Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365138/30679/21] Posted by grahame at 18:51, 3rd September 2025 |      |
Is this essentially the start of the new services that were mentioned in the consultation a year or two ago?
The ORR document shared (and I have grabbed a copy for our archive) is nearly two years old ...
| Re: Boats stranded in Aylesbury after Grand Union Canal dries up during drought In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [365137/30680/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:49, 3rd September 2025 | |
No - I won't delete your post!
I merely quoted their 'News item' from the BBC. We all know they don't get things wrong, do they?
I'll do some more 'digging' (or possibly dredging) to find out more.
CfN.
| Re: The Coffee Shop, online safety and the Online Safety Act In "News, Help and Assistance" [365136/29759/29] Posted by grahame at 18:43, 3rd September 2025 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Timmer | |
Bumping an old topic here because I was reminded of this with the news of such as "The head of the Metropolitan Police has called on the government to "change or clarify" the law following the arrest of comedian Graham Linehan over posts he made online" from The BBC.
This is so far removed from content that gets posted on the Coffee Shop that you may ask "should we even be concerned?". Yes, we need to be, because a single incident of something that's fuzzy according to the law could be very hot water for the poster and for the forum should we fail to watch and act if someone slips up - even if (as I'm pretty sure would be the case) that slip up wasn't intentional. But I am re-assured that the moderator and admin team, together with members letting us know of any concerns, will quickly highlight and allows us to act on anything that's at all of risk.
| Re: TravelWatch SouthWest - October 24th 2025 - Taunton In "Diary - what's happening when?" [365135/30673/34] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:43, 3rd September 2025 | |
I, too, have booked my seat. I encourage any of our members also to do so.
It's free, informal, and you do get to meet some very interesting people*, and you can have constructive discussions, in the course of the day.
The venue is on a level access route, within sight of Taunton Station. For those not now driving Formula 1, disabled access assistance can be arranged.
CfN.
* Excepting me, obviously.
| Re: Boats stranded in Aylesbury after Grand Union Canal dries up during drought In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [365134/30680/51] Posted by TonyN at 18:32, 3rd September 2025 | |
From the BBC:
Boats have been left stranded due to low water levels in a canal following the summer drought.
The Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal has been closed since 16 June by the Canal and River Trust.
According to the The Aylesbury Canal Society boats have not been able to leave the drydock while others have remained stuck in the canal.
Dale Canfield, from the Canal and River Trust, said the waterway is more than 200 years old and needs more investment to keep up with maintenance.
Four reservoirs supply the Grand Union Canal but a lack of rain has left them without water, meaning the canals cannot be topped up.
Nick Coolican-Smith, the chairman of the Aylesbury Canal Society, said the business could lose at least £10,000 as a result of the closure.
He said :"We've lost probably tens of thousands: boat cancellations, about a dozen dock bookings cancelled or postponed, and then the ripple effect to guys who come and work here on the boats or paint the boats. A lot of people's holidays have gone out the window. A lot of people trying to get their boats back from holiday and are stuck in various places. In some places are rows of boats just sat on the bottom of the canal, leaning sideways... They are stuck there indefinitely. Nothing they can do."
He added that while there are usually water problems in September, it was unusual to experience issues from June. "The last time it was like this, I am told, is 1976," he said.
Mr Canfield said: "It needs a huge investment to deal with the leaks, with all the problems we have got and then to maintain keeping navigation open which we'd all love to do. But there isn't the funding and the resource currently to do that."
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "Our canals provide a wide range of benefits, such as connecting people to nature. That is why we are investing more than £480m of grant funding to the Canal and River Trust between now and 2037 to support the essential infrastructure maintenance of our much-valued waterways."
Any Ideas where the picture shows its not AylesburyBoats have been left stranded due to low water levels in a canal following the summer drought.
The Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal has been closed since 16 June by the Canal and River Trust.
According to the The Aylesbury Canal Society boats have not been able to leave the drydock while others have remained stuck in the canal.
Dale Canfield, from the Canal and River Trust, said the waterway is more than 200 years old and needs more investment to keep up with maintenance.
Four reservoirs supply the Grand Union Canal but a lack of rain has left them without water, meaning the canals cannot be topped up.
Nick Coolican-Smith, the chairman of the Aylesbury Canal Society, said the business could lose at least £10,000 as a result of the closure.
He said :"We've lost probably tens of thousands: boat cancellations, about a dozen dock bookings cancelled or postponed, and then the ripple effect to guys who come and work here on the boats or paint the boats. A lot of people's holidays have gone out the window. A lot of people trying to get their boats back from holiday and are stuck in various places. In some places are rows of boats just sat on the bottom of the canal, leaning sideways... They are stuck there indefinitely. Nothing they can do."
He added that while there are usually water problems in September, it was unusual to experience issues from June. "The last time it was like this, I am told, is 1976," he said.
Mr Canfield said: "It needs a huge investment to deal with the leaks, with all the problems we have got and then to maintain keeping navigation open which we'd all love to do. But there isn't the funding and the resource currently to do that."
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "Our canals provide a wide range of benefits, such as connecting people to nature. That is why we are investing more than £480m of grant funding to the Canal and River Trust between now and 2037 to support the essential infrastructure maintenance of our much-valued waterways."
Sorry just worked out its further out of Aylesbury not the basin at the end of the Aylesbury arm.
Mods please delete if you like
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365133/30679/21] Posted by anthony215 at 18:14, 3rd September 2025 | |
Is this essentially the start of the new services that were mentioned in the consultation a year or two ago?
If so somewhat disappointed at the limited stopping pattern as it was originally planned to be a true stopping services from what was initially shared, but now Patchway, Ashley Down and Lawrence Hill miss out
If so somewhat disappointed at the limited stopping pattern as it was originally planned to be a true stopping services from what was initially shared, but now Patchway, Ashley Down and Lawrence Hill miss out
I disagree I think its testing the water. Given the new stations tfw want to run an hourly 1tph to Bristol TM at least using a class 756. That's another reason why they are looking to order new units
| Re: Scotland scraps peak rail fares - will the rest of the UK follow? (Sep 2025) In "Fare's Fair" [365132/30668/4] Posted by Sixty3Closure at 17:44, 3rd September 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
....(2) Evening peak out of Paddington often feels quite lightly-loaded. Note I'm mainly familiar with longer-distance journeys; locals may differ! Also I'll mainly be travelling on days where commuter load may be lighter e.g. it's often a Friday or in the holidays if I'm making a long journey. I sometimes just miss the off-peak and use a complex split (typically involving Didcot, which narrows options a bit) to make the peak fare palatable, although it's still much more than I'd like to pay! And it turns out I sort of like doing it this way; the trains I just miss are often busy, but there are some nice options in the peak that are (IMX) quite lightly loaded. Very much a case of people being priced out for no good reason - and with the side effect of making first & last off-peak trains irritatingly busy!...
I think some of the issues on 'local' trains out of Paddington are also about stopping services and 'fast' services. With the caveat I've not commuted that way for about 2 and half years now there was lots of capacity on the Elizabeth line (most of the time) but could still get crowded on the fast Maidenhead/Twyford trains. Most of these were 'peak' time and I wonder if they'll get even more crowded if there wasn't a premium price on them?
On balance I think there's a place for managing capacity through pricing but I'd rather the whole system was simplified first. Travelling from Stirling there were always trains outside the peak times that had ticket restrictions because of where they started/finished and I'd always see a lot of people caught out so if that's a thing of the past then good.
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365130/30679/21] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:22, 3rd September 2025 | |
Another case of 'Over promise, but underdeliver' possibly.
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365128/30679/21] Posted by WelshBluebird at 17:16, 3rd September 2025 | |
Is this essentially the start of the new services that were mentioned in the consultation a year or two ago?
If so somewhat disappointed at the limited stopping pattern as it was originally planned to be a true stopping services from what was initially shared, but now Patchway, Ashley Down and Lawrence Hill miss out.
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365126/30679/21] Posted by anthony215 at 14:37, 3rd September 2025 | |
Bit more information here:
https://sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blob.core.windows.net/sale-of-access-rights/Consultations/Current%20Track%20Access%20Consultations/22.08.2025%20-%20Transport%20for%20Wales%20Ltd%20-%20Section%2022A%20-%2052nd%20SA%20-%20Closes%2022.09.2025/TfWRL%2052nd%20(Bristol)%20Form%20P.pdf
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365125/30679/21] Posted by anthony215 at 14:35, 3rd September 2025 | |
The 197/0 are the 2car versions with 116 seats
If some of them are going to be combined (effectively extensions) of services to Cardiff from the West of Wales, then I do wonder about sufficient capacity.
Is this a temporary idea pending the proposed 6 extra stations that are due to be built with 170m platforms so 7 (long) car or 8 (20m) car trains can be used
If some of them are going to be combined (effectively extensions) of services to Cardiff from the West of Wales, then I do wonder about sufficient capacity.
Is this a temporary idea pending the proposed 6 extra stations that are due to be built with 170m platforms so 7 (long) car or 8 (20m) car trains can be used
I suspect this service in time will be replaced by at least an.hourly all stopping seevice between Cardiff and Bristol TM. I do believe that there is enough capacity for these no MGR trains any more will help
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancell ations - 2025 In "London to the Cotswolds" [365124/29711/14] Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 14:09, 3rd September 2025 | |
Wednesday September 3
1W21 10:53 London Paddington to Worcester Shrub Hill (13:01) : arrived +28.
13:16 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington due 15:22 will no longer call at Worcestershire Parkway Hl, Pershore, Evesham, Honeybourne, Moreton-In-Marsh, Kingham and Hanborough.
It will be starting late from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:03/09/2025 12:42
Departed +23, arrived +14. Set 802 021.It will be starting late from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:03/09/2025 12:42
1W02 11:52 London Paddington to Hereford (14:44) : held Evesham (+17, for 13:16 above), arrived Great Malvern +22 and cancelled therafter.
15:18 Hereford to London Paddington due 18:29 will be started from Great Malvern.
This is due to congestion.
Last Updated:03/09/2025 14:10
This is due to congestion.
Last Updated:03/09/2025 14:10
15:52 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 18:26 will be terminated at Moreton-In-Marsh.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:03/09/2025 17:13
Set 802 021. Arrived Moreton +20.This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:03/09/2025 17:13
19:02 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 21:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:03/09/2025 17:13
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:03/09/2025 17:13
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365123/30679/21] Posted by grahame at 13:47, 3rd September 2025 | |
Not sure what spare capacity there is through the Severn Tunnel, though.
There are no longer the slower coal / freight trains going through, (nor the international motorail services
)| Re: 2025 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury In "TransWilts line" [365122/29726/18] Posted by bobm at 13:39, 3rd September 2025 | |
In the end, both ran full booked route. However Realtime Trains looks to have got in a bit of a knot over it.
| Re: Farm railway turns 100 but faces uncertain future / Dodding's Farm In "Railway History and related topics" [365121/30674/55] Posted by grahame at 13:31, 3rd September 2025 | |
https://www.facebook.com/reel/797532629702649
| Re: Forest of Dean - historic footbridge in Lydney In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [365120/30590/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:59, 3rd September 2025 | |
A collision occurred and part of the footbridge landed on the train, which included a guard’s van carrying railway volunteers. There were no injuries.
Taking into account the amount of metalwork flying about, that was very fortunate.
| Re: Forest of Dean - historic footbridge in Lydney In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [365119/30590/47] Posted by Oxonhutch at 12:48, 3rd September 2025 | |
..., then it has done its job very well.
If the well of the wagon was a couple of meters below track level, it wouldn't have worked at all.
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365118/30679/21] Posted by John D at 12:48, 3rd September 2025 | |
The 197/0 are the 2car versions with 116 seats
If some of them are going to be combined (effectively extensions) of services to Cardiff from the West of Wales, then I do wonder about sufficient capacity.
Is this a temporary idea pending the proposed 6 extra stations that are due to be built with 170m platforms so 7 (long) car or 8 (20m) car trains can be used
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365117/30679/21] Posted by Mark A at 12:11, 3rd September 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
Good. Can someone please do the same for Bristol - Hereford - Shrewsbury - Chester.
Mark
| Re: Forest of Dean - historic footbridge in Lydney In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [365116/30590/47] Posted by Red Squirrel at 11:50, 3rd September 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
...a railway wagon designed for that purpose...
If the wagon was designed for the purpose of ramming backhoes into footbridges, then it has done its job very well.
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365115/30679/21] Posted by Red Squirrel at 11:44, 3rd September 2025 | |
Assume this is in addition not instead of the current GWR service that comes up the M5 corridor to Cardiff?
Is there space in the timetable for additional services?
The article says:
TfW said its two-hourly service has been timed to fit between GWR trains “to maximise passenger journey opportunities over this section of the route as well as the direct connectivity for passengers travelling to/from the west of Cardiff”.
Not sure what spare capacity there is through the Severn Tunnel, though. TfW have also spoken of a 2tph stopper between Cardiff and Bristol; FIT to BRI should have capacity but STJ to FIT could be... interesting.
| Re: LNER: further fare simplification In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [365114/30678/51] Posted by Mark A at 11:32, 3rd September 2025 | |
Sort of, here's the data including the figures from the missing columns.
Mark
Walk-up off-peak fare (min)
Walk-up anytime min after 7/9
Flex (max) after 7/9
Min percentage increase
Hatfield to Alnmouth
£95.80
£192
£201.40
100.418pc
Welham Green to Morpeth
£95
£197.10
£196.90
107.263pc
Welwyn Garden City to Berwick-Upon-Tweed
£95.40
£195.50
£204.60
104.927pc
Welwyn North to Dunbar
£95.40
£196.60
£200.30
106.08pc
| Re: New TFW Cardiff and West Wales to Bristol Temple Meads service In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [365113/30679/21] Posted by Phantom at 11:30, 3rd September 2025 | |
Rail magazine published an article saying TFW planning to start a 2 hourly service between West wales/Cardiff to Bristol Temple meads from September 2026.
Service will seve Newport, Severn tunnel junction, filton Abbey Wood and Stapleton road using 197/0's
https://www.railmagazine.com/news/transport-for-wales-plans-new-bristol-temple-meads-service
Service will seve Newport, Severn tunnel junction, filton Abbey Wood and Stapleton road using 197/0's
https://www.railmagazine.com/news/transport-for-wales-plans-new-bristol-temple-meads-service
Assume this is in addition not instead of the current GWR service that comes up the M5 corridor to Cardiff?
Is there space in the timetable for additional services?
| Re: Scotland scraps peak rail fares - will the rest of the UK follow? (Sep 2025) In "Fare's Fair" [365112/30668/4] Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:20, 3rd September 2025 | |
Ooooooooooooo's gonna pay for it?
| Re: North Dorset Railway Trust - Shillingstone In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [365111/23009/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:00, 3rd September 2025 Already liked by bradshaw | |
With many thanks for your post, bradshaw, I've merged it with an existing topic here, purely for continuity and ease of future reference.
| Re: LNER: further fare simplification In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [365110/30678/51] Posted by ChrisB at 10:46, 3rd September 2025 | |
As in 'No more off-peak', apparently. LNER spokesperson pushing the principle that advance fares replace pay-on-the-day.
Telegraph article: paywalled but here's an archive dot is link.
Mark
https://archive.is/xSgqi
Telegraph article: paywalled but here's an archive dot is link.
Mark
https://archive.is/xSgqi
Can you extract that table that's been truncated in the archive article?
| Boats stranded in Aylesbury after Grand Union Canal dries up during drought In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [365109/30680/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 10:31, 3rd September 2025 | |
From the BBC:
Boats have been left stranded due to low water levels in a canal following the summer drought.
The Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal has been closed since 16 June by the Canal and River Trust.
According to the The Aylesbury Canal Society boats have not been able to leave the drydock while others have remained stuck in the canal.
Dale Canfield, from the Canal and River Trust, said the waterway is more than 200 years old and needs more investment to keep up with maintenance.
Four reservoirs supply the Grand Union Canal but a lack of rain has left them without water, meaning the canals cannot be topped up.
Nick Coolican-Smith, the chairman of the Aylesbury Canal Society, said the business could lose at least £10,000 as a result of the closure.
He said :"We've lost probably tens of thousands: boat cancellations, about a dozen dock bookings cancelled or postponed, and then the ripple effect to guys who come and work here on the boats or paint the boats. A lot of people's holidays have gone out the window. A lot of people trying to get their boats back from holiday and are stuck in various places. In some places are rows of boats just sat on the bottom of the canal, leaning sideways... They are stuck there indefinitely. Nothing they can do."
He added that while there are usually water problems in September, it was unusual to experience issues from June. "The last time it was like this, I am told, is 1976," he said.
Mr Canfield said: "It needs a huge investment to deal with the leaks, with all the problems we have got and then to maintain keeping navigation open which we'd all love to do. But there isn't the funding and the resource currently to do that."
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "Our canals provide a wide range of benefits, such as connecting people to nature. That is why we are investing more than £480m of grant funding to the Canal and River Trust between now and 2037 to support the essential infrastructure maintenance of our much-valued waterways."
