A week in to the new timetable - review

[whole diary]

[dog box]

I'm really unhappy with the new timetable when it comes to travelling back from Bristol Parkway to Highbridge in the evening. I used to have a direct service at 16:51 or 17:51. Now I have to get out of work in time to catch the 16:25 or 17:25 crosscountry train to temple meads. FGW^▸ (First Great Western) seem intent to make this journey as long as possible. One of my colleagues who I lift share with every Thursday is considering driving more than before the new timetable was implemented.

This could easily be solved if the Weston to Bristol Parkway service went all the way to Taunton in the evening the same as it does during the morning peak. 

why not drive to WSM, The service is always more frequent, thats what i do {and i live at West Hunstpill} and if you go early enough you can park roadside for free outside Homeserve

[mada]

I'm really unhappy with the new timetable when it comes to travelling back from Bristol Parkway to Highbridge in the evening. I used to have a direct service at 16:51 or 17:51. Now I have to get out of work in time to catch the 16:25 or 17:25 crosscountry train to temple meads. FGW^▸ (First Great Western) seem intent to make this journey as long as possible. One of my colleagues who I lift share with every Thursday is considering driving more than before the new timetable was implemented.

This could easily be solved if the Weston to Bristol Parkway service went all the way to Taunton in the evening the same as it does during the morning peak. 

why not drive to WSM, The service is always more frequent, thats what i do {and i live at West Hunstpill} and if you go early enough you can park roadside for free outside Homeserve

If I could drive I wouldn't be messing about on FGW's "services". It's sad as I am a firm believer in the use of environmentally friendly transportation but during my experience of commuting I have vowed that unless services improve the minute I pass my test I will start using the car. The thought that I won't have to do it forever and that eventually I'll be able to drive is the affirmation I use to cope with the constant delays, cancellations and filthy, uncomfortable rolling stock.

[vacman]

I'm really unhappy with the new timetable when it comes to travelling back from Bristol Parkway to Highbridge in the evening. I used to have a direct service at 16:51 or 17:51. Now I have to get out of work in time to catch the 16:25 or 17:25 crosscountry train to temple meads. FGW^▸ (First Great Western) seem intent to make this journey as long as possible. One of my colleagues who I lift share with every Thursday is considering driving more than before the new timetable was implemented.

This could easily be solved if the Weston to Bristol Parkway service went all the way to Taunton in the evening the same as it does during the morning peak. 

why not drive to WSM, The service is always more frequent, thats what i do {and i live at West Hunstpill} and if you go early enough you can park roadside for free outside Homeserve

If I could drive I wouldn't be messing about on FGW's "services". It's sad as I am a firm believer in the use of environmentally friendly transportation but during my experience of commuting I have vowed that unless services improve the minute I pass my test I will start using the car. The thought that I won't have to do it forever and that eventually I'll be able to drive is the affirmation I use to cope with the constant delays, cancellations and filthy, uncomfortable rolling stock.

Until you've had a few weeks of traffic jams extortionate petrol prices and parking fees! Then FGW's services will seem like a dream!

[mada]

I'm really unhappy with the new timetable when it comes to travelling back from Bristol Parkway to Highbridge in the evening. I used to have a direct service at 16:51 or 17:51. Now I have to get out of work in time to catch the 16:25 or 17:25 crosscountry train to temple meads. FGW^▸ (First Great Western) seem intent to make this journey as long as possible. One of my colleagues who I lift share with every Thursday is considering driving more than before the new timetable was implemented.

This could easily be solved if the Weston to Bristol Parkway service went all the way to Taunton in the evening the same as it does during the morning peak. 

why not drive to WSM, The service is always more frequent, thats what i do {and i live at West Hunstpill} and if you go early enough you can park roadside for free outside Homeserve

If I could drive I wouldn't be messing about on FGW's "services". It's sad as I am a firm believer in the use of environmentally friendly transportation but during my experience of commuting I have vowed that unless services improve the minute I pass my test I will start using the car. The thought that I won't have to do it forever and that eventually I'll be able to drive is the affirmation I use to cope with the constant delays, cancellations and filthy, uncomfortable rolling stock.

Until you've had a few weeks of traffic jams extortionate petrol prices and parking fees! Then FGW's services will seem like a dream!

It's still cheaper to drive than pay the train fare. The traffic on the M5 isn't too bad unless someone crashes or on Fridays during the annual brummy invasion. Even so I'd rather be in control of my surroundings rather than being sat on an uncomfortable seat next to some hideous 30 stone chav female with her folds of fat pressing into my side listening to her playing R&B from the tinny speaker of her Nokia with a combination of body odour and the tuna sandwich she is stuffing into her gullet wafting through the air. All this after waiting 30 minutes unnecessarily in the freezing cold. We've all been there... Also I tend to carry a backpack + a laptop with me yet I feel uncomfortable placing either on the floor or luggage rack due to the combined threats of chewing gum and theft. Even with the traffic the majority of the time I will get from A to B quicker and cheaper than I would by train plus I won't have to worry about space for my luggage. The only negative is the environmental impact.

[vacman]

I'm really unhappy with the new timetable when it comes to travelling back from Bristol Parkway to Highbridge in the evening. I used to have a direct service at 16:51 or 17:51. Now I have to get out of work in time to catch the 16:25 or 17:25 crosscountry train to temple meads. FGW^▸ (First Great Western) seem intent to make this journey as long as possible. One of my colleagues who I lift share with every Thursday is considering driving more than before the new timetable was implemented.

This could easily be solved if the Weston to Bristol Parkway service went all the way to Taunton in the evening the same as it does during the morning peak. 

why not drive to WSM, The service is always more frequent, thats what i do {and i live at West Hunstpill} and if you go early enough you can park roadside for free outside Homeserve

If I could drive I wouldn't be messing about on FGW's "services". It's sad as I am a firm believer in the use of environmentally friendly transportation but during my experience of commuting I have vowed that unless services improve the minute I pass my test I will start using the car. The thought that I won't have to do it forever and that eventually I'll be able to drive is the affirmation I use to cope with the constant delays, cancellations and filthy, uncomfortable rolling stock.

Until you've had a few weeks of traffic jams extortionate petrol prices and parking fees! Then FGW's services will seem like a dream!

It's still cheaper to drive than pay the train fare. The traffic on the M5 isn't too bad unless someone crashes or on Fridays during the annual brummy invasion. Even so I'd rather be in control of my surroundings rather than being sat on an uncomfortable seat next to some hideous 30 stone chav female with her folds of fat pressing into my side listening to her playing R&B from the tinny speaker of her Nokia with a combination of body odour and the tuna sandwich she is stuffing into her gullet wafting through the air. All this after waiting 30 minutes unnecessarily in the freezing cold. We've all been there... Also I tend to carry a backpack + a laptop with me yet I feel uncomfortable placing either on the floor or luggage rack due to the combined threats of chewing gum and theft. Even with the traffic the majority of the time I will get from A to B quicker and cheaper than I would by train plus I won't have to worry about space for my luggage. The only negative is the environmental impact.

Don't forget your insurance and wear and tear, fact is a lot of people do stay on the railway because it does usually work out quicker and cheaper.

[mada]

I'm really unhappy with the new timetable when it comes to travelling back from Bristol Parkway to Highbridge in the evening. I used to have a direct service at 16:51 or 17:51. Now I have to get out of work in time to catch the 16:25 or 17:25 crosscountry train to temple meads. FGW^▸ (First Great Western) seem intent to make this journey as long as possible. One of my colleagues who I lift share with every Thursday is considering driving more than before the new timetable was implemented.

This could easily be solved if the Weston to Bristol Parkway service went all the way to Taunton in the evening the same as it does during the morning peak. 

why not drive to WSM, The service is always more frequent, thats what i do {and i live at West Hunstpill} and if you go early enough you can park roadside for free outside Homeserve

If I could drive I wouldn't be messing about on FGW's "services". It's sad as I am a firm believer in the use of environmentally friendly transportation but during my experience of commuting I have vowed that unless services improve the minute I pass my test I will start using the car. The thought that I won't have to do it forever and that eventually I'll be able to drive is the affirmation I use to cope with the constant delays, cancellations and filthy, uncomfortable rolling stock.

Until you've had a few weeks of traffic jams extortionate petrol prices and parking fees! Then FGW's services will seem like a dream!

It's still cheaper to drive than pay the train fare. The traffic on the M5 isn't too bad unless someone crashes or on Fridays during the annual brummy invasion. Even so I'd rather be in control of my surroundings rather than being sat on an uncomfortable seat next to some hideous 30 stone chav female with her folds of fat pressing into my side listening to her playing R&B from the tinny speaker of her Nokia with a combination of body odour and the tuna sandwich she is stuffing into her gullet wafting through the air. All this after waiting 30 minutes unnecessarily in the freezing cold. We've all been there... Also I tend to carry a backpack + a laptop with me yet I feel uncomfortable placing either on the floor or luggage rack due to the combined threats of chewing gum and theft. Even with the traffic the majority of the time I will get from A to B quicker and cheaper than I would by train plus I won't have to worry about space for my luggage. The only negative is the environmental impact.

Don't forget your insurance and wear and tear, fact is a lot of people do stay on the railway because it does usually work out quicker and cheaper.

But for how long? With the rising fares caused by the extortionate franchise premium payments I can see it eclipsing the price of running a car fairly soon if it hasn't already. Plus I'm likely to convert my vehicle to LPG^▸ (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). Working for the company who owns your car insurance provider also helps on the cost front. 

If a clean, regular, reliable, inexpensive service existed of course i'd use it over driving. The fact is though that it doesn't and probably never will.

[Mookiemoo]

I'm really unhappy with the new timetable when it comes to travelling back from Bristol Parkway to Highbridge in the evening. I used to have a direct service at 16:51 or 17:51. Now I have to get out of work in time to catch the 16:25 or 17:25 crosscountry train to temple meads. FGW^▸ (First Great Western) seem intent to make this journey as long as possible. One of my colleagues who I lift share with every Thursday is considering driving more than before the new timetable was implemented.

This could easily be solved if the Weston to Bristol Parkway service went all the way to Taunton in the evening the same as it does during the morning peak. 

why not drive to WSM, The service is always more frequent, thats what i do {and i live at West Hunstpill} and if you go early enough you can park roadside for free outside Homeserve

If I could drive I wouldn't be messing about on FGW's "services". It's sad as I am a firm believer in the use of environmentally friendly transportation but during my experience of commuting I have vowed that unless services improve the minute I pass my test I will start using the car. The thought that I won't have to do it forever and that eventually I'll be able to drive is the affirmation I use to cope with the constant delays, cancellations and filthy, uncomfortable rolling stock.

Until you've had a few weeks of traffic jams extortionate petrol prices and parking fees! Then FGW's services will seem like a dream!

It's still cheaper to drive than pay the train fare. The traffic on the M5 isn't too bad unless someone crashes or on Fridays during the annual brummy invasion. Even so I'd rather be in control of my surroundings rather than being sat on an uncomfortable seat next to some hideous 30 stone chav female with her folds of fat pressing into my side listening to her playing R&B from the tinny speaker of her Nokia with a combination of body odour and the tuna sandwich she is stuffing into her gullet wafting through the air. All this after waiting 30 minutes unnecessarily in the freezing cold. We've all been there... Also I tend to carry a backpack + a laptop with me yet I feel uncomfortable placing either on the floor or luggage rack due to the combined threats of chewing gum and theft. Even with the traffic the majority of the time I will get from A to B quicker and cheaper than I would by train plus I won't have to worry about space for my luggage. The only negative is the environmental impact.

Don't forget your insurance and wear and tear, fact is a lot of people do stay on the railway because it does usually work out quicker and cheaper.

But for how long? With the rising fares caused by the extortionate franchise premium payments I can see it eclipsing the price of running a car fairly soon if it hasn't already. Plus I'm likely to convert my vehicle to LPG^▸ (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). Working for the company who owns your car insurance provider also helps on the cost front. 

If a clean, regular, reliable, inexpensive service existed of course i'd use it over driving. The fact is though that it doesn't and probably never will.

interesting - I can drive - have been driving since 1993.

I between me and my partner we have three cars (A 2000 golf, a 2005 accord and a 2006 Nissan navara pick up) and three motor bikes.

Still, my first port of call for any journey is to see if I can do it by train.  ok, I have some exacting standards - I must have a table, first class is preferred but not essential (arriva wales standard on the camathen - Manchester route is perfectly fine).  I will not use london midland on local west midlands routes.

Why?

1. if I'm tired I can sleep and dont have to worry about hitting anything

2. I can do something with my time during the journey - work or pleasure - rather than focusing on my driving

3. I dont have to worry about parking

4. If i'm late, I phone my client and say will be late, nothing I can do about it - when driving - its always constant stress worrying which route or diversion to take.

5. Train fares may be rising - but fuel and insurance is rising more

[johoare]

Maybe we could have a new vote on here... "Who would drive if they could rather than struggling with FGW^▸ (First Great Western)?".. I for one would vote yes (if parking in London wasn't so expensive..) I'd not worry about the wear and tear on my car..

[grahame]

If a clean, regular, reliable, inexpensive service existed of course i'd use it over driving. The fact is though that it doesn't and probably never will.

"It probably never will".  Regrettably, I have to agree with you in the current political climate (and "inexpensive" is defined as being "half the current price" isn't it ... whatever the current price is!  . Just look  elsewhere in the papers and even on this forum for a discussion!).

But it could be regular. It should be reliable. And it ought to be clean.  From an unscientifically small sample of journeys with South West Trains, and others with FIRST Capital Connect in this last year, I think these three of the four objectives can be achieved.  And it can be comparatively less expensive that a car journey too.

I AM looking forward - and I think we have a better chance now that at any point in the past 2.5 years - to an improvement in services on the "TransWilts" within the next 12 months.  I'm still going to say that this is far, far from certain BUT a train every 2 hours (various options out there - FGW^▸ (First Great Western) from Swindon to Westbury, or Frome, or Salisbury, SWT^▸ (South West Trains) from Salisbury) would really pull traffic back onto the rail.  Actually, it's incredible just how much the current service is making a comeback with its awful timing and (this week especially) reliabilty problems.  But that's another story.

[John R]

What? You mean passenger numbers are rising with the service you have. I'm amazed.

[grahame]

1. if I'm tired I can sleep and dont have to worry about hitting anything

2. I can do something with my time during the journey - work or pleasure - rather than focusing on my driving

3. I dont have to worry about parking

4. If i'm late, I phone my client and say will be late, nothing I can do about it - when driving - its always constant stress worrying which route or diversion to take.

5. Train fares may be rising - but fuel and insurance is rising more

I could have written that  ... I will use public transport if I possibly can for those very reasons, but I'm often frustrated by having too much to carry, or poor schedules which leave car as the only practical way.

[grahame]

What? You mean passenger numbers are rising with the service you have. I'm amazed.

So am I, frankly, John!

But when you consider that you have six "Strategically Significant Towns and Cities" on a 40 mile route, and you've vandalised a service that carried 120000 passengers a year so that it now only carries around 6000 (No, I have NOT left a zero off that) .... then it will rise from that 6000 as there will be people who discover that the train happens to run when they want it.  The TransWilts market is huge, as - thank goodness - people who can actually make decisions are starting to notice!  Just look at the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about)'s road conjestion diagrams, for example

[Mookiemoo]

Maybe we could have a new vote on here... "Who would drive if they could rather than struggling with FGW^▸ (First Great Western)?".. I for one would vote yes (if parking in London wasn't so expensive..) I'd not worry about the wear and tear on my car..

Its not the wear and tear on my car - its the wear and tear on me

Without the train I could not do what I do from where I do it.

I live in the welsh borders

Driving into London (I can park for free) takes three hours each way......I do not work exclusively in London but 2/3 of the time.  I could not drive that more than once a week.  Going by train I can commute daily.

If i'm in any other major city centre I can get home 2/3 times a week

If I'm on the suburbs I can get home once a week as I have to drive.

If I cant get home it costs me a hotel for the night plus food etc

Even given the crappiness of trains in the UK^▸ (United Kingdom) at the moment - they are the only reason I can do what I do.

[TerminalJunkie]

Even so I'd rather be in control of my surroundings rather than being sat on an uncomfortable seat next to some hideous 30 stone chav female with her folds of fat pressing into my side listening to her playing R&B from the tinny speaker of her Nokia with a combination of body odour and the tuna sandwich she is stuffing into her gullet wafting through the air.

Shouldn't sit in First Class then...

[Mookiemoo]

Even so I'd rather be in control of my surroundings rather than being sat on an uncomfortable seat next to some hideous 30 stone chav female with her folds of fat pressing into my side listening to her playing R&B from the tinny speaker of her Nokia with a combination of body odour and the tuna sandwich she is stuffing into her gullet wafting through the air.

Shouldn't sit in First Class then...

I rarely have anyone next to me ..........

usually only if I have not got on the train first or there is a failure of another service which is bunking on mine.