First Great Western named most improved train operator

[whole diary]

[devon_metro]

To be fair to amiddl, he didn't just flag up engineering. He also pointed out areas which most definitely are within FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s remit - catering provision and calling patterns.

Granted, hence why I only picked up on that point. Its a common misconception it seems, however that the problem with the lack of blame in the railway, e.g. cable theft goes does as signalling problems, so the image of the railway is tarnished!

Re: lack of buffets, I think they've started to get on top of it with more micro buffets available now.

With regard to the 12:18 Paddington - Taunton, i suspect it was changed either by request of Network Rail in order to not delay the following 1306 Pad - Ply (which has now been accelerated I believe) or due to the fact the signalling spacing between Castle Cary and Taunton is very poor and the 1306 Plymouth was often catching up the stopping service.

[amiddl]

Engineering work has absolutely nothing to do with FGW^▸ (First Great Western)!!

I do understand this - would be very grateful to soemone explaining to me how the relationship works between Network rail and FGW.

From my perspective the supplier doesn't dictate whats on the shelf and I expect FGW to negotiate service patterns that best meet the majority of thier customer needs. I buy my services from FGW and this is what I expect.

Engineering works overnight I can understand - probably few people travelling. Been impressed with the idea  of the Exeter - Plymouth blockages finishing in time for people travelling back after a weekend - yes. Jan - Mar enginnering works two months out of three on the route to the West Country - dont get that. Neither get a all weekend blockage when lots of people travelling this weekend for Mother's day (know that they were - the number of people with flowers travelling yesterday).

How does the Network Rail/FGW relationship work when it comes to planning engineering works and mitigating the impact on travellers??

[paul7575]

How does the Network Rail/FGW^▸ (First Great Western) relationship work when it comes to planning engineering works and mitigating the impact on travellers??

Network Rail publish their maintenance requirements (the possessions plan) upwards of two years in advance, it appears solely up to NR^» (Network Rail - home page) to try and plan the work so that all routes in a region are not closed at the same time.

The plan is available online, search for 'rules of the route' on the NR website.  AFAICT^▸ ('as far as I can tell') FGW (or any TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company)) then just operate whatever the plan allows, using standard diversionary timetables that are fairly predictable, otherwise they would have to create a new timetable every time.

Paul

[unfarepayingpassenger]

I'm glad that someone else recognises that their contract for travel is with the transport undertaking and not Network Rail.
And I agree with fgw starting from rock bottom. Are we supposed to be happy that they are trying to work towards a better service - a position that they should already be in.
The only thing that they have got better at is getting more money out of the passengers. My journey to work has been made worse, because of the train before mine that doesn't stop at Didcot or Reading. It forces passengers to get later trains or change at Swindon, making my train more crowded.

[inspector_blakey]

Well, guess what, the people on the trian before yours are fare-paying passengers too! Believe it or not, FGW^▸ (First Great Western) has not made that change with the sole intention of inconveniencing you: faced with a rail network running at full capacity during peak commuter periods, their train planners have to make decisions that will benefit as many people as possible. Sadly it's a fact of life.

And your assertion that "the only thing they have got better as is getting more money out of passengers" is clearly rubbish as well, when you look at the performance of the service provided now compared to before.

Again, I'll ask you...do you have anything constructive to say or have you just come here to vent?

[John R]

It forces passengers to get later trains or change at Swindon, making my train more crowded.

Do you get a seat? There are enough people getting off the 0811 at Swindon that I would imagine most people boarding at Swindon get a seat.