Portway Park and Ride Station

[whole diary]

[DaveHarries]

Looking at train times from the 3rd June onwards, the services starting from Temple Meads are all direct while most of the services back to Temple Meads require changing at Avonmouth and passing back through Portway again.  I wasn't aware that this was how it was going to be done....unless it's only a temporary measure.  It certainly adds to the Temple Meads bound journey times.

Looks like testing and training - an hourly call in the middle of the day in one direction, and just a couple of odd services the other way.

Indeed. The printed GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) timetable available online has a half-hourly service both ways.
https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/plan-journey/timetables/2023/Train-times-21-May-to-9-December-2023/B9-train-times-21-May-to-9-December-2023.pdf

Dave

[johnneyw]

Does anyone know if the abovementioned commencement of limited services to and from Portway Park and Ride did actually happen yesterday?
I'm just on my way back from a couple of weeks in South Devon so I didn't get the chance to look for myself.
If there were some services running with real passengers then it's a really downplayed start to such a significant transport development for the city.

[grahame]

Does anyone know if the abovementioned commencement of limited services to and from Portway Park and Ride did actually happen yesterday?
I'm just on my way back from a couple of weeks in South Devon so I didn't get the chance to look for myself.
If there were some services running with real passengers then it's a really downplayed start to such a significant transport development for the city.

Real Time Trains is reporting all services timetabled to stop there "Portway Park And Ride [PRI] - Service stop unadvertised" but then flagging up "No Report" when the calling time passes.  One logical way of opening is to have all services calling but without the nuisance of customers for a few days so they can do a big Hurrah! and know it will work operationally for when there are people there to use it.

[Red Squirrel]

The first bookable journey I can find is in the direction of BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains) at  07.14 on 17th June 2023. I find it rather odd that PRI isn't yet visible on the National Rail booking app.

[DaveHarries]

The first bookable journey I can find is in the direction of BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains) at  07.14 on 17th June 2023. I find it rather odd that PRI isn't yet visible on the National Rail booking app.

With which RealTimeTrains would concur. The schedules for the 16th June still say unadvertised stop but not for the 17th. However it seems that the calling pattern will only be one service per hour which I doubt will encourage usage of the new station.

Dave

[Red Squirrel]

That 07.14 journey from PRI tomorrow is no longer bookable on The Trainline. I note that PRI still isn't available on National Rail website.

[Sulis John]

I note that it is now appearing (as Portway Park and Rise!) in GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway)’s “Live times” app - as the only station on the branch with no platform number.

[Bmblbzzz]

Portway Park and Rise – for the early morning commuter!

[Red Squirrel]

I paid a quick visit to Portway Park & Ride station on Sunday 18th June. It looks very ready for passengers, but the gate is resolutely locked:

[Red Squirrel]

...and I think this says it's good to go. So what's the delay?

https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-06/portway-park-and-ride-station-orr-authorisation-letter-2023-06-02.pdf

I refer to your application for authorisation received on the 5th May 2023 and technical file reference W1045A-NWR-LTR-XXX-00001 dated 5th May 2023. Following review of your application, I can confirm that ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road, formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) grants authorisation under regulation 4(1)(a) of the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011, as amended. This authorisation is for the placing in service of the following:

• A new unmanned single platform Station on CNX line with access from the existing car park, with the provision of
• sheltered waiting area with seating and ticket machines, capable of accommodating 5-car DMUs^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit).
• CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele-Vision) coverage with no “blind spots”
• A station information and security system with CCTV and customer information systems, PA^▸ (Public Address (broadcast loudspeaker announcements) or Passenger Assist (railway staff providing physical assistance to passengers with mobility issues), depending on context) and Help Point
• Sufficient lighting at all publicly accessible places in the station
• Relocation of 2 Signals – SA3 and SA3R to provide a protecting signal between the proposed station and Avonmouth Dock Level Crossing located Severn Beach to Narroways Hill Jn Line (CNX) All lines (Line ID: 3100) From 7m 60ch to 8m 25ch inclusive.

There are no restrictions or limitations of use on the structural subsystem as described in the Declaration of Verification, reference: W1045A-NWR-CRF.ESS-000001 A02. dated 5th May 2023 and described in the Approved Body and Designated Body Technical File Reference Report reference NCB_N05463_CAR_4912, version V1, dated 04/05/2023

[ChrisB]

That's dated June 2nd, so not long ago was it approved.

Are the stops already in the timetable, but just 'hidden'/suppressed?

Then maybe just awaiting the funders & operators to agree an Opening Date....

[johnneyw]

Are there any upcoming dates on the local political calender when such an announcement may be expedient?

[RichardB]

Don't forget that GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) have two stations to open in quick succession - this one and Marsh Barton.  A lot of the same people will be working on the arrangements for both so there is a bit of an issue with scheduling.  I am sure it won't be long now before everything becomes clear.

[chuffed]

It would seem rather apt if the station with the longest wait, should open on the longest day....

It seems the Exeter lot have stolen a Marsh (sic) on us. That's Portway Parkway chances of being first, gone for a Barton (sic).....

[Sulis John]

They’re waiting to open it and Ashley Down on the same day!