2023 - Train update and amendment log - Swindon <-> Westbury

[whole diary]

[ChrisB]

Changing trhe fare manual *the database that online journeyplanners use) just for that one train once & back again takes a lot of doing. Most will simply buy their usual ticket, which will be flagged by message to RPIs^▸ (Revenue Protection Inspector (or Retail Price Index, depending on the context)) to be accepted the long way round

[grahame]

Changing trhe fare manual *the database that online journeyplanners use) just for that one train once & back again takes a lot of doing. Most will simply buy their usual ticket, which will be flagged by message to RPIs^▸ (Revenue Protection Inspector (or Retail Price Index, depending on the context)) to be accepted the long way round

And, tell me Chris, how do they do that if the fare is removed from the Journey Planner?

I agree that staff should / will / do usually accept the "usual ticket" when the usual train is cancelled.

[ChrisB]

The fare won't have been removed from the journeyplanner.

The planner searches for the fastest journey at the times quoted, so change the times or buy from a ticket machine, or on board (as you can't buy the ticket you want from the planner)

[grahame]

The planner searches for the fastest journey at the times quoted, so change the times or buy from a ticket machine, or on board (as you can't buy the ticket you want from the planner)

All of which requires knowledge. No dispute that you or I could still make the journey for £9 (I could do it for £5.95 because I have a senior rail card) and explain if challenged.   I am less sure that the lower fare on the train that GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) should have provided will be what walk up customers without a PhD in rail ticketing will pay.  Wonder if the ticket office at Westbury (a major and well used junction) will be open this afternoon.

[ChrisB]

I assume so as it isn't listed on journeycheck as closed

[bobm]

Meanwhile the 16:23 has been re-instated.

EDIT:  Followed by the 17:36.

[TaplowGreen]

National Rail has the 1750 Gloucester-Salisbury delayed....still at Gloucester as of 1815.

[grahame]

National Rail has the 1750 Gloucester-Salisbury delayed....still at Gloucester as of 1815.

Half an hour late - just onto the single line at Thingley Junction as I write, with a Royal Wootton Bassett to Merehead empties held back at RWB to let it through by the looks of things.  It's got 10 minutes at Westbury so can make up time there, and probably lots of passengers to pick up headed on south - from both the 19:05 to Portsmouth Harbour which has been cancelled, and from the 19:30 arrival from Bristol.  Will be interesting to see if it carries on at 19:55, or people coming from Swindon and off the other two trains too have to wait for the 20:05 (Portsmouth) service.

[grahame]

17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06

17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 was terminated at Warminster.
It will no longer call at Salisbury.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.

Yep ... logical ...

There was also a 1Z27 last minute Westbury to Portsmouth train that ran in the 19:05's path and for people headed south from there, and passengers arriving at Warminster will only have a wait (further delay) of about 10 minutes. - nope, that one's about half an hour late too!

20:11 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads due 21:31

20:11 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads due 21:31 will be started from Warminster.
It will no longer call at Salisbury.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.

So that can be on time - in fact it will need to sit in the Bristol-bound platform to wait time.  The whole thing is like a ballet on rails at times!

[GBM]

Delays to services between Salisbury and Warminster
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Salisbury and Warminster trains have to run at reduced speed on the line towards Westbury.
Train services running through these stations may be delayed by up to 15 minutes. Disruption is expected until 08:00 19/10.

[grahame]

06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47

06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 has been previously delayed but is expected to be 6 minutes late from Gloucester.
This is due to a late running freight train.

[TaplowGreen]

06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be started from Westbury.

It will no longer call at Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault on this train.

[grahame]

Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham
Due to heavy rain flooding the railway at Swindon all lines are blocked. Disruption is expected until 10:00 20/10.
Train services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Customer Advice
During this disruption if you wish to use local buses as an alternative means of transport and the local bus is not accepting GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) tickets please purchase a ticket on the bus, keep it and send it, together with your train ticket, to us to claim for a refund.
Additional Information
During this disruption if you wish to use local buses as an alternative means of transport and the local bus is not accepting GWR tickets please purchase a ticket on the bus, keep it and send it, together with your train ticket, to us to claim for a refund.

[ChrisB]

TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) ought to refund the (likely more expensive) train ticket rather than just the bus ticket in situations like this, such that the customer only pays whichever is cheapest

[grahame]

08:45 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
09:46 Westbury to Swindon due 10:34
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47

11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to heavy rain flooding the railway.

TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) ought to refund the (likely more expensive) train ticket rather than just the bus ticket in situations like this, such that the customer only pays whichever is cheapest

Yes, or both?   I am helping out on social media someone who's stuck down in Westbury trying to get to Swindon and - well - he's going to be VERY late into Swindon.   If the bus is on time he'll get to Swindon at 11:05, where the train was due there at around 08:30