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Journey by Journey / London to the West / Re: Use of 5 carriage IEPs on Paddington to Cornwall services
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on: April 16, 2023, 19:18:24
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I had a theoretical First class seat on the 1230 from Reading on Saturday 15th April. It arrived as a 5 car unit with standing passengers and a platform load to collect. I managed to find space to stand until Exeter where I got a seat. The air con was on the blink and the train was baking. We picked up a Hitachi fitter to sort it vaguely.
At Plymouth where the train emptied we joined with difficulty to another unit. That made the train 10 cars through Cornwall and 20 minute plus late. This meant all the branch connections were missed and Newquay passengers were advised to get off at St. Austell and get a service bus.
By now most of the passengers where in the rear unit which meant they all had to move forward at the short platforms to alight making the train later and later. At Truro there were two cars of passengers with luggage standing in the aisle to get off. I had to think what would happen in an emergency?
I know these units are appalling but worse when Hitachi cannot supply trains of the correct length to fulfil their contract where are GWR▸ as the service provider?
Standing up for that distance makes you realise how rough riding they are and the whines and bangs from underneath provide a background din.
I felt very sorry for the staff who had to front for the company and no sign of any GWR management.
I don't think myself and many others will use the train to go to London again until Hitachi and GWR get their act together which is a shame as I have previously always enjoyed the trip dozens of times. Everything seems to have gone rapidly down hill since these rattletrap uncomfortable Hitachi units were introduced.
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