other than the relative lack of performance).

The anytime ticket prices will be the same as currently (routed ‘Not Reading’), surely?  There will of course be the possibility of more/cheaper advance fares than now.

Indeed, outside the peak, fares drop to levels that to which many more people can relate. Also, for the moment there's ample availability of advance fares and at useful times of day too (the availability granted at the discretion of the rail company of course).

You’re not wrong there. 

“Advance single Wednesday coming on the 07:29 from Bath to Oxford, sir?  That’ll be a tenner please!”

“Back home on the 17:04 or 19:00? Yep, you’ve guessed it…another tenner. Or for an extra £15 you can travel back in 1st Class if you like?”

We promised to keep you updated on changes to our timetable, and we're very pleased to confirm that from Monday 17 May, we'll be running direct services from Bristol to Oxford every two hours. This follows initial safety measures being put in place along the route ahead of services starting, and further safety improvements in the months to come, as discussed with our regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

This builds on our trial of running a limited number of these services on Saturdays. The new services will run Monday-Saturday. Online journey planners have been updated, and tickets are available for purchase including special introductory fares from £10 between Bath Spa to Oxford and £6 from Swindon to Oxford.

The services will call at Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Chippenham, Swindon, and Oxford – providing direct links between these communities and Oxford for the first time in more than 20 years.

We know this is something customers and partners have been campaigning for over recent years, and we’re very grateful to those who have supported our case to make this happen, following upgrades that Network Rail has completed in the last few years providing much needed additional rail capacity at and around Oxford station.

The economic and social benefits are clear, and we're confident that these new services demonstrate the value of rail in driving economic growth, environmental benefits, and creating education and employment opportunities which previously were not possible – as well as directly linking two of the key leisure markets in the UK.

Thank you again for your support and do let us know of any questions you may have.

Why is Sunday running not included in these services? Demand to travel between major tourist centres (Oxford, Bath and Bristol) is likely to be at least as high on a Sunday as any other day.

It wasn't in the Section 22A application to the (ORR) either for the 2-hourly service from tomorrow, or the hourly service from next May.

The two most likely reasons:

1)  Availability of paths on a Sunday due to engineering works.
2)  Availability of staff on a Sunday due to historic reasons.

Agreed it would be nice, and appropriate, to provide a Sunday service as well.  Perhaps when Sunday's are in the working week?

13:09 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 14:29

13:09 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 14:29 is being delayed between Bath Spa and Swindon and is now expected to be 17 minutes late.
This is due to a late running freight train

13:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 14:15

13:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 14:15 is being delayed between Swindon and Chippenham and is now expected to be 32 minutes late.
This is due to a late running freight train.

Everything was running late at Oxford on Friday afternoon, but while waiting for my train home I noticed the 1700 to Bristol was very healthily loaded. It left Oxford 22 minutes late but was only 9 late by Bristol, by the looks of it thanks partly to a scheduled six-minute dwell at Bath. https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:G15077/2026-05-22/detailed

Oh dear ... teething troubles for the new service, or is GWR / NR locally in meltdown?  Journeycheck is reporting 40 cancellations across the GWR operated services this morning, and a further  21 updates which look like they're largely short runs (cancellations for some).

Is that ten days into the new service before the first cancellation?  After the hottest ever temperatures recorded in May and easily the hottest Bank Holiday Monday on record (including the August one)? 

With exceptional heat comes all sorts of additional stresses on the GWR service which as we know is already fragile.

Literally a meltdown I would say!

Is that ten days into the new service before the first cancellation?  After the hottest ever temperatures recorded in May and easily the hottest Bank Holiday Monday on record (including the August one)? 

With exceptional heat comes all sorts of additional stresses on the GWR service which as we know is already fragile.

Literally a meltdown I would say!

It might be (very) hot for May, but late July / early August is on average the hottest time of year.   We are not in the high 30s

Does ask a big question though, what temperature should be the stress point.  I would argue that anything failing at the moment is either not maintained well, or was under specified.   

Have to accept that temperatures in low to mid 30s are not uncommon in recent years, and really should be able to be handled without failing.

GWR territory is not like somewhere like Chicago or Vienna where temperatures vary from about -25-20c to +40-45c.   So why our equipment is allowed to be so fragile is not clear to me.

With so many problems on other services that show resources stretched, reasons like "not enough working trains" and "not enough working staff" for cancellations of the service that's just ten days old brings something of a wry smile.   Issues which are hightened by extreme weather are more forgiven.

But yet ... the Bristol <-> Oxford service has been doing very well compared to certain others ...

... and I can't help wondering if some of those cancellations which were cause by lack of a working train or lack of working staff would have actually been cancellation if GWR wasn't so stretched to make the new service reasonably reliable. Are they trying to spread things too thinly? 

In terms of comparisons with the TransWilts I don't think there is any interface with either the trains or the staff that work each route, so the only impact they might have on each other is the shared tracks between Thingly Junction and Swindon...and obviously more trains running over a route increases the chances of knock-on delays.

"We're short of a driver from Bristol to Oxford and that's a High Vis service"
"OK - let's take George off the Bristol to Salisbury - he can drive an IET and knows the road"
"But who will drive the Salisbury train"
"We can take Gillian off the Westbury to Swindon shuttle for that"
"So who will drive the TransWilts train"
"Oh - we'll cancel that ... it's no longer a high vis service with ministerial interest"

It also carries at least half of the number of customers of te other routes mentioned. :-X

Oh - I agree with you ... I was imagining the cascading that might go on ...

"We're short of a driver from Bristol to Oxford and that's a High Vis service"
"OK - let's take George off the Bristol to Salisbury - he can drive an IET and knows the road"
"But who will drive the Salisbury train"
"We can take Gillian off the Westbury to Swindon shuttle for that"
"So who will drive the TransWilts train"
"Oh - we'll cancel that ... it's no longer a high vis service with ministerial interest"

I hope you got... somewhere useful yesterday evening.

BTW I think they cleared that broken down freight train fairly promptly; it might have been better to stay at BTM and wait for the next 'normal' Melksham route via Bath instead of hopping on the diverted 17:29. Can't be bothered to check, might not like the answer :)

Just for the record, but hopefully everyone will be pleased that all the Oxford<>Bristol’s ran again today…as well as all of the services through Melksham!

05:47 Exeter St Davids to Oxford due 08:32

05:47 Exeter St Davids to Oxford due 08:32 has been delayed between Worle and Yatton and is now 10 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with barriers at a level crossing.

Looking at what happened to the Transwilts service last night, if you'd waited any longer you may well still be travelling now!

07:14 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 08:32
09:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 10:11
11:18 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 12:29
13:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 14:15
15:16 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 16:30
17:00 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 18:18
19:15 Bristol Temple Meads to Oxford due 20:32
21:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 22:12

21:03 Oxford to Bristol Temple Meads due 22:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.

THe service is brand new & hence needs no advice that its a change at Didcot today. That's always the case, even if the timings don't work on this 'new' service.