Great Western Coffee Shop

I've been through Taunton station a couple of times in the last week and my ticket was checked at the ticket office side entrance to the tunnel below the platforms, from what the guys manning the check said, they were doing it on both sides of the station. I've never seen this before in the the 14 years that I've been using Taunton on and off.

This got me wondering if this is a precursor to the introduction of ticket barriers at Taunton as both Temple Meads and Exeter have them so Taunton must be a bit of a hole in the system, and I'm sure I read somewhere (maybe on here) that is was being planned. That in turn got me wondering how they would implement barriers without making life a bit awkward as both the main station car park and bike racks are on the down side while the ticket office is on the up side only (reasonably) connected by the tunnel. I can't see how they could put barriers on both entrances without making things a bit awkward. I can't be the only person that uses the car park or bike rack and then walks across to get a ticket. I suppose a TVM on the down side would be one answer.

Does anyone know if barriers are in the plan for Taunton - and if so how the long walk around under the bridge (with the pooping pigeons back in residence) will be avoided.

(OK so I'm sat in a hotel and bored - can you tell?)

Err...yes! Can you not go out and explore the local railways where you are?

... in this weather?   ;D

Barriers are going to be fitted to Taunton soon, I have no idea how they are planning to do it though. Gloucester is also being fitted and it currently has a permanent manual barrier, so it's quite possible Taunton now has a permanent manual barrier, presumably using the staff who have been recruited to work on the gateline.

You did indeed read it on this forum:

Thanks for the replies, I'm not going mad then I did read it somewhere. It will be interesting to see how this one works out and if I (and others) will need to add to our already finely timed park bike/car, buy ticket,  get (expensive) coffee and get on train routine when the barriers are introduced. Must remember to keep hold of my return ticket when I get off the train in future!


Well there is a newish metro system here (I'm in Dubai for the week) so I might go and explore that tonight, I'm told I need to find some shops. Using the metro has to be a less stressful and nail biting option than the taxi drivers I've experienced so far.

5 minutes outside here and I'm dripping wet but for different reasons!   :)

A few pieces of advice.

1) Get a no1 gold card. Guaranteed a seat and a quieter carriage. You also have the view out of the front/back window (back to Rashidiya and front to Jebel Ali)
2) Do not eat/drink/chew (gum) on the Metro
3) Do not go in the women only carriage (a common tourist mistake) - you *will* be fined (The same applies to woman only bus seats).
4) Take a look at what you can be fined for, it's quite strict compared to England, there is a board in every station that lists this
5) Enjoy the nice escalators and air conditioning! (Escalators get turned off when it's off-peak (after 1845)
6) Don't think about the projects Serco have failed to deliver on...
7) Plenty of shops in Emirates Mall & Dubai Mall (both have stops on the red line)

Ok we are getting a little OT now but Wilf19 elsewhere has posted a picture of the Dubai ski slope - wonder what that does to the environment (and do they care?)

Thanks for the advice EBrown, unfortunately I didn't read that until I got back last night.  :(

Quite right about the Gold card, I wish I had as I had to stand for the 30min ride in each direction, but it was refreshing to see how many men would give up their seat for standing women or 'people less able to stand'. I nearly made the mistake of trying to get into the ladies only carriage when rushing to catch a connection. I got firmly shooed away by an official, which judging by what you say about fines, was fortunate! I was wondering if my shorts and T shirt fell into the category of 'dressing respectfully' but I saw plenty of other blokes dressed the same way so I guess that was OK. I will check the list if I use the metro again this week.

I have found that the Deira City mall has the shop my wife wants me to visit and that is only (a slightly sweaty) walk from my hotel, so off there tonight.

Now back on topic.

Gloucester, if I remember correctly only has one entrance and exit, but it may well have changed since I went through their regularly. If it does still have one entrance then that's nice and simple from a gate perspective. Cheltenham, from what I recall of living their and using the station 15 years ago has an entrance on either side so it will be interesting to see how they do that. But I seem to remember back in the days of ticket checks at Cheltenham there were two footbridges across the tracks, one that didn't give access to the platforms but gave access to the ticket office, so I guess that would sort that out. Taunton is a bit different as I can't see how they could divide the tunnel to allow ticketless access to the ticket office.

I'm sure all will revealed in due course.

I can't see anyway that the subway at Taunton can be left freely accessible once barriers are in place, but that needn't prevent access to to the ticket office from the south side.

Staff on the gate line on the down side at Bath Spa will let you through to access the ticket office there, should the  TVMs not be suitable for the ticket(s) you wish to purchase. I suspect the same will be the case at Taunton, with TVMs installed on the south side.

One exit that will be problematical is that to the south side car park and bus stop. I suspect this will be manned by a single member of staff and not feature automatic barriers; again, similar to the arrangement for the down side car park at Bath Spa.

One advantage of ticket barriers and the south car park gate being manned I can see is that the bike racks would then be 'rail side' of ticket checks, that might make them slightly more secure. Although I must say I've never had any problems leaving my bike there (yet).

I have had my ticket checked at Taunton when travelling to London, on the last few journies, usually on the 13-34.
This seems to be a new policy, and as others post is probably in preperation for ticket gates.

I have never known any ticket check when alighting at Taunton from the 18-03 from London.

Installing ticket gates on the platform used by fast down trains looks complex since AFAIR there are 3 entrances, to the bus stop, to the car park and taxi rank, and to the ticket office via the subway.

At Taunton there will be 2 manned gatelines, one at the "Bus" entrance and one at the main ticket office entrance, the Taxi rank entrance will be closed. There will also be a TVM put at the Bus entrance.

Thanks for that vacman. Good for access to the south side car park and bus stop, not so good for the walk into town. Those extra 50 yards....

One assumes the taxi rank will also move nearer this exit.

Thanks for all the replies, all will be revealed in due course I suppose. I did have my ticket checked leaving the taxi rank exit yesterday evening off the 17:49 arrival from Reading,

The gatelines are in place, and, according to a member of staff at the ticket office go into operation from this coming friday, 21 December.

2 Photos of the ticket office gateline below (apologies for the poor quality photos, taken on my phone):

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z230/gm59002/TicketOfficeGateline-Taunton-1_zps4c50b6fb.jpg)

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z230/gm59002/TicketOfficeGateline-Taunton-2_zps22b40ca2.jpg)

I didn't have time to go & see the down side gateline, will hope to over the next few days.

<JG>

Ticket barriers should never be single manned.  For obvious reasons.

Called at Taunton today to find Pl 2 arch manned by 3 revenue staff, but new entrance from car park, barriered but not open.  I was prepared to splash out on a return to Bridgwater to test the system but was told the down side ticket machine was "still in Germany", but I could go through to the up side and use the machine there.

Having  made it to the tunnel I opted for a coffee and paper from Pumpkin and found it strangely deserted.  The usual crowd of "residents" seem to have been scared off or maybe it was just too chilly.

After refreshments I approached the barriered and well manned pl 5 exit and confessed that I had come from pl 2 and just gone to Pumpkin.  "Should I go back or could I leave through the barriers" I asked.  "Your convenience is our convenience" replied a managerial type (not local) with a smile.  His colleague looked as if he hoped the roof would collapse on me, but stood aside while I exited through the barriers.

Nothing conclusive, apart from a feeling that once the ticket machine is in place, in the car park entrance, access without a ticket will be difficult.  No doubt railway photographers, with valid tickets, will be tolerated but have to go through the "security" mill.  Sales of OAP day returns to Bridgy will soar!  Sic transit gloria............

Brian

It shouldn't be difficult, and I hope it isn't. I also hope the gateline staff don't suggest to folk that they walk down the slope, along Station Rd, under the bridge and turn right.

If the ticket required can be purchased from the TVM then fine. But the TVM will not sell Advance Purchase, GroupSave, Rovers and Rangers. It won't sell tickets with an origin other than Taunton. It will not accept Rail Travel Vouchers or Warrants. It may not accept the method of payment the customers wishes to use.

I hope they don't send everyone on the get p**ped on by the pigeons walk under the bridge either, especially as the long term car park and main bike racks are the down  side. Said pigeons that someone (allegedly) spent loads of money trying to evict and caused weeks of traffic chaos in the process - and it looks like they failed.

I witnessed the nice new looking barriers on the up side when I left on Sunday afternoon - open an unmanned then. Will be interesting to so see what is happening on the down side when I get back to Taunton tomorrow evening and what level of Friday evening chaos that creates.

Network Rail spent ^300,000 on the scheme, apparently: we discussed it at http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=9490.0  ;)

This Monday there was a noticeable absence of "care in the community" type persons hanging out on platform 5, which was a welcome change.
Since the gates were open it would seem that the mere presence of gates, and the fact that they are sometimes used, has scared off the care in the community types.

Well the car park gate at Bath is.  It is arguable as to whether it counts as a "ticket barrier" or just an emergency exit which they will get you though as a favour.  the automatic barriers are always double manned. 

If by "South side" you mean pl 2, there is now a posh, glass and steel covered entrance corridor leading from the car park with bus timetable boards attached.  This entrance is equipped with at least a 2-road set of barriers but not operating when I visited this week.

Brian

Clarify the intended meaning of care in the community types please.

The gentleman and his wheelchair-bound son have been absent from platform 5 on the last few occasions I've been at Taunton station.

Whether this is related to the barriers I know not.

But along with Ebrown I'm a little uncomfortable with the term 'care in the community types' and I fail to see how the absence of these people is a 'welcome change'.

Yes, a railway station is intended for use by those travelling, but folk who just like to watch the trains go by shouldn't be made to feel unwelcome, as long as they are not causing a nuisance.

The growing trend does however appear to be that railway stations are only to be welcoming to those who've purchased a ticket to travel. At least in locations where barriers are present.

Possibly another example of barriers being used for more than their only intended purpose - revenue protection.

I grew up watching trains with my grandad on the platform of Highbridge Station (when it still had S&D platforms!) and the 'train bug' got me then.  I have stood on platforms just watching life (and trains) go by in many countries and am pleased to still be able to take small children to Yatton where we can safely sit on a bench for half and hour (or even better in the Strawberry Line Cafe) and watch trains. There are some who may say such behaviour shows I need caring for, but I prefer to think that this has been a sensible part of our culture for many years and whatever the merits or otherwise of the ticket barriers, they have changed the daily interaction of people with railways.  Whenever a station is barred to casual callers, a further psychological barrier is created to those might be lured to become regular travellers because trains will be seen as something divorced from easy, everyday access.

I couldn't agree more that people should be allowed to watch trains and be indulged, even if their manner is a bit eccentric. 

However, I have witnessed a member of this particular group "assisting" the dispatch team by running down platform 5  slamming HST doors with much gusto and shouting, to the amazement  of passengers who found this action, by a member of the public, confusing.  Staff were unable to stop him short of physical restraint and I wondered, at the time, how much longer such behaviour could go on before the powers-that-be took action on 'elf 'n' safety grounds. 

Maybe they did and the absence of the group has nothing to do with the new barriers.

To me it means those of aparently limited mental capacity who used to hang around at Taunton, not commiting any specific legal offence, but being generaly anti social, and seldom being observed to use the train service.
Those whom I never observed to steal anything from the shop, but who looked as though they hoped to, and about whom the shop staff seemed very dubious.
Those who never attempted to steal my telephone or laptop  , but in whose presence I felt uneasy using these items.
Those who "took over" most of the seating on platform 5, and made others feel uncomfortable about trying to sit down.
Those who seemed to come equiped for some hours with packed lunches, thermos flasks and cans of beer.

And those of whom we see less of after the gates were installed.

Perception is a very dangerous thing. Before the barriers I was not aware of any major problems.

I know someone who, until recently, worked in the ticket office at Taunton. He always said that the folk who spent all day on platform 5 were a harmless bunch. Okay, so they may have been taking up seating outside the 'refreshment room' that should really be for paying customers only, but is that really a grave crime?

To intimate that they may commit petty theft given half a chance really is out of order. >:( One of the group regularly seen there in days gone by is now actually employed by the railways.

Have you ever tried striking up a conversation with these 'characters' broadgage?

I have. And your impression of them couldn't be any further from the truth.

It really does shock me when I read someone saying that these folk look as though they hope to steal something. What evidence do you have for that except your own prejudice? As for taking over most of the seating on P5. One table for Christ's sake (I'd say something stronger if I wasn't a moderator). Walk to another part of the platform if their presence offends you that deeply.

Thinking about it, I've not seen them at the station for a good while. I've spoken to them a few times and never felt uncomfortable, even when carrying the selection of electronic junk that I seem to have to drag around with me.

Tonight I got off the train and managed to remember to gather up all of said junk, cursed and grumbled about the train coming in on platform 3 so I had to  lug all that and my grossly overloaded wheely bag down the stairs and back up again to get to the taxi rank, and then realised I'd left or dropped my ticket on the train, which is the first time I can remember doing that. Fortunately there were no ticket checks this evening  I must be more careful.

More muttering and grumbling when booked taxi didn't show up and I had a three line whip to be home by 8pm. I made it at 7:57.

Isn't there a lift on P3/4?

The 2 gentlemen you are referring to here were both in their usual position on P5 on Thursday evening - I had not seen them for a while either.

Broadgage your comments also offend me to some extent. I technically come under the "care in the community" label as you so describe it. Whilst there are worse phrases to describe such communities I still find that one quite insulting.

Now I'm really going to kick the hornets nest here. Whilst the other posters may have restrained themselves. I won't. >:(

But BNM is right. The group of people who you refer to you, you couldn't be more wrong. I have never ever felt uneasy about taking out my electrical equipment in their presence. Infact on one occasion one of them pointed out my iPhone had fallen out of my back pocket. As my phone is NEVER in my back pocket... I didn't even realise!

At the end of the day what is your particular problem with a group of individuals enjoying watching the trains? What the Gentleman in the wheelchair doesn't know about trains in Taunton is not worth knowing! (Or one of his companions)

Now whilst BNM says go to another area of the platform... I probably know exactly why you won't. All I'll say is: F, G and H.

And people call me a snob ::)

Rant Over!

People judge other the first time they see them from a sterotype - what they believe a typical person in a role or with a certain look is / how a person in that role behaves.  First (often skewed) impressions, often lumping in the exceptional with the standard genre.  I recall a thread here that talked about travellers in First class, and it was stated (regrettably by a member of staff) that in the evening, he started ticket checks in First class with an assumption that passengers of a certain age / look wouldn't have first class tickets.  I know I've been casually dressed on some of the rare occasions I've travelled first, and been struck by a change of attitude once I present my correct ticket.

Same thing - away from the station.  If I walk through our local town, Lisa, myself and one of the dogs and we see one attitude.   Lisa goes into a shop, I sit on the pavement or curb with a (big, black, clearly loving) mongrel just taking in the scene, and the attitude can change.  I haven't changed, though ...

My remarks do not refer to the disabled gent, nor his relative.
I have however in the past observed a number of examples of antisocial behaviour, such episodes seem much reduced since the gates were installed.

I have observed two episodes of minor theft from the shop, and not being a security gaurd, nor being present that much, very much doubt that these were isolated examples.
The shop staff have found it unwise to place cans of alcoholic drink in the refrigerated display "due to the risk of theft" only one empty can of each product being on display.

I consider it possible that the persons to which I refer may not be the same persons to which others refer in more positive terms.

You have also offended me (just to make that clear). Graham is quite right, I'm sure many people on here have (tried to) put my in a type/group as they have with you. For reference I've just put you in the group of people I expect will regularly get their nose broken.

A simple word of advice Broadgage, be careful of how you categorise people and how you tell them what category you've put them in.

I will also add, I'm a computer person... As an industry it has one of the highest rates of people with conditions such as Aspergers, ADD (ADHD), Dyslexia (Dyspraxia & Dysgraphia) to name just a few. Perhaps your term 'limited mental capacity' applies to all of these groups, most of these people are extremely intelligent, diligent and a pleasure to work with. A few are socially awkward or show tendencies of reclusive behaviour; however they are all still easy to work with.

Perhaps they (given its likely they are more intelligent than you) should tell you you have limited mental capacity.

I regret the offence caused by my remarks and will refrain from making similar or related remarks in future.

But it's ok for those yet again taking the moral high ground in this thread to make assumptions about people in other threads...

What a nothing statement. I've taken no moral high ground, merely stated my thoughts on the matter and given a counter example. That's called a discussion. I generally try and avoid making assumptions unless I have a fair set of facts, even then I'm not perfect.

My view is that we are looking at the use of the word more than anything. For example the word n***a/n****r being a derogatory term for black people. 'Care in the community types' is a derogatory term for people with (but not limited to) mental health conditions - which I don't appreciate.

I'll take questions by DM, but til then my commenting on this matter is done.

We have one rail network so there should be one set of rules for access to stations. It's perverse that there is legislation allowing access to Compulsory Ticket Areas for non-travellers and there is access to all at unbarriered stations, but when it comes to a station with a gate line the general public suddenly can't be trusted unless they've got a piece of orange card in their hand.  ::)

Yawn

Tiredness can kill. Take a break.

It's worrying how both of you have brought a very similar (probably by accident) comparison there...

It's perfectly acceptable in SOME cases for a black individual to refer to another black individual as that very 'N' term...

I'm on my iPhone at the moment but I'll follow up with my response later on. All of you raise very interesting points to which I feel as someone in the Mental Health Category as well as the Autistic Spectrum I have a pretty good understanding to answer ...

/ edited to add. Mods please PM me if you wish the trout to restrain himself in order to keep the piece...

Fair enough: meanwhile, I'll consider how best to split this topic, as we seem to be moving away somewhat from the original point about the ticket barriers being installed at Taunton Station ...  ;)

Chris,

Does this help?   ;D

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/tauplt2.jpg)

Thanks for the photo.  Having used this exit often myself, I would be worried to use it (barrier or otherwise) if I were a woman alone or otherwise vulnerable, at least on the occasion the photo was apparently taken.  Will there be a member of staff always in attendance to help pax?  (I may have misunderstood earlier contributions as this topic did rather go off at a tangent).

Whenever the gateline is in use (i.e. not locked open like the photo) a member of staff with a license to operate the gateline must be there.

There is no requirement for staff to be present when the gates are locked open.

No 'licence' is required - just to be signed off as competent in the operation of a gateline.

A gateline doesn't necessarily have to have staff standing alongside (ie 'present'), the rules allow for a barrier line to be remotely supervised via CCTV from a main gateline.  At Havant, for instance, the installation on the up side includes a camera mounted alongside the barrier to allow tickets to be viewed from the main entrance gateline on the down side.

Paul

This is also the case at Reigate and the system works well. When my weekly ticket is printed on an Avantix it gets used frequently!

I suggest you look at the definition of license.

I imagine the exit will become more late-night user-friendly when the area is redeveloped and there is more footfall locally.  Are retail outlets planned nearby does anyone local know?  A local convenience store outside would be an excellent way of achieving this and should do quite well if there are going to be all these flats.  I can only dimly recall the plans.   

I have better things to do with my time thanks. 

There will be a help point fitted to the "Minehead bus" gateline so that it can be remotely operated by the staff at the main gateline.

dina dina dina dina VACMAN!!

Hopefully only at quiet times. You won't want hoards of summer Saturday holidaymakers at a gateline with no member of staff.

Nor when the 07.30 from London Paddington arrives and there are two minutes to catch the bus to Bishops Lydeard for the West Somerset Railway in order to avoid a 30 minute wait and probably missing the train to Minehead to boot.

Not a booked connection then  :P ;)

I disagree. 5 minutes walk down the road towards town you've got a sizeable Morrisons Supermarket and a couple of convenience stores also 5 minutes away opposite the District Council Offices, which are near the same area.

There are also a couple of convenience stores near the Cheddon Road Junction (I used to walk past them nearly every day when I lived there to get to the station ;) )

I'm pretty sure that the convenience store at junction has gone now, shows how often I've used it. There's always the fine selection of take aways along Station Road though. Always far too much of a temptation to pick something no-to-healthy up on the way home from the station in the evening. Not a good plan if I'm cycling home from the station however.

The new barriers were in use when I went through yesterday morning at peak time, it's the first time I've seen them in action. I've been through the station a number of times recently but always at quieter times when they have been locked open.