Great Western Coffee Shop

It would appear that SWR are using the 'Due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time....' excuse to run short forms on the Salisbury to Exeter line now. Even the busiest trains at the Exeter end are now crush-loaded 3-car (and sometimes just 2-car!) units.

The service is getting worse, despite SWR appointing a senior executive with sole responsibility for the service.  >:( 

That's always a fascinating reason that has a lot behind it

Are more trains breaking down than is the norm? Is there a shortage of maintenance staff so there's a long queue to be fixed?  Have procedures changed so they take longer to fix?  Is there a shortage of parts?  Higher maintenance standards so that what could have gone into service in the past?   Or not really repair - a servicing backlog?

And is it "excuse" - i.e. with some degree of untruth - or actually the real though simplified reason?


If the man qualified to use the oilcan is off sick, though, what good a suite?

Are the issues caused by issues within the control of SWR (First) or because of what they are required to do or not do as part of their contract?   Who cares?   Will it be any different when nationalised?

Answers .. on a very large memory stick ... to - well - who (if anyone) with influence can help?

Not sure a settee & chairs will fix the  trains, Graham!

A suite of directors, a suitable if ineffective collective noun?