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All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: Rail smart cards to be rolled out across UK
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on: March 08, 2012, 22:51:35
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They need to put in a standard UK▸ wide system of Smartcards. At the moment, we have "the key" for Go-Ahead, "Oyster▸ " for TfL» and something else for Stagecoach!
Why should I have to use a "the key" and an "Oyster" to travel from a LM▸ station to Oxford Circus?
You shouldn't. Which is why TfL are currently converting their system to be ITSO compatible, at a cost of many millions. And as hinted by a recent poster, 'the key' and 'Stagecoach Smart' are supposed to be compatible already, because they are both ITSO cards under the labelling... Paul That's right - they are compatible. I can use my Go Ahead Oxford Bus Company 'the key' on Stagecoach buses in Oxford City.
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All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: New Customer Information Systems
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on: January 02, 2012, 17:18:13
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The system is a disgrace and should be axed in favour of Ditra. I cannot believe they are expanding it. Could it be written into the franchise requirement for the system to be replaced?
I agree... the quality of the announcements is retrograde. As well as incorrect or dodgy pronunciation, the sound level and spacing between station names is inconsistent. I've also heard incomplete announcements and noticed incorrect 'next train' information. Whilst the old system wasn't perfect, it seems that passenger information provision is taking a step backwards at the HSS▸ stations.
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Journey by Journey / Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South / Re: Class 142 Pacers in service on Devon branch lines, 2007 to 2011 - merged topic
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on: November 29, 2011, 22:21:10
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I missed them too, believe they left Exeter around 12:10.
Does anyone know what the final 142 working was on the Exmouth branch? Saturday 26th would have been the last possible day.
Any information would be much appreciated.
I have some clues to help but nothing concrete. 142009/30/63 were out on the Exmouth line on Saturday. The following information is based on units staying in their diagrams for the rest of the day: 142030 (with a 143) was due to run the 19:21 Paignton to Exmouth (arr 21:01) and then the 21:04 Exmouth to Exeter St Davids (arr 21:34). 142063 (with a 153) was due to run the 21:13 Paignton to Exeter St Davids (arr 22:05). 142009 (on its own) was due to run the 21:53 Paignton to Exeter St Davids (arr 22:45). I suppose any of these units could have then formed later trips to Exmouth but I'm afraid I don't have any more information.
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All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: DMU cascades - latest news
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on: November 05, 2009, 16:24:50
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I shall miss 142001. It's become quite a friend over the last couple of years. It's been raided for parts and christened 'scrapheap challenge' by the fitters yet still it bounces along, lurching from side to side and up and down as it trundles along the barny line. I think we should keep it and mount it on a plinth at the entrance to Exeter St Davids, rather like they put spitfires at the entrance to RAF▸ bases. If the spitfire saved Britain then the 142 saved FGW▸ ,sort of, maybe...
Sounds like a great idea to me!  It is the pioneer of the fleet after all!
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All across the Great Western territory / Across the West / Re: DMU cascades - latest news
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on: October 29, 2009, 22:49:28
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Wasn't another 3 car one formed after an accident?
Yep - not long after they were delivered, both 150209 and 150212 both had their DMSL▸ vehicles written off. So, in the current London Midland fleet, there are two vehicles without matching pairs should the decision be made to return all units to two-car sets - 57209 (currently formed in 150017) and 57212 (currently in 150016). The latter's cab is operational as it was recently used as a driving vehicle when the set was reduced to two carriages for a short period. Not sure if they can be paired together (technically) but if they can be, they'd need to be restricted to short journey diagrams as neither vehicle has a toilet.
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All across the Great Western territory / Fare's Fair / New format for buying tickets on-line - misleading statement
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on: October 22, 2009, 16:43:26
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Is anyone else having trouble booking tickets on-line since the website format changed? I keep accidentally increasing the number of adults travelling using the roller on my mouse!! I wondered why my trip from Oxford to Exeter was ^256 off-peak return!
Anyway, I've also received the following misleading message when booking a ticket:
"First Great Western may send you useful product and service information relevant to your booking, including offers and discounts for future bookings through us. We will however NOT provide your details to any third party, except in accordance with our terms and conditions, other than the train company you travel with. If you do not wish to receive this information simply untick the box.
[ ] Yes please [ ] No thanks "
Now, call me picky, but the possible double negative at the end is misleading! And neither box was ticked as default!
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All across the Great Western territory / Fare's Fair / Re: Advanced fares Didcot Parkway to London Paddington. Do they exist?
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on: August 27, 2009, 14:03:29
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There are advance fares available for Didcot to Swindon! So, you can get a ^4 Didcot to Swindon and a ^6.75 Swindon to London if you want to travel legitimately. Might be a bit frustrating if the train calls at Didcot on the way from Swindon to London!
Didcot to Swindon is a bit of a weird one when it comes to tickets - there are period return fares which is unusual for such a short distance. There are also inconsistencies with Oxford fares too. Oxford or Didcot to the west have the same fares in some cases ^ how can that be justified?
Also, does anyone know if Didcot to Swindon is in the Penalty Fares area? Each station is, but different areas so is the line in between part of the scheme?
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