Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2018

[whole diary]

[chemphys]

There were about 20 - 30 orange jackets, mostly on the embankment, and 2 engineering trains by Acton Main Line when I went past at about 6:30 this morning. At least that's more than I've seen in the past 2 days.

Hoping they get it resolved today. I really don't need 3 consecutive days of cramped and sweaty journey home.

[lordgoata]

Everything out of Didcot cancelled or delayed since I got here at 0620. What's the betting the first one not cancelled is the 2-car Banbury to Reading.....

Broken down train. Now Reading is congested due to poor service regulation as a result of that.

Yep driver apologised on the 0628 when it eventually arrived at 0701 - he was blocked in so couldn't go anywhere.

[TaplowGreen]

1100 now.......

[nickswift99]

Journeycheck is showing the 1250 Paddington-Oxford service starting short at Reading, so 1100 isn't at all realistic.

[nickswift99]

Up and Down main now open again at Acton

[Western Pathfinder]

This from my Twitter feed just a moment ago.
https://mobile.twitter.com/GWRHelp/status/996685264398487553/photo/1

[martyjon]

Up and Down main now open again at Acton

.... and clear of engineering trolleys.

[Sixty3Closure]

This from my Twitter feed just a moment ago.
https://mobile.twitter.com/GWRHelp/status/996685264398487553/photo/1

Lot of angry season ticket holders in that Tweet. My partner is in the process of being made redundant so won't be renewing but can't claim anything. Its not a great system really.

[martyjon]

This from my Twitter feed just a moment ago.
https://mobile.twitter.com/GWRHelp/status/996685264398487553/photo/1

Lot of angry season ticket holders in that Tweet. My partner is in the process of being made redundant so won't be renewing but can't claim anything. Its not a great system really.

Tell your partner to claim compensation and if / when it is refused send a letter before action and then a small claims court case claiming discrimination against a customer who did not renew / is not renewing season ticket.

[eightf48544]

I had the same problem when I retired in 2005 was due compensation for poor punctuality for my previous annual ticket. I claimed but didn't get anything. Should have followed it up.

Wonder how many millions TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) have saved by not paying out when you don't renew?

I still very glad I'm not commuting although 2005 was bad, in hindsight it seems nowhere near as bad as currently.

Used to reckon over 5 late 2 out 10 journeys in the week usually coming home. Especially when you wanted to go out afterwards!

Now it seems you are lucky to get to and from Padd

[nickswift99]

Whatever was done today clearly wasn't sufficient. There's 5 Hayes/Reading stopping services late this evening cancelled due to "urgent repairs to the track".

[johoare]

From journeycheck..

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway
Due to urgent repairs to the track between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 10 minutes. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Two of the four lines between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway will be closed from 21:00hrs to enable Network Rail to fix a buckled rail.
Last Updated:16/05/2018 20:55

[hassaanhc]

Paddington/Ealing Broadway to Southall has a gap of… 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES this evening! a station with over 2.5 million passengers per year! Now that the 2142 has left Paddington, the next train is at 2327. The 2203, 2227, 2233, 2303 and 2312 are all cancelled. The 2210 and 2259 from Paddington are running but they don't call at Southall normally and they will not stopping there additionally either.

Even the three stations east of Reading with less than 300,000 passengers per year have a better service this evening Acton Main Line has the 2259. Iver has the 2210 and 2259 (2227 cancelled). While Taplow has buses from Slough due to engineering work. The other station with less than a million passengers per year is Langley and that has the same service level as Iver.

Edit: Screenshots of GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) JourneyCheck attached

[eightf48544]

Interesting that the stations with the poorest service are all now run by TFL^▸ (Transport for London)!

[TaplowGreen]

Interesting that the stations with the poorest service are all now run by TFL^▸ (Transport for London)!

I have to say, (and I know it's a tiddler!) but I think Taplow station has improved since TfL^» (Transport for London - about) have taken over - the ticket machine works, the ticket office is invariably open during its advertised hours, and generally it seems to be tidier and better organised (and that is not a reflection on Ted, the previous incumbent who always did his best!)

Hey, we've now even got TWO temporary footbridges to choose from!