Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: New Welsh train stations part of £14bn UK government rail funding promise In "Shorter journeys in South and West Wales" [372519/31636/23] Posted by Noggin at 22:46, 18th February 2026 |      |
This also includes the "union connectivity" improvements between Cardiff and Bristol including the upgrade of the relief lines.
Worth noting that the Cardiff to Bristol TfL semi-fast service starts in September 2026 - let's hope there's some money in that pot for wiring Filton Bank and Temple Meads :-)
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [372518/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 22:20, 18th February 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Reading and London Paddington
Due to urgent repairs to the track at Southall fewer trains are able to run on the line. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Train services between Reading and London Paddington may be cancelled.
Customer Advice
Due to short notice engineering works being done over night, we have had to reduce the number of trains running between Reading and London Paddington tonight. Until Midnight, a more limited train service is operating, although customers can still travel between the two stations. A change at Reading may be necessary for some customers travelling from or to further afield.
However, overnight train services between London Paddington and Reading are cancelled. Although some road transport has been arranged to cover, this is very limited, and so customers are advised to delay their journeys wherever possible.
| Re: Tarka Line - Exeter to Barnstaple: services, facilities, incidents and events In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [372517/15711/24] Posted by RailCornwall at 21:22, 18th February 2026 | |
There has been incessant rain since 1530 in Cornwall, 18-Feb-2026, if this is being replicated around Exeter - Crediton I fear that a further closure of Okehampton imminently cannot be ruled out.
| Re: Things you have NOT done in your use of public transport In "Introductions and chat" [372516/31633/1] Posted by JayMac at 21:21, 18th February 2026 | |
Interestingly, of the 25 members who have cast their votes so far, only 23 have apparently never shelled prawns on a train. 
I am probably on a train tomorrow. And I am one of the 23 who has never shelled prawns on one. Sadly, the only prawns we have are readyshelled frozen ones, and the shops won't be open before I leave, so the experience will have to wait.
And crevettes are no longer on the menu on the Welsh dining trains, so it'll have to be BYO!
| Re: New Adlestrop Railway Atlas update In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [372515/19280/51] Posted by JayMac at 21:17, 18th February 2026 | |
Thanks once again Richard for this excellent resource.
| Re: Tarka Line - Exeter to Barnstaple: services, facilities, incidents and events In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [372514/15711/24] Posted by grahame at 20:31, 18th February 2026 | |
Is Copplestone on the map ready for when one gets cancelled?
These days, the map uses the national database. May be a bit old so a cancellation at Ashley Down may be a problem.
| Re: New Adlestrop Railway Atlas update In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [372513/19280/51] Posted by Oxonhutch at 20:29, 18th February 2026 | |
Richard, would you mind me to be so cheeky and bold, and ask if you can stick the Boot in?
When the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway was in its 3 foot days prior to WWI (Th’owd Ratty as was known), my great-grandmother told me - many years ago - of a journey she undertook as a young girl on a Sunday School outing around 1900. The terminus was, in those days, by the haematite mines just above the village of Boot (42-17).
When just before the war, the original railway became defunct, it was taken over by Bassett-Locke & co. and reduced down to the 15” gauge of fashionable minimum gauge railways of its day - becoming in the eyes of the locals, the ‘La’al Ratty’. Initially its terminus was also Boot but it was found quite soon that the final gradient up to the mines was just too great for the 15” gauge locomotives then in use, so the terminus was moved, eventually onto a mineral spur heading off to adits on the other side of the Eskdale valley. They terminated the railway where it does today, just shy of the main Hardknot Road at Dalegarth. The rest of this disused mineral line can still be seen today on maps and air photos marked with stone walls.
I don’t know if Boot falls out of a mapping criteria you have established for your wonderful work, but if it doesn’t and you don’t mind, please could I ask you to stick it in. Thank you!
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [372512/28355/22] Posted by ChrisB at 20:09, 18th February 2026 | |
All through platforms are bi-di....
| Re: New Oxford - Bristol direct service, ongoing developments and discussion In "Oxford, Didcot and Reading from the West" [372511/28355/22] Posted by bobm at 20:07, 18th February 2026 | |
Given some of the five car London Paddington-Oxford services have a lengthy layover at Oxford I was wondering if there is some scope for inter-working.
I assume it’s not possible to arrive and go back from Oxford without the time consuming trip to the sidings and return.
| Re: Double decker hits south London theatre in two-bus crash - 18 Feb 2026 In "Transport for London" [372510/31638/46] Posted by bobm at 20:02, 18th February 2026 | |
It’s when you see pictures like that you realise how vulnerable some drivers are in situations like this.
(Auto correct tried to turn that into venerable - which is probably true!)
| Re: Tarka Line - Exeter to Barnstaple: services, facilities, incidents and events In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [372509/15711/24] Posted by bobm at 19:58, 18th February 2026 | |
Is Copplestone on the map ready for when one gets cancelled?
| Re: Things you have NOT done in your use of public transport In "Introductions and chat" [372508/31633/1] Posted by grahame at 19:34, 18th February 2026 Already liked by JayMac | |
Interestingly, of the 25 members who have cast their votes so far, only 23 have apparently never shelled prawns on a train.
I am probably on a train tomorrow. And I am one of the 23 who has never shelled prawns on one. Sadly, the only prawns we have are readyshelled frozen ones, and the shops won't be open before I leave, so the experience will have to wait.
| Re: Tarka Line - Exeter to Barnstaple: services, facilities, incidents and events In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [372507/15711/24] Posted by grahame at 19:31, 18th February 2026 | |
From GWR
Dear Graham
We promised to keep you updated on our work to reopen the Barnstaple line.
Services between Barnstaple and Crediton remain suspended. To reopen the remainder of the line to Barnstaple, specialist divers need to inspect submerged structures to ensure the safety of the route. The high-water level and currents have so far prevented divers from being able to access one of the structures on the route.
When possible, we do plan to start operating a limited train service Exeter Central and Copplestone, calling at all stations between these two locations. These additional services will be subject to ongoing weather conditions. Yellow weather warning for heavy rain are in place through this evening.
We anticipate that the entirety of the line to Barnstaple will not reopen until at least Tuesday 24 February for the reasons set out above.
Limited rail replacement transport remains in place for stations on the line and customers should check before they travel at www.gwr.com/check.
We're very sorry for the continued disruption. Please do let us know if you have any questions.
Best wishes
Tom & Heledd
We promised to keep you updated on our work to reopen the Barnstaple line.
Services between Barnstaple and Crediton remain suspended. To reopen the remainder of the line to Barnstaple, specialist divers need to inspect submerged structures to ensure the safety of the route. The high-water level and currents have so far prevented divers from being able to access one of the structures on the route.
When possible, we do plan to start operating a limited train service Exeter Central and Copplestone, calling at all stations between these two locations. These additional services will be subject to ongoing weather conditions. Yellow weather warning for heavy rain are in place through this evening.
We anticipate that the entirety of the line to Barnstaple will not reopen until at least Tuesday 24 February for the reasons set out above.
Limited rail replacement transport remains in place for stations on the line and customers should check before they travel at www.gwr.com/check.
We're very sorry for the continued disruption. Please do let us know if you have any questions.
Best wishes
Tom & Heledd
| Borders Railway closures planned for electrification work In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [372506/31640/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:32, 18th February 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Borders Railway closures planned for electrification work
Network Rail said the work would reduce operating costs
The first stage of electrification work is set to begin this weekend on the Borders Railway with a series of line closures on the horizon.
It follows a Scottish government announcement in September last year of a £342m investment to electrify routes in Fife and the Borders and introduce new battery‑electric trains.
Network Rail said it would help cut carbon emissions, improve air quality, enhance the passenger experience and reduce operating costs.
Preparatory work will begin on Saturday with a series of weekend closures of the line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank next month.
The reopened Borders Railway between Edinburgh and Tweedbank marked its 10th anniversary last year
The closures are schedule for 14-16 March, 21-23 March and 28-30 March when buses will replace trains.
Lynsey Maclean, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: "The Borders Railway was rebuilt with future electrification in mind, which means we can deliver this work with far less intrusive engineering than is required on many older parts of the network, where we often need to lower track or raise bridges. The infrastructure here is already suitable for this next stage of modernisation. Piling is still a vital early step in installing the overhead line equipment that will eventually power electric trains. Our teams have planned the activity carefully to keep disruption to a minimum for passengers and those living near the railway."
She said they were grateful to customers and local residents for their patience. "Electrification will deliver long‑term benefits for the Borders, and this work marks an important milestone in creating a cleaner, more reliable and more sustainable railway for the future," she added.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said it was an important step in paving the way for "new, greener trains and delivering a more modern railway". He said they were working closely with Network Rail to keep customers informed and would provide clear alternative travel arrangements.
Network Rail said the work would reduce operating costs
The first stage of electrification work is set to begin this weekend on the Borders Railway with a series of line closures on the horizon.
It follows a Scottish government announcement in September last year of a £342m investment to electrify routes in Fife and the Borders and introduce new battery‑electric trains.
Network Rail said it would help cut carbon emissions, improve air quality, enhance the passenger experience and reduce operating costs.
Preparatory work will begin on Saturday with a series of weekend closures of the line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank next month.
The reopened Borders Railway between Edinburgh and Tweedbank marked its 10th anniversary last year
The closures are schedule for 14-16 March, 21-23 March and 28-30 March when buses will replace trains.
Lynsey Maclean, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: "The Borders Railway was rebuilt with future electrification in mind, which means we can deliver this work with far less intrusive engineering than is required on many older parts of the network, where we often need to lower track or raise bridges. The infrastructure here is already suitable for this next stage of modernisation. Piling is still a vital early step in installing the overhead line equipment that will eventually power electric trains. Our teams have planned the activity carefully to keep disruption to a minimum for passengers and those living near the railway."
She said they were grateful to customers and local residents for their patience. "Electrification will deliver long‑term benefits for the Borders, and this work marks an important milestone in creating a cleaner, more reliable and more sustainable railway for the future," she added.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said it was an important step in paving the way for "new, greener trains and delivering a more modern railway". He said they were working closely with Network Rail to keep customers informed and would provide clear alternative travel arrangements.
| Re: Things you have NOT done in your use of public transport In "Introductions and chat" [372504/31633/1] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:50, 18th February 2026 Already liked by Mark A, grahame | |
Interestingly, of the 25 members who have cast their votes so far, only 23 have apparently never shelled prawns on a train.
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [372502/31355/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:39, 18th February 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Flooding may worsen as unsettled weather expected to last for another month at least
Groundwater flooding has been affecting Salisbury in Wiltshire for several weeks
Extensive flooding is ongoing across parts of the UK, especially in southern and central England.
The Environment Agency and Met Office have come together to warn homeowners and businesses to remain vigilant as the wet weather is due to continue for another month.
Around 60 flood warnings and 180 flood alerts are still in force across England, as well as two flood alerts in eastern Wales.
The saturated ground means that floodwaters are only very slowly receding in many places. High tides and strong winds may also bring tidal flood risk along parts of the coast.
January rainfall was well above average in large parts of southern England, eastern Scotland and Northern Ireland
This year so far has been dominated by successive areas of low pressure which have brought heavy and prolonged rainfall across many areas.
A series of named storms including Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra have been interspersed with brief drier spells, but a blocking area of high pressure to the east has led to consistently unsettled conditions for several weeks. Southern England, eastern Scotland and Northern Ireland had one of their wettest Januarys on record.
Wet conditions persisted into the start of February too. Parts of eastern Scotland received more than twice the monthly average rainfall in just the first two weeks. Some places in southern England have seen rainfall every day this year. The last dry day in Cardinham in Cornwall was 30 December.
In Somerset approximately 29 square miles of the Levels and Moors have been flooded.
Whilst this winter has been exceptionally wet in places, it is unlikely to be as wet as the winter of 2013-14 - the UK's wettest winter on record.
Flooding from rivers and groundwater in Somerset has been ongoing since early January
The heavy rainfall we have seen during autumn and winter has been much needed because it has followed a significant drought that developed in 2025 across parts of England and eastern Scotland. The UK saw its hottest summer on record, as well as the driest spring in England since 1893.
Groundwater levels and reservoir stocks across much of the UK have risen significantly over recent weeks. Bewl Water reservoir in Kent is currently more than 88% full, compared to just 42% back in October 2025.
By mid-January all of England was declared drought-free for the first time since May 2025.
(BBC article continues)
Groundwater flooding has been affecting Salisbury in Wiltshire for several weeks
Extensive flooding is ongoing across parts of the UK, especially in southern and central England.
The Environment Agency and Met Office have come together to warn homeowners and businesses to remain vigilant as the wet weather is due to continue for another month.
Around 60 flood warnings and 180 flood alerts are still in force across England, as well as two flood alerts in eastern Wales.
The saturated ground means that floodwaters are only very slowly receding in many places. High tides and strong winds may also bring tidal flood risk along parts of the coast.
January rainfall was well above average in large parts of southern England, eastern Scotland and Northern Ireland
This year so far has been dominated by successive areas of low pressure which have brought heavy and prolonged rainfall across many areas.
A series of named storms including Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra have been interspersed with brief drier spells, but a blocking area of high pressure to the east has led to consistently unsettled conditions for several weeks. Southern England, eastern Scotland and Northern Ireland had one of their wettest Januarys on record.
Wet conditions persisted into the start of February too. Parts of eastern Scotland received more than twice the monthly average rainfall in just the first two weeks. Some places in southern England have seen rainfall every day this year. The last dry day in Cardinham in Cornwall was 30 December.
In Somerset approximately 29 square miles of the Levels and Moors have been flooded.
Whilst this winter has been exceptionally wet in places, it is unlikely to be as wet as the winter of 2013-14 - the UK's wettest winter on record.
Flooding from rivers and groundwater in Somerset has been ongoing since early January
The heavy rainfall we have seen during autumn and winter has been much needed because it has followed a significant drought that developed in 2025 across parts of England and eastern Scotland. The UK saw its hottest summer on record, as well as the driest spring in England since 1893.
Groundwater levels and reservoir stocks across much of the UK have risen significantly over recent weeks. Bewl Water reservoir in Kent is currently more than 88% full, compared to just 42% back in October 2025.
By mid-January all of England was declared drought-free for the first time since May 2025.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Houses of Parliament / Palace of Westminster refurbishment - ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [372501/31630/31] Posted by eXPassenger at 17:34, 18th February 2026 | |
This project is beginning to resemble HS2.
Perhaps it should be put in a tunnel under the Chilterns.
| LSWR Route to Exeter - chickens coming home to roost In "London to the West" [372497/31639/12] Posted by Witham Bobby at 16:47, 18th February 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Interesting article in Rail, mentioning the neglect of routine tasks eventually leading to service deterioration
https://www.railmagazine.com/news/-an-accumulation-of-failings-west-of-england-line-problems-laid-bare
All pretty obvious, really
| Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2026 In "London to the Cotswolds" [372496/31371/14] Posted by charles_uk at 15:58, 18th February 2026 | |
And for the second day running:
17:05 Didcot Parkway to Evesham due 18:24 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time
18:51 Evesham to Oxford due 19:50 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time
18:51 Evesham to Oxford due 19:50 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time
| Re: Things you have NOT done in your use of public transport In "Introductions and chat" [372495/31633/1] Posted by JayMac at 14:52, 18th February 2026 | |
The ones I haven't done.
Pilning
Eurostar
Train Ferry
Tygwyn (Been on a train that's called there though)
Train accident
The subtext of the two food ones is of being antisocial. However, I've had curries on the GWR Pullman and crevettes on a TfW (was Arriva at the time) dining service.
| Re: Paddington to Bristol <-> service updates and amendments - ongoing discussion In "London to Swindon and Bristol" [372494/18525/10] Posted by matth1j at 14:49, 18th February 2026 | |
Delays to services between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa
Due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa trains have to run at reduced speed on all lines.
Train services running through these stations may be delayed. Disruption is expected until 15:45 18/02.
| Re: Houses of Parliament / Palace of Westminster refurbishment - ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [372493/31630/31] Posted by broadgage at 13:56, 18th February 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
This project is beginning to resemble HS2.
| Re: Want to be able to drive yourself to Imber? In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [372491/31608/47] Posted by grahame at 13:20, 18th February 2026 | |
Not Imber - but London[url]
T15 HERITAGE WEEKEND (Sat 28th Feb / Sun 01 March)
SATURDAY
Buses operating upto every 15 minutes between Trafalgar Square & Tower Hill from 10:00 to 20:00hrs with standard fares & day tickets being charged - to include guest buses RTL453, RMC1513, RM1933 & evening guest appearance of MagicBus London RM2681.
SUNDAY
Charity day with buses operating upto every 10 minutes between Westminster Stn / Parliament Square & Tower Hill with over 15 buses already scheduled. First buses 09:25 from Parliament Sq & 10:00 from Tower Hill, with last buses around 17:00.
Donations being collected by the Worshipful Company of Carmen.
SATURDAY
Buses operating upto every 15 minutes between Trafalgar Square & Tower Hill from 10:00 to 20:00hrs with standard fares & day tickets being charged - to include guest buses RTL453, RMC1513, RM1933 & evening guest appearance of MagicBus London RM2681.
SUNDAY
Charity day with buses operating upto every 10 minutes between Westminster Stn / Parliament Square & Tower Hill with over 15 buses already scheduled. First buses 09:25 from Parliament Sq & 10:00 from Tower Hill, with last buses around 17:00.
Donations being collected by the Worshipful Company of Carmen.
| Double decker hits south London theatre in two-bus crash - 18 Feb 2026 In "Transport for London" [372490/31638/46] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:07, 18th February 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Double decker hits London theatre in two-bus crash
The first bus hit the front of Southwark Playhouse Borough
Six people have been hospitalised after two buses collided and one hit a theatre in south London, the Met Police has confirmed.
Emergency services were called to Newington Causeway at 08:06 GMT on Wednesday after the crash, during which a bus that was not in service smashed into the window frontage of Southwark Playhouse Borough.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed that it had treated a number of people at the scene, six of whom were taken to hospital.
By 11:30, one of the double decker buses had been moved from the scene of the crash. No arrests have been made.
A second bus was seen smashed into the back of the first
Police said none of the injuries were deemed to be life-changing or life-threatening.
Lorna Murphy, Transport for London's (TfL) director of buses, said her thoughts were with those injured in the crash. "We care deeply about the safety of everyone who uses or works on our transport network," she said.
"Safety is our top priority and we are working with the police and the operator, Go Ahead London, to establish what happened. This must have been a distressing incident for everyone involved and we have support available for anyone affected."
The crash involved a route 35 bus that collided into a route 333 that was not in service, TfL confirmed.
The road is partially open to traffic and police are directing vehicles in alternating traffic flows.
The London Fire Brigade was also in attendance.
The first bus hit the front of Southwark Playhouse Borough
Six people have been hospitalised after two buses collided and one hit a theatre in south London, the Met Police has confirmed.
Emergency services were called to Newington Causeway at 08:06 GMT on Wednesday after the crash, during which a bus that was not in service smashed into the window frontage of Southwark Playhouse Borough.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed that it had treated a number of people at the scene, six of whom were taken to hospital.
By 11:30, one of the double decker buses had been moved from the scene of the crash. No arrests have been made.
A second bus was seen smashed into the back of the first
Police said none of the injuries were deemed to be life-changing or life-threatening.
Lorna Murphy, Transport for London's (TfL) director of buses, said her thoughts were with those injured in the crash. "We care deeply about the safety of everyone who uses or works on our transport network," she said.
"Safety is our top priority and we are working with the police and the operator, Go Ahead London, to establish what happened. This must have been a distressing incident for everyone involved and we have support available for anyone affected."
The crash involved a route 35 bus that collided into a route 333 that was not in service, TfL confirmed.
The road is partially open to traffic and police are directing vehicles in alternating traffic flows.
The London Fire Brigade was also in attendance.
