Rugby World Cup - underestimated number of fans

[whole diary]

[a-driver]

Twitter still saying last one is "currently" at 10pm (note "currently"), I think it depends on who you ask to be honest......complete shambles.

...........meanwhile elsewhere;

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/rugby-world-cup-2015-welsh-10138899

That's not a staff member, if they were staff they would know the HST^▸ (High Speed Train)'s used today would have ample time to return to London empty tonight if they wanted to run extra services for the Rugby.  Both staff trains used today arrive in Plymouth and Swansea between 18:00 and 19:00.

[ChrisB]

Scurrilous, probably by an RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) official.

All staff were invited as Dan Paynes confirms in the article

[Adelante_CCT]

Whilst it has been changing throughout the day it appears to be confirmed by RTT^» (Real Time Trains - website) that the 23:30 will run to Cardiff, with a connection off that and from Twickenham services via the 00:13 from Reading to Bristol, with a final 23:59 from Pad to Cardiff. I wonder how many will know about these services and how well they will be utilised?

1C36 (the 23:30) is now a Schr^dinger's train. It is shown as going to both Cardiff and Bristol,

Please note that whilst the Bristol option is still there, it has had cancelled in the header all day, ever since the Cardiff option was introduced

[Timmer]

Being reported on RailUK forums that a connecting train will run from Swindon to Bristol off the 23.30 which will continue onto Cardiff. This is showing up on RTT^» (Real Time Trains - website) as 1Z36 Dep 0048

[a-driver]

The 23:30 from Padd has a set allocated to it but currently no staff, be it for Bristol or Cardiff.  

The 23:59 Padd to Cardiff is, I'm guessing, an unadvertised back-up plan.  If you advertise the 23:59 passengers will aim to catch that service, and if you get too many passengers you might end up leaving passengers behind you've then got a bit of a problem!

[a-driver]

Being reported on RailUK forums that a connecting train will run from Swindon to Bristol off the 23.30 which will continue onto Cardiff. This is showing up on RTT^» (Real Time Trains - website) as 1Z36 Dep 0048

1Z36 is duplicated in the system also showing 00:13 Reading to Bristol TM^‡(resolve) - HST^▸ (High Speed Train) running empty from Bristol to Reading to form the service

[Timmer]

Looking at the GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) Twitter feed, they are saying the reason for not running extra services tonight is due to lack of rolling stock not the fact that the Severn Tunnel is closed. With the news out that two trains were used for the staff day out (even though we know they could get back to Paddington on time to take people home) this is pouring oil on troubled waters saying this is due to lack of stock. Are GWR trying to protect Network Rail's stubbornness for not postponing the work due to take place tonight?

I find Network Rail's decision strange as they are usually very good for trying to work engineering work around major events.

[stuving]

I guess that officially it is Journey Planner that is the most definitive source, apart from last-minute cancellations. That still thinks the 23:30 goes to Bristol, and is the last train via Swindon.

[didcotdean]

Looking at the GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) Twitter feed, they are saying the reason for not running extra services tonight is due to lack of rolling stock not the fact that the Severn Tunnel is closed. ... Are GWR trying to protect Network Rail's stubbornness for not postponing the work due to take place tonight?

I find Network Rail's decision strange as they are usually very good for trying to work engineering work around major events.

They are being explicit about engineering works now.

[phile]

Should they run (after all the rumours or otherwise) they don't require the Severn Tunnel.   The tunnel closure is a lame excuse as they are routed via Gloucester.

[JayMac]

Well, I think the travelling Welsh contingent may just decide to stay in London and celebrate all night.

[didcotdean]

What about England fans from other parts of the country? Are they any better off getting home?

[Timmer]

The Welsh fans won't be needing any form of transport go get home tonight...they won't be going home tonight!

[phile]

On being directly questioned re these two trains, FGW^▸ (First Great Western) now states they are only in place as a contingency.

[a-driver]

What about England fans from other parts of the country? Are they any better off getting home?

Last Virgin West Coast service left Euston at 21:43!