tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24399030271781003212024-02-19T04:26:36.137+01:00Max's Commuter Train JourneysThis is an account of my daily commute, under the new December 2006 FGW timetableMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-12200611124842405872009-11-06T17:44:00.001+00:002009-11-06T17:45:41.078+00:00More InspirationWe've been getting poor service recently (the stats FGW produced are not correct for my route), and since we are not going to be given the usual 10% crap service discount I sent my 5 month log of real-life statistics to FGW. I hope to receive a nice payment...perhaps in time for Christmas.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-74491186956356967972009-02-18T17:40:00.003+00:002009-02-18T17:44:56.999+00:00Inspired again!Due to popular demand the blog is back! We feel a need to start recording our experiences, as although we have enjoyed a long period of relative calm, we are starting to see it slipping. And with the prospect of losing the poor performance discount, there is a need to document the perofrmance we experience.<br /><br />For starters, the 1742 to BTM is delayed due to a fault on this train. Chris is rather worried about this and thinks it sounds quite serious.<br /><br />The morning journey went well, so it looks like a 50% service today. We had 50% yesterday, but 100% on Monday. So far this week we have 66% performance this week.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-46216844586007206792007-12-08T21:55:00.001+00:002007-12-08T21:58:09.447+00:00It's only taken them a year, give 'em a chanceCome on, it's only taken them a year to work out that wasting an hour of your life every day if not good customer service. So roll on Monday 10 December for the old, sorry, new, timetable. (Even if it means 5-6 min connections....and yes, you 1721ers from Oxford, you know what that means! 'It's not a connecting service')Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-13669067004534478742007-03-14T18:18:00.000+00:002007-03-14T18:21:45.517+00:009, 12 and 14 March - 3-day birthday pressieI haven't posted anything for a while as everything seems to have settled down and I have not had anything to day or winge about.<br /><br />It was my birthday on 9 March and FGW kindly ensured that the Cheltenham train was delayed at Didcot so that we could catch it and then get on the BTM train at Swindon. Bit of a nightmare legging it between trains with a bike, a heavy bag and a bottle of wine, but it was worth it! Same thing happened on 12 March. And today on 14 March the train for Bath stopped at Didcot so we went straigh through to Bath, just like in the old days. It was fab.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-9165103183135619242007-02-19T19:46:00.000+00:002007-02-19T20:02:43.443+00:0019 Feb - Driver didn't know the way to Chippenham!I was sitting at Swindon station this evening, thinking that I wouldn't have to do a special entry for today's on my blog, as this morning's journey had been uneventful, when the train to Bristol Temple Meads turned up (this train calls, and has always called, at Chippenham, Bath, then Bristol TM). I had caught 2 trains to get this far, and it had taken me over 1 hour. I was pleased to be getting on the thrid and final train of the day.<br /><br />So we got on and sat down, and started to settle down. After a few minutes we were <span style="font-style: italic;">still </span>sitting in Swindon station. 'What's going on?' we thought. I said, 'I bet you they are going to tell us that we are not stopping at Chippenham or Bath'. Then the train manager came on the tannoy and made an announcement. Well, I guess that's what she did, but the sound system in our carriage was broken so we didn't hear it. Concerned, JF got up to see what was happening as now the electronic departure board said that the train was only calling at Bristol TM (I could be a psychic). I went into the next carriage and asked the passengers if they heard the announcement. Nobody in that carriage had either. So I announced that it looks like we won't be calling at Chippenham or Bath. I then went back into my carriage and informed the passengers in there. Someone asked me why. I replied 'I dunno, just one of their whims', which is sort of true - one never knows what is going to happen next of a FGW train, the timetable is a fantastic piece of fiction!<br /><br />So we got off the train. I ran along the platform (with my 10kg bike) and tried to ask the train manager why we weren't stopping. She refused to talk to anyone, so I had to ask the train dispatch man. He said, and I quote 'the driver does not know the route to Chippenham or Bath'. I replied that it was one railway and there were a few lights along the way, so what is the problem? (I could tell her the way as I've done it enough times!) He then said, she could not 'sign' for the route. Essentially, she should have been relieved at Swindon and another driver should have taken us to the advertised stops.<br /><br />Needless to say, most people were livid. Especially when 90% of the passengers on that train were going to Chippenham or Bath.<br /><br />Am I being cynical ifI were to suggest that this was a ploy to get to BTM <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">on target</span>? Much better to reach your target than the serve the paying passengers. Why was it that the driver could go to BTM but not the stations inbetween?<br /><br />So, I arrived 30 mins late. Not impressed. What a shambles. What a pathetic excuse for a train company. A long complaint is in the post.<br /><br />---<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 84%, 37/44<br />Journey home punctuality: 77%, 34/44<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />nothing exciting to say for themselves today. Of course, no reports of what really happened!Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com192tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-78274863489281020622007-02-16T20:01:00.000+00:002007-02-16T20:18:07.249+00:0015 and 16 Feb - Half term correlation with driver sickness?Both 15 and 16 Feb went well. All trains (2 going to work and 3 going home on both days) appeared on time. The only excitement was tonight at Swindon when a few drunk lads got hold of the microphone on platform 4 and started making annoucements. At first we ignored this as we are used to hearing incomprehensible utterings from the station staff, however, when they started giggling and getting a bit giggly we realised what had happened.<br /><br />Other gossip from this week: DT gave a member of the Oxford station staff a lesson in how to say thank you. And today, the 0755 connected with the 0754, sorry DW!<br /><br />I was going to entitle this entry 'nothing too exciting' but then I remembered about the messages I had received this week about why trains were cancelled: driver sickness. And then I noticed all the kids hanging around Didcot station. It was half-term week! Of course, I might just be imagining it all.<br /><br />---<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 84%, 36/43<br />Journey home punctuality: 79%, 34/43<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />15 Feb<br />0650 Wchstr FG St yo Oxf cancelled, traincrew sicknedd. Next train 0728, road transport. 0733 Oxf Paddington, train fault.<br />1605 Oxford-Paddington cancelled. Possible delays between Swindon and Chippenham due to signalling problem.<br />16 Feb<br />Late start expected 0651 Oxford to Paddington approximately 10 mins.<br />Full advertised service. No problems reported.<br />nothing to noteMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com149tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-24673303412813423312007-02-14T18:36:00.000+00:002007-02-14T18:43:04.495+00:0014 Feb - Go With What You Know, My Lucky DayI caught the usual 0642 today - I couldn't face another 0612 and not actually reaching my destintation on time. Did the usual wait at Didcot for 25 mins, but we got in on time.<br /><br />Caught the 1621 home - we were lucky when we got to Didcot as a Cheltenham train was delayed so we got on that, then went to plaftom 4 and caught the slightly delayed BTM train, and I was in Bath for 1740! Fantastic! Enough time to make myself beautiful for my Valentine...<br /><br />---<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 83%, 34/41<br />Journey home punctuality: 78%, 32/41<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />nothing to note or of amusementMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-4898624263586605072007-02-13T19:34:00.000+00:002007-02-13T19:51:50.863+00:0013 Feb - What's a connecting service? Physical Abuse, and Getting TiredAnother bad day. I am so tired that I have just made my gin and tonic in a wine glass. Things are getting bad.<br /><br />Caugth the 0612 Bath-Padders train, but had to get off at Swindon to catch the 0649 to Padders train as it stopped at Didcot. I didn't really want to get off at Swindon as carriage B was an old First Class carriage and I enjoyed having an extra-wide chair and table all to myself! However, after having got off at Swindon the 0649 was delayed by a few mins and we were slowed down on the track for a while. So of course, yet again, we missed the 0714 from Didcot to Oxford. So, yet again, we had to wait for 40 mins for the next train to Oxford. 40 mins! Yes, 40 mins. What, although Oxford is only 12 miles away and it is rush hour? Yes, it is only 12 miles away, I could probably cycle it quicker, and it is rush hour.<br /><br />While we were in Didcot, we bumped into DT and he told us that someone had nearly barged him off the platform at Bath while he was trying to get on a train. Apparently, everyone was moving slowly towards the door and as DT approached the door, someone pushed him from behind. DT called him an idiot, which he obviously was, but fortunately, there were no fisty-cuffs.<br /><br />I also found time to write to the station manager asking him to hold the 0714 for the 0649 from Swindon in the hope that that connection may one day work.<br /><br />So I arrived at work 45 mins late - again.<br /><br />Journey home was not as bad. 1653 from Oxford to Didcot then 1741 to Bath. And the 1721 from Oxford connected with it today (I could tell by the stream of latecomers on to the train who were slightly out of breath).<br /><br /><br />---<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 83%, 33/40<br />Journey home punctuality: 77%, 31/40<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />0544 H'ford to Padd cancelled, train fault. 0710 Bri TM to Padd cancelled, train fault. 0752 Oxf to Padd cancelled, staff sickness. (<span style="font-style: italic;">There seems to be a lot of staff sickness in this half-term week</span>.)<br />Full advertised service. No problems reported. (<span style="font-style: italic;">What nobody's sick or there's no train fault?</span>)Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-87288275871192492732007-02-12T20:04:00.000+00:002007-02-12T11:43:25.645+00:0012 Feb - arrrggghhh, arrggghhhI had recovered from Friday night's abyssmal service on the way home and had regained some confidence so that I went for the 0612 from Bath. The 0612 turned up and got us to Swindon on time but the 0649 to Didcot was cancelled. This meant that we could not make our connection at Didcot to get us to Oxford. We asked the train manager but he said that the driver wouldn't know about stopping at Didcot (and going on past experiences they do not really know where thet usually stop). So we huddled around a table at Swindon until the next train for Didcot. We got on the 0711, the train I would have caught from Bath if I had stayed in bed for another 30 mins. So we got to Didcot and we sat in the Pumpkin Cafe for 25 mins until the 0754 to Oxford. So I got into work 50 mins later than planned.<br /><br />Journey home was not as bad but we were 15 mins late getting into Bath.<br /><br />Not a good day today.<br /><br />---<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 85%, 33/39<br />Journey home punctuality: 77%, 30/39<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />0534 Gt Malv to Pad service start Oxf. 0540 Chelt to Padd service cancelled. 0700 Padd to Bri TM cancelled. All due to traincrew sickness. (<span style="font-style: italic;">Well, I bloody hope they are feeling better tomorrow otherwise I might start to fee a bit ill</span>.)<br />1548 Padd-Cheltenham not calling Reading or Didcot. 1630 BTM-Pad not calling Didcot or Reading. (<span style="font-style: italic;">No excuse given. I suppose that's one way to get your train to its destination to meet its target...why stop at stations, it only slows the train down</span>...)Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-6235269608715794772007-02-10T15:20:00.000+00:002007-02-10T15:39:46.270+00:009 Feb - arrrgggghhhh!Caught 0612 from Bath, changed at Swindon and Didcot. Problem-free journey. Journey home was awful - and it was a Friday, and I felt quite pants as I am developing a cough. Caught the 1621 from Oxford to Didcot and went to Pumpkin Cafe as the 1656 train to Swansea, which is our connecting train to get us on a BTM train, was delayed. DW fird up his laptop and we watched the live update screen for Reading. To our dismay, the BTM train was allowed in front of the Swansea train and so we would not be able to catch our connecting train. The BTM whistled through Didcot and so I had to wait for the 1741 train to BTM. This eventaully turned up and left Didcot at 1801, and arrived in Bath at 1854. So it took me from 1621-1854 to get to Bath (2 hr 33 mins), when it should have taken 1621-1756 (1 hr 35 mins). Needless to say I was fuming - and I got some forms to fill in 'forms for compensation' and 'tell us your views'. I had to ensure Didcot station for 1 hr and 25 mins. I think I will introduce a how much time I spend at Didcot count and how much of my life I am spending there, although I think that will be depressing reading.<br /><br />---<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 87%, 33/38<br />Journey home punctuality: 79%, 30/38<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />1522 Pad-Oxf and 1705 Oxf-Pad cancelled. No futher major problems notified.<br />1545 Pad-Swansea cancelled. No futher notified cancellations. Possible delays due snow in S.Wales.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-20441620828849539202007-02-10T15:16:00.000+00:002007-02-10T09:53:00.876+00:006, 7 and 8 Feb - Well done FGWFeb 6 and 7 passed uneventfully, but the 8 Feb was the 'snow' day. I decided that it was worth a go at getting to work and so set off at the usual time. My train turned up on time, and my connecting train turned up on time at Didcot and we got to Oxford on time - amazing really.<br /><br />The journey home was OK too. I caught the 1621 and caught my 2 connecting trains at Didcot and Swindon without any hitch.<br /><br />-<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 86%, 32/37<br />Journey home punctuality: 81%, 30/37<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />nothing of note, apart from all the warnings about possible disruption.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-57558770502713334782007-02-05T20:21:00.000+00:002007-02-05T20:29:04.967+00:005 Feb - Fight for the Door! Tour of DidcotMorning journey was OK. Only thing to note was that as the train was approaching Bath Spa someone called someone else a T**T. I am not sure who he was referring to but it might have been the short chap with the very large bag who scoffs yogurt with great gusto. We have observed that he is very keen to get on to the train and into his favourite seat. So keen that he will stop at nothing and no-one! DT got barged out of the ay twice by another bloke - it was OK though as he apparently apologised...so this is what we are reduced to.<br /><br />Evening journey was quite amusing. The first we heard was the train manager saying 'Don't panic, but...there is a points failure at Didcot so we have to bypass Didcot, change lines and then go back in.' We didn't mind as it whiled away the usual 35 mins we have to wait there anyway. Trains were about 10 mins late by the time we got into Bath, so that's a LATE!<br /><br />-<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 85%, 29/34<br />Journey home punctuality: 79%, 27/34<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />nothing of note.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-85012462261313433002007-02-05T20:19:00.000+00:002007-02-05T20:21:37.884+00:002 Feb - Adelantes...Friday was quite good aprat from we keep being put on Adelante trains, and I cannot touch the floor on these. Thie excuse is that the HSTs keep developing technical problems.<br /><br />-<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 85%, 28/33<br />Journey home punctuality: 82%, 27/33<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />nothing of noteMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-91485027174639081482007-02-01T19:37:00.000+00:002007-02-01T20:07:15.175+00:001 Feb - Other Fab Blogs; Nail Clipping on Trains?For my regular readers, I apologise. It will take a while for me to get around to telling today's story.<br /><br />Graham Ellis is still asking for support with his petition. Please sign. The petiton may be signed on line at <a href="http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/wessextrains/">http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/wessextrains/</a> As of 1.2.07 he has over 1500 signatures, making it eighth out of 370 petitions relating to Transport and Intfrastructure.<br /><br />I have also learnt of some other fantastic blogs and websites. Please have a look at:<br /><br />I Hate FGW <a href="http://www.ihatefirstgreatwestern.blogspot.com/">http://www.ihatefirstgreatwestern.blogspot.com/ </a><br />Great Western Sucks <a href="http://firstgreatwesternsucks.blogspot.com/">http://firstgreatwesternsucks.blogspot.com</a> (see 15 Dec entry!)<br />Farce Great Western <a href="http://www.farcegreatwestern.com/">http://www.farcegreatwestern.com/</a><br />Oldfield Park blog <a href="http://oldfieldparktrains.blogspot.com/">http://oldfieldparktrains.blogspot.com/</a><br />Railvoice (a way to complain) <a href="http://www.railvoice.co.uk/">http://www.railvoice.co.uk/</a><br />More Train Less Strain <a href="http://www.moretrainlessstrain.org.uk/">http://www.moretrainlessstrain.org.uk/ </a><br />Oxford Rail Action <a href="http://oxrailaction.wordpress.com/">http://oxrailaction.wordpress.com/ </a><br /><a href="http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/"> http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/</a> By a customer, for customers<br />(prelaunch)<br />Save The Train <a href="http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/">http://www.savethetrain.org.uk</a><br />Saltash Rail User's Group <a href="http://www.srug.org.uk/">http://www.srug.org.uk </a><br />Ivybridge Rail User's Group <a href="http://www.irug.ik.com/">http://www.irug.ik.com/ </a><br />Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways <a href="http://www.fosbr.org.uk/">http://www.fosbr.org.uk/ </a><br />Severn Tunnel Junction Campaign <a href="http://www.saveseverntunnel.co.uk/index.htm">http://www.saveseverntunnel.co.uk/index.htm</a> <br />North Devon Rail Users<a href="http://ndrailusers.wikispaces.com/"> http://ndrailusers.wikispaces.com/ </a> <br />Severside Rail Community Partnership Group <a href="http://www.severnside-rail.co.uk/">http://www.severnside-rail.co.uk/</a><br /><br />0642 turned up on time. Journey could have been boring if DT had not spotted the chap sitting clipping his nails with his shoes off. Fortunately, he was not clipping his toe nails. Still, I advise anyone not to get into carriage B and sit at one of the tables on the LHS of the train when travelling towards London, unless you are prepared to share the area with someone's nail clippings.<br /><br />Got to Didcot at 0727, sat around for 25 mins waiting for the connecting train. This is normal, but a 25 min wait should not be nornal.<br /><br />Caught the 1653 home. Got to OXF station and there were huge crowds of people. Apparently, there was a broken down train. I didn't get too wound up as I thought that it would mean less time waiting a Didcot. And that's a good thing. Got to Didcot 10 mins late (what a shame) so we went to the shop and then sat on the seats on the platform. Noticed that more seats had disappeared - where have they gone? Got on the BTM train, which had metamorphosized from an HST into an Adelante as the HST had 'technical problems at Paddington'. We're lucky to get seats. Had to change seats at Swindon as I am quite short and my feet are 3 inches off the floor on Adelantes and my left leg was beginning to ache due to lack of blood. (I really don't like those trains.) Some bloke was listening to his MP3 player, meanwhile his phone was ringing and vibtrating. (I think I might turn this into a most annoying habits on train column.) Got home to bath slightly early. Amazing.<br /><br />-<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 84%, 27/32<br />Journey home punctuality: 81%, 26/32<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">cannot be bothered to list them, they thought the network was perfect, little did they know of the goings on in Oxford, and our broken down train.</span>Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-69322339975722542492007-01-31T18:56:00.000+00:002007-01-31T19:18:07.898+00:0031 Jan - Good Morning, Crowded and Late Evening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3Xl9TCdzPUI2vnxtUu7JnnrsMvtOd1xyybYXCKAbIaVwV3MTOVuEapFsr9aCiNE_0uCUPWkNr45uRpOL3Hs5JA4GtF6owihE8-xDDxJracUDgqwYpHbdNTpTI3Peb6OMwezZAI7pAkhj/s1600-h/P1010092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3Xl9TCdzPUI2vnxtUu7JnnrsMvtOd1xyybYXCKAbIaVwV3MTOVuEapFsr9aCiNE_0uCUPWkNr45uRpOL3Hs5JA4GtF6owihE8-xDDxJracUDgqwYpHbdNTpTI3Peb6OMwezZAI7pAkhj/s320/P1010092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026275944856623506" border="0" /></a><br />0642 turned up on time and I got to Didcot on time. Sat in Pumpkin Cafe doing things until Brenda appeared. We arrived into Oxford on time. A lovely morning, nice and sunny.<br /><br />1621 left Oxford on time, but 1656 from Didcot to Swansea turned up a few mins late, and then we sat outside Swindon station for ages. Long enough to have a nice nap. We got chucked out on platform 3 (usually platform 4) at 1740, 25 mins late, and were met by a huge wall of people - 'eak! What's happened here?' Started making my way downstairs to platform 4 (usual platform for Bath train) but then go told it was on platform 3. Struggled back to platform 3: I carry a 10kg bike. Waited for a few mins then got on BTM train - it was heaving. But the bike comes in handy, sort of, if I hold it still nobody who does not want bruises will barge me out of the way (there was obviously not going to be enough seats for us all). I don't hit people with it, rather they walk into me in they get pushy. Arrived into Bath 15 mins LATE. Apparently, there were signalling problems around Swindon...<br /><br />DT: you did not miss anything today!<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 84%, 26/31<br />Journey home punctuality: 81%, 25/31<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">cannot be bothered to list them, they thought the network was perfect, little did they know of the goings on at Swindon.</span>Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-13406685182183219982007-01-30T19:32:00.000+00:002007-01-30T19:45:42.814+00:0030 Jan - So Cruel! Pumpkin Cafe Waiting Roomhello. 0642 showed up and got to Didcot on time! Then we waited for 25 mins for the train to Oxford. 0754 left Oxford on time, which was the same time as the 0755 pulling into Didcot with Jolyon and David on it. We waved at them from the window. It ws doubly cruel as our train to Oxford then sat for 3 mins waiting for a Virgin train to go through. Why couldn't the train have left the platform only when it was clear passed next next signal, then Jolyon and David (and a whole host of other people) would have also got the train? Got to work on time.<br /><br />1653 also left Oxford on time and then we waited for 35 mins in the Pumpkin Cafe. I pity the staff as it is our favourite waiting place at Didcot, with the real waiting rooms being rather cold, too metal and not large enough. Got home on time.<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work punctuality: 83%, 25/30<br />Journey home punctuality: 83%, 25/30<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />0710 Bristol TM to Padd is canx. The 0629 Liskeard-Looe and 0701 Looe-Liskeard are canx. 0600 Swansea-Padd stops at Didcot. (<span style="font-style: italic;">Blimey!</span>)<br />Full advertised service. No major problems reported.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-28443131484899137282007-01-29T19:46:00.000+00:002007-01-30T19:17:45.238+00:0029 Jan - Not a Good Start to the Week, Hanging AroundThe 0642 was cancelled. At first it was delayed and then it was cancelled. No reason given. So then we had to wait for the 0707, but that was delayed as it couldn't leave Bristol until all the people on the 0630 from BTM go off and then got on to the 0655 (0707 from Bath). So we missed our original connection from Didcot and we were also late into Didcot for the next connection, usually we have to wait for 25 mins, but we only had to wait for 15 mins. I suppose that's a good thing really. Caught 0825 from Oxford (otherwise known as the second-most slowest train in the world). Got to work late.<br /><br />Left work at 1635 and got 1653 to Didcot. Had to wait at Didcot for 35 mins. DT and I had quite tiring days so we bought a beer or two, and some crisps, and relaxed. 'Not Long til the Weekend!'. We only had to get 1 train from Didcot to Bath so rest of journey was OK. Got to Bath on time.<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work/meeting punctuality: 83%, 24/29<br />Journey home punctuality: 83%, 24/29<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />0626 Hereford to Padd starts at Worcester SH. 0600 Moreton in Marsh starts Oxford.<br />Full advertsied service. No major problems reported.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-21079948395636455802007-01-27T09:43:00.000+00:002007-01-27T10:17:19.136+00:0026 Jan - Morning Bliss, Evening HellJourney to work was OK. Got to work on time. Also, I only had to catch 2 trains.<br /><br />However, journey home was not so good. I caught the early train so this meant getting 3 trains - on a Friday night! OXF-DID was OK, but trains from Didcot were a bit delayed. Our 1656 turned up at 1704. It was heaving. We stood in the vestibule area between the last cattle-class carriage and the buffet-soon-to-be-gone carriage. I was glad when we got to Swindon. I then waited for the delayed 1726 service to Bath. It was delayed by 10 mins. It was crowded but I managed to get a seat. Got home late, so that's another late to record.<br /><br />The only good thing was that Brenda bought some nice red wine, which we drank, and so the horribleness of the 2 overcrowded fast trains was slightly dulled.<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work/meeting punctuality: 86%, 24/28<br />Journey home punctuality: 82%, 23/28<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />0610 Chelt to Pad start Glouc, customers on 0604 Chelt and change at Gloucester. All other lines report good service. Visit www.firstgreatwesternoc.o.uk for live updates.<br />Full advertised service. Delays between Chippenham and Bath due to points problem. Earlier bridge strike Slough now cleared.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-36313219008209458082007-01-25T20:34:00.000+00:002007-01-25T21:13:13.915+00:0025 Jan - FGW 24 Jan Letter?, Didcot-Bath Not Allowed, First Bus Servicehello<br /><br />0642 turned up OK, and we got to Didcot OK. It stopped today! Got into work OK. Then went off to London and all worked OK. Super!<br /><br />Left meeting and aimed to catch the 1600 to Bridgwater (stops at Bath). But hold on, it does not stop at Didcot and my ticket is Pad-DID then DID-Bath. mmm. OK, let's get on a train that stops at Swindon, then pick a Bath train up from there. OK. But as we approach Reading, paranoia steps in and as we were delayed by 10 mins (but I had not seen the Bath train overtake us) I thought I'd get off here and then get on to the Bath train at Reading. And if anyone checked my ticket and told me off for getting on a train that did not stop at Didcot, I'd just smile and act all innocent. To be honest, my brain hurt from thinking too much about which blinking train I needed to get on, be legal, and get home! In the end my ticket wasn't checked once! Arrived in Bath 10 mins late, so that's a late in my book. And I missed the bus.<br /><br />Which brings me on my new topic of First buses in Bath. I had just missed one bus and started to wait for the next. I did think about walking but as the plumber was coming over I wanted to get home quickly.<br /><br />So the bus arrived, and I asked how much to Lambridge. £1.60! I only had £1.40 in change. 'OK, how much to Ballustrade?' £1.60! 'OK, how far can I get for £1.40?' Hilton Hotel!!!!!! I told the bus driver that that was ridiculous and walked off the bus.<br /><br />So I started walking. The bus finally overtook me at Morrisons, after about 1 mile and a quarter. OK, it beat me home by 10 mins, but I saved £1.60!!! I was tempted to get on at the Hilton Hotel (if I could have been bothered to wait for it) in the hope that the fare would have been 60p, but I doubt that somehow.<br /><br />Back to the main issue, trains. Don Foster, my local MP has signed the Wessex Trains petition. Watch this space. He gave a speech in the House of Commons. My favourite bit was: '<span style="font-weight: bold;">The fare from Bath to London on the high-speed train is one of the highest priced train journeys per mile in the entire world</span>.' Why is this?<br /><br />I am also going to have to admit that I picked up a discarded letter off the ground near Oxford station this morning. It was a letter from FGW. It was wet and soggy, but as they did not have any dry copies to hand out, my ticket-check friend suggested I went into the ladies' loos and used the hand dryer to dry the letter. FGW said lots of things in the letter, like 'but we'll have leather seats, etc.,' but they also mentioned that they will lease some more units and FirstGroup are going to lend them some Class 158 units. Checking my <span style="font-style: italic;">Spotters Guide to Train Units</span> in <span style="font-style: italic;">Reach </span>magazine, I was a bit disappointed to see that they were the carriages for the slower services. Although, to be honest, they are probably needed more that more HST carriages, by the sound of things.<br /><br />I never thought of myself as a potential train spotter. And I had never thought of any connection between the chaps who stand around Didcot with them camcorders (yes, the 21st century has reached train spotting) and myself.<br /><br />Time to go.<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work/meeting punctuality: 85%, 23/27<br />Journey home punctuality: 85%, 23/27<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />0730 Carmarthen to Padd, starts at Swansea, due to maintenance problems.<br />1545 Pad-Swansea cancelled. Train from Pad delayed in Reading area to due [<span style="font-style: italic;">sic</span>] failed train London side of Reading.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-29864999187409155902007-01-24T19:31:00.000+00:002007-01-24T20:49:57.672+00:0024 Jan - Our Lucky Day, On-Off-On-Off-On-Off, Wessex Trains Petitionhello. 0642 turned up and stopped at Didcot today - many people asked the train manager to ensure it did though, after yesterday. After last night's disappointment at us not being clever enough to get home for 1800, we were pleased to see that the 0714 DID-OXF was delayed, so as soon as our train pulled into DID, we hopped on to this one and got into work 25 mins early. Although we're weren't as disappointed as Alma who did not get home til 1945 (as she had an unexpected visit to Bristol Parkway) and had to sit on the floor on the train as there were no seats.<br /><br />Journey home was OK but it sure is tedious having to catch 3 trains to go 75 miles.<br /><br />Graham Ellis of Save the Train is leading a petition to the Prime Minister concerning train services in the South West of England, with special concentration on the "Wessex" area and<br />the TransWilts service. I have signed the petition, and so should you (please)!<br /><br />The petition is an "official" one on the No. 10 Downing Street web site; it's at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/wessextrains/ and we're promised that it will be looked at and each signatory will receive an emailed response/answer once it closes in 3 weeks' time.<br /><br />The background ... last December, new timetables were introduced by the First Group at the behest/specification of the Department for Transport that drastically reduced many service - in Graham's case, the schedule of trains calling at Melksham was cut from 10 a day to 4. And that's in spite of greatly increased train use over the last five years.<br /><br />He now has inconvenient and unusable services in some areas, dreadfully overcrowded ones in others - and a horrendous reliability problem too. Have a look at his "Worst train in the West" post, for example:<br /><br />http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1115.0<br /><br />The petition asks for the return of an appropriate service on all the lines with trains based in Bristol. He is not asking for what WAS there before - but for a service for the future that caters for traffic flows that went by rail until December, and for new ones for the future. If you're from another part of the South West / FGW area / UK, you can support us too - the same story has been repeated from Saltash to Slough, from Ealing to Exmouth and from Iver to Ivybridge.<br /><br />And .. PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, FELLOW TRAVELLERS and COLLEAGUES. And write to the key players who are listed here:<br /><br />http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/melkshamrailway/187_.html<br /><br />and visit our forum to support us, learn more ...<br /><br />http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum<br /><br />Graham says that most of his website's visitors, who used to travel by train, now drive!<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work/meeting punctuality: 86%, 22/26<br />Journey home punctuality: 88%, 23/26<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />(These are brief as my husband lost my first draft and I am doing this from memory.)<br />No infrastructure problems. Check website<br />Full advertised service. No further problems following signal/points problem earlier.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-40937186235265369572007-01-23T21:14:00.000+00:002007-01-23T21:31:30.264+00:0023 Jan - Trip to Reading, Damm, Missed that One, They Edited My Commenthello<br /><br />Just when I tought it was all going to get boring, when we get so much excitement on just <span style="font-weight: bold;">one </span>day.<br /><br />0642 turned up on time and was going to stop at Didcot on time - and at this point I was a bit disappointed that we weren't going to be late into Didcot as we had a 25 min wait ahead of us - when the train slowed down, after the train manager annoucing that those for Oxford should change at Didcot, and the platform kept coming, and coming, and then it went. So we were then on our way to Reading. oh well, it was sunny, it's lovely countryside...<br /><br />So we arrive at Reading, found the train manager and asked what went wrong. Apparently, train driver aren't given timetables, they are given schedules, and ours had an old schedule. (If this worked in reverse we could have the old timeatable back.) So she (the lady train driver) did not stop at Didcot. Funny how she slowed down though - as if there was something going through her mind, but she couldn't quite think what it was.<br /><br />We were lucky, we only had to wait a few mins (after questioning the train manager, who was quite a way from the train at this point - do you think he could have been disassociating himself from it?). We boarded a Reading-Oxford train and arrived into Oxford only 5 mins later than when we should have done. Poor people who had to travel back to Didcot, it took them 1 hour!<br /><br />Journey how so of uneventful, apart from a lovely young chappy from the Didcot dispatch team giving us a top tip on how to get home to Bath 30 mins early, but it was late and I wasn't convinced and DT didn't quite hear me. Nevermind. We consoled ourselves with beer and pringles.<br /><br />Got home on time, but was disappointed to see that the comment I left on the <span style="font-style: italic;">Times </span>website had been edited down to:<br /><br />Great comment, Tim. I am a FGW annual ticket holder (Bath-Oxford route, every day) and all that you say is far too familiar. I'd like to know who requested the trolley service - we cannot see it working as with all the people standing in the aisles and verstibule areas, how is it going to move? My favourite alternative name for FGW is Worst Great Festering. And if FGW do not revert back to the old timetable, it looks like the name will be appropriate!<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work/meeting punctuality: 84%, 21/25<br />Journey home punctuality: 88%, 22/25<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />0545 BTM to Fareham terminate Westbury. 0622Pad to Oxf canx. No infrastructure problems reported.<br />Full advertised service. No major problems reported. 20 mph limit west of Reading. Minro delays to some services from Pad.<br />1836 Pad-Oxf canx. Due to shortage of serviceable trains. Apologies.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-34169628299521721852007-01-22T21:13:00.000+00:002007-01-31T19:21:24.313+00:0022 Jan - Switch for Heat at Didcot, Times Article About FGW<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTlswedkdiqchqA2hRxiZM97AMyERWMJ3mSm1oV2urYmvWvYtU4sHJrNOYe9wloQ5oQHldvBnWZwutdJp23B9HOj7V8FX3T0VyDqB9u-zo8R6JZS23oaOOoVGIQDwdCWMGjb2Ipeae7D0/s1600-h/snow.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTlswedkdiqchqA2hRxiZM97AMyERWMJ3mSm1oV2urYmvWvYtU4sHJrNOYe9wloQ5oQHldvBnWZwutdJp23B9HOj7V8FX3T0VyDqB9u-zo8R6JZS23oaOOoVGIQDwdCWMGjb2Ipeae7D0/s320/snow.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026276803850082722" border="0" /></a><br />0642 turned up on time. It was very busy and there was a short delay in getting to Didcot, but that was good for us as it meant our 25 minute wait was only 10 mins. Got into Oxford on time.<br /><br />Caught 1621 home, the train to Swindon, and then the next one to BTM were slightly delayed. It was very cold and since both platform 1 and the waiting room were crowded, Alma and I went into the Pumpkin Cafe on platform 2/3.<br /><br />One exciting discovery was that a lady pointed out to us the switch for the heater in the waiting room on platform 1 at Didcot. I suppose we'll have to ring up the station as we're leaving Oxford to ensure that the brick walls (no plaster or paint) and the metal seats (no expense spared) warm up before we get there.<br /><br />Alma pointed out that there was a good article in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Times </span>today: <span style="font-size:100%;">'To hell with the coffee. Just make the train run'</span> at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3284-2559212,00.html<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work/meeting punctuality: 83%, 20/24<br />Journey home punctuality: 87.5%, 21/24<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />0545 BTM to Fareham is canx. No other reported problems.<br />Full advertised service. No major problems reported.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-62410657127984462122007-01-20T16:18:00.000+00:002007-01-20T16:40:08.470+00:0019 Jan - Return of DT, How to Make Friends on TrainsDifficult to know what to say, really. The only excitement of the morning is that DT is back and nearly well again! The 0642 turned up on time, and arrived at Didcot on time, then we waited in the Pumpkin Cafe for 25 mins. I did learn that we should not sit on the table nearest the door as there's a great big draft there. Alam said that she actually got home 10 mins earlier than normal last night, which is quite amazing with the disruption we had. I got home 55 mins, so I was a bit miffed. Cannot complain, though, as some people in Wiltshire had no trains on Thursday!<br /><br />Coming home was much more interesting. Again, it was Firday night and it was my turn to bring refreshments. We started puring the wine into the plastic cups at Oxford as it'd been a long week. We felt much better by the time we got to Didcot. Another top-up at Didcot, and we felt even better by the time the train arrived (I think it was on time). Got on train, but it was rather crowded, but we found seats relatively close together. Another top-up, and then I set my phone alarm so that it would wake me up before Swindon, just in case I fell asleep. (Although I thin kBrenda would have ensured I got off the train, especially after last week!) However, didn't fall asleep as I got chatting to a bloke. He kept staring at my wine cup, longingly, so I asked him if he'd like some too. Then we got chatting about Bath. Soon the train reached Swindon and Alma and I got off so that we could catch our connecting train. That one was delayed by 10 mins, so we waited in the much nicer waiting room (than they have a Didcot). So, train turned up, we got on and found a seat, again it was crowded. Got to Bath a few mins late.<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work/meeting punctuality: 83%, 19/23<br />Journey home punctuality: 87%, 20/23<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />Following severs disruption to the train service on Thurs 18 due to extreme weather, FGW anticipate a near full morning service. Customers are advised to check www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk before they travel in the morning.<br />0730 Swansea-Pad and 0700 Pad-Bristol are cancelled. 0540 Cheltenham-Pad will start at Swindon.<br />Full advertised service . Signal problems between Cardiff and Bridgend. No furhter reported problems.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-74045108499760317392007-01-18T20:15:00.000+00:002007-01-22T21:12:58.801+00:0018 Jan - 50 mph is Quicker Than We Usually Travel, Planes, Train and Automobiles (or should that be taxi, train, bus, car)What a day!<br /><br />0642 turned up on time, fab. Got to Didcot on time, then waited for 0754, and waited, and waited. OK, it turned up at 0800 and left at 0802...we got on train and everyone was there: me, Alma, DW, Brenda, Lesley, Jolyon, friendly chap, plus 2 other friendly chaps. We had a half-carriage all to ourselves. After a mile or so the Train Manager announced that the blanket speed ban was now in place: 'due to the speed ban we can now only do 50 mph'. Our resounding response was: 'well, that'll be 15 mph quicker than we normally travel', followed by some cheers and laughter. So we all arrived at Oxford in good humour.<br /><br />In the afternooon I got a message from a colleague who said that the line was blocked between Oxford and Didcot so I thought that I would catch the 1621 train just in case the journey home was going to take hours (or more hours than it normally takes). Got to the station and I bumped onto my new pal Glyn Beck, area manager. He put me and another bloke into a taxi, so off I went to Didcot, via Culham. I was a bit concerned, as I had spotted Alma approaching Oxford station just as I was leaving in a taxi, and I thought she would be stranded there for ages. However, it turned out that while we were doing the pretty tour of Oxfordshire a train had appeared and Alma had reached Didcot before me! In fact, she had got on to the train that was standing on the platform when I arrived on the platform, but which did not let me on! Boy, I was annoyed. However, since she got to Swindon before Bath re-opened, she may have then had to get on a bus to Bath. The Dispatch Team person said the next train to BTM would arrive in 10 mins, so that shut me up. However, it was 55 mins later that a train turned up.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I bumped into Uma and then Angus and then Jolyon. There was a big debate as all the BTM trains said that they were not stopping at Chippers or Bath as both stations were closed (Chippers roof had fallen off and Bath station had had structural damage..), so we were totally confused. The screen said that the next train was our train but then the next train was a Swansea train. To be honest, the screen was totally knackered as the 1711 to BTM suddenly became the 1707, then the 1741 appeared to overtake the 1707. At 1755 at train to BTM turned up. Of course, there were no seats free, so Jolyon and I stood until Sunny Swindon. Top tip: it is always best to stand in the middle of a carriage on a crowded train as you stand (no pun intended) more chance of getting a seat when the train stops at the next station.<br /><br />The train made good time and I got into Bath at 1855, so journey was 55 mins longer than usual. This is pretty good considering what had happened. BUT, because the info screens were rubbish and there was a complete lack of communication, I am awarding this a 'late' badge.<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work/meeting punctuality: 82%, 18/22<br />Journey home punctuality: 86%, 19/22<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />Customers should visit www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk before travelling.<br />After warnings from the Met Office a reduced service will run on high speed routes today (<span style="font-style: italic;">that's not the OXF-DID route then?!</span>)<br />All routes severley disrupted. Pls check www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk for detailsMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2439903027178100321.post-36685481194198564712007-01-17T22:12:00.000+00:002007-01-17T22:33:30.732+00:0017 Jan - Monsieur Hulot's Holiday 2, Meet the ManagersFirst of all, we met Glyn Beck at Oxford today, he is the regional manager. He says email Richard Green about the trains, not Andrew Griffiths! It took him a while to remember who Andrew was. I am sure it'll be OK if you have emailed Andrew, but I have re-sent my comments to Richard as well (<a href="mailto:andrew.griffiths@firstgroup.com">richard.green@firstgroup.com</a>).<br /><br />It is so lovely to be able to get on a train at 0642 and not have to get off until Didcot. So first part of journey went OK today, and it was great to see that Alma has come back from her hols. We arrived at Didcot on time, and initially we thought it was our lucky day as there was a train to Oxford on Platform 5 (delayed 0714). We ran over there, no mean feat with a 10kg folding bike and got on the train. After 30 secs we were told to get off the train as it was terminating at Oxford. Apparently, there was a points problem. So we went back to platform 3 and the Pumpkin Cafe (they must be raking it in with the new timetable, good job they don't sell alcohol!). Who should we bump into in the Cafe, Lesley! So we had another good old winge about the trains. Then at 0736 we were told that a train to Oxford would appear soon on platform 3 at 0740 (this is the one that goes from Padders to Oxford via only Reading, grrr). Then we were told that the train was not going to appear. So then we went into the small room by the loos. Then an HST appeared on platform 3, which probably was the train they thought was going to appear, but really it was terminating at Oxford so all those people had to get off. Then we were told that our 0754 train would depart from platform 5. So off we went: this is the 3 train-loads of passengers (0714, 0754 and the PAD-OXF ghost train that showed up). Train left a few mins late, but got to work on time.<br /><br />Decided to catch 1621 train home. It was Meet the Managers at Oxford today. Saw Angus chatting to Glyn Beck, so I joined in, then Alma appeared, then Lesley appeared. The scarey thing was Glyn seemed to know which train I catch home....I hope he hasn't been listening to us.<br /><br />Got to Didcot OK, bumped into Janet. Caught Swansea train and got off at Swindon. Our BTM-bound was delayed by about 10-15 mins, but I think I got home on time. It was all a bit of a blur by then.<br /><br />--<br /><br />Journey to work/meeting punctuality: 81%, 17/21<br />Journey home punctuality: 90%, 19/21<br /><br />---<br /><br />FGW alerts:<br />Cheltenham to Swindon line remains closed with landslip at Kemble until end of week. Bus service in plcae. No other problems (<span style="font-style: italic;">oops, forgot to tell us about he huge points failure near Oxford)</span>.<br />Some residual delays this afternoon due to earlier signal failure at Southall. Short noticealterations may occur. Line remains closed Cheltenham to Swindon due to landslip. Bus replacement in operation.<br />Kemble line is planned to re-open at 0600 on Thursday morning.<br />Weather warning. Rail services may be affected after 0900 Thursday morning due to severe weather. Check WEB for further updates.<br />After further warnings from The Met Office it is now planned to run a reduced service on some high-speed routes before 0900 Thursday.<br />Customers should visit www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk before travel on Thursday morning.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194609763044602859noreply@blogger.com0