Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: First Bus android app: room for improvement? In "Buses and other ways to travel" [364637/27750/5] Posted by Mark A at 12:50, 24th August 2025 |      |
Revisiting this thread, as I was wondering if anyone had found the venerable 'Bustime' Android app.
First time using it, I thought... where are my sunglasses?
Second time I thought... this is well bonkers.
The third time, once the splash screen had vanished, and it being a Sunday, selecting Bath's 6a bus and finding the app is looking at the wrong 6a from another part of the country, this was discouraging and I stopped using it for a bit.
The fourth time, noticing that when it *does* list the right service, it exposes various information that other bus apps do not, and also that its responsiveness is good, I've been making more frequent use of it. The 'Status' page is probably not useful for most, but it's very reassuring that it checks everything in sight and list's what's working and what isn't.
It's far more rewarding than standing at a bus stop with certain other apps showing... not very much before telling me 'Sorry, technical issue' when they mean that the city's somewhat woeful mobile connectivity has caused something in the app to time out.
Update: That errant 6a service, I've just found that it belongs to Reading, Berkshire. There must be something bad in some database that feeds the app perhaps. How to discover which database is anyone's guess, but some errant database field must be placing the 6a bus in Reading rather than Bath...
Mark
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.indie.bustime&hl=en_GB
| Re: Paignton In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [364634/30619/47] Posted by grahame at 10:51, 24th August 2025 | |
You would think GWR would keep someone on the station until 17.30hrs.
Playing Devil's Advocate, why? Evening national network ticket sales handled by train staff. Loos locked, no doubt. Most people there aren't there to bring extra business to First group because there's a member of staff. Most have arrived earlier in the day so are perfectly capable of getting on the trains.
| Re: No trains to Marlow expected until 25 August In "Thames Valley Branches" [364633/30613/13] Posted by grahame at 10:44, 24th August 2025 | |
... and these days it would need to be a pilotperson.
The only job on the railway where they must leave the railway premises immediately that their shift finishes
I can see that could be a severe issue if they finish in Bourne End and aren't allowed on the train back to Maidenhead. Don't suppose any could afford to live in Marlow!
| Re: No trains to Marlow expected until 25 August In "Thames Valley Branches" [364632/30613/13] Posted by Oxonhutch at 10:32, 24th August 2025 | |
... and these days it would need to be a pilotperson.
The only job on the railway where they must leave the railway premises immediately that their shift finishes [and go to the pub].
The last part might not actually be in the rule book
| Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021 In "Across the West" [364631/24934/26] Posted by BBM at 10:02, 24th August 2025 | |
A nice problem to have -
1A84 1020 Penzance to London Paddington
Left Penzance as 5 cars.
9 added at Plymouth!
Showing 14 cars to London!
1A84 1020 Penzance to London Paddington
Left Penzance as 5 cars.
9 added at Plymouth!
Showing 14 cars to London!
This is a well-known issue on RTT, there's a recent thread on Rail UK Forums which explains how it happens:
https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/22-coach-pendolino.290852/
| Re: No trains to Marlow expected until 25 August In "Thames Valley Branches" [364630/30613/13] Posted by grahame at 09:59, 24th August 2025 | |
They should contact the local heritage railways around them. They might have spare parts they need right away.
In olden days, a work around may have been found by using a pilotman. Of course, we don't know what the problem is, and these days it would need to be a pilotperson.
| Re: No trains to Marlow expected until 25 August In "Thames Valley Branches" [364629/30613/13] Posted by Oxonhutch at 09:35, 24th August 2025 | |
They should contact the local heritage railways around them. They might have spare parts they need right away.
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [364628/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 09:29, 24th August 2025 | |
I thought we had got off lightly this morning ... until ...
10:41 Westbury to Swindon due 11:23
10:41 Westbury to Swindon due 11:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Further Information
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:24/08/2025 09:10
10:41 Westbury to Swindon due 11:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Further Information
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:24/08/2025 09:10
11:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 13:45
11:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 13:45 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Further Information
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:24/08/2025 09:10
11:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 13:45 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Further Information
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Last Updated:24/08/2025 09:10
On a daily basis, GWR have a shortage of train crew and so often that leads to cancellations.
| Paignton In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [364627/30619/47] Posted by REVUpminster at 09:16, 24th August 2025 | |
The steam train season is in full swing on the main line with tour trains going to Kingswear with an engine picked up from Taunton supplied by the West Somerset Railway.
The departure back from Kingswear arrives at Paignton at 1725hrs. The station is locked up except for a single gate, one side of the double gate is locked shut on platform 2. All the staff have gone home at 1700hrs.
The previous local leaving at 1717hrs the guard is selling tickets at the gate as it's easier than doing it on the train which can get crowded. I bet a lot of the guards don't bother.
The only staff man I saw was from Dartmouth Steam Railway who had operated the Sands Road level crossing which is manually operated.
You would think GWR would keep someone on the station until 17.30hrs.
| Re: Shortage of train crews on Great Western Railway - ongoing discussion In "Across the West" [364626/18719/26] Posted by GBM at 09:03, 24th August 2025 | |
A first?
09:08 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth due 11:26
09:08 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth due 11:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Further Information
Road transport will operate in place of this train service from stations Westbury to Weymouth.
| Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021 In "Across the West" [364625/24934/26] Posted by GBM at 08:59, 24th August 2025 | |
08:27 Plymouth to London Paddington due 11:59
Facilities on the 08:27 Plymouth to London Paddington due 11:59.
Will be formed of 8 coaches instead of 10.
One carriage locked out of use I wonder?
It then forms the 12:30 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads due 14:05
Will be formed of 8 coaches instead of 10.
16:00 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington due 17:37
Will be formed of 8 coaches instead of 10.
18:00 London Paddington to Plymouth due 21:31
Will be formed of 8 coaches instead of 10.
Finally 5C25 2202 Plymouth to Laira T.& R.S.M.D.
| Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021 In "Across the West" [364624/24934/26] Posted by grahame at 07:25, 24th August 2025 | |
Totally confused on this one,did 14 coaches actually make the journey from the west of England to Paddington?
If it did how was the train accommodated at Paddington?
If it did how was the train accommodated at Paddington?
I would be surprised if 14 carriages made Paddington. Maximum platformed is 12 IET carriages (but how would you do that?) in Platform 1, but a long lead out past the old parcels / mail platform without points might provide an exceptional ability to handle more?
From the sectional appendix PDF - here:
If that "26 chains" on the left is the distance to the first point, then physically 20 carriages of 26 metres could just fit in there.
| Re: No trains to Marlow expected until 25 August In "Thames Valley Branches" [364623/30613/13] Posted by Electric train at 07:02, 24th August 2025 Already liked by grahame, PrestburyRoad, GBM, Oxonhutch | |
I don't know the details of the "signalling issue" ... but I muse that modern technology adds to how long things take to fix when there's a problem. I also muse as to whether other modern constraints prevent a unit being locked on the branch-off-a-branch with one train in operation on it, stop and proceed at crossings if necessary, and passengers transferring around the platform end at Bourne End.
The Maidenhead - Bourne End is Token Block system using BR-W Tyers No9 tokens (each token is engraved with the section name) which need to be released at the commencement of the section and placed and the end of the section in a token exchange machine at each end of the line, this clears the signals / locks points so only one train is in the section (Maidenhead - Bourne End) possession of the token is the Drives authority
The Bourne End - Marlow is controlled by a Train staff system the Train Staff (this is basically a keyed rod ladled with the line name) is released from a ground frame at Bourne End the release of the Train Staff locks the points at platform 1 Bourne End this traps the train in that section, the removal of the Train Staff allows the Token system on the Maidenhead - Bourne End section to allow and train to enter that section and that how the peak hour service operates.
The normal day time service requires the token to placed in the token machine at Bourne End and the Train Staff to be removed and the reveres for the return.
It is a Victorian system, very reliable in terms of safety of trains and in performance, the systems is operated multiple times a day every day of the week.
It is possible given its uniqueness in the area the local Signal Maintenance team may not have all the spare parts or give that it is a very mechanical system some parts may need repairs done in the workshop
| Re: Great Western Railway battery-powered train achieves distance record - August 2025 In "Across the West" [364622/30593/26] Posted by Electric train at 06:30, 24th August 2025 Already liked by GBM, Western Pathfinder | |
This achievement is a great demonstration of British based technology and development unlike most if not all of the other battery powered based train competition out there.
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [364620/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 05:20, 24th August 2025 | |
Sunday August 24
Advance warnings of disruptions this evening:
16:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 18:22 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:18
17:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 19:22 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:18
18:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 20:22 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:23/08/2025 23:28
19:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 21:22 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:20
19:54 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 21:24 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:23/08/2025 23:28
20:54 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 22:24 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:23/08/2025 23:35
21:48 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 23:41 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:20
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:18
17:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 19:22 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:18
18:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 20:22 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:23/08/2025 23:28
19:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 21:22 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:20
19:54 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 21:24 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:23/08/2025 23:28
20:54 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 22:24 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:23/08/2025 23:35
21:48 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 23:41 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:20
10:50 : These have been updated:
16:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 18:22 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:28
17:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 19:22 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:28
18:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 20:22 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:29
19:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 21:22 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:20
19:54 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 21:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:29
20:54 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 22:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:29
21:48 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 23:41 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:20
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:28
17:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 19:22 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:28
18:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 20:22 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:29
19:50 London Paddington to Moreton-In-Marsh due 21:22 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:20
19:54 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 21:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:29
20:54 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 22:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 10:29
21:48 Moreton-In-Marsh to London Paddington due 23:41 will be started from Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:24/08/2025 01:20
This leaves a huge gap in the service - nothing westward from Oxford from 17:45 until the last train at 21:46 (and a similar gap at Moreton).
| You don't bring me flowers,Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisland In "Across the West" [364619/30618/26] Posted by infoman at 04:29, 24th August 2025 | |
Edit to add - full story at https://www.bristol247.com/lifestyle/shops/florist-moves-new-location-12-years/ - Grahame
Florist moves to new location after 12 years
A florist that was positioned outside the main entrance to Bristol Temple Meads for 12 years has been forced to relocate.
A well-known sight outside the station, Lily Violet May flower stall has become a staple for many commuters.
But she is now in a new location and with a new horsebox setup opposite Hart’s Bakery on Lower Approach Road.
The move, Lily explained, was prompted by a tense relationship with the station’s operators, Network Rail.
“They never outright said that they didn’t want me there but they made it very obvious that I wasn’t welcome,” Lily told Bristol24/7.
“They were saying I had to tender for my pitch which I’d never had to do before.”
Because of this, Lily has resorted to taking her business only a few hundred yards away.
She hopes that the change will have a positive impact on her sales, and that the local community fostered by neighbouring Hart’s will bring a “more focused” demographic to her shop.
“Everyone is so much nicer down here,” Lily added.
“I feel so much more welcome already. And, to top things off, the rent is less than half what I was paying before.”
Lily Violet May is a welcome sight from Hart’s Bakery
Hart’s Bakery assistant manager Immi said: “It is really exciting to have another indie business down by us and it really brightens up the car park.
“It’s lovely to look at from the front of the bakery, and we always have her flowers on our tables as well.”
The florist said that she is excited about her business’ next chapter, but is nervous that the move will lose her some regular customers.
Lily said: “I just hope that people know I’m still here and still going…
“I wasn’t treated like a person up there,” Lily explained as she pointed up to the station entrance.
“I had to do half-hourly checks of my buckets for bombs and endless security checks. It was impossible to get my job done.”
The florist has big plans for her new set-up
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re always happy to work with traders at our stations when any issues arise.
“In the years ahead, passengers will have more retail choice as Bristol Temple Meads is going through the biggest renovation in decades.
“Bringing back the Passenger Shed into use will enable more shops and restaurants to open, on top of the new entrances, new multi-storey car park and cycling provision, and the multi-million-pound roof renewal.”
A florist that was positioned outside the main entrance to Bristol Temple Meads for 12 years has been forced to relocate.
A well-known sight outside the station, Lily Violet May flower stall has become a staple for many commuters.
But she is now in a new location and with a new horsebox setup opposite Hart’s Bakery on Lower Approach Road.
The move, Lily explained, was prompted by a tense relationship with the station’s operators, Network Rail.
“They never outright said that they didn’t want me there but they made it very obvious that I wasn’t welcome,” Lily told Bristol24/7.
“They were saying I had to tender for my pitch which I’d never had to do before.”
Because of this, Lily has resorted to taking her business only a few hundred yards away.
She hopes that the change will have a positive impact on her sales, and that the local community fostered by neighbouring Hart’s will bring a “more focused” demographic to her shop.
“Everyone is so much nicer down here,” Lily added.
“I feel so much more welcome already. And, to top things off, the rent is less than half what I was paying before.”
Lily Violet May is a welcome sight from Hart’s Bakery
Hart’s Bakery assistant manager Immi said: “It is really exciting to have another indie business down by us and it really brightens up the car park.
“It’s lovely to look at from the front of the bakery, and we always have her flowers on our tables as well.”
The florist said that she is excited about her business’ next chapter, but is nervous that the move will lose her some regular customers.
Lily said: “I just hope that people know I’m still here and still going…
“I wasn’t treated like a person up there,” Lily explained as she pointed up to the station entrance.
“I had to do half-hourly checks of my buckets for bombs and endless security checks. It was impossible to get my job done.”
The florist has big plans for her new set-up
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re always happy to work with traders at our stations when any issues arise.
“In the years ahead, passengers will have more retail choice as Bristol Temple Meads is going through the biggest renovation in decades.
“Bringing back the Passenger Shed into use will enable more shops and restaurants to open, on top of the new entrances, new multi-storey car park and cycling provision, and the multi-million-pound roof renewal.”
| Re: Problems with IET trains from April 2021 In "Across the West" [364618/24934/26] Posted by infoman at 03:35, 24th August 2025 | |
Totally confused on this one,did 14 coaches actually make the journey from the west of England to Paddington?
If it did how was the train accommodated at Paddington?
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [364617/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 23:08, 23rd August 2025 | |
Sun, 24 August 10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57
24/08/25 10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester West, Maiden Newton, Chetnole, Yetminster, Thornford, Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
24/08/25 10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester West, Maiden Newton, Chetnole, Yetminster, Thornford, Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Crosscountry - RMT Industrial action over the Bank Holiday weekend In "Cross Country services" [364616/30553/43] Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:28, 23rd August 2025 Already liked by ChrisB, rogerw, rogerw | |
Interviewer absolutely nails it.....
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BKfuUgiBz/
| Re: Visit Cornwall web site In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [364615/30617/31] Posted by grahame at 21:14, 23rd August 2025 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, GBM, Mark A, rogerw | |
August bank holiday weekend and the Visit Cornwall web site has had a bit of a mare by their own account. They'll no doubt have it fixed dreckly.
Mark
https://visitcornwall.com/
Mark
https://visitcornwall.com/
Ooops ... but at least they know they have a problem and have a holding page in place with a sense of humour and a stated timescale.
| Visit Cornwall web site In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [364614/30617/31] Posted by Mark A at 21:02, 23rd August 2025 | |
August bank holiday weekend and the Visit Cornwall web site has had a bit of a mare by their own account. They'll no doubt have it fixed dreckly.
Mark
https://visitcornwall.com/
| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [364612/29726/18] Posted by TaplowGreen at 20:14, 23rd August 2025 | |
I would reverse that and ask you why / whether you have any evidence that they aren't? I have at least verbal proof that attempts have been made.
A simple "No" would have sufficed
| Re: St Erth station - facilities, footbridge, improvements, incidents and awards (merged posts) In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [364611/3828/25] Posted by Mark A at 20:05, 23rd August 2025 | |
The National Rail web site still lists accessibility as involving a shuttle bus between the two sides of the station (between certain dates / hours of the day).
Mark
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/st-erth/
| Re: Heritage railways and how they connect with the larger infrastructure In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [364610/30616/28] Posted by grahame at 19:58, 23rd August 2025 Already liked by GBM | |
When Grahame mentioned the Mollibahn (another line to the coast), I started to wonder about its business model. Its summer timetable (which runs until 2nd November) starts at 0640, with a nearly hourly service until the last train arrives back at 19:24. Seven days a week, I believe; and the railway's PDF timetable shows connecting train services.
Kuhlungsborn has a population of around 8000 and is a smart residential town with plenty of very nice homes within very easy walking distance of the station - train into Bad Doberan with a connection onward to Rostock and also one on to Wismar. Rostock is a substantial working city. Buses also run and it's very much a suburban / commuter town into Rostock that Minehead probably isn't for those reliant on public transport into Taunton.
Plenty of hotel / leisure traffic outbound to both Kuhlungsborn and Heiligendamm and towns that are naturally set up for public transport, cycling, walking.
Some pictures from earlier this year and from last ... one streetview too as I didn't take any pictures in the streets near the station.
Edit to add - 3 stations (east, middle, west) along the line in Kuhlungsborn. Each - I think - with a close area of residential housing around them for train commutes, and an early Monday to Friday train all year into Bad Doberan.
Further edit to add - there is a tourist (room) tax in the wider Rostock area - and on paying in visitors are issues with a bus and tram (?train ?not Mollibahn) ticket covering the duration of their stay. I suspect in makes a difference as to whether people park up or use public transport during their stay, and to the finances of the whole operations.
| Re: St Erth station - facilities, footbridge, improvements, incidents and awards (merged posts) In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [364609/3828/25] Posted by RailCornwall at 19:48, 23rd August 2025 | |
Been unable to head west for a while, maybe next week I will with someone who could use the lifts if they're in service, what's the latest on these? I can always route via PZ if the lifts are still not available.
