New Train Service 20:18 Pad to Reading and other timing changes

[whole diary]

[insider]

Just a reminder, that a new service runs from Next Week

Paddington to Reading at 20:18, calling Maidenhead, Twyford & Reading. Service is booked to be formed of a 5 car turbo (FX) and 3 car (FO). And for those who like to know diagrams, this is where it comes from.

165/5 (FSX) 165/3 (FO)
   ED from Old Oak      
   Paddingtn   (17+58)   18.12   1H52  24713 DOO^▸ (Driver-Only Operation (that is, trains which operate without carrying a guard))

   Slough   18.35   18.37   1H52  24713 DOO
   Maidnhead   18.48   18.49
   Twyford   18.58   18.59   1H52  24713 DOO
   Wargrave   19.03   19.04
   Shiplake   19.06   19.07
   Henley   19.11   

   Henley      19.18   2H53  76870 DOO

   Shiplake   19.22   19.22
   Wargrave   19.25   19.25
   Twyford   19.30   

   Twyford      19+33   3P10  46640 DOO

   Paddingtn   20+09   

   Paddingtn      20.18   1R10  44345 DOO

   Maidnhead   20.39   20.40
   Twyford   20.47   20.48
   Reading   21.00   

In other words it comes empty stock from Twyford after it does the 18:12 Pad to Henley service, before it goes to Reading Depot.

Also a reminder that there are various timing changes to services, as a new dated timetable comes into force from next week as well!!!

[Timmer]

Also a reminder that there are various timing changes to services, as a new dated timetable comes into force from next week as well!!!

Indeed, here is a link to the new London-Reading Local services timetable:
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/~/media/PDF/TicketsAndTrainTimes/TrainTimes/December%202013%20Timetables/TTE01_Web_Amended_070114_V1.ashx

[johoare]

Wow.. that is more than a reminder.. that is news to me.. but good news.. Was it advertised anywhere I wonder?

[insider]

Yes actually, there is a poster on Reading Concourse, by main exit and also on plat 4/5 at Maidenhead...not sure abut Twyford and Paddington...

it is also in the timetable that starts next week....

[johoare]

I shall have a look for that poster at Maidenhead tomorrow morning then and report back (not seen it yet).. Paper timetable aside which is dying out, I looked on FGW^▸ (First Great Western) sites for an advert once I read this tonight.. No sign of any advertising I could find.. Which is why I was wondering why it was a "reminder" on here..

[NickB]

This is great news!!  I'd go so far as to say the first great news that I've ever had from FGW^▸ (First Great Western).
The significance to Maidenhead commuters is huge as it means the final (pre-pub kickout) direct train is now 20:18 rather than 19:48.

[argg]

Out of interest, does the diagram change on Fridays?

The 18.12 is typically 3 car on a Friday (and therefore overcrowded to Slough)

Will the new service similarly be 3 car on a Friday

[autotank]

This is good news indeed! I look forward to using the new service.

Do you know what prevents them making the 1918 from Henley run as a passenger service to Paddington? Whilst I don't think it would be that popular it would be useful for some and direct trains help persuade non-rail users give it a try! I assume NR^» (Network Rail - home page) charge less per mile for an ECS^▸ (Empty Coaching Stock) move than a train in service?

[ChrisB]

Not sure - but there's no station charges for sure.

Probably to get it back to PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains) as quickly as possible

[autotank]

Just noticed the 2018 connects with a Henley service saving 16 minutes (you used to have to catch the 1957) - a great improvement!

[bobm]

This is good news indeed! I look forward to using the new service.

Do you know what prevents them making the 1918 from Henley run as a passenger service to Paddington? Whilst I don't think it would be that popular it would be useful for some and direct trains help persuade non-rail users give it a try! I assume NR^» (Network Rail - home page) charge less per mile for an ECS^▸ (Empty Coaching Stock) move than a train in service?

I don't know but I would suggest with its non stop timings it only has a nine minute turn round at Paddington after running up the main from Slough.  Therefore adding stops would slow it down and possibly risk losing its path on the main and make a right time departure back from London more problematic.

[autotank]

Not bothered if it doesn't stop anywhere between Twyford and London! In fact as a new Twyford resident who occasionally does night shifts I'd positively welcome it. Not having to go along all the carriages turfing people out and locking the doors at Twford would reduce platform dwell time and potentially get it to London quicker!

There must be some sort of financial reason but I'll suggest it to FGW^▸ (First Great Western) once the 2018 has settled down a bit.

[insider]

I shall have a look for that poster at Maidenhead tomorrow morning then and report back (not seen it yet).. Paper timetable aside which is dying out, I looked on FGW^▸ (First Great Western) sites for an advert once I read this tonight.. No sign of any advertising I could find.. Which is why I was wondering why it was a "reminder" on here..

The advertising is called a timetable....the information is made available to all freely, I think they just put posters up as an extra....might have something to do with that the person who does all FGW posters lives in the Twyford / Henley area???

[insider]

Out of interest, does the diagram change on Fridays?

The 18.12 is typically 3 car on a Friday (and therefore overcrowded to Slough)

Will the new service similarly be 3 car on a Friday

Just checked and unfortunately you are correct, this service continues to be formed of 3 car on a Friday.

[johoare]

I shall have a look for that poster at Maidenhead tomorrow morning then and report back (not seen it yet).. Paper timetable aside which is dying out, I looked on FGW^▸ (First Great Western) sites for an advert once I read this tonight.. No sign of any advertising I could find.. Which is why I was wondering why it was a "reminder" on here..

The advertising is called a timetable....the information is made available to all freely, I think they just put posters up as an extra....might have something to do with that the person who does all FGW posters lives in the Twyford / Henley area???

I think the definition of advertising is something different to a printed timetable which less and less people these days pick up. A quick google search suggests that advertising is "The activity of attracting public attention to a product or business"..