Great Western Coffee Shop

This evening, my beloved 1753 from BTM to Nailsea let me down, somewhat.

To be fair, it's the first time this has happened since 19 February (on the days I've been travelling, anyway).  However, I did find it so ironic that it happened again this evening, just while several local FGW managers were holding a 'Meet the Manager' session on platform 3 at BTM!

Briefly, the 1753 was shown on the screens as being expected at 1759: not a particular problem.  However, when it arrived, there was a collective gasp of dismay: it was a 143  ??? .  Sure enough, people got left behind again (including me): in fact, I was rather amused to see that the relief driver himself had to 'negotiate' with crammed passengers in the front of the train before they 'breathed in' sufficiently for him to get aboard himself!

I, and several others, encouraged by the platform announcer telling us that 'the next available service to Nailsea was the 1822', dutifully trudged off to platform 10 to wait for that.

By the way, I'm rather reluctant to put my head down and force my way on board the 1753 in such circumstances, because I think it's more important for those travelling to Bedminster or Parson Street to get on that train.  My next train is the 1822, but that doesn't stop at Bedminster or Parson Street, so if passengers for those stations don't get on the 1753, they've got a much longer wait than I'd have.

My problem for being considerate, I suppose?  :-[ ;D

What should it be?

As a mere passenger, I can't say what it should be :-X - but it's usually a 150/2 (or, very occasionally a 150/1), or a two-car 158.

 >:(

Is the 17.53 from BTM the 17.00 from Cardiff-Taunton, Chris? I notice the Cardiff-Taunton services are usually 150's but occasionally 143's.

It is indeed, Jez - and it is the 'occasional' use of a 143 that causes us so much grief at BTM!  :D

In an ideal world I supposed CDF to Taunton should all be 158's but these are all tied up in the CDF-PMH and Great Malvern-Weymouth services.

To be fair, the 1753 this evening was a 150/2, and we all managed to get on that (I even got a seat!).  However, perhaps a Friday evening is slightly quieter than earlier in the week, as some commuters leave work early.  For Monday to Thursday evenings, a 150/1 or a 158 would indeed be better!

Refurbed 150s are fine for Cardiff - Bristol, but 143sare awful for such a route. Imagine if you're a business traveller on your first trip between what are two major cities, and you get a 143. You'd be back in your Merc or Audi (other executive cars are available) quicker than you can say Vorsprung Durch Technik.

And yes Chris, traffic was lighter today. Car Park still had places available at 8.15.

Very good point John. 143s should not really operate between Bristol-Cardiff. At least this line is starting to see three car 158s operating now which is the least that this major to city centre to city centre link deserves.

Point is though - they can't really operate on any other service other than through the tunnel due to clearances on the other routes!!