Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: Blyth's Northumberland Line train station bus stop snub 'madness' In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [366989/30912/51] Posted by matth1j at 06:36, 17th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The A365 need crossing here from the pavement at the bottom right to the far side pavement up the slope
Might it be possible to run a path from the platform under the bridge to the pavement on the other side of the A365 to avoid having to cross it?Re: Service update and amendment log, Paddington to Bristol <-> In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [366988/18525/10] Posted by matth1j at 06:29, 17th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The 17:00 Bristol Paddington is missing out Bath and Chippenham (my destination) due to trespassers near Chippenham I think they said.
Announcement made at about 17:00, hence a bit of a panic, and I'm now on a packed Weymouth 17:06 service to catch the 17:45 bus at Bath (to get to Melksham, home).
Announcement made at about 17:00, hence a bit of a panic, and I'm now on a packed Weymouth 17:06 service to catch the 17:45 bus at Bath (to get to Melksham, home).
Wise choice. From the 17:30 ex Bristol, it's unlikely you would have caught the 17:50 at Chippenham (though JourneyCheck says that's running late).
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [366987/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 06:24, 17th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be terminated at Swindon.
It will no longer call at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be terminated at Swindon.
It will no longer call at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
That'll make it three times cancelled in ten days - 30% (and "terminated at Swindon" is doublespeak for "cancelled" as far as the Swindon to Westbury (TransWilts) line is concerned. Once is unfortunate, twice would be a bit of as co-incidence but three times is a pattern that smells of "systemic problem" and should be addressed.
On the occasions it has run ... only once significantly late - 9 minutes; not an issue as far as I can tell - I am not aware of any connections missed as a result. Although it is irritating in the extreme to see the 07:21 from Melksham miss the Bristol train at Chippenham, less than 10 minutes delay but running is an order or magnitude better than cancelled.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [366986/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 05:29, 17th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:28
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Re: The modern pedestrian In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [366985/30918/50] Posted by chuffed at 00:22, 17th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
When I am about to criticise foolhardy pedestrians, I remember I was yanked back in a similar fashion in May 2023 when I went to cross the road outside La Coruna station. My hearing aids were off and my train was due to leave in 2 mins. Forgetting I wasn't in Kansas anymore, it was nearly me departing this life, rather than the train. I was so shocked I was in tears for the first 20 minutes of the train journey to Ferrol..
....
Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [366984/29711/14] Posted by charles_uk at 20:07, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Thursday October 16
Stock allocation is an issue this week, with this evening's departures not looking good:
The 5-car sets on the 19:53 and 21:53 do not bode well for Friday.
Nor does
Stock allocation is an issue this week, with this evening's departures not looking good:
Facilities on the 21:53 London Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill due 00:01.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 9.
Last Updated:16/10/2025 04:00
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 9.
Last Updated:16/10/2025 04:00
The 5-car sets on the 19:53 and 21:53 do not bode well for Friday.
Nor does
22:51 London Paddington to Worcestershire Parkway Hl due 01:06 will be terminated at Oxford.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:16/10/2025 04:00
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:16/10/2025 04:00
More encouraging now: nothing about the 22:51 being terminated at Oxford on Journeycheck now and whilst Journeycheck is still showing the 21.53 as a short-form, RealtimeTrains and https://tiger.worldline.global/ are both showing this as a nine car train.
However, the 19:53 Paddington to Hereford service is now being terminated at Oxford due to a shortage of train crew so, presumably, that will take out tomorrow's 05:23 Hereford to Paddington service for the third day this week.
23:00 update - cancellation of tomorrow's 05:23 confirmed:
17/10/25 05:23 Hereford to London Paddington due 08:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:16/10/2025 22:32
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:16/10/2025 22:32
Re: Service update and amendment log, Paddington to Bristol <-> In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [366983/18525/10] Posted by ChrisB at 17:43, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I am noting this thread as a "service update and amendment log". Yes, it makes total sense to keep the disruption reports that we post in one place, but yet at the same time I am concerned that on a line with so many services that it's going to be impractical for us / members to maintain as a complete log.
Would it be more practical for this thread to be "Service updates and amendments" without the term "log" which suggests that every change might be noted?
Thought / comments / inputs sought, please?
Would it be more practical for this thread to be "Service updates and amendments" without the term "log" which suggests that every change might be noted?
Thought / comments / inputs sought, please?
Agree with you on this, and especially should it start a precedent. Drop the word 'log', and maybe reword to indicate all & any disruption on the line in question can be recorded in just one thread, but please don't make members start monitoring every disruption....my 2p worth.
Re: Service update and amendment log, Paddington to Bristol <-> In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [366982/18525/10] Posted by grahame at 17:41, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The 17:00 Bristol Paddington is missing out Bath and Chippenham (my destination) due to trespassers near Chippenham I think they said.
Announcement made at about 17:00, hence a bit of a panic, and I'm now on a packed Weymouth 17:06 service to catch the 17:45 bus at Bath (to get to Melksham, home).
Announcement made at about 17:00, hence a bit of a panic, and I'm now on a packed Weymouth 17:06 service to catch the 17:45 bus at Bath (to get to Melksham, home).
Wise choice. From the 17:30 ex Bristol, it's unlikely you would have caught the 17:50 at Chippenham (though JourneyCheck says that's running late). The 18:59 from Chippenham to Melksham is cancelled due to lack of staff, and so the next train look like it's at 20:29 ... 20:39 into Melksham. Good example of where robust local knowledge sorts out the mess. Trespassers on the line "cannot be helped" - though we could question that assertion. Crew shortage - AGAIN - is firmly a failure to provide by the train company - AGAIN.
Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [366981/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 17:34, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to trespassers on the railway.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to trespassers on the railway.
Re: Service update and amendment log, Paddington to Bristol <-> In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [366980/18525/10] Posted by matth1j at 17:16, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The 17:00 Bristol Paddington is missing out Bath and Chippenham (my destination) due to trespassers near Chippenham I think they said.
Announcement made at about 17:00, hence a bit of a panic, and I'm now on a packed Weymouth 17:06 service to catch the 17:45 bus at Bath (to get to Melksham, home).
From the BBC:

Train services in part of Devon were disrupted after a sheep died when it was struck on the line.
The livestock were reported on the track between Crediton and Okehampton on the Dartmoor Line just after 12:00 BST.
Network Rail said one of the sheep had been struck and killed before engineers had been made aware the animals were on the single-track line.
Great Western Railway said services Exeter Central and Okehampton via Exeter St Davids were being cancelled, delayed or revised while the incident was dealt with. It added the line was clear by 14:30.
I suspect that were I to mention the Hierarchy of Responsibility to any of the delivery cyclists, sometimes masked,that whizz around the streets they would look blank.
Stumbled over this while looking for something completely different:
Recommended walking distances
The figures in the following table are average recommendations - there is much variation between individuals. Gradients, weather conditions, whether there are handrails and other factors will also affect the distances people are able to walk.
Recommended distance limit
without a rest
Wheelchair users 150 metres
Vision impaired people 150 metres
Walking stick and cane users 50 metres
Mobility impaired people without a
walking stick 100 metres
The figures in the following table are average recommendations - there is much variation between individuals. Gradients, weather conditions, whether there are handrails and other factors will also affect the distances people are able to walk.
Recommended distance limit
without a rest
Wheelchair users 150 metres
Vision impaired people 150 metres
Walking stick and cane users 50 metres
Mobility impaired people without a
walking stick 100 metres
From DfT Inclusive Mobility https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61d32bb7d3bf7f1f72b5ffd2/inclusive-mobility-a-guide-to-best-practice-on-access-to-pedestrian-and-transport-infrastructure.pdf page 26.
Also covers things like space for turning etc.
Re: [OTD] 16th October 2017 - first IET train in service In "Across the West" [366976/30921/26] Posted by bobm at 14:50, 16th October 2025 Already liked by matth1j, Western Pathfinder | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Re: Principle railways of England and Wales, 1898 In "Railway History and related topics" [366975/30806/55] Posted by Mark A at 14:48, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Melrose... that reminds me, Melrose's bypass did the Borders Railway few favours.
Also, upcoming, the Campaign for Borders Railway AGM in Hawick on the 25th.
The summary case for the line's extension makes for a good positive read.
https://campaignforbordersrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/CBR_SummaryCase.pdf
Mark
https://campaignforbordersrail.org/

Re: [OTD] 16th October 2017 - first IET train in service In "Across the West" [366974/30921/26] Posted by grahame at 14:39, 16th October 2025 Already liked by Mark A | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"...remote places like Newquay, Tenby, Bedwyn, Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford ..."
OK, I'm thinking it.
Mark
OK, I'm thinking it.
Mark
Seemingly remote places?
Re: Principle railways of England and Wales, 1898 In "Railway History and related topics" [366973/30806/55] Posted by grahame at 14:36, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Brecon, Keswick, Melrose. Trent has a railway but no station. Fleetwood has a tram - does that count as a railway?
Lessons to be learned over stalled White Rose Station - West Yorkshire mayor In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [366972/30924/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:30, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
From the BBC:

"Lessons need to be learned" over the stalled construction of a new railway station in West Yorkshire, the county's mayor has said.
Contractors walked off the White Rose Station site, between Cottingley and Morley, in March 2024 after costs rose above the £26m budget.
Mayor Tracy Brabin said there was no update on when work would resume on the project, jointly funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), which provided £22m, and Munroe K, owner of the nearby White Rose Office Park, which contributed £4m. Ms Brabin said: "It was an ambitious project and we wouldn't necessarily do it in the same way again, so we we've learned a lot. We're really working very hard to push to a resolution."
About 70% of the work on the station has been completed, including two waiting shelters and the installation of a lift shaft. However, the building site around the stop on the line between Leeds and Huddersfield has become overgrown since worked ceased.
In May, WYCA signed off extra cash for the scheme, but the authority did not give details of the new budget.
One local business owner who said he would benefit from having a station close to his premises described the situation as "frustrating and farcical".
Iain Clasper, who employs 60 staff at printing company FaberExposize, said: "We were really excited about it, we were talking to people, we were interviewing for jobs and saying you don't have to worry about relying on the buses - there will be a new train station. We've now lost staff who used to commute in from Huddersfield because they got fed up of the M62. A station immediately behind the industrial estate would make it easier for existing staff and help us attract new staff, which is really difficult at the moment."
Councillor Alan Lamb, leader of the Conservative group on Leeds City Council and a WYCA board member, said stakeholders remained "in the dark" about the lack of progress on the station. He also voiced concerns about WYCA's ability to deliver big infrastructure projects on time and on budget. "They're taking on bus franchising and mass transit and so far they can't even deliver one railway station. The complete silence is frustrating and disappointing."
When the White Rose Station project was given the go-ahead in summer 2021, it was supposed to set an example of how infrastructure could be built quicker. It was one of Network Rail's "Project SPEED" schemes - which stands for "swift, pragmatic, efficient, enhancement and delivery".
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "We continue to liaise with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Munroe K. When work restarts we will be happy to offer further support and expertise."
Landowner Munroe K, which owns and operates the business park, has been approached for comment.
Re: [OTD] 16th October 2017 - first IET train in service In "Across the West" [366971/30921/26] Posted by grahame at 14:29, 16th October 2025 Already liked by matth1j | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Love 'em or hate 'em ... rather that the diesel fumes at Paddington, all bar 4 departures per day are now under electric power ...
The IETs that run on diesel between Chippenham and Bristol leave Paddington as electric? You learn something new every day 
The cantilevers come down at Swindon?
They run electric almost to Chippenham - the electrification runs out at Cocklebury Lane Bridge and they can swap over without stopping.
Re: [OTD] 16th October 2017 - first IET train in service In "Across the West" [366970/30921/26] Posted by Mark A at 13:58, 16th October 2025 Already liked by matth1j, grahame, Witham Bobby | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"...remote places like Newquay, Tenby, Bedwyn, Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford ..."
OK, I'm thinking it.
Mark
Re: Principle railways of England and Wales, 1898 In "Railway History and related topics" [366969/30806/55] Posted by eightonedee at 13:48, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
I can see 5 more, 4 on the east coast - Hunstanton, Wells, Louth and Mablethorpe, and Portpatrick in Scotland.
Re: [OTD] 16th October 2017 - first IET train in service In "Across the West" [366968/30921/26] Posted by matth1j at 13:35, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Love 'em or hate 'em ... rather that the diesel fumes at Paddington, all bar 4 departures per day are now under electric power ...
The IETs that run on diesel between Chippenham and Bristol leave Paddington as electric? You learn something new every day 
The cantilevers come down at Swindon?
Re: Principle railways of England and Wales, 1898 In "Railway History and related topics" [366967/30806/55] Posted by Andy at 13:21, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
In the south west, both Launceston (not counting the narrow gauge steam line) and Ilfracombe are now without a railway of any sort. How many other places on the map are in the same boat?
(pedant mode: principal railways)
Re: drop in bus event for North Somerset In "Buses and other ways to travel" [366966/30922/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:32, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
With thanks to infoman for posting the details, I have also added this event to the Coffee Shop forum's calendar.
bus driver caught smoking while driving In "Buses and other ways to travel" [366964/30923/5] Posted by infoman at 11:01, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
https://somersetdaily.co.uk/bus-driver-caught-smoking-while-driving-passenger-bus-in-bristol/#:~:text=A%20Bristol%20bus%20driver%20has%20been%20filmed%20smoking,driver%20ignored%20requests%20to%20put%20out%20the%20cigarette.
A Bristol bus driver has been filmed smoking a cigarette while driving, alarming passengers onboard. The incident was recorded by Riley Whitman, a passenger on the X91 service operated by The Big Lemon bus company, who claims the driver ignored requests to put out the cigarette.
The event took place on Saturday, October 11, around 2:20 pm near Bristol city centre as the bus traveled between Bristol and Ubley in the Chew Valley. Mr. Whitman described the situation as “extremely distressing,” condemning the driver’s actions as both unsafe and unacceptable.
The video clearly shows the driver behind the wheel holding a lit cigarette with one hand while the bus is in motion. The background noise and view through the windscreen confirm the vehicle was not stationary. A fire extinguisher can also be seen in the footage.
READ MORE: Motorcyclist Rescued by Off-Duty Paramedic After Serious Crash
The Big Lemon has confirmed the driver has been identified and stated an internal investigation is underway following company protocols.
The X91 route runs from Bristol city centre to Temple Meads Station, through Bedminster, Hartcliffe, Chew Magna, Bishop Sutton, East Harptree, and Ubley. The Big Lemon’s buses are recognizable by their bright yellow or white colouring.
According to UK law, smoking is prohibited on public transport vehicles and work vehicles carrying more than one person at any time, according to the Health Act 2006 and the Children and Families Act 2014. Buses must remain smoke-free at all times, including when not carrying passengers, and display no-smoking signs. Drivers caught smoking may face fines and disciplinary measures.
Furthermore, the Highway Code advises against smoking while driving due to the distraction it can cause, emphasizing the importance of drivers’ full attention on the road.
drop in bus event for North Somerset In "Buses and other ways to travel" [366963/30922/5] Posted by infoman at 10:55, 16th October 2025 Already liked by grahame | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
https://n-somerset.gov.uk/news/sign-your-free-place-next-bus-user-forum
Sign up for your free place at the next Bus User Forum
10:37am - 14 October 2025
Image
An electric bus
North Somerset Council is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to take part in the next Bus User Forum, an opportunity to hear updates and share views on the future of local bus services. The forum will run across two sessions this October, one online on Monday 27 and one in Portishead on Wednesday 29.
Participants will hear directly from local bus operators, councillors, and council officers about plans for services, local offers, and updates on infrastructure projects. Sessions will also provide updates on funding available to support bus services and give opportunities to shape decisions on future service changes, including WESTlink.
Residents will be able to share their own experiences and ideas directly with both North Somerset’s bus operators and the council. The feedback will be collected and suggestions made to bus operators with changes encouraged, but the operators make final decisions on the bus network. Feedback will also be used to help determine which services the council financially supports or subsidises in the future.
Sign up using the links below.
Forum dates:
Online session – Monday 27 October, via Microsoft Teams: North Somerset Council Bus User Forum October 2025 (online) Tickets, Mon, Oct 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
In-person session – Wednesday 29 October, at Portishead Children’s Centre: North Somerset Council Bus User Forum October 2025 (in-person) Tickets, Wed, Oct 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM | Eventbrite
Both sessions will cover the same information, so attendees are encouraged to register for the one that suits them best.
Cllr Hannah Young, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for highways and sustainable travel said: “Reliable, affordable and accessible bus services are vital for our communities. We know punctuality and reliability remain a concern for many residents, and this forum is a real opportunity to share experiences directly with the bus operators and council. At the same time, buses are central to our long-term ambition for a more sustainable transport system in North Somerset that will help to reduce congestion and cut carbon emissions. By working together, we can make sure that the government funding we receive to support local bus services is targeted to best meet the needs of our local communities."
[OTD] 16th October 2017 - first IET train in service In "Across the West" [366961/30921/26] Posted by grahame at 10:34, 16th October 2025 Already liked by Mark A, matth1j | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_800
The Class 800 trains came into service on the Great Western Main Line on 16 October 2017, while the first examples on the East Coast Main Line were put into service on 15 May 2019.
Love 'em or hate 'em ... rather that the diesel fumes at Paddington, all bar 4 departures per day are now under electric power ...


... with trains switching to diesel before remote places like Newquay, Tenby, Bedwyn, Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford are reached.

Far and wide beyond our GWR territory too.

Re: The modern pedestrian In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [366960/30918/50] Posted by Timmer at 10:20, 16th October 2025 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Has the change in the law / Highway Code to give an increased priority to pedestrians encouraged a more carefree attitude from walkers?
You could also ask the question how many drivers are aware of the change to the Highway Code that give pedestrians increased priority?