Great Western Coffee Shop

Hey people,
My real name is Kieran Milton... and im a SWT passenger. Sound like Alcoholics anonomyous?

Im also a Representative of the Passenger Panel for South West Trains, so if I see something about SWT on here I think needs mentioning it will go straight to the top of the company :)

Kizzers

Welcome  :)

Any influence on the shambolic cutting of SWT services west of Exeter? I understand Adrian Sanders (Torbay MP) and Torbay Rail User Group were meeting with the DfT yesterday to try and sort something out.

SWT passengers are also very welcome here, kizzers! ;)

And welcome from me.

There's a gentleman from Melksham who occasionally posts on this Forum who would love SWT services on the Southampton to Salisbury service to be extended to Swindon. You could point out to them that the ORCATS raid of FGW revenue by running the service could even cover the costs, as well as providing a service for passengers that FGW abandoned 2 years ago.

Well I was going to ask Stewart Palmer a few questions about Axminster when I see him on Tuesday, so I'm sure that will come up.

I'm guessing its because of rolling stock and lack of it? And regularity at EXD?

Haha I'm glad! However I'm glad I'm on SWT after a trip back on the 15:53 to Taunton from Bristol... god...!!!!

In the middle of the day that may be so, however I see no problems in keeping the 1420 Waterloo - Paignton which serves as a peak train out of Exeter Central. It usually splits from 6 coaches to 3 at Exeter anyhow.

Dare I mention those spare DMUs laying over at Salisbury for much of the day (and summer Saturdays  :-X)

Ooooh better not mention them. Probably either in for referb, or Romsey rounders?

I agree not all of the trains should be stopped at EXD, and I will sorely miss the fast trains...

whats wrong with the 1553 BRI to TAU....then??

Presume its a voyager

Nope, FGW 2 coach 158 if I remember. 10 late which meant they held my connecting train (HST) at Taunton for alot of passengers, making that one late. I was with 4 others and stood in the vestibule behind the driver until about Weston!

Welcome to the forum Kieran ;D

For future reference, if you had caught the 14:53 BRI - TAU, you would have had the delights of the Loco Hauled Service ;D

Or you could have caught the 14:44 XC HST Service, doesn't call at Tiverton Parkway ::)

on the subject of the loco hauled... is this a full time thing or just until new units arrive? if its here for a while will it get a refresh?

Well I was told that the DfT would only find it until the May timetable change but the DfT have given FGW permission to run the loco-hauled set for much longer, they just have to pay themselves. I imagine they will have to keep it running as the unit that did operate it is tied up replacing a Cross Country service through Cornwall.

so thats why i saw a class 150 destined for penzance.. slightly changing the subject how long ago did direct services from plymouth and exeter to cardiff cease

Well the Cardiff-Penzance and return trains stopped in the dreaded December 2006 timetable change. I thought Exeter still had a couple of services to Cardiff.