Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Rise in some North East bus fares 'unwelcome' says users' group In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371195/31473/5] Posted by ChrisB at 14:19, 18th January 2026 |      |
The longer that the Government subsidises bus fares, the harder it will be to stop doing so - the gap between the actual fare & £3 is growing all the time. No one will vote for a party that allows bus fares to return to current fares before too much longer
| Re: Test thread In "News, Help and Assistance" [371194/31443/29] Posted by grahame at 13:46, 18th January 2026 | |
A further test post - explanations will follow in due course
Here is a picture of a breakfast:
Here is a picture of Caen Hill Locks:
| Re: MetroWest services begin In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [371193/25753/21] Posted by Red Squirrel at 12:22, 18th January 2026 | |
...I'm not convinced by accuracy of ticketing over the years
Rightly so. Pre-January 2023 figures for intermediate stations on the Severn Beach Line are without doubt wrong. After that date, it bacame a penalty fare route and ticketing information became much more accurate. See https://bristolrailcampaign.org.uk/penalty-fares-severn-beach/ for BRC's argument.
| Re: MetroWest services begin In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [371192/25753/21] Posted by Noggin at 11:59, 18th January 2026 | |
Thank you
| Re: Buses and coaches bursting into flames - why are they apparently so combustible? (merged topic) In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371191/7528/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:43, 18th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Passengers and driver flee as Liverpool bus bursts into flames
Image not available to guests
It is not yet clear what caused the bus to burst into flames
All passengers and the driver fled from a bus in Liverpool before it burst into flames and was destroyed.
Everyone onboard the single-decker Arriva service was able to escape before it was consumed by flames on Ormskirk Road in Aintree. There were no "apparent injuries", Merseyside Fire & Rescue service said.
Dramatic pictures showed thick clouds of black smoke billowing up from the body of the vehicle, with large orange flames emerging from the windows. Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene and firefighters managed to suppress the blaze by 12:15 GMT.
Arriva has been contacted for comment.
The road was closed heading towards Switch Island, but a lane has since reopened as fire crews put out the last of the flames.
A fire service spokesperson said: "The driver and all passengers were accounted for and had evacuated the bus before the fire took hold, with no apparent injuries. The incident is likely to cause significant traffic disruption for some time, please avoid the area."
An engineer from Arriva was on scene arranging for recovery of the bus.
Image not available to guests
It is not yet clear what caused the bus to burst into flames
All passengers and the driver fled from a bus in Liverpool before it burst into flames and was destroyed.
Everyone onboard the single-decker Arriva service was able to escape before it was consumed by flames on Ormskirk Road in Aintree. There were no "apparent injuries", Merseyside Fire & Rescue service said.
Dramatic pictures showed thick clouds of black smoke billowing up from the body of the vehicle, with large orange flames emerging from the windows. Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene and firefighters managed to suppress the blaze by 12:15 GMT.
Arriva has been contacted for comment.
The road was closed heading towards Switch Island, but a lane has since reopened as fire crews put out the last of the flames.
A fire service spokesperson said: "The driver and all passengers were accounted for and had evacuated the bus before the fire took hold, with no apparent injuries. The incident is likely to cause significant traffic disruption for some time, please avoid the area."
An engineer from Arriva was on scene arranging for recovery of the bus.
| Rise in some North East bus fares 'unwelcome' says users' group In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371190/31473/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:24, 18th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Rise in some bus fares called 'unwelcome'
Image not available to guests
Some bus fares rose by 10p
A rise in some local bus fares has been called "unwelcome" by a transport users group.
Arriva North East increased its adult single fares in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland by 10p on Sunday. The firm said it had not taken the decision "lightly" and that it was determined to keep services as "affordable as we can".
The North East Public Transport Users Group (Neptug) called the increases "unwelcome" and said it hoped proposed plans to take the region's buses under public control would "protect people from increasing fares".
Arriva North East also said it was updating its adult bus fares in Durham and the Tees Valley to reflect the distance travelled on a journey. It confirmed children's fares in north-east England would remain the same.
Most bus fares in England have been capped by the government at £3 and this is expected to last until at least March 2027.
The North East Combined Authority has further discounted this cap to £2.50 in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham.
A spokesperson for the bus firm said: "It's important to be clear these changes are not about generating excessive profits. The majority of fares remain below the government's £3 single fare cap, meaning bus travel continues to offer good value compared with other forms of transport. We're determined to keep services as affordable as we can, while continuing to invest in the network."
Neptug called on buses to be brought under public control. It said: "Ultimately, running bus services in the public interest is the best way to give the people of the region affordable and sustainable options for travelling to work, education, leisure, or healthcare."
Image not available to guests
Some bus fares rose by 10p
A rise in some local bus fares has been called "unwelcome" by a transport users group.
Arriva North East increased its adult single fares in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland by 10p on Sunday. The firm said it had not taken the decision "lightly" and that it was determined to keep services as "affordable as we can".
The North East Public Transport Users Group (Neptug) called the increases "unwelcome" and said it hoped proposed plans to take the region's buses under public control would "protect people from increasing fares".
Arriva North East also said it was updating its adult bus fares in Durham and the Tees Valley to reflect the distance travelled on a journey. It confirmed children's fares in north-east England would remain the same.
Most bus fares in England have been capped by the government at £3 and this is expected to last until at least March 2027.
The North East Combined Authority has further discounted this cap to £2.50 in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham.
A spokesperson for the bus firm said: "It's important to be clear these changes are not about generating excessive profits. The majority of fares remain below the government's £3 single fare cap, meaning bus travel continues to offer good value compared with other forms of transport. We're determined to keep services as affordable as we can, while continuing to invest in the network."
Neptug called on buses to be brought under public control. It said: "Ultimately, running bus services in the public interest is the best way to give the people of the region affordable and sustainable options for travelling to work, education, leisure, or healthcare."
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371189/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 11:03, 18th January 2026 | |
Here's a clearer table ... removing the pedantic detail for trains that are virtually on time
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [371188/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 10:50, 18th January 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
To help quantify / analyse the issues in particular for passengers who are departing and arriving at Melksham Station, I am recording the logged performance of each train timetabled to call at present, from industry feeds.
I have taken the delay/repay cutoffs of 15 and 30 minutes as my colour change points, with an extra short "within 2 minutes" note in particular to watch the 07:21 train which has a tight unofficial connection at Chippenham for Bristol Temple Meads.
Northbound and Southbound are separate reports - this is an analysis for customers and if someone's headed for Westbury, the next train isn't much use to them if it's going to Swindon.
Reporting systems for Melksham are from equipment a little way from the station; whilst we have had occasions where a train has left early, in practise most train manager and drivers do wait until the due time; the lines showing early departures above are in most cases accounted for by a train that's ready to leave early, but in fact hung around.
| St Albans cable theft causes major delays for train travel In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371187/31472/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 10:29, 18th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Cable theft causes major delays for train travel
Image not available to guests
ThamesLink and East Midlands Railway services are affected by the cable theft near St Albans
Theft of signalling cables has caused "major disruption" on parts of the train network, National Rail said.
The cables were stolen at Napsbury, resulting in a fault with the signalling system at nearby St Albans, Hertfordshire.
East Midlands Railway services between Sheffield, Nottingham, Corby and London St Pancras were affected as well as Thameslink services between Bedford and East Croydon, and also between Luton and Rainham, in Kent.
A spokeswoman said work to replace the cables was taking place overnight and normal services were expected to resume by the end of the day on Sunday.
The company said the theft resulted in "major disruption" meaning "at St Albans City means that fewer trains are able to run on all lines"
"As a result, trains running between Luton and London St Pancras International and may be cancelled, delayed or revised."
On National Rail's website, East Midlands Railway advised customers to expect delays of up to 15 minutes.
Thameslink also told customers that services between Bedford and East Croydon were reduced to two trains running in each direction per hour and between Luton/St Albans and Sutton (via both Mitcham Junction and Wimbledon) it will be reduced to one train running in each direction per hour.
Alternative arrangements for travel have been posted on the National Rail site.
Image not available to guests
ThamesLink and East Midlands Railway services are affected by the cable theft near St Albans
Theft of signalling cables has caused "major disruption" on parts of the train network, National Rail said.
The cables were stolen at Napsbury, resulting in a fault with the signalling system at nearby St Albans, Hertfordshire.
East Midlands Railway services between Sheffield, Nottingham, Corby and London St Pancras were affected as well as Thameslink services between Bedford and East Croydon, and also between Luton and Rainham, in Kent.
A spokeswoman said work to replace the cables was taking place overnight and normal services were expected to resume by the end of the day on Sunday.
The company said the theft resulted in "major disruption" meaning "at St Albans City means that fewer trains are able to run on all lines"
"As a result, trains running between Luton and London St Pancras International and may be cancelled, delayed or revised."
On National Rail's website, East Midlands Railway advised customers to expect delays of up to 15 minutes.
Thameslink also told customers that services between Bedford and East Croydon were reduced to two trains running in each direction per hour and between Luton/St Albans and Sutton (via both Mitcham Junction and Wimbledon) it will be reduced to one train running in each direction per hour.
Alternative arrangements for travel have been posted on the National Rail site.
| Re: Railway bridges struck by road vehicles - merged topic, ongoing discussion In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371186/8910/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 10:15, 18th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Highways bosses review A5's most bashed bridge solution
Image not available to guests
Lorries regularly misjudge the A5 Watling Street bridge's height
Highways officials are reviewing a long-awaited scheme aimed at stopping tall vehicles hitting a low bridge dubbed "Britain's most bashed".
Work to lower the road under the rail bridge over the A5 Watling Street, near Hinckley, was initially due to be carried out in March 2024, but has yet to begin.
National Highways has said a technical review of the road-lowering plan would progress in the coming weeks and it was hoped work could begin later this year. However, councillors fear the "highly complex" scheme might be unviable.
The road-lowering plan was approved when permission was granted for a large logistics park near the bridge in June 2023. Developer Mountpark said it would fund the project and is working with National Highways on final proposals.
Image not available to guests
National Highways said delays to the scheme had been frustrating
Hinckley and Bosworth borough councillor Paul Williams said: "The developer is prepared to pay for the scheme, but it still needs to be confirmed by National Highways."
"The issue is that if you lower the road you could get down into the water table and then there is the risk of flooding on a very busy road," he added. "That's complicated it and is the main cause of the delays. If they decide, after this review, that the scheme can't go ahead, we are back to square one."
Network Rail figures have shown the A5 bridge was struck 22 times between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, confirming its status as the most bashed bridge in the country.
Williams said each strike caused massive traffic jams on nearby roads and said lorry drivers themselves had a responsibility to avoid the bridge if they have very tall vehicles.
Ann Pendlebury, a borough councillor for Hinckley and a county councillor, said: "We have to get on with something to solve this problem and I fear the logistics park will be completed and in use long before the bridge work happens."
Image not available to guests
Officials said they needed to be sure the complex road lowering could be carried out safely
National Highways programme development manager, Ian Doust, said: "Our priority for this, as with all of our roads, is safety, which is why we have worked closely with the developer to ensure this is carried out to the highest design and technical specifications and is delivered without unacceptable levels of disruption.
"This is not a quick fix to the issues at this location, it is a highly complex engineering solution and lowering the road must not adversely impact the bridge or drainage system, particularly with changing weather patterns. Taking into account traffic levels, we must be certain work can be delivered safely and without unacceptable levels of disruption.
"We work closely with the developers and the design is now ready for technical approval consideration, with work scheduled to start this year. While the time taken may be frustrating, this level of scrutiny and assurance is essential to ensure that the road will be safe, serviceable and resilient for years to come."
Mountpark has been contacted for comment.
Image not available to guests
Lorries regularly misjudge the A5 Watling Street bridge's height
Highways officials are reviewing a long-awaited scheme aimed at stopping tall vehicles hitting a low bridge dubbed "Britain's most bashed".
Work to lower the road under the rail bridge over the A5 Watling Street, near Hinckley, was initially due to be carried out in March 2024, but has yet to begin.
National Highways has said a technical review of the road-lowering plan would progress in the coming weeks and it was hoped work could begin later this year. However, councillors fear the "highly complex" scheme might be unviable.
The road-lowering plan was approved when permission was granted for a large logistics park near the bridge in June 2023. Developer Mountpark said it would fund the project and is working with National Highways on final proposals.
Image not available to guests
National Highways said delays to the scheme had been frustrating
Hinckley and Bosworth borough councillor Paul Williams said: "The developer is prepared to pay for the scheme, but it still needs to be confirmed by National Highways."
"The issue is that if you lower the road you could get down into the water table and then there is the risk of flooding on a very busy road," he added. "That's complicated it and is the main cause of the delays. If they decide, after this review, that the scheme can't go ahead, we are back to square one."
Network Rail figures have shown the A5 bridge was struck 22 times between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, confirming its status as the most bashed bridge in the country.
Williams said each strike caused massive traffic jams on nearby roads and said lorry drivers themselves had a responsibility to avoid the bridge if they have very tall vehicles.
Ann Pendlebury, a borough councillor for Hinckley and a county councillor, said: "We have to get on with something to solve this problem and I fear the logistics park will be completed and in use long before the bridge work happens."
Image not available to guests
Officials said they needed to be sure the complex road lowering could be carried out safely
National Highways programme development manager, Ian Doust, said: "Our priority for this, as with all of our roads, is safety, which is why we have worked closely with the developer to ensure this is carried out to the highest design and technical specifications and is delivered without unacceptable levels of disruption.
"This is not a quick fix to the issues at this location, it is a highly complex engineering solution and lowering the road must not adversely impact the bridge or drainage system, particularly with changing weather patterns. Taking into account traffic levels, we must be certain work can be delivered safely and without unacceptable levels of disruption.
"We work closely with the developers and the design is now ready for technical approval consideration, with work scheduled to start this year. While the time taken may be frustrating, this level of scrutiny and assurance is essential to ensure that the road will be safe, serviceable and resilient for years to come."
Mountpark has been contacted for comment.
| Heighington Station plans to excavate 'world's oldest train platform' In "Railway History and related topics" [371185/31471/55] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 09:26, 18th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Plans to excavate 'world's oldest train platform'
Image not available to guests
The building was bought by the charity in 2025
Plans are being drawn up to excavate what is believed to be the world's oldest train platform.
Last year Heighington Station, which dates to back to 1827 and was part of the first passenger railway to use steam trains in the world, was bought by the charity Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The group's chair Niall Hammond said the excavation of a small train platform located near the site was planned. He said it was presumed it was the "original for the building" because it looked the right size and shape. He said plans were still in the early stages, but that the group hoped to attract lots of volunteers to the dig over the summer.
Hammond said the platform, which is next to the station, was "tiny" and had cobbles. He said ideally the team would find a "Georgian penny" at the bottom of the platform during the dig which would confirm its age.
Image not available to guests
The charity plans to make the site accessible to the public
The charity has owned the building since September after buying it for £285,000 following a fundraising drive.
Hammond said it hoped to make the site accessible to the public. "We want to refurbish it so that it feels like it's 1827 again," he said. "Staff will be in appropriate clothes and costumes - it'll be candle lit and the decor will be 1827."
He estimated that restoration work would cost £3m and that most of the year would be spent filling out grant applications.
Image not available to guests
The building was bought by the charity in 2025
Plans are being drawn up to excavate what is believed to be the world's oldest train platform.
Last year Heighington Station, which dates to back to 1827 and was part of the first passenger railway to use steam trains in the world, was bought by the charity Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The group's chair Niall Hammond said the excavation of a small train platform located near the site was planned. He said it was presumed it was the "original for the building" because it looked the right size and shape. He said plans were still in the early stages, but that the group hoped to attract lots of volunteers to the dig over the summer.
Hammond said the platform, which is next to the station, was "tiny" and had cobbles. He said ideally the team would find a "Georgian penny" at the bottom of the platform during the dig which would confirm its age.
Image not available to guests
The charity plans to make the site accessible to the public
The charity has owned the building since September after buying it for £285,000 following a fundraising drive.
Hammond said it hoped to make the site accessible to the public. "We want to refurbish it so that it feels like it's 1827 again," he said. "Staff will be in appropriate clothes and costumes - it'll be candle lit and the decor will be 1827."
He estimated that restoration work would cost £3m and that most of the year would be spent filling out grant applications.
| Re: Derailment at Goodrington In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [371183/31459/24] Posted by REVUpminster at 07:13, 18th January 2026 | |
They have gotten away with leaving a train in the platform for an hour before now but it is not ideal.
The new eastern entrance which they had planning permission for was never built. It was an extension of the footbridge to a new lift and staircase on land being used as a car park. Space would also be left for a fourth track and platform long enough for a five car train.
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/new-vision-newton-abbot-railway-2863221.amp
| Re: Roger French Zoom Seminar - How to (a) encourage and (b) discourage passengers In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371182/31466/51] Posted by infoman at 04:07, 18th January 2026 | |
Excellent timing of the meeting
| Re: Webinar/Seminar - Great Western Railways Developments 2025-26 as GBR approaches In "Who's who on Western railways" [371181/31469/2] Posted by infoman at 04:06, 18th January 2026 | |
Excellent timing of the meeting.
| Re: Derailment at Goodrington In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [371180/31459/24] Posted by grahame at 02:32, 18th January 2026 | |
10:34 London Paddington to Paignton due 13:44
12:34 London Paddington to Paignton due 15:49
14:53 Paignton to London Paddington due 18:05
16:54 Paignton to London Paddington due 20:05
16:54 Paignton to London Paddington due 20:05 will be started from Newton Abbot.
It will no longer call at Paignton, Torquay and Torre.
This is due to a points failure.
12:34 London Paddington to Paignton due 15:49
14:53 Paignton to London Paddington due 18:05
16:54 Paignton to London Paddington due 20:05
16:54 Paignton to London Paddington due 20:05 will be started from Newton Abbot.
It will no longer call at Paignton, Torquay and Torre.
This is due to a points failure.
Newton Abbot has struck me as being a pretty thin layout these days. Is this going to cause congestion there?
| Re: MetroWest services begin In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [371179/25753/21] Posted by grahame at 02:26, 18th January 2026 | |
An interesting question is what percentage of Severn Beach residents get off the train at intermediate stations before Temple Meads?
If a new north-to-east chord was put in place, would many actually prefer a train to Temple Meads via Brabazon and Filton Abbey Wood, particularly if it was faster?
If a new north-to-east chord was put in place, would many actually prefer a train to Temple Meads via Brabazon and Filton Abbey Wood, particularly if it was faster?
From https://www.passenger.chat/SVB.html but I'm not convinced by accuracy of ticketing over the years
| Re: Derailment at Goodrington In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [371178/31459/24] Posted by stuving at 22:48, 17th January 2026 | |
Thanks to this thread I discover I'm hazy about where the national rail system ends in that part of the world and where the heritage rail begins.
Well .... it's complicated. While the the train derailed on top of the crossover that links the two railways (but not because of the points), the whole crossover is Network Rail's. They also own/are responsible for a short stretch of the DSR's route (the Down Torbay) including the crossover and the level crossing (so they have the whole of both). Consequently DSR have running powers over that six chains or so!
Looking at Google earth there is a catch point there and probably what failed. The view also show the shocking state of the network rail side compared with the Dartmouth Steam Railway
I can barely see that on the satellite picture, even knowing exactly where it is now - so you're doing well if you spotted it there. It's clearer if you zoom in on the Street View from the bridge (further than Google can). The catch point is also marked on Traksy.
Looking at the pictures on Railforums, the outer rail has come apart at the joint just after the catch point. So it looks more like that failure was the cause, though none of the track there is in impressive condition. Note this is well before the trailing point of the crossover; roughly opposite the point on the Down side.
| Re: MetroWest services begin In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [371177/25753/21] Posted by Noggin at 22:12, 17th January 2026 | |
An interesting question is what percentage of Severn Beach residents get off the train at intermediate stations before Temple Meads?
If a new north-to-east chord was put in place, would many actually prefer a train to Temple Meads via Brabazon and Filton Abbey Wood, particularly if it was faster?
As for trains across the diamond, don't GWR have some Class 387 services which terminate at Bristol Parkway? With a bit of extra wiring (and maybe some more platform) they could conceivably be terminated at Brabazon, freeing up platform space at Parkway.
| Re: Derailment at Goodrington In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [371176/31459/24] Posted by REVUpminster at 20:52, 17th January 2026 Already liked by trainbuff | |
Thanks to this thread I discover I'm hazy about where the national rail system ends in that part of the world and where the heritage rail begins.
Well .... it's complicated. While the the train derailed on top of the crossover that links the two railways (but not because of the points), the whole crossover is Network Rail's. They also own/are responsible for a short stretch of the DSR's route (the Down Torbay) including the crossover and the level crossing (so they have the whole of both). Consequently DSR have running powers over that six chains or so!
Looking at Google earth there is a catch point there and probably what failed. The view also show the shocking state of the network rail side compared with the Dartmouth Steam Railway
| Nottingham - Platform access from footbridge to stop at weekends In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371175/31470/51] Posted by ChrisB at 19:38, 17th January 2026 | |
From BBC News
Access to platforms from a footbridge at Nottingham railway station will be stopped at weekends in a bid to reduce crime and reduce fare dodging.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) said passengers will not be able to use the bridge to enter platforms on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 February.
The rail company said new safety data, which showed a 45% drop in assaults and abuse on staff and customers, had reinforced an earlier decision to limit use of the bridge overnight.
Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director at EMR, said the move would "improve safety both on our trains and at our stations".
In August, EMR restricted access to platforms via the footbridge from 19:00 to 06:00 each day in a bid to reduce crime as well as slips and falls.
Cresswell said data collected during the previous closure found that crime at the station fell, as did the number of trips, which dropped by 38%.
The new move will see access to platforms stopped from 19:00 on Fridays to 06:00 on Mondays.
"Our primary responsibility is to ensure Nottingham station remains a safe, accessible and welcoming place for all customers," Cresswell said.
"Restricting access at these times will improve safety both on our trains and at our stations. It will also protect against fare evasion – which is effectively taxpayers' money."
During the closures, the bridge will remain a public right of way between Station Street and Queen's Road.
EMR will also still be able to open the gates during major events, periods of crowding, or in response to emergencies.
The company said it had also improved signage and guidance for those accessing nearby taxi ranks and services.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) said passengers will not be able to use the bridge to enter platforms on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 February.
The rail company said new safety data, which showed a 45% drop in assaults and abuse on staff and customers, had reinforced an earlier decision to limit use of the bridge overnight.
Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director at EMR, said the move would "improve safety both on our trains and at our stations".
In August, EMR restricted access to platforms via the footbridge from 19:00 to 06:00 each day in a bid to reduce crime as well as slips and falls.
Cresswell said data collected during the previous closure found that crime at the station fell, as did the number of trips, which dropped by 38%.
The new move will see access to platforms stopped from 19:00 on Fridays to 06:00 on Mondays.
"Our primary responsibility is to ensure Nottingham station remains a safe, accessible and welcoming place for all customers," Cresswell said.
"Restricting access at these times will improve safety both on our trains and at our stations. It will also protect against fare evasion – which is effectively taxpayers' money."
During the closures, the bridge will remain a public right of way between Station Street and Queen's Road.
EMR will also still be able to open the gates during major events, periods of crowding, or in response to emergencies.
The company said it had also improved signage and guidance for those accessing nearby taxi ranks and services.
| Webinar/Seminar - Great Western Railways Developments 2025-26 as GBR approaches In "Who's who on Western railways" [371174/31469/2] Posted by ChrisB at 19:35, 17th January 2026 | |
Being run by CILT as an in-person in Reading or Zoom webinar
From Eventbrite
Downstairs at The Three Guineas, Reading Station
Tuesday (next) Jan 20 from 6pm to 8pm GMT
Overview
An update on Great Western Railways Developments 2025-2026 as GBR approaches
When: 20 January 2026
In-Person to start: 18:00 - 20:00 - Refreshments to be served 18:00 - 18:30PM
Online to start at: 18:30 - 20:00
Where: Firefly Lounge, Reading Station, Station Approach, RG1 1LY and Online
Speaker: Barry Milsom, Programme Director, GWR
The Thames Valley Group is privileged to welcome Barry Milson - Programme Director and previously Performance and Train Service Delivery Director for GWR.
A Business update will be provided including, Operational Performance, our approach and next steps aligned to the public ownership transfer. How we will work even closer with Network Rail as we move closer to Great British Railway. An update will also be provided on our fleet strategy (replacing our old regional trains - class 150’s, 158s and 165’s). The update including an update on our work to improve our Intercity Express Trains with Hitachi Rail.
Barry Milsom is Programme Director for Great Western Railway and has several decades of railway experience, working for Network Rail and several train operators. Barry has a broad range of experience including Operations, Train Service Delivery and Performance. Within his career, Barry has been involved in major transformation schemes across rail. He has overseen programmes and projects that have included complete reconstruction of stations, introduction of rolling stock along with transformation strategies that have improved train service reliability and experience for customers.
Booking for Members - Free & Non-Members -£5.00 inc. VAT
Note: If you are not a current Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, please be aware our membership team may be in touch with you using your email address provided regards membership opportunities. If you do not wish to be contacted please email and let us know at regions@ciltuk.org.uk
Tuesday (next) Jan 20 from 6pm to 8pm GMT
Overview
An update on Great Western Railways Developments 2025-2026 as GBR approaches
When: 20 January 2026
In-Person to start: 18:00 - 20:00 - Refreshments to be served 18:00 - 18:30PM
Online to start at: 18:30 - 20:00
Where: Firefly Lounge, Reading Station, Station Approach, RG1 1LY and Online
Speaker: Barry Milsom, Programme Director, GWR
The Thames Valley Group is privileged to welcome Barry Milson - Programme Director and previously Performance and Train Service Delivery Director for GWR.
A Business update will be provided including, Operational Performance, our approach and next steps aligned to the public ownership transfer. How we will work even closer with Network Rail as we move closer to Great British Railway. An update will also be provided on our fleet strategy (replacing our old regional trains - class 150’s, 158s and 165’s). The update including an update on our work to improve our Intercity Express Trains with Hitachi Rail.
Barry Milsom is Programme Director for Great Western Railway and has several decades of railway experience, working for Network Rail and several train operators. Barry has a broad range of experience including Operations, Train Service Delivery and Performance. Within his career, Barry has been involved in major transformation schemes across rail. He has overseen programmes and projects that have included complete reconstruction of stations, introduction of rolling stock along with transformation strategies that have improved train service reliability and experience for customers.
Booking for Members - Free & Non-Members -£5.00 inc. VAT
Note: If you are not a current Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, please be aware our membership team may be in touch with you using your email address provided regards membership opportunities. If you do not wish to be contacted please email and let us know at regions@ciltuk.org.uk
Booking link in the link to Eventbrite at the top of the page.
| Re: Elderly may lose free travel over Sadiq Khan’s fare rises In "Transport for London" [371173/31392/46] Posted by ChrisB at 19:25, 17th January 2026 | |
From The Standard, via MSN
Freedom Pass saved! Councils block threat to over-65s' free travel
Labour council leaders in London have blocked a proposed review of the Freedom Pass that could have restricted the free travel benefits currently enjoyed by 1.2m older Londoners.
The sensational development comes a week after The Standard revealed that a review of the scheme had been requested by councillors concerned at its soaring cost - set to reach £372m in the year from April.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening that was backed by London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, the Labour council leaders effectively detonated a bomb under the plans to limit access to, or the benefits provided by, the Freedom Pass.
Cllr Claire Holland, leader of London Councils’ Labour Group, said: “The previous Conservative government slashed funding for the Freedom Pass scheme, leaving councils to foot the bill.
“It’s clear that we need to ensure the Freedom Pass is funded sustainably, but this cannot be done at the expense of older Londoners.
“We know the Freedom Pass is a vital lifeline for our older residents and we must defend it. Labour councils will oppose any changes that would see restrictions placed on who can use it and which modes of transport it applies to.”
Sir Sadiq said: “The Freedom Pass is crucial for older Londoners, enabling them to travel around the city and stay connected to friends and family.
“While I have no control over the 66+ pass, Labour councils have my full support in committing to keep it.
“As Mayor, I am ensuring hundreds of thousands of older Londoners are also able to enjoy free travel by continuing to provide the 60+ Oyster card alongside other concessions for Londoners.
“The previous Tory government wanted to get rid of the 60+ Oyster card. It’s clear that only Labour can be trusted to protect concessionary travel for Londoners.”
The Standard first revealed the threat to the Freedom Pass last week.
Councillors on London Councils’ transport committee asked for officials to establish the impact on Londoners of changing the rules on who qualifies for a Freedom Pass - currently all London residents aged 66 or older and disabled Londoners.
There was also a plan to consider whether the Freedom Pass could be limited to providing only free bus travel, rather than also Tube and train travel (other than during the morning peak) across Greater London.
On Tuesday The Standard revealed that more than 50,000 people had signed a petition opposing the review.
Labour council leaders in London have blocked a proposed review of the Freedom Pass that could have restricted the free travel benefits currently enjoyed by 1.2m older Londoners.
The sensational development comes a week after The Standard revealed that a review of the scheme had been requested by councillors concerned at its soaring cost - set to reach £372m in the year from April.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening that was backed by London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, the Labour council leaders effectively detonated a bomb under the plans to limit access to, or the benefits provided by, the Freedom Pass.
Cllr Claire Holland, leader of London Councils’ Labour Group, said: “The previous Conservative government slashed funding for the Freedom Pass scheme, leaving councils to foot the bill.
“It’s clear that we need to ensure the Freedom Pass is funded sustainably, but this cannot be done at the expense of older Londoners.
“We know the Freedom Pass is a vital lifeline for our older residents and we must defend it. Labour councils will oppose any changes that would see restrictions placed on who can use it and which modes of transport it applies to.”
Sir Sadiq said: “The Freedom Pass is crucial for older Londoners, enabling them to travel around the city and stay connected to friends and family.
“While I have no control over the 66+ pass, Labour councils have my full support in committing to keep it.
“As Mayor, I am ensuring hundreds of thousands of older Londoners are also able to enjoy free travel by continuing to provide the 60+ Oyster card alongside other concessions for Londoners.
“The previous Tory government wanted to get rid of the 60+ Oyster card. It’s clear that only Labour can be trusted to protect concessionary travel for Londoners.”
The Standard first revealed the threat to the Freedom Pass last week.
Councillors on London Councils’ transport committee asked for officials to establish the impact on Londoners of changing the rules on who qualifies for a Freedom Pass - currently all London residents aged 66 or older and disabled Londoners.
There was also a plan to consider whether the Freedom Pass could be limited to providing only free bus travel, rather than also Tube and train travel (other than during the morning peak) across Greater London.
On Tuesday The Standard revealed that more than 50,000 people had signed a petition opposing the review.
| Police raid home to arrest suspected Tube graffiti vandal In "Transport for London" [371172/31468/46] Posted by ChrisB at 19:22, 17th January 2026 | |
He's 49.....!!
From The Standard, via MSN
Police have released dramatic video of the moment they arrested a man in an investigation into more than £250,000 worth of graffiti damage on the London Underground.
The arrest follows an investigation into around 245 offences of criminal damage to Northern Line trains between February 2022 and January 2026.
The man was arrested on Friday in an early-morning raid at an address in Barnet, north London, on suspicion of criminal damage.
He was taken to police custody for questioning and has since been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue, the force said.
BTP Superintendent John Loveless said: “This arrest is a significant moment in our ongoing investigation into the vandalism of a huge number of trains, with the cost of repairing the damage running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
“We are committed to working with our rail partners to stamp out this destruction of rail property which has huge financial implications for the rail industry.
“Far from being a victimless crime, graffiti damage has a knock-on effect for rail users and commuters causing frustrating delays and inconvenience while trains are taken out of service to be cleaned. It is also extremely dangerous to access a live railway and can result in serious injury or, in some cases, death.
“Our officers carry out proactive patrols and specialised operations to target and arrest offenders, including the use of wide-reaching CCTV across the network to identify suspects.
“Investigations like this are at the forefront of BTP’s mission to tackle graffiti across the network.”
In December, Transport for London (TfL) boss Andy Lord revealed up to £11 million is being spent annually on cracking down on graffiti on Tube trains.
He said a “spike” in tagging Tube carriages – especially on the Bakerloo and Central Lines – was costing TfL “between £10m and £11m”.
The arrest follows an investigation into around 245 offences of criminal damage to Northern Line trains between February 2022 and January 2026.
The man was arrested on Friday in an early-morning raid at an address in Barnet, north London, on suspicion of criminal damage.
He was taken to police custody for questioning and has since been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue, the force said.
BTP Superintendent John Loveless said: “This arrest is a significant moment in our ongoing investigation into the vandalism of a huge number of trains, with the cost of repairing the damage running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
“We are committed to working with our rail partners to stamp out this destruction of rail property which has huge financial implications for the rail industry.
“Far from being a victimless crime, graffiti damage has a knock-on effect for rail users and commuters causing frustrating delays and inconvenience while trains are taken out of service to be cleaned. It is also extremely dangerous to access a live railway and can result in serious injury or, in some cases, death.
“Our officers carry out proactive patrols and specialised operations to target and arrest offenders, including the use of wide-reaching CCTV across the network to identify suspects.
“Investigations like this are at the forefront of BTP’s mission to tackle graffiti across the network.”
In December, Transport for London (TfL) boss Andy Lord revealed up to £11 million is being spent annually on cracking down on graffiti on Tube trains.
He said a “spike” in tagging Tube carriages – especially on the Bakerloo and Central Lines – was costing TfL “between £10m and £11m”.
| The little-known £40 upgrade to enjoy a 1st class train journey and meal In "Across the West" [371171/31467/26] Posted by ChrisB at 19:13, 17th January 2026 | |
This has also appeared in two influencer blogs this year. You may also get chucked out once your meal has finished.
The Mail, via MSN
Buying a first-class train ticket in Britain feels increasingly extortionate - but standard-class passengers can actually access that premium experience for a modest £40 fee.
On some routes, many will find the cost of a first-class ticket isn't justified by what is actually offered on board.
Those travelling last minute on a first-class fare from London Paddington to Plymouth may pay around £230 for a comfortable seat, a snack and a drink - a far cry from what many would expect at that price point.
However, there's a little-known hack passengers in any carriage can utilise to enjoy a full restaurant experience in first-class surroundings.
Travellers on select Great Western Railway services who hold a standard ticket can pay £40 to upgrade to Pullman Dining - one of the few remaining dining cars on Britain's mainline trains.
The dining experience includes table service, linen-covered tables and meals cooked by an onboard chef.
Rather than pre-packaged or reheated food, diners can enjoy fresh, seasonal food from a menu that changes each month.
A three-course meal costs £49, while a two-course option will set diners back £40.
Recent menu options have included dishes such as Thai-spiced pumpkin and coconut soup, poached hake with burnt caper butter, and chocolate and cherry delice with vanilla cream and toasted almonds, as reported by The Telegraph.
Access is not limited to first-class ticket holders, making it a rare opportunity to enjoy a fine dining experience on today's notoriously costly rail network.
When combined with a standard ticket - which can cost as little as £74 on the London to Plymouth route - the total cost for travel and dining is nearly half the price of a first-class ticket.
However, there is one downside to the service - it's not something passengers will stumble across on most trains.
Pullman Dining is available on just six trains a day. Services operate from London Paddington to Plymouth at 13.03 and 19.04, and to Swansea at 17.48.
In the opposite direction, dining is offered on the 12.22 from Swansea and the 13.15 and 18.16 from Plymouth.
Passengers can use the restaurant on journeys lasting more than 50 minutes, though guaranteed reservations are only available to those who book first class more than an hour before departure. Others must enquire on board - and hope there is space.
On some routes, many will find the cost of a first-class ticket isn't justified by what is actually offered on board.
Those travelling last minute on a first-class fare from London Paddington to Plymouth may pay around £230 for a comfortable seat, a snack and a drink - a far cry from what many would expect at that price point.
However, there's a little-known hack passengers in any carriage can utilise to enjoy a full restaurant experience in first-class surroundings.
Travellers on select Great Western Railway services who hold a standard ticket can pay £40 to upgrade to Pullman Dining - one of the few remaining dining cars on Britain's mainline trains.
The dining experience includes table service, linen-covered tables and meals cooked by an onboard chef.
Rather than pre-packaged or reheated food, diners can enjoy fresh, seasonal food from a menu that changes each month.
A three-course meal costs £49, while a two-course option will set diners back £40.
Recent menu options have included dishes such as Thai-spiced pumpkin and coconut soup, poached hake with burnt caper butter, and chocolate and cherry delice with vanilla cream and toasted almonds, as reported by The Telegraph.
Access is not limited to first-class ticket holders, making it a rare opportunity to enjoy a fine dining experience on today's notoriously costly rail network.
When combined with a standard ticket - which can cost as little as £74 on the London to Plymouth route - the total cost for travel and dining is nearly half the price of a first-class ticket.
However, there is one downside to the service - it's not something passengers will stumble across on most trains.
Pullman Dining is available on just six trains a day. Services operate from London Paddington to Plymouth at 13.03 and 19.04, and to Swansea at 17.48.
In the opposite direction, dining is offered on the 12.22 from Swansea and the 13.15 and 18.16 from Plymouth.
Passengers can use the restaurant on journeys lasting more than 50 minutes, though guaranteed reservations are only available to those who book first class more than an hour before departure. Others must enquire on board - and hope there is space.
| Re: Derailment at Goodrington In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [371170/31459/24] Posted by REVUpminster at 19:12, 17th January 2026 | |
It was posted elsewhere last night by somebody inside GWR that Max 4 car trains can visit Paignton due to signalling constraints following the derailment.
Cross country only use 4 car to Paignton, that is why GWR Iet are the only ones that don’t use the north crossover. They’re the only booked trains longer than 4 car.
You can shunt a 5-car IET over via the North crossover, and it is permitted to do so. You could even shunt a 9-car but it is apparently very tight.
This is Thursday's Cross Country north crossover reverser at Paignton 5 car 221120. It's a timetabled move.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C73042/2026-01-15/detailed#allox_id=1
| Roger French Zoom Seminar - How to (a) encourage and (b) discourage passengers In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371169/31466/51] Posted by ChrisB at 19:07, 17th January 2026 | |
From CILT, via Eventbrite
Roger French, of the Bus & Train User Blog, is running an online seminar for the CILT organisation - open to all members for free & to anyone else for £5
How to encourage and discourage passengers - As learnt over the years
By CILT(UK) Events
Online event
Mar 10 from 5:30pm to 7pm GMT
Overview
CILT(UK)How to (a) encourage and (b) discourage passengers - As learnt from the last 13 years of intense bus travelling around Britain
Overview
What: How to (a) encourage and (b) discourage passengers - as learnt from the last 13 years of intense bus travelling around Britain.
When: 10 March 2026 - 17:30 - 19:00
Where: Zoom
Speaker: Roger French OBE DL MA FCILT
Roger French has spent his retirement years post Brighton & Hove Bus Company travelling around Britain by bus and train and relating his experiences, views and commentary on his popular online blog BusAndTrainUser.com and in this presentation he will identify ten areas where he believes passengers are being successfully encouraged to travel by bus and ten areas where they’re sadly being discouraged.
By CILT(UK) Events
Online event
Mar 10 from 5:30pm to 7pm GMT
Overview
CILT(UK)How to (a) encourage and (b) discourage passengers - As learnt from the last 13 years of intense bus travelling around Britain
Overview
What: How to (a) encourage and (b) discourage passengers - as learnt from the last 13 years of intense bus travelling around Britain.
When: 10 March 2026 - 17:30 - 19:00
Where: Zoom
Speaker: Roger French OBE DL MA FCILT
Roger French has spent his retirement years post Brighton & Hove Bus Company travelling around Britain by bus and train and relating his experiences, views and commentary on his popular online blog BusAndTrainUser.com and in this presentation he will identify ten areas where he believes passengers are being successfully encouraged to travel by bus and ten areas where they’re sadly being discouraged.
| Slough bus station to be sold off In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371168/31465/5] Posted by Surrey 455 at 18:41, 17th January 2026 | |
The BBC is reporting that Slough bus station is to be sold to developers because the local council cannot afford to repair it after the fire in 2022.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3edzkdld4yo
Slough bus station, which has been derelict since it was gutted by fire in October 2022, is to be sold-off by the council.
The local authority reached a settlement with insurers last September but received significantly less money than it had been hoped for.
The borough council said it would cost more than £14m to return the distinctive building to its former state, money it says it simply does not have.
It will now be sold off to developers, leaving councillors with far less say on what it might be turned into.
The station was opened nearly 15 years ago as part of the £450m Heart of Slough regeneration programme.
The curved aluminium structure was designed with a nod to one of the town's most famous sons, the scientist William Herschel, and was inspired by wavelengths of light from one of his experiments.
Keeping the now derelict building safe and secure was costing the cash-strapped council £19,000 a month, a figure it said was unsustainable.
The local authority reached a settlement with insurers last September but received significantly less money than it had been hoped for.
The borough council said it would cost more than £14m to return the distinctive building to its former state, money it says it simply does not have.
It will now be sold off to developers, leaving councillors with far less say on what it might be turned into.
The station was opened nearly 15 years ago as part of the £450m Heart of Slough regeneration programme.
The curved aluminium structure was designed with a nod to one of the town's most famous sons, the scientist William Herschel, and was inspired by wavelengths of light from one of his experiments.
Keeping the now derelict building safe and secure was costing the cash-strapped council £19,000 a month, a figure it said was unsustainable.
I previously wrote about how unsuitable it was in rainy conditions so my preferred options would be to demolish it and then either replace with a better designed facility or carry on with the current stopping arrangements.
https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=21756.msg267280#msg267280
| New Forest trainline closed for emergency repairs after landslip In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371167/31464/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:39, 17th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Trainline closed for repairs after landslip
Image not available to guests
The track near Battramsley suffered a minor landslip
A trainline will be closed for emergency engineer works after the route suffered a minor landslip following Storm Goretti.
Passengers travelling between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier will need to use a replacement bus service, while Network Rail engineers repair the track near Battramsley.
The rail firm said buses will run every 30 minutes on Saturday and every 60 minutes on Sunday adding that any further service changes for the start of next week will be confirmed in due course. Travellers have been advised to check their journey before they travel and allow extra time.
Image not available to guests
Experts will install a steel wall deep into the ground to support the embankment
Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, Tom McNamee, infrastructure director, said: "We're very sorry for the additional disruption and the short notice of this line closure. We understand that closing the Lymington branch line will be frustrating for passengers and it's not a decision we've taken lightly." He added that they are doing everything they can to get the railway back open as soon as possible.
Network Rail said engineers spotted movement under the track over the festive period and had planned to conduct permanent repairs at the end of February. Strong winds and heavy rain from Storm Goretti led to a landslip which forced it to bring the works forward.
Experts will install a steel wall deep into the ground to support the embankment that the railway is built on. These sheet piles will act as a solid barrier, holding the slope in place and stopping the earth from moving.
Once the repair is complete, one train per hour will run between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier at a reduced speed. Engineers will monitor the area of the landslip before returning to the normal service of two trains per hour.
Image not available to guests
The track near Battramsley suffered a minor landslip
A trainline will be closed for emergency engineer works after the route suffered a minor landslip following Storm Goretti.
Passengers travelling between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier will need to use a replacement bus service, while Network Rail engineers repair the track near Battramsley.
The rail firm said buses will run every 30 minutes on Saturday and every 60 minutes on Sunday adding that any further service changes for the start of next week will be confirmed in due course. Travellers have been advised to check their journey before they travel and allow extra time.
Image not available to guests
Experts will install a steel wall deep into the ground to support the embankment
Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, Tom McNamee, infrastructure director, said: "We're very sorry for the additional disruption and the short notice of this line closure. We understand that closing the Lymington branch line will be frustrating for passengers and it's not a decision we've taken lightly." He added that they are doing everything they can to get the railway back open as soon as possible.
Network Rail said engineers spotted movement under the track over the festive period and had planned to conduct permanent repairs at the end of February. Strong winds and heavy rain from Storm Goretti led to a landslip which forced it to bring the works forward.
Experts will install a steel wall deep into the ground to support the embankment that the railway is built on. These sheet piles will act as a solid barrier, holding the slope in place and stopping the earth from moving.
Once the repair is complete, one train per hour will run between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier at a reduced speed. Engineers will monitor the area of the landslip before returning to the normal service of two trains per hour.
