Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Request stops - GWR list In "Across the West" [373592/31788/26] Posted by grahame at 12:06, 25th March 2026 |      |
Is there a full list anywhere of all the request stops that GWR operate, and serve? Are there any at which only some trains are "by request" and some always stop?
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373591/31780/40] Posted by CyclingSid at 11:29, 25th March 2026 | |
Don't know if the following is of relevance of general interest
https://connectivity-tool-lite.dft.gov.uk/index
| Re: Electric Buses for Wiltshire In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373590/31785/5] Posted by Clan Line at 11:28, 25th March 2026 | |
More coming !
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c625rd62mgzo
| Melksham to Bristol - the commute by train In "TransWilts line" [373589/31787/18] Posted by grahame at 09:53, 25th March 2026 Already liked by matth1j | |
Question raised with me yesterday - the 07:21 from Melksham / why does it not properly connect with a train at Chippenham into Bristol? ("There used to be an 07:45 from Chippenham, which was ideal")
As at May 2019, the 06:30 from Paddington called at Chippenham at 07:45 (see https://www.passenger.chat/nrtt/2019_05/Table%20125.pdf ) and made a good connection. The train has been accelerated, and now leaves Paddington at 06:28 and calls at Chippenham at 07:33 - the faster journey being due to the new IET trains which accelerate far better, especially under electric power from London, Reading and Swindon. The train no longer calls at Didcot, and the Reading and Swindon stops are shorter because train doors are automatic and not manual "slammers".
The timetables for all trains from Paddington were revised in December 2019, and the change was major - described as shooting now-faster bullets out of a gun, and then having to replan all the train services that cross over - such as those through Melksham and through Bradford-on-Avon to dodge the bullets.
The 07:20 / 07:21 from Melksham is now scheduled into Chippenham just 2 or 3 minutes before the Bristol train leaves. The connection is not "guaranteed" and indeed it's a gamble as to whether or not passenger can make the change - if they can't get onto the 07:33 from Chippenham, next train is 08:09. And it can be really irritating to pull into Chippenham as the Bristol train pulls out - or to rush across to it to find the doors have just closed. To be told to stand back, and be reminded by platform staff that "it is not a connection". We don't have a "Swiss system" - I used to worry about the 1 minute change at Dissentis, but have done it several times and it works; their trains have more relaxed timing and the connection "always" works.
What can be done for Melksham to Bath and Bristol passengers? It's noted that for a 3 week period last summer, the 06:28 from Paddington made an extra call at Didcot, was 3 minutes later at Chippenham, and offered an "official" connection. It was then 3 minutes later into Bristol, which was no operational problem - no clashes along the way with other train paths, and it sits in Bristol for eleven minutes before carrying on to Weston-super-mare. This cannot be done as standard, as the extra Didcot call was because a following train as not running, and now that it's running again, the Bristol train would get in its way!
We have suggested that the 06:28 from Paddington pause for 3 minutes at Swindon, and run 3 minutes later form there to Bristol. That would make for a 5 minute connection at Chippenham, and a 45 minute journey Melksham to Bristol, as opposed to the current 75 minute (official) journey. Our suggestion has been turned down - it added 3 minutes to the London to Bristol journey for passengers joining at 06:28 at Paddington and carrying on beyond Swindon - I have no measure of numbers. The 3 minutes would NOT break connections at Bath to Bradford-on-Avon. It WOULD break an onward official connection to Filton Abbey Wood, but then as that train also come up through Bath, and official connection could be made there, with a same-platform change rather than a scramble across Temple Meads in just-under-12-minutes.
Although we have not thus far succeeded in persuading GWR to make this change, it's worth asking again bearing in mind the Bath Spa change option for passengers from Swindon and Chippenham to Filton Abbey Wood. But if the London to Bristol time - even at that early hour from London - is paramount, our request may fall on stoney ground.
We HAVE succeeded in getting a better connection into Bristol off the 06:36 - and also an official connection to the Weymouth line - by having that train pulled back to 06:29. Give a Bristol arrival of 07:28 (59 minute journey) versus 07:48 - a 72 minute journey. And saves the scrambles between trains that we used to see at Trowbridge (for Bristol) and Westbury (for Weymouth).
Ironically, the question was asked about trains from Melksham - there's a much more serious question about trains back to Melksham, where a missed 'connecting' service at Chippenham or Trowbridge results is a wait of around 2 hours. I was in London yesterday ... got back to Chippenham and having missed the 15:31, next train not due until 17:50. No "connection failure" in that case - simply a gap in the timetable. I knew to take the bus ... which runs 5 times a day (from 15:30 to 17:30) from Chippenham Station. Another story.
| Where have all the cheap "Advanced Fares" gone? In "Fare's Fair" [373588/31786/4] Posted by grahame at 08:39, 25th March 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
In answer to a question I was asked yesterday - Where have all the cheap "Advanced Fares" gone?
"Advance Purchase" train tickets - bought ahead of time, only valid on a specified train, and not refundable or changeable were introduced a number of years ago (20 - 30 years?) by the Train Operating Companies. They are offered in limited quantities at a range of prices - cheaper on the least popular trains. There are no fewer that 46 standard class single fares from Melksham To London, ranging from £19 single to £129 single and a similar first class range. These are not "regulated" fares; quotas and prices can be changed at any time prior to purchase, though of course GWR will honour tickets sold once your purchase is confirmed. The model is a similar one to that used by the airline industry, and is typically available for medium and long distance journeys. Discounts such as railcards apply, so these tickets can be purchased with a third off by many of us.
Full range of Melksham (MKM) to London (PAD) tickets at https://www.brfares.com/!fares?orig=MKM&dest=PAD&period=20260301
It's now far harder to find an attractive low price fare than it was a few years ago. Why? Here are some background reasons:
1. Advance fares in their current form were introduced to help fill empty seats some 20 to 30 years ago. Over that time, train journeys in the UK have doubled and there are no longer the empty seats to fill. There are more trains and (on some) more seats, but that has not grown as much as the travelling numbers.
2. Fare money that is specific to a particular train has gone to the franchise operator (from 2006 in Melksham, First Group as Great Western Railway). Arrangements such as "cap and collar" limited profiteering and supported the company if they made a loss. But things changed, and these days all the money goes direct to the government, with GWR (First) being paid a management and operating fee and advance tickets no longer are a financial benefit to them over flexible tickets
3. Advance purchase fares have become the "go to" lower cost way of travelling for many people. Friends who work remotely but are London based will plan a day or two in the office well ahead, and will buy ahead of time putting up with some inconvenient timing to save money, in a way they would not do on a daily commute. They sell out quickly if they are available at all
4. It has been noted that people may complain at the higher pricing, but they will pay. And the rail industry needs the money (discussion point in high politics itself). Just because "trains are being nationalised" does not mean that the books don't need to balance! To a very great extent, the train operating companies are the scapegoats of the system - blames for higher fares when the UK's high fares compared to other countries comes down to national policy.
5. When there are engineering works going on, and trains are thinned, diverted or replaces by buses, capacity is less and fewer if any advance fares are offered.
6. Rail income per passenger mile has dropped; fewer commuters, more people working from home, less "any time" tickets sold. People using split tickets and being more able to choose the right and best ticket online through multiple outlets. And reducing the Advance quota at low price levels is a way to pump up income.
7. The big "Fares are Frozen this year" announcement - sorry - it does not mean that you won't be paying more. The freeze is on regulated fares, which these days are less than half the tickets sold - many but not all "walk up" fares. In my view, an easy marketing line because there are so many other tickets and quotas not regulated, and in a number of cases, other terms and conditions change which render the previous "best value" tickets no longer such good value. For example, a change from 09:00 to 09:30 for groupsave may felt technical, but it put the price up 50% for a group going out for the day from Melksham to Salisbury on the 09:10. That is a historic example - I don't know is planned for this year in detail. In other areas, return tickets are no longer sold and you have to buy two singles - but we are moving away from the original question here!
In summary - the rail industry requires a greater income, and one of the ways it's generating it is by cutting the availability of lower priced advance fares. The system does help with load balancing, but do not expect to see the average price you pay come down - or even be frozen this year. Do not expect to see a financial encouragement toward train travel, although fares are unlikely to go up at the rate that fuel prices for cars might rise in a continued oil / environmental crisis.
This report is written from my understanding - and has to be "errors and omissions excepted". You need to check back with the train operator or industry enquiry source to confirm details, though at times they are very coy about some of the best value ways to travel. Written by Graham Ellis - graham@sn12.net - chair of Melksham Transport User Group. I am retired and welcome local enquiries about trains and buses
| Electric Buses for Wiltshire In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373587/31785/5] Posted by John D at 07:09, 25th March 2026 | |
Couldn't find a recent thread
3 new Alexander Dennis 100 EV (narrow) buses are now being delivered for Salisbury Red routes, photo of them on the link.
Each vehicle comes equipped with 26 seats including tip-ups in the wheelchair bay, with a total capacity of 45 passengers.
USB charging ports are situated at all seats, and the buses are fully PSVAIR-compliant, with next-stop audio/visual announcements, audio loops, and a dementia-friendly internal colour scheme.
At 8.5 metres long and 2.35 metres wide; the Enviro100 EV buses have been chosen for their suitability for narrow town streets and country lanes.
The vehicles are set to enter operation on the Red4, Red6 and Red8 routes, which provide access to housing estates and nearby villages.
Each bus can travel up to 285 miles on a single charge, due in part to equipped 354kWh batteries coupled to the Driventic Vehicle Electrical Drive System (VEDS).
USB charging ports are situated at all seats, and the buses are fully PSVAIR-compliant, with next-stop audio/visual announcements, audio loops, and a dementia-friendly internal colour scheme.
At 8.5 metres long and 2.35 metres wide; the Enviro100 EV buses have been chosen for their suitability for narrow town streets and country lanes.
The vehicles are set to enter operation on the Red4, Red6 and Red8 routes, which provide access to housing estates and nearby villages.
Each bus can travel up to 285 miles on a single charge, due in part to equipped 354kWh batteries coupled to the Driventic Vehicle Electrical Drive System (VEDS).
https://bus-news.com/alexander-dennis-delivers-new-enviro100-ev-buses-to-go-south-coast/
I guess these 3 buses are a start to bringing Wiltshire into 21st Century with low carbon transport, although 3 buses with 26 seats each isn't really going to transform a county with 510,000 people
| Re: 'World's oldest underwater tunnel opened to public' - Thames Tunnel, Rotherhithe In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373586/6407/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:34, 25th March 2026 | |
From the London Transport Museum website:
A brief history of the Thames Tunnel and the East London line
...
In 1825, French engineer Marc Brunel started work on the Thames Tunnel, the very first underwater tunnel anywhere in the world. Beset by financial difficulties, frequent flooding and several deaths, the project wasn’t completed until 1843. However, it opened not as a thoroughfare for goods as it had been intended but as a pedestrian walkway.
The Thames Tunnel was immensely popular as a tourist attraction when it first opened on 25 March 1843 with one million visitors in its first ten weeks.
...
...
In 1825, French engineer Marc Brunel started work on the Thames Tunnel, the very first underwater tunnel anywhere in the world. Beset by financial difficulties, frequent flooding and several deaths, the project wasn’t completed until 1843. However, it opened not as a thoroughfare for goods as it had been intended but as a pedestrian walkway.
The Thames Tunnel was immensely popular as a tourist attraction when it first opened on 25 March 1843 with one million visitors in its first ten weeks.
...
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373585/31355/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:07, 24th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Traffic on M4 as M48 Severn Bridge closed due to strong winds
The bridge is expected to be shut "for some time"
The M48 Severn Bridge has been shut in both directions due to strong winds. The bridge is closed between junction 2 at Chepstow and junction 1 at Aust.
Traffic monitoring site Inrix is reporting congestion on the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge westbound and on the M49 heading northbound.
National Highways has advised drivers to allow extra time on their journeys, with more than an hour delay on the M4 between junction 22 and junction 23.
The Met Office is reporting heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 44mph.
National Highways said: "Strong winds are forecast throughout the evening so we expect the bridge to be closed for some time."
The bridge is expected to be shut "for some time"
The M48 Severn Bridge has been shut in both directions due to strong winds. The bridge is closed between junction 2 at Chepstow and junction 1 at Aust.
Traffic monitoring site Inrix is reporting congestion on the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge westbound and on the M49 heading northbound.
National Highways has advised drivers to allow extra time on their journeys, with more than an hour delay on the M4 between junction 22 and junction 23.
The Met Office is reporting heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 44mph.
National Highways said: "Strong winds are forecast throughout the evening so we expect the bridge to be closed for some time."
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [373584/10737/21] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:55, 24th March 2026 Already liked by TonyK, Western Pathfinder, chuffed, PrestburyRoad | |
From the BBC:
Major £72.5m revamp at Temple Meads nears completion
The team of engineers has worked for six years on the project
A six-year project to refurbish a 152-year-old Grade I listed railway station building is nearing completion, after a £72.5m refurbishment.
Network Rail engineers have changed over 1,200 roof glazing panels, repaired 2,500 pieces of steel work at Bristol Temple Meads station, and re-wired the electrical system throughout the building.
Joanna Grew, from Network Rail, said: "It is part of a much bigger scheme to regenerate the Bristol area and the whole Bristol Temple Quarter. Whilst the scaffolding was up it really was a dark place but slowly we've been taking that scaffolding down and unveiling what is the beautiful station - a bit like opening a present at Christmas."
Grew explained the scale of the project expanded once work started: "We originally thought there would only be 250 repairs, and actually that number was 2,500. We will be over the next few years looking to renovate various parts of the station which will bring in much better food and beverage and commercial opportunities," she added.
Hundreds of glazing panels on the roof have been replaced
As well as the roof refurbishment, a new entrance has been constructed which will link to the University of Bristol's new campus next to the station.
To ensure the work was carried out safely, a huge scaffolding structure was built above where the trains ran.
James Shelley, lead portfolio manager, said: "We had a lot of responsibility to make sure we were sympathetic to the heritage of the station."
The new station interior is much brighter after the refurbishment
"We're incredibly proud of the work that we've done on site, these projects are a bit like onions. When you peel it back and find elements you didn't realise were there when you started it can be daunting. We're really at a point now where there's light at the end of the tunnel, but passengers can now look up and see the good work that's been done," he added.
The team of engineers has worked for six years on the project
A six-year project to refurbish a 152-year-old Grade I listed railway station building is nearing completion, after a £72.5m refurbishment.
Network Rail engineers have changed over 1,200 roof glazing panels, repaired 2,500 pieces of steel work at Bristol Temple Meads station, and re-wired the electrical system throughout the building.
Joanna Grew, from Network Rail, said: "It is part of a much bigger scheme to regenerate the Bristol area and the whole Bristol Temple Quarter. Whilst the scaffolding was up it really was a dark place but slowly we've been taking that scaffolding down and unveiling what is the beautiful station - a bit like opening a present at Christmas."
Grew explained the scale of the project expanded once work started: "We originally thought there would only be 250 repairs, and actually that number was 2,500. We will be over the next few years looking to renovate various parts of the station which will bring in much better food and beverage and commercial opportunities," she added.
Hundreds of glazing panels on the roof have been replaced
As well as the roof refurbishment, a new entrance has been constructed which will link to the University of Bristol's new campus next to the station.
To ensure the work was carried out safely, a huge scaffolding structure was built above where the trains ran.
James Shelley, lead portfolio manager, said: "We had a lot of responsibility to make sure we were sympathetic to the heritage of the station."
The new station interior is much brighter after the refurbishment
"We're incredibly proud of the work that we've done on site, these projects are a bit like onions. When you peel it back and find elements you didn't realise were there when you started it can be daunting. We're really at a point now where there's light at the end of the tunnel, but passengers can now look up and see the good work that's been done," he added.
| Re: WECA becomes WEMCA in December 2024 and ongoing political issues (updated title) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [373583/25181/21] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:50, 24th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Weca Mayor felt 'trapped and unsafe' amid Acorn confrontation
Helen Godwin said "aggression is not activism"
A mayor says she felt "trapped" after reportedly being cornered by activists in a lift after a meeting.
Helen Godwin, mayor for the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset, said the incident occurred following a meeting in Bristol on Monday.
Members of the community union Acorn said she presented a "complete unwillingness to engage" when questioned on pledges she had previously agreed to.
In a statement, Godwin said: "Aggression is not activism, and tactics like this designed to intimidate politicians have no place in our society." Avon and Somerset Police said enquiries into the incident were ongoing.
Godwin said she prides herself on being "open and accessible" to the public and willing to answer questions, describing it as an "important part of our democracy".
"But today, as I tried to leave the room, a group of people ran after me - shouting," she continued. "A man followed me into a lift and refused to leave, despite being asked repeatedly. People, particularly women, will understand just how scary this was. I felt trapped and unsafe. The police had to be called, and they are now investigating."
Acorn said their members tried to confront Godwin as she left the meeting to discuss taking action on public control of buses, bailiff bullying, homelessness and housing.
They claim on 25 April last year, Labour South West's regional communications officer responded to an email asking if Godwin would agree to these pledges. The email from Godwin's office allegedly stated: "With regards to the pledges that you have sent over, you can mark Helen as a 'yes' for each one".
Acorn accused Godwin of failing to follow through on pledges
The union said Godwin's "lack of follow-through on pledges" she made prior to the election "have let everyone down".
"As she left, Acorn members met her in the corridor outside and tried to ask questions, but were met with a complete unwillingness to engage," they said. "The claim that she was 'trapped' is particularly odd, given that it was her own security that blocked her exit rather than any members of Acorn. We just want a meeting, and it's very disappointing to see the mayor completely blow questions being asked out of proportion to avoid taking responsibility for promises she made," they added.
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, described the incident as "deeply disturbing".
"Nobody has the right to impose their will on another person through physical, verbal or emotional intimidation," he said. "This is a fundamental principle of living in a democratic and free society, where people must be able to go about their work and daily lives without fear."
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said officers had attended the Weca offices on Redcliff Street at about 10.30 GMT on Monday. "(We) received a report that an elected official was confronted by members of the public following a meeting," the spokesman said. "Enquiries into this incident are ongoing."
Helen Godwin said "aggression is not activism"
A mayor says she felt "trapped" after reportedly being cornered by activists in a lift after a meeting.
Helen Godwin, mayor for the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset, said the incident occurred following a meeting in Bristol on Monday.
Members of the community union Acorn said she presented a "complete unwillingness to engage" when questioned on pledges she had previously agreed to.
In a statement, Godwin said: "Aggression is not activism, and tactics like this designed to intimidate politicians have no place in our society." Avon and Somerset Police said enquiries into the incident were ongoing.
Godwin said she prides herself on being "open and accessible" to the public and willing to answer questions, describing it as an "important part of our democracy".
"But today, as I tried to leave the room, a group of people ran after me - shouting," she continued. "A man followed me into a lift and refused to leave, despite being asked repeatedly. People, particularly women, will understand just how scary this was. I felt trapped and unsafe. The police had to be called, and they are now investigating."
Acorn said their members tried to confront Godwin as she left the meeting to discuss taking action on public control of buses, bailiff bullying, homelessness and housing.
They claim on 25 April last year, Labour South West's regional communications officer responded to an email asking if Godwin would agree to these pledges. The email from Godwin's office allegedly stated: "With regards to the pledges that you have sent over, you can mark Helen as a 'yes' for each one".
Acorn accused Godwin of failing to follow through on pledges
The union said Godwin's "lack of follow-through on pledges" she made prior to the election "have let everyone down".
"As she left, Acorn members met her in the corridor outside and tried to ask questions, but were met with a complete unwillingness to engage," they said. "The claim that she was 'trapped' is particularly odd, given that it was her own security that blocked her exit rather than any members of Acorn. We just want a meeting, and it's very disappointing to see the mayor completely blow questions being asked out of proportion to avoid taking responsibility for promises she made," they added.
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, described the incident as "deeply disturbing".
"Nobody has the right to impose their will on another person through physical, verbal or emotional intimidation," he said. "This is a fundamental principle of living in a democratic and free society, where people must be able to go about their work and daily lives without fear."
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said officers had attended the Weca offices on Redcliff Street at about 10.30 GMT on Monday. "(We) received a report that an elected official was confronted by members of the public following a meeting," the spokesman said. "Enquiries into this incident are ongoing."
| Croydon rail upgrade delay may impact Gatwick Airport and Universal Studios park In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373582/31784/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:14, 24th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Rail scheme delay may impact Gatwick and Universal
The Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme includes major upgrades at East Croydon and Norwood Junction stations
An MP has warned that continued delays to funding a major rail upgrade across Croydon could have knock‑on effects for other projects - including Gatwick Airport's planned runway expansion and the new Universal Studios UK theme park.
During a House of Commons debate, it was revealed that the £2.9bn Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme (CARS) remains stalled.
First proposed in 2020, the project was intended to ease a long‑standing bottleneck on the Brighton Main Line in the Croydon area.
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed the project had been paused by the previous government in 2022 without notifying stakeholders, and has not been reinstated in subsequent spending reviews.
The Thameslink route is one of the busiest in the country and links London with the south coast, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
CARS includes major upgrades at East Croydon and Norwood Junction stations, extensive track remodelling around Selhurst, and bridge works to create space for additional lines.
Croydon East MP Natasha Irons warned that failing to tackle the long‑standing bottleneck could have wider consequences for the South East economy. She said further delays risked undermining the proposed Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, due to open in 2031, which is expected to support about 28,000 jobs and attract 8.5 million visitors a year.
She also warned that the £2.2bn northern runway expansion at Gatwick Airport could be hindered. "Rail is not an optional extra - it is a fundamental element of Gatwick's success," Irons said.
The transport minister said that rail spending remained constrained and that the government would not be currently providing funding for CARS.
There were also no plans to apply for planning consents such as a Transport and Works Act Order or to carry out any associated compulsory land purchases.
Despite this, Lightwood described the Brighton Main Line as a "vital artery" and pointed to previous investment, including the £7bn Thameslink programme and the £250m upgrade of Gatwick Airport station.
During the debate on 17 March, he urged local leaders to continue developing their business case ahead of the next spending review in 2027.
The Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme includes major upgrades at East Croydon and Norwood Junction stations
An MP has warned that continued delays to funding a major rail upgrade across Croydon could have knock‑on effects for other projects - including Gatwick Airport's planned runway expansion and the new Universal Studios UK theme park.
During a House of Commons debate, it was revealed that the £2.9bn Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme (CARS) remains stalled.
First proposed in 2020, the project was intended to ease a long‑standing bottleneck on the Brighton Main Line in the Croydon area.
Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed the project had been paused by the previous government in 2022 without notifying stakeholders, and has not been reinstated in subsequent spending reviews.
The Thameslink route is one of the busiest in the country and links London with the south coast, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
CARS includes major upgrades at East Croydon and Norwood Junction stations, extensive track remodelling around Selhurst, and bridge works to create space for additional lines.
Croydon East MP Natasha Irons warned that failing to tackle the long‑standing bottleneck could have wider consequences for the South East economy. She said further delays risked undermining the proposed Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, due to open in 2031, which is expected to support about 28,000 jobs and attract 8.5 million visitors a year.
She also warned that the £2.2bn northern runway expansion at Gatwick Airport could be hindered. "Rail is not an optional extra - it is a fundamental element of Gatwick's success," Irons said.
The transport minister said that rail spending remained constrained and that the government would not be currently providing funding for CARS.
There were also no plans to apply for planning consents such as a Transport and Works Act Order or to carry out any associated compulsory land purchases.
Despite this, Lightwood described the Brighton Main Line as a "vital artery" and pointed to previous investment, including the £7bn Thameslink programme and the £250m upgrade of Gatwick Airport station.
During the debate on 17 March, he urged local leaders to continue developing their business case ahead of the next spending review in 2027.
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [373581/10737/21] Posted by Mark A at 17:56, 24th March 2026 Already liked by johnneyw | |
Perhaps members of this forum could nominate additional stations to host statues and play a part in this "The Line to Legend Land" promotion.
How about... Maiden Newton, a six mile walk from the Cerne Abbas Giant? Next, we need an appropriate brief for the design of a statue for MDN. Anyone?
Mark
| Re: Train fire at Newton Abbot 22 March In "London to the West" [373580/31778/12] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:33, 24th March 2026 | |
I'm sure the report on the incident and the sequence of events that led up to it will make for interesting reading.......
| Re: Spain / Portugal power outage - 28 April 2025 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373579/30210/52] Posted by ChrisB at 15:30, 24th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
From Ento-E
ENTSO-E Publishes Expert Panel Final Report on 28 April 2025 Blackout in Spain and Portugal
The final report of the Expert Panel on the 28 April 2025 blackout in continental Spain and Portugal identifies its causes and outlines recommendations to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s interconnected electricity system. It was prepared by a 49-member Panel including representatives from Transmission System Operators (TSOs), Regional Coordination Centres (RCCs), ACER and National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), and was chaired by experts from two unaffected TSOs.
The investigation concludes that the blackout resulted from a combination of many interacting factors, including oscillations, gaps in voltage and reactive power control, differences in voltage regulation practices, rapid output reductions and generator disconnections in Spain, and uneven stabilisation capabilities. These factors led to fast voltage increases and cascading generation disconnections, resulting in the blackout in continental Spain and Portugal.
Based on these findings, the Expert Panel sets out recommendations addressing each of the factors identified in the report to help prevent similar events in the future. These include strengthened operational practices, improved monitoring of system behaviour and closer coordination and data exchange among power system actors. The findings of the investigation also underscore the need for regulatory frameworks to adapt in order to support the evolving nature of the power system.
The 28 April 2025 blackout was a first of its kind event, and the recommendations aim to strengthen system resilience with solutions that are already technologically deployable. This blackout highlights how developments at the local level can have system-wide implications and underlines the importance of maintaining strong links between local and European system behaviour and coordination, while ensuring that market mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and energy policies remain aligned with the physical limits of the system.
Report here
The final report of the Expert Panel on the 28 April 2025 blackout in continental Spain and Portugal identifies its causes and outlines recommendations to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s interconnected electricity system. It was prepared by a 49-member Panel including representatives from Transmission System Operators (TSOs), Regional Coordination Centres (RCCs), ACER and National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), and was chaired by experts from two unaffected TSOs.
The investigation concludes that the blackout resulted from a combination of many interacting factors, including oscillations, gaps in voltage and reactive power control, differences in voltage regulation practices, rapid output reductions and generator disconnections in Spain, and uneven stabilisation capabilities. These factors led to fast voltage increases and cascading generation disconnections, resulting in the blackout in continental Spain and Portugal.
Based on these findings, the Expert Panel sets out recommendations addressing each of the factors identified in the report to help prevent similar events in the future. These include strengthened operational practices, improved monitoring of system behaviour and closer coordination and data exchange among power system actors. The findings of the investigation also underscore the need for regulatory frameworks to adapt in order to support the evolving nature of the power system.
The 28 April 2025 blackout was a first of its kind event, and the recommendations aim to strengthen system resilience with solutions that are already technologically deployable. This blackout highlights how developments at the local level can have system-wide implications and underlines the importance of maintaining strong links between local and European system behaviour and coordination, while ensuring that market mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and energy policies remain aligned with the physical limits of the system.
Report here
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373578/31780/40] Posted by grahame at 15:16, 24th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
It’s hardly surprising though that none of the 35 stations is in Wiltshire - we know that there are currently no new stations funded / under construction in the county - unlike all of those 35 (36 if you add in Brabazon). What should be is of course another matter.
Last Thursday I attended the "Wiltshire Sustainable Transport Forum" in Trowbridge
I am (today, Tuesday) on my way home from the GWR and Network Rail briefing in Westminster.
To my knowledge, I was the ONLY person to attend both ...
"What should be is, of course, another matter"
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373577/31780/40] Posted by Sulis John at 15:02, 24th March 2026 Already liked by grahame | |
It’s hardly surprising though that none of the 35 stations is in Wiltshire - we know that there are currently no new stations funded / under construction in the county - unlike all of those 35 (36 if you add in Brabazon). What should be is of course another matter.
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [373576/10737/21] Posted by Phantom at 10:54, 24th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
I saw those giants on Sunday, I must admit I had never heard that story before
| Re: Network Rail Enhancements plan (what is being done and target date) In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373575/31783/40] Posted by stuving at 10:08, 24th March 2026 | |
March 2026 enhancements plan with estimated target dates
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CP7-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Mar-2026-Update.pdf
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CP7-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Mar-2026-Update.pdf
That link is one of those self-garbling ones*. But the URL as displayed works:
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CP7-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Mar-2026-Update.pdf
* Actually the link inside the quote works too - it's just the original that 404s!
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373574/31780/40] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 09:14, 24th March 2026 | |
The newish Marsh Barton station appears in the report. It is hemmed in by the Marsh Barton Trading Estate to the west, and by the River Exe and it's flood plain to the east, so I would suggest there is little in the way of potential residential building development, and thus leisure passenger growth, in the immediately adjacent area. I assume 'travel to work' passenger numbers are already established.
The ongoing significant residential developments to the south of Marsh Barton, roughly 1.5 - 2.5 miles from the station, will possibly over time increase footfall although only if the regular A379 & Bad Homburg Way traffic jam issues are resolved.
| Re: Recycling rubbish and charity shops - something of a minefield? Ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373573/30854/31] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 08:06, 24th March 2026 | |
.....one of the things that does not get recycled in most areas is rigid plastic.....
This certainly appears to be true for Exeter & Devon; the city council do not accept any rigid plastic items in the kerbside collections. Devon County Council, via their large public recycling centres, will only take 'large' rigid plastic items. But don't define what 'large' means; I have apparently recycled a big outdoor plastic dustbin but a fairly substantial plastic washing-up bowl went into their general waste skip.
Fortunately our soon to be implemented Unitary Authority will sort all this out (pun intended).
| Network Rail Enhancements plan (what is being done and target date) In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373572/31783/40] Posted by John D at 07:54, 24th March 2026 | |
March 2026 enhancements plan with estimated target dates
https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CP7-Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Mar-2026-Update.pdf
Some selected items for GWR area (more details on document)
Oxfordshire Connect (capacity & time improvements) March 2029
Cardiff Central station modernisation March 2030
Acton West - Acton Wells (known as Poplar lines) electrification July 2026
Metrowest phase 1b (Portishead line) December 2028
| Re: St Ives Station - GWR unveils statue of mythical Mermaid of Zennor In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [373571/31782/25] Posted by eightonedee at 07:01, 24th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
...and that Michael Morpurgo was the Children's Laureate, not the Poet Laureate!
| Re: St Ives Station - GWR unveils statue of mythical Mermaid of Zennor In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [373570/31782/25] Posted by CyclingSid at 05:29, 24th March 2026 | |
It might be said that they mean engraved rather than etched.
| Re: Recycling rubbish and charity shops - something of a minefield? Ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373569/30854/31] Posted by infoman at 02:46, 24th March 2026 | |
I think its a good idea,but one of the things that does not get recycled in most areas is rigid plastic
like video tapes and broken plastic children's toys.
| Re: Children to get free bus travel in Bristol, 2025 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373568/30338/5] Posted by infoman at 02:41, 24th March 2026 | |
Another anti-train decision.
| Re: GWR Growing places report March 2026 In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [373567/31780/40] Posted by eightonedee at 22:38, 23rd March 2026 Already liked by Richard Fairhurst | |
Wot no Devizes Parkway?
| Re: RailAir and GBR In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373566/31773/5] Posted by eightonedee at 22:35, 23rd March 2026 | |
What is happening to RailAir links in the great new Great British Railways wonderland. I don't know what the current contractual relationship between the ROC▸ and the RailAir provider.
From a passenger point of view will things carry on seamlessly? (Innocent fool?).
From a passenger point of view will things carry on seamlessly? (Innocent fool?).
I am not sure what contractual relationship exists, but, if you are worried about the future of the service there's considerable comfort to be gained from the fact that (at Reading) this began quite a long time before privatisation of either rail or bus services, looking it up on Wikipedia, in 1967! (I have a vague memory of Thames Valley using Bedford coaches with the then-new Duple Viceroy bodies). So it has survived a lot of changes of operator in the intervening period. There's also the Rail Air lounge at Reading station which presumably is operated by the coach company under lease or licence from Network Rail.
| Re: Children to get free bus travel in Bristol, 2025 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [373565/30338/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:48, 23rd March 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
West of England children's bus tickets capped at £1 until 2029
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England (centre) said passengers deserved an "affordable, reliable and accessible" transport network
A £1 cap on child bus tickets has been extended until spring 2029.
The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) announced the three-year extension of the initiative as part of a wider fares support package for bus passengers.
The multi-operator fare cap, free bus travel for care leavers up to the age of 25, the Youth Guarantee free bus pass and the Diamond Pass to allow pensioners and disabled passengers to travel for free will also be extended following funding from the Department of Transport.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: "We're determined to support the delivery of affordable, reliable and accessible transport networks that passengers deserve."
According to Weca, the £1 child fare cap - which was introduced in September 2022 for anyone aged between five and 15 years old across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset - has already saved families across the region about £1.1m in the last year.
The authority has also allowed children to travel for free during the summer and Christmas half term holidays since June 2025.
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said he was "pleased" to see the extension of several money-saving schemes which would encourage more people to travel by bus. "We will continue working with the Mayoral Combined Authority, bus operators and neighbouring councils to deliver reliable and affordable services," he added.
North Somerset councillor Hugh Malyan said: "Extension of these schemes will mean increased access to services for many, and at the same time support wider ambitions for a cleaner, more sustainable and inclusive transport network for the future."
Over the coming weeks, Weca is set to consult residents on its developing Bus Plan to enable the community to work together to build a more reliable bus network, which was earmarked as a priority for the region.
Elsewhere, the authority's Transport Vision plan which was announced last month also aims to transform public transport services across the region, with proposals to implement an extended rail network, a mass transit system, safer active travel and improved streets.
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England (centre) said passengers deserved an "affordable, reliable and accessible" transport network
A £1 cap on child bus tickets has been extended until spring 2029.
The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) announced the three-year extension of the initiative as part of a wider fares support package for bus passengers.
The multi-operator fare cap, free bus travel for care leavers up to the age of 25, the Youth Guarantee free bus pass and the Diamond Pass to allow pensioners and disabled passengers to travel for free will also be extended following funding from the Department of Transport.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: "We're determined to support the delivery of affordable, reliable and accessible transport networks that passengers deserve."
According to Weca, the £1 child fare cap - which was introduced in September 2022 for anyone aged between five and 15 years old across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset - has already saved families across the region about £1.1m in the last year.
The authority has also allowed children to travel for free during the summer and Christmas half term holidays since June 2025.
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said he was "pleased" to see the extension of several money-saving schemes which would encourage more people to travel by bus. "We will continue working with the Mayoral Combined Authority, bus operators and neighbouring councils to deliver reliable and affordable services," he added.
North Somerset councillor Hugh Malyan said: "Extension of these schemes will mean increased access to services for many, and at the same time support wider ambitions for a cleaner, more sustainable and inclusive transport network for the future."
Over the coming weeks, Weca is set to consult residents on its developing Bus Plan to enable the community to work together to build a more reliable bus network, which was earmarked as a priority for the region.
Elsewhere, the authority's Transport Vision plan which was announced last month also aims to transform public transport services across the region, with proposals to implement an extended rail network, a mass transit system, safer active travel and improved streets.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373564/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 21:16, 23rd March 2026 | |
A vehicle had struck a bridge in the Freshford area between Trowbridge and Bath Spa. The bridge has been examined and we are now able to run trains.
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What are we doing about it?
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Our service between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham will remain suspended as a number of our trains and crew are now not in the right place.
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What are your options?
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We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
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Replacement transport has been arranged to run in place of cancelled train services. These have been advertised on journey planners.
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What are we doing about it?
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Our service between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham will remain suspended as a number of our trains and crew are now not in the right place.
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What are your options?
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We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
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Replacement transport has been arranged to run in place of cancelled train services. These have been advertised on journey planners.
| St Ives Station - GWR unveils statue of mythical Mermaid of Zennor In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [373563/31782/25] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:02, 23rd March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
GWR unveils mythical statue at St Ives station
The statue of the Mermaid of Zennor has been placed at St Ives Train Station
Great Western Railway (GWR) has unveiled a statue of the mythical Mermaid of Zennor at St Ives train station.
Along with four others dotted about the GWR network, the temporary sculpture is designed to encourage families to explore the landscapes behind the region's myths and legends.
A new book of the railway's Legend Land series, Line to Legend Land, has also been published, featuring a reissue of 11 myths and a new chapter written by former Poet Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo.
Paul Gentleman, a spokesperson for GWR, said: "The statues are going to be around for the next few weeks so that people get out... and hopefully explore the countryside around and find out where these stories originated from."
The Mermaid of Zennor was etched into a pew at St Senara's Church in Zennor more than 400 years ago
Visitors can find the five mythical statues across network - The Giants of Avon Gorge at Bristol Temple Meads, Excalibur at Castle Cary Station, The Faeries of Pennard Castle at Swansea Station, and the Red Dragon at Cardiff Central Station.
'The Line to Legend Land' was a series of 24 pamphlets written 100 years ago, and included tales of folklore, myths, and legends from across the South West.
In a social media post for the rail network, Morpurgo said: "By retelling these ancient stories – including the addition of my own, The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey – we aren't just looking back at the past; we are ensuring that the giants, dragons and mermaids of our heritage continue to live on in the hearts of children today."
Jeni Woolcock, collections manager at the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, which launches its own myths and legends exhibition at the end of this month, said: "Cornwall is absolutely prolific with myths and legends there are so many of them. I really do love the Mermaid of Zennor. I also love Cherry of Zennor which is another myth about a young woman. I think I'm quite often drawn to those where women are not represented in a way that I'm particularly happy with, so I resonate with those because I really want to give them a voice and see things from their perspective," she said.
The statue of the Mermaid of Zennor has been placed at St Ives Train Station
Great Western Railway (GWR) has unveiled a statue of the mythical Mermaid of Zennor at St Ives train station.
Along with four others dotted about the GWR network, the temporary sculpture is designed to encourage families to explore the landscapes behind the region's myths and legends.
A new book of the railway's Legend Land series, Line to Legend Land, has also been published, featuring a reissue of 11 myths and a new chapter written by former Poet Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo.
Paul Gentleman, a spokesperson for GWR, said: "The statues are going to be around for the next few weeks so that people get out... and hopefully explore the countryside around and find out where these stories originated from."
The Mermaid of Zennor was etched into a pew at St Senara's Church in Zennor more than 400 years ago
Visitors can find the five mythical statues across network - The Giants of Avon Gorge at Bristol Temple Meads, Excalibur at Castle Cary Station, The Faeries of Pennard Castle at Swansea Station, and the Red Dragon at Cardiff Central Station.
'The Line to Legend Land' was a series of 24 pamphlets written 100 years ago, and included tales of folklore, myths, and legends from across the South West.
In a social media post for the rail network, Morpurgo said: "By retelling these ancient stories – including the addition of my own, The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey – we aren't just looking back at the past; we are ensuring that the giants, dragons and mermaids of our heritage continue to live on in the hearts of children today."
Jeni Woolcock, collections manager at the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, which launches its own myths and legends exhibition at the end of this month, said: "Cornwall is absolutely prolific with myths and legends there are so many of them. I really do love the Mermaid of Zennor. I also love Cherry of Zennor which is another myth about a young woman. I think I'm quite often drawn to those where women are not represented in a way that I'm particularly happy with, so I resonate with those because I really want to give them a voice and see things from their perspective," she said.
