Great Western Coffee Shop

This document, published yesterday, might be worth a read:

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8961/

Interesting read, but I don't like the idea of devolved railways, Given how useless Bristol's mayor is the last thing we want is him touching the Great Western. On the whole I think GWR has worked very well and has come a long way since 2010, I would like to see it continue in some form as it is now, but with a more long term strategy rather than the last few years of contract renewals.

But great western would not all be in his area. More of a say on metrowest however could only be a good thing.

There is a very great deal to be said for regionally tuned and integrated public transport, but a fear that it could lead to imbalances across places, a lack of national expertise and view meaning that more local politicians who perhaps are selected from a very small pool with public transport experience may be at the controls.  I would be less concerned for the Bristol and South West area if we were looking at a "Transport for The West" from Swindon to Penzance - and perhaps we might be.  But I fear separate "Western Gateway" and "Western Peninsular" regions; I can't forget the answer from a member of the audience at a recent seminar from the chair of the gateway SNTB, saying they would work with Peninsular on cross border issues, and admonishing the questioner for wasting time by asking such a question.   And coming back in the summary to blame the questioned once again for wasting time.

Politics 101: When you find yourself having to defend the indefensible, shout very loudly and bang on the table...

Great Western would run Metrowest, I can see it being a disaster how will Great Western be able to justify for example Bristol have a completely different service level, prices or anything else being completely different to the rest of the network?

There is a precedent in the setting of fares on the Severn Beach line being able to set different local fares.  Now and for the future, with management / operational contracts rather than franchises, I'm not sure whether it will be up to Great Western / First Group to suggest or justify fare and service levels; I really hope the expertise of their team is used.

I should hope their recent track record is taken into account.