Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362780/18719/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 19:56, 29th June 2025 |      |
As has been said elsewhere, GWR are a zombie franchise now, with little interest or motivation in making huge efforts in driving improvement......they are history shortly anyway.
I've seen examples elsewhere where pride & integrity have driven organisations to seek the very best for their customers right up until just before midnight, but that's never been the case in my experience on the railway, and as alluded to in previous posts on this thread, those currently in the boardroom will be more concerned with keeping those who can keep them there happy from here on in.
| Re: Excursions in the other direction ... In "Heart of Wessex" [362779/30419/19] Posted by ChrisB at 19:39, 29th June 2025 | |
When I had a student railcard in suburban London, a small group of us used to frequent the clubs up north for a while, long-distance day returns were available quite cheaply with that railcard discount. I think Newcastle one night was done, and back on the last train or staff trains early in the morning. Leeds & York were more often.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362778/18719/26] Posted by ChrisB at 19:33, 29th June 2025 | |
That is eminently possible, Prime Minister :-)
The DfT only need to give 3 months notice, and GWR are already past their core dates. Opinion seems to be autumn next year currently.
| Parking a bus on your driveway In "Buses and other ways to travel" [362777/30420/5] Posted by grahame at 19:13, 29th June 2025 Already liked by RichardB | |
From Devon Live which I picked up from a Facebook share by another member
Woman given 'ASBO' after row over 'bus' parked on her drive
A woman who parked a double decker bus on her drive to turn it into a cafe is being forced to move it after complaints from neighbours. Wendy Salmon put the vehicle outside her home at the end of her leafy cul-de-sac in a Surrey street on a tempoary basis to renovate it.
But she has now been slapped with an 'ASBO' type order and told to remove it - after neighbours said it was 'ruining the ambience'. She has accused neighbours of 'rallying' the others on the street against her by complaining it was an eyesore.
And despite the council accepting she was 'not breaking any laws' she has been hit with a CPN, formerly known as an ASBO, and ordered to remove it by June 20 following a bitter two year legal battle. Mother-of-two Wendy, 55, who runs a pub, described the situation as 'ridiculous' and accused neighbours of being 'curtain twitchers' who 'act like they own the street.'
A woman who parked a double decker bus on her drive to turn it into a cafe is being forced to move it after complaints from neighbours. Wendy Salmon put the vehicle outside her home at the end of her leafy cul-de-sac in a Surrey street on a tempoary basis to renovate it.
But she has now been slapped with an 'ASBO' type order and told to remove it - after neighbours said it was 'ruining the ambience'. She has accused neighbours of 'rallying' the others on the street against her by complaining it was an eyesore.
And despite the council accepting she was 'not breaking any laws' she has been hit with a CPN, formerly known as an ASBO, and ordered to remove it by June 20 following a bitter two year legal battle. Mother-of-two Wendy, 55, who runs a pub, described the situation as 'ridiculous' and accused neighbours of being 'curtain twitchers' who 'act like they own the street.'
I have some sympathy with Wendy Salmon ... at our former home we had a London Taxi parked on the driveway (it was our regular car) and these days we have an ambulance and a paramedic support vehicle. We did clear that with the nearest neighbours before either arrived, and the biggest issue we have had is friends' and contacts' concerns that we're OK and not suffering medical emergencies.
This also reminds me of the story of the chap who drove his car to the pub one evening and had a few pints too many. Advised to leave the car at the pub and take the bus home. And he said that was very wise advise, because the police were stopping cars on the road home checking for drunk drivers, but they just waved the bus through. He found it more difficult to explain to his wife the next morning why there was a bus parked outside.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362776/18719/26] Posted by a-driver at 19:13, 29th June 2025 | |
In other words if I'm reading that right, to (just for example, and not exclusively) the MD of GWR, the perception is best keep your mouth shut & don't rock the boat if you wish to remain on the gravy train.
(Mixed metaphor I know, but seems appropriate!)
(Mixed metaphor I know, but seems appropriate!)
Not totally. I'm suggesting that the approach must be a very tempting one to many. But it's more complex than that in that there are also many who it good faith are doing their very best in the circumstances. If you accept my hypothesis that there are parties who are interested in having the whole thing very broken by, say, 2027 so they can make a massive popular improvement by 2029, you then have to ask how those who are trying to do their best in the meantime should act. Both for the passengers now, and for the railways into the future.
Your comments have made me think.
GWR could be nationalised as early as next year, with as little as 6 months notice. I don't want to be cynical but if the DfT want to be seen as resolving issues then potentially they could reject the current proposal for Sunday working, a deal which would be seen by many as the private operator fixing the problem, keeping the proposal "filed" and then bringing it back to the table next year and then take the credit. The hard work having been done by someone else.
Whatever happens nationally with TOC's, there's going to be some games being played.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362775/18719/26] Posted by grahame at 18:55, 29th June 2025 | |
In other words if I'm reading that right, to (just for example, and not exclusively) the MD of GWR, the perception is best keep your mouth shut & don't rock the boat if you wish to remain on the gravy train.
(Mixed metaphor I know, but seems appropriate!)
(Mixed metaphor I know, but seems appropriate!)
Not totally. I'm suggesting that the approach must be a very tempting one to many. But it's more complex than that in that there are also many who it good faith are doing their very best in the circumstances. If you accept my hypothesis that there are parties who are interested in having the whole thing very broken by, say, 2027 so they can make a massive popular improvement by 2029, you then have to ask how those who are trying to do their best in the meantime should act. Both for the passengers now, and for the railways into the future.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362774/18719/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 18:36, 29th June 2025 | |
Scenario - you are looking to take over an organisation / setup and give it a new lease of life, and you want that new lease of life to be popular with your customers, especially when it comes to them reviewing what you've done in a couple of years. Now - how can you make the *most* improvements? The lower you can start, the biggest mess you have to clear up, the more improvements there are available for you to make and look good in the eyes of customers.
Should the existing workforce - the people who already run the organisation - be directly or indirectly in your pay, or wish to be employed or continue to have an active position in the future, they'll need to be very wary indeed about being critical of this rundown, won't they? They'll even tell you there's no problem at the moment ...
The above are some highly generalised thoughts, but I just wonder how much they might be applied to some of the things we see going on in the rail sector at the moment - looking at who and how the remaining TOCs work, on what various contrators within the sysme do, and how associated organisions like the ORR, Transport Focus, the Community Rail Network and Partnerships - all majority funded by the organisation that is taking over the reins - might fit within those thoughts. Just a wonder - may there be a seed of truth in suggesting a linkage to the current appalling mess and a product which, certainly here in Melksham isn't fit for purpose at present?
Should the existing workforce - the people who already run the organisation - be directly or indirectly in your pay, or wish to be employed or continue to have an active position in the future, they'll need to be very wary indeed about being critical of this rundown, won't they? They'll even tell you there's no problem at the moment ...
The above are some highly generalised thoughts, but I just wonder how much they might be applied to some of the things we see going on in the rail sector at the moment - looking at who and how the remaining TOCs work, on what various contrators within the sysme do, and how associated organisions like the ORR, Transport Focus, the Community Rail Network and Partnerships - all majority funded by the organisation that is taking over the reins - might fit within those thoughts. Just a wonder - may there be a seed of truth in suggesting a linkage to the current appalling mess and a product which, certainly here in Melksham isn't fit for purpose at present?
In other words if I'm reading that right, to (just for example, and not exclusively) the MD of GWR, the perception is best keep your mouth shut & don't rock the boat if you wish to remain on the gravy train.
(Mixed metaphor I know, but seems appropriate!)
| Excursions in the other direction ... In "Heart of Wessex" [362773/30419/19] Posted by grahame at 18:31, 29th June 2025 | |
from the Dorset Echo
... one could go to Bristol, leaving Weymouth at 4.30pm and returning from Bristol Temple Meads at 11.40 pm, giving one the opportunity to see a show at one of the city’s many theatres.
A colleague of mine who was a young man pre-war said it was thoroughly enjoyable experience for 2/6d.
A colleague of mine who was a young man pre-war said it was thoroughly enjoyable experience for 2/6d.
| Re: Melk to Melksham - 1000 miles (mostly) by train In "TransWilts line" [362772/30416/18] Posted by grahame at 17:36, 29th June 2025 | |
Admittedly it’s only a small saving but if you had got your senior railcard added to your Oyster card, you would have saved a third on your trip from St Pancras to Paddington.
And ... I could have saved myself the whole sum using my bus pass - except that now involves a change along the way. RIP - 205. The tube (OK - not quite - "the underground") was a zoo that would have put off those ofna nervous disposition yesterday. Fortunately I can still use stairs and didn't have to join the queues for the lifts.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362771/18719/26] Posted by ChrisB at 17:34, 29th June 2025 | |
Maybe they are waiting for GBR to be legally formed?
It's only SGBR at the moment. There's a big Government Bill due to give it powers
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362770/18719/26] Posted by a-driver at 17:18, 29th June 2025 | |
Scenario - you are looking to take over an organisation / setup and give it a new lease of life, and you want that new lease of life to be popular with your customers, especially when it comes to them reviewing what you've done in a couple of years. Now - how can you make the *most* improvements? The lower you can start, the biggest mess you have to clear up, the more improvements there are available for you to make and look good in the eyes of customers.
Should the existing workforce - the people who already run the organisation - be directly or indirectly in your pay, or wish to be employed or continue to have an active position in the future, they'll need to be very wary indeed about being critical of this rundown, won't they? They'll even tell you there's no problem at the moment ...
The above are some highly generalised thoughts, but I just wonder how much they might be applied to some of the things we see going on in the rail sector at the moment - looking at who and how the remaining TOCs work, on what various contrators within the sysme do, and how associated organisions like the ORR, Transport Focus, the Community Rail Network and Partnerships - all majority funded by the organisation that is taking over the reins - might fit within those thoughts. Just a wonder - may there be a seed of truth in suggesting a linkage to the current appalling mess and a product which, certainly here in Melksham isn't fit for purpose at present?
Should the existing workforce - the people who already run the organisation - be directly or indirectly in your pay, or wish to be employed or continue to have an active position in the future, they'll need to be very wary indeed about being critical of this rundown, won't they? They'll even tell you there's no problem at the moment ...
The above are some highly generalised thoughts, but I just wonder how much they might be applied to some of the things we see going on in the rail sector at the moment - looking at who and how the remaining TOCs work, on what various contrators within the sysme do, and how associated organisions like the ORR, Transport Focus, the Community Rail Network and Partnerships - all majority funded by the organisation that is taking over the reins - might fit within those thoughts. Just a wonder - may there be a seed of truth in suggesting a linkage to the current appalling mess and a product which, certainly here in Melksham isn't fit for purpose at present?
Look at South Western Railway - any other private operator launches with a new livery etc. Not GBR. They launch with a sticker that is along the lines of “GBR - coming soon”
I’d be very wary of that. It’s almost like GBR don’t want to be seen accountable for SWR, makes the cynical wonder what’s going to happen.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [362769/29726/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:54, 29th June 2025 | |
21:35 Swindon to Westbury due 22:52
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 21:35 Swindon to Westbury due 22:52.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [362768/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 15:26, 29th June 2025 | |
Sunday June 29
1P41 09:58 Great Malvern to London Paddington (12:22) cancelled throughout.
12:50 London Paddington to Hereford due 16:04 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:29/06/2025 06:00
My fault - I wanted to travel home from London on this one.This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:29/06/2025 06:00
Stock running ECS to Shrub Hill.
13:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 16:16 will be terminated at Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:29/06/2025 06:00
... and I'd prefer Foregate St.This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:29/06/2025 06:00
16:58 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 19:26 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:29/06/2025 09:45
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:29/06/2025 09:45
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [362767/29726/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 13:10, 29th June 2025 | |
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362766/18719/26] Posted by grahame at 13:00, 29th June 2025 | |
Scenario - you are looking to take over an organisation / setup and give it a new lease of life, and you want that new lease of life to be popular with your customers, especially when it comes to them reviewing what you've done in a couple of years. Now - how can you make the *most* improvements? The lower you can start, the biggest mess you have to clear up, the more improvements there are available for you to make and look good in the eyes of customers.
Should the existing workforce - the people who already run the organisation - be directly or indirectly in your pay, or wish to be employed or continue to have an active position in the future, they'll need to be very wary indeed about being critical of this rundown, won't they? They'll even tell you there's no problem at the moment ...
The above are some highly generalised thoughts, but I just wonder how much they might be applied to some of the things we see going on in the rail sector at the moment - looking at who and how the remaining TOCs work, on what various contrators within the sysme do, and how associated organisions like the ORR, Transport Focus, the Community Rail Network and Partnerships - all majority funded by the organisation that is taking over the reins - might fit within those thoughts. Just a wonder - may there be a seed of truth in suggesting a linkage to the current appalling mess and a product which, certainly here in Melksham isn't fit for purpose at present?
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362765/18719/26] Posted by a-driver at 12:44, 29th June 2025 | |
I suspect the DfT hasn't agreed as it has no additional budget to pay for it....so blame HM Treasury.
I suspect you are correct!!
It’s never going to be resolved for free.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362764/18719/26] Posted by ChrisB at 12:38, 29th June 2025 | |
I suspect the DfT hasn't agreed as it has no additional budget to pay for it....so blame HM Treasury.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362763/18719/26] Posted by IndustryInsider at 11:20, 29th June 2025 | |
: a-driver
Do you think so?
If the DfT have indeed rejected the Sunday proposal then the whole agreement is dead in the water, it’ll go no further.
If the DfT have indeed rejected the Sunday proposal then the whole agreement is dead in the water, it’ll go no further.
I do, yes.
Dead in the water would be a stalemate between the unions and the operator. If true, the fact it’s already gone beyond that is very encouraging, with perhaps only a bit of tinkering required.
[Modified to correct quotes]
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362762/18719/26] Posted by a-driver at 11:00, 29th June 2025 | |
In other news, an agreement for solving the Sunday situation has been reached between the Unions and GWR, unfortunately the DfT have reportedly rejected the proposal.
I guess that’s more positive than I was expecting at this stage if two of the three interested parties have hatched up and agreed on a plan.
Do you think so?
If the DfT have indeed rejected the Sunday proposal then the whole agreement is dead in the water, it’ll go no further.
| Re: 9.08 Bristol to Weymouth 29/06 Fresh Air Express In "Heart of Wessex" [362761/30417/19] Posted by bobm at 10:18, 29th June 2025 Already liked by Timmer | |
Instead of carrying a train full of people looking forward to a day on the beach, it will be carrying a train full of fresh air! Sad.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C27682/2025-06-29/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:91846/2025-06-29/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C27682/2025-06-29/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:91846/2025-06-29/detailed
Similar to the 08:42 from London Paddington to Carmarthen. Running empty to Swansea to pick up the return working, starting at Swansea, later today.
| Re: 9.08 Bristol to Weymouth 29/06 Fresh Air Express In "Heart of Wessex" [362760/30417/19] Posted by Mark A at 10:12, 29th June 2025 Already liked by Clan Line, Timmer | |
Until (relatively) recently: a loco + 7 carriages to meet a reliable demand from the travelling public.
Now: a multiple unit with the possibility that the provision is 2 carriages on that service - and a strong possibility that it is cancelled at short notice. Travelling public making other plans. Many miles of expensive rural inter-regional railway doing not very much at all.
Mark
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362759/18719/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 10:07, 29th June 2025 | |
In other news, an agreement for solving the Sunday situation has been reached between the Unions and GWR, unfortunately the DfT have reportedly rejected the proposal.
I guess that’s more positive than I was expecting at this stage if two of the three interested parties have hatched up and agreed on a plan.
Yes a bit more encouraging.....of course it was going to be so much easier with Labour in charge......
| Cancellations between Westbury and Portsmouth 29/06 In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [362758/30418/20] Posted by Timmer at 09:47, 29th June 2025 | |
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour
Due to a shortage of train crew between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Apologies to customers, we don't have enough drivers and guards on shift today to run all our scheduled services.
Where trains are cancelled customers may use Cross Country and SWR to complete their journeys.
We're sorry for the delay to your journey.
We will update this message with more information when we have it.
CrossCountry are conveying passengers between Reading and Southampton Central via Basingstoke in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
South Western Railway are conveying passengers between Salisbury and Portsmouth Harbour via Southampton Central in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
South Western Railway are conveying passengers between Reading and Salisbury via Basingstoke in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
South Western Railway are conveying passengers between Guildford and Portsmouth Harbour via Fratton and Portsmouth & Southsea in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys. Customers may take GWR services between Reading and Guildford to connect in with SWR services.
Due to a shortage of train crew between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Apologies to customers, we don't have enough drivers and guards on shift today to run all our scheduled services.
Where trains are cancelled customers may use Cross Country and SWR to complete their journeys.
We're sorry for the delay to your journey.
We will update this message with more information when we have it.
CrossCountry are conveying passengers between Reading and Southampton Central via Basingstoke in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
South Western Railway are conveying passengers between Salisbury and Portsmouth Harbour via Southampton Central in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
South Western Railway are conveying passengers between Reading and Salisbury via Basingstoke in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
South Western Railway are conveying passengers between Guildford and Portsmouth Harbour via Fratton and Portsmouth & Southsea in both directions until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys. Customers may take GWR services between Reading and Guildford to connect in with SWR services.
| 9.08 Bristol to Weymouth 29/06 Fresh Air Express In "Heart of Wessex" [362757/30417/19] Posted by Timmer at 09:42, 29th June 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
Instead of carrying a train full of people looking forward to a day on the beach, it will be carrying a train full of fresh air! Sad.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C27682/2025-06-29/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:91846/2025-06-29/detailed
| Re: Melk to Melksham - 1000 miles (mostly) by train In "TransWilts line" [362756/30416/18] Posted by bobm at 09:11, 29th June 2025 Already liked by rogerw | |
Admittedly it’s only a small saving but if you had got your senior railcard added to your Oyster card, you would have saved a third on your trip from St Pancras to Paddington.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362755/18719/26] Posted by IndustryInsider at 08:59, 29th June 2025 | |
In other news, an agreement for solving the Sunday situation has been reached between the Unions and GWR, unfortunately the DfT have reportedly rejected the proposal.
I guess that’s more positive than I was expecting at this stage if two of the three interested parties have hatched up and agreed on a plan.
| Re: 30 cancellations on the North Downs this morning In "North Downs Line" [362754/30321/16] Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:56, 29th June 2025 | |
Cancellations to services between Reading and Gatwick Airport
Due to a shortage of train crew between Reading and Gatwick Airport fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 10 minutes. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Apologies to customers, we don't have enough drivers and guards on shift today to run all our scheduled services on the North Downs Line between Reading and Gatwick Airport via Guildford.
| Re: Pilning station - services and campaigns (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [362753/21830/21] Posted by Red Squirrel at 08:47, 29th June 2025 Already liked by Western Pathfinder | |
Ask the mayor? Apparently, he can open stations, so must be able to fund a station bridge?
As far as I am aware, Helen Godwin goes be she/her… Bristol Rail Campaign is reiterating the need for Pilning Station in a statement to her at the next meeting of the MCA.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362752/18719/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:39, 29th June 2025 | |
.....a quick look at JourneyCheck suggests that the GWR BBQs are being fired up across the region today!
(......or could it be attending Glastonbury, or getting in the queue early at Wimbledon causing today's mass cancellations?)
(......or could it be attending Glastonbury, or getting in the queue early at Wimbledon causing today's mass cancellations?)
It looks rather as if there are a number of extra trains scheduled from Castle Cary this afternoon - perhaps the powers that be have decided to sacrifice the services they provide for their normal (loyal, regular) customer base for services for the people who come once a year? With pre-planning and a need to provide a public service I can sorta-understand that. To only announce wholesale decimation of certain other services on the actual morning strikes me a very bad planning and / or a showing of disregard to the people who want to use the service not only today but tomorrow, next week, and next month.
Are these extra trains or just stop orders applied to existing services?
In other news, an agreement for solving the Sunday situation has been reached between the Unions and GWR, unfortunately the DfT have reportedly rejected the proposal.
............well there were some extras but......
17:35 Castle Cary to Reading due 18:46
17:35 Castle Cary to Reading due 18:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
19:42 Castle Cary to Reading due 20:54
19:42 Castle Cary to Reading due 20:54 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [362751/18719/26] Posted by a-driver at 07:38, 29th June 2025 | |
.....a quick look at JourneyCheck suggests that the GWR BBQs are being fired up across the region today!
(......or could it be attending Glastonbury, or getting in the queue early at Wimbledon causing today's mass cancellations?)
(......or could it be attending Glastonbury, or getting in the queue early at Wimbledon causing today's mass cancellations?)
It looks rather as if there are a number of extra trains scheduled from Castle Cary this afternoon - perhaps the powers that be have decided to sacrifice the services they provide for their normal (loyal, regular) customer base for services for the people who come once a year? With pre-planning and a need to provide a public service I can sorta-understand that. To only announce wholesale decimation of certain other services on the actual morning strikes me a very bad planning and / or a showing of disregard to the people who want to use the service not only today but tomorrow, next week, and next month.
Are these extra trains or just stop orders applied to existing services?
In other news, an agreement for solving the Sunday situation has been reached between the Unions and GWR, unfortunately the DfT have reportedly rejected the proposal.
