Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Rail Usage figures by station - due out 4.12.2025 In "Fare's Fair" [368774/31179/4] Posted by grahame at 14:00, 1st December 2025 Already liked by IndustryInsider |      |
Annual Station usage figures (ticket sales figure) for 2024/25 (April to March) due for publication on 4th December 2025
| LNER passengers injured as speeding train 'lurched' - 26 September 2025 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [368773/31178/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:44, 1st December 2025 | |
From the BBC:
The incident happened on an LNER Middlesbrough to London King's Cross service
Several passengers suffered minor injuries when a train "lurched sideways" after passing a set of points on the East Coast Main Line at more than twice the speed limit, investigators have said.
The 07:08 Middlesbrough to London King's Cross LNER service travelled through the points near Grantham at 56mph (90 km/h) on 26 September.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said the permanent speed restriction was 25 mph (40 km/h) and the associated signals displayed the expected indications. It added it would publish safety advice following the incident.
LNER said safety was its "top priority" and it would review any recommendations made.
The maximum speed on the East Coast Main Line through Grantham South junction is 115mph (184 km/h).
On 26 September, the train was routed on to another line by the points, which meant the speed limit was reduced to 25mph ((40 km/h).
The RAIB said the speed of the train caused it to lurch sideways and follow-up inquiries "led to the seriousness of the event being understood".
It said it had undertaken a preliminary examination and reviewed a similar incident at the same location as well as two previous investigations into similar "overspeeding" events at Spital Junction, Peterborough, in April 2022 and May 2023.
On 4 May 2023, a Grand Central service from Sunderland to London approached Spital Junction at about 65mph (104 km/h) - where the speed limit was also 25mph.
Following that incident, the RAIB said some people on the train suffered minor injuries as it went over the points. An investigation found the train operator Grand Central did not "effectively control" risks.
The branch made four new recommendations to both Grand Central and Network Rail. At the time, a Network Rail spokesperson said it was acting on recommendations, reviewing how to make signalling clearer, and how changes were communicated so they are fully understood.
On Monday, RAIB said, as the previous investigations still had open recommendations, it would publish a "safety digest" for the incident near Grantham in the next few weeks.
According to the branch's website, "when it is clear that the safety learning from an event has been identified by a previous investigation or relates to compliance with existing rules, we may choose to publish a safety digest, rather than carry out a full investigation".
An LNER spokesperson said: "The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority. We have supported RAIB in their preliminary examination and will review any recommendations made in their safety digest, alongside continuing to work with partners in the industry."
| Re: Recycling rubbish and charity shops - something of a minefield? Ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [368772/30854/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:09, 1st December 2025 | |
An update on charity shops, from the BBC:
'We made charity shops look like designer stores'
Charity shop manager Ashira Zaneb decided to completely abandon the traditional layout of her store in Greater Manchester for something resembling a designer shop.
The interior design graduate said she want the shop in Northenden to become the kind of place she would choose to visit, and as a result, customers have told "they have never been in a shop like it".
It is part of a growing trend to rebrand the shops which often dominate high streets depleted by established retailers facing spiralling overheads and fierce online competition.
Nora Masefield had no idea she was walking into a charity shop when she entered the doors of a newly-rebranded store in the square of the small historic market town of Poulton-le-Fylde in Lancashire where she lives.
The shop, called Attire and run by Blackpool-based Trinity Hospice, has a prime spot for footfall and specialises in items like high-end menswear and books.
"It's quite urban. It's quite funky. So a lot of people like it because it doesn't look like a traditional charity shop," said Paul Guest, the hospice's head of retail and volunteer services.
An impressed Nora said, as she surveyed an interior which looked like it was set for a photo shoot for an upmarket style magazine, "I didn't know what it was at first, I was pleasantly surprised".
She added: "It looks nothing like the average charity shop - they used to look like jumble sales."
Mr Guest said the aim was to create an "urban masculine" look for the shop, with many props on display "to keep that ambience".
(BBC news article continues)
Charity shop manager Ashira Zaneb decided to completely abandon the traditional layout of her store in Greater Manchester for something resembling a designer shop.
The interior design graduate said she want the shop in Northenden to become the kind of place she would choose to visit, and as a result, customers have told "they have never been in a shop like it".
It is part of a growing trend to rebrand the shops which often dominate high streets depleted by established retailers facing spiralling overheads and fierce online competition.
Nora Masefield had no idea she was walking into a charity shop when she entered the doors of a newly-rebranded store in the square of the small historic market town of Poulton-le-Fylde in Lancashire where she lives.
The shop, called Attire and run by Blackpool-based Trinity Hospice, has a prime spot for footfall and specialises in items like high-end menswear and books.
"It's quite urban. It's quite funky. So a lot of people like it because it doesn't look like a traditional charity shop," said Paul Guest, the hospice's head of retail and volunteer services.
An impressed Nora said, as she surveyed an interior which looked like it was set for a photo shoot for an upmarket style magazine, "I didn't know what it was at first, I was pleasantly surprised".
She added: "It looks nothing like the average charity shop - they used to look like jumble sales."
Mr Guest said the aim was to create an "urban masculine" look for the shop, with many props on display "to keep that ambience".
(BBC news article continues)
| Re: Guide to train travel for autistic passengers In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [368771/25845/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:46, 1st December 2025 | |
A video news article, from the BBC:
Train company awarded for service for autistic people
For a person with autism, catching a train can be incredibly challenging.
Great Western Railway is the first train operator to achieve a national award in recognition of its work to provide a friendly environment and inclusive customer service for autistic people.
Twenty-six-year-old Alex Richardson from Didcot went to find out more.
For a person with autism, catching a train can be incredibly challenging.
Great Western Railway is the first train operator to achieve a national award in recognition of its work to provide a friendly environment and inclusive customer service for autistic people.
Twenty-six-year-old Alex Richardson from Didcot went to find out more.
| Re: Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368770/31175/30] Posted by grahame at 12:11, 1st December 2025 | |
All these correct
1 Acton Main Line - Electric Train
2 Newcastle - eightonedee
4 Barry Island - RobT
5 Taunton - Chris from Nailsea
7 Cork Kent - stuving
8 Leeds - brooklea
9 Kyle of Lochalsh - Timmer
Sorry - no. 10 is not Cosham
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [368769/27000/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:00, 1st December 2025 | |
From the BBC:
New owners take over cross-Solent ferry operator
The take over of Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel by investment firm, Njord Partners has been completed.
The ferry firm said the deal, announced in September, had successfully gone through after being approved by the government.
Red Funnel said it had reduced the company's debt by more than 75% allowing it to improve its service between Southampton and East and West Cowes. The operator, which has served the island for more than 164 years, has struggled in recent years due to debt and also faced criticism over high ferry prices and unreliable crossings.
Chief executive Fran Collins said one of the commitments it had made with the new owners was to undertake a review of its fare structure. She added that with the deal "taking the debt down," the company has "more money to invest in the business".
"Securing the backing of Njord Partners gives Red Funnel the stability and confidence to progress with real ambition and renewed focus,' she said.
The takeover comes after Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson introduced the Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill in the House of Commons in November. It would bring boat routes throughout the country more in line with railways and buses. He said that travellers are "tired" of paying "rip-off prices" for ferry travel to and from the island.
The private member's bill is unlikely to become law without government support but the Department for Transport said it recognised the "vital importance" of ferry services in connecting island communities.
Njord Partners also operates Valiant Pub Company, Ambassador Cruise Line, and Geoquip Marine.
Founding partner Jakob Kjellberg said: "We are delighted to be the new owners of Red Funnel. We are excited to build on the long legacy of this essential lifeline service, and work hard to improve the business performance and regain the trust of all stakeholders."
The take over of Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel by investment firm, Njord Partners has been completed.
The ferry firm said the deal, announced in September, had successfully gone through after being approved by the government.
Red Funnel said it had reduced the company's debt by more than 75% allowing it to improve its service between Southampton and East and West Cowes. The operator, which has served the island for more than 164 years, has struggled in recent years due to debt and also faced criticism over high ferry prices and unreliable crossings.
Chief executive Fran Collins said one of the commitments it had made with the new owners was to undertake a review of its fare structure. She added that with the deal "taking the debt down," the company has "more money to invest in the business".
"Securing the backing of Njord Partners gives Red Funnel the stability and confidence to progress with real ambition and renewed focus,' she said.
The takeover comes after Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson introduced the Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill in the House of Commons in November. It would bring boat routes throughout the country more in line with railways and buses. He said that travellers are "tired" of paying "rip-off prices" for ferry travel to and from the island.
The private member's bill is unlikely to become law without government support but the Department for Transport said it recognised the "vital importance" of ferry services in connecting island communities.
Njord Partners also operates Valiant Pub Company, Ambassador Cruise Line, and Geoquip Marine.
Founding partner Jakob Kjellberg said: "We are delighted to be the new owners of Red Funnel. We are excited to build on the long legacy of this essential lifeline service, and work hard to improve the business performance and regain the trust of all stakeholders."
| Re: Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368768/31175/30] Posted by stuving at 11:38, 1st December 2025 | |
7: Cork Kent
| Re: Multiple stabbings on a London bound train in Cambridgeshire - 01 Nov 25 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [368767/31017/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:36, 1st December 2025 | |
From the BBC:
Man refuses to appear at court over train attacks
A man accused of stabbing 10 people on a train failed to appear in court after refusing to join a video link from prison.
Passengers were seriously injured on the train, which was travelling from Doncaster to London King's Cross, after it stopped at Peterborough on 1 November.
Anthony Williams, 32, from Langford Road in Peterborough, is charged with 13 counts of attempted murder, which also relate to other alleged attacks.
The short hearing was adjourned at Cambridge Crown Court and proceedings are due to resume on 28 January.
The 18:25 service was diverted and stopped at Huntingdon - where Mr Williams was eventually arrested - after multiple 999 calls from the train.
Mr Williams, who was represented in court by barrister Graham Arnold, is accused of 21 offences.
Huntingdon allegations:
- Attempted murder of ten people who were on the train
- Possessing a bladed article
- Actual bodily harm in connection with the alleged assault of a police officer while in custody
Other allegations:
- One count of attempted murder and possessing a bladed article after a man suffered facial injuries at the Pontoon Dock DLR station in Silvertown, east London, in the early hours of 1 November
- Attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy at Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough on 31 October
- Attempted murder of a 22-year-old man at Rail World Car Park in Peterborough on 31 October
- Attempted wounding with intent of a 28-year-old man at Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough on 31 October
- Possession of a bladed instrument in a public place at Henry Penn Walk
- Affray in connection with an alleged incident at Ritzy Barbers in Peterborough on 31 October
- Theft of knives from an Asda supermarket in Stevenage on 31 October
- Common assault of a 31-year-old man onboard a train travelling between Hitchin in Hertfordshire and Biggleswade in Bedfordshire on 1 November
Eleven people received treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after the incident on 1 November. They have all since been discharged.
Earlier, the court was told Mr Williams had refused to go into the video-link room from prison.
Judge Mark Bishop fixed a provisional trial date for 22 June.
A man accused of stabbing 10 people on a train failed to appear in court after refusing to join a video link from prison.
Passengers were seriously injured on the train, which was travelling from Doncaster to London King's Cross, after it stopped at Peterborough on 1 November.
Anthony Williams, 32, from Langford Road in Peterborough, is charged with 13 counts of attempted murder, which also relate to other alleged attacks.
The short hearing was adjourned at Cambridge Crown Court and proceedings are due to resume on 28 January.
The 18:25 service was diverted and stopped at Huntingdon - where Mr Williams was eventually arrested - after multiple 999 calls from the train.
Mr Williams, who was represented in court by barrister Graham Arnold, is accused of 21 offences.
Huntingdon allegations:
- Attempted murder of ten people who were on the train
- Possessing a bladed article
- Actual bodily harm in connection with the alleged assault of a police officer while in custody
Other allegations:
- One count of attempted murder and possessing a bladed article after a man suffered facial injuries at the Pontoon Dock DLR station in Silvertown, east London, in the early hours of 1 November
- Attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy at Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough on 31 October
- Attempted murder of a 22-year-old man at Rail World Car Park in Peterborough on 31 October
- Attempted wounding with intent of a 28-year-old man at Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough on 31 October
- Possession of a bladed instrument in a public place at Henry Penn Walk
- Affray in connection with an alleged incident at Ritzy Barbers in Peterborough on 31 October
- Theft of knives from an Asda supermarket in Stevenage on 31 October
- Common assault of a 31-year-old man onboard a train travelling between Hitchin in Hertfordshire and Biggleswade in Bedfordshire on 1 November
Eleven people received treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after the incident on 1 November. They have all since been discharged.
Earlier, the court was told Mr Williams had refused to go into the video-link room from prison.
Judge Mark Bishop fixed a provisional trial date for 22 June.
| Re: Bristol Airport - proposals for expansion, bus services and infrastructure - ongoing discussion In "Buses and other ways to travel" [368766/22894/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:20, 1st December 2025 | |
From the BBC:
Airport reveals plans to expand onto green space
Bristol Airport says plans to extend its runway to accommodate long-haul aircraft will include taking over a small section of open access land.
The development would see landing lights and fencing installed on a small section of Felton Common, at the eastern edge of the runway, so it can handle larger long-haul planes needed for transatlantic flights.
A public consultation will open this week, but campaign group Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) has described the plans as "unacceptable".
A Bristol Airport spokesman said: "We realise how important the open space is to local people, and so we are consulting with those with rights on the common, users of the common and local residents. We would encourage people to find out more about our proposal and provide any feedback they might have to help shape our plans."
Richard Baxter, a local environmental campaigner speaking for BAAN, said: "Felton residents shouldn't have their community space reduced and their homes and wildlife facing such intense light pollution just to spare the airport its blushes for forgetting about the safe landing of its long-haul flights."
Last year, the airport announced its 'Masterplan to 2040', detailing its long-term vision to provide long-haul flights to destinations such as the Middle East and the east coast of America.
However, BAAN has claimed that the airport's plans did not take into account the need for approach landing lights, which are an essential safety feature.
Since publishing the master plan, the airport said it has has continued to refine its design to ensure it meets all relevant safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK's independent regulator for aviation.
In order for the runway to continue operating safely, for all types of aircraft and in all weather conditions, the airport said it would need to relocate the existing approach lighting and install additional safety features at the end of the runway.
BAAN said their research suggests the new approach on Felton Common would be a row of bright white elevated lights placed 30 metres apart and 250 metres long (820ft) - roughly equivalent to the length of Park Street in Bristol.
Bristol Airport said people will still be able to continue to use all of the bridleways on the common and that care has been taken to maintain access across the green space. As the enclosed lighting would result in some loss of accessible open space and affect grazing rights, the airport said replacement land would be provided adjacent to the area.
The six-week consultation will open on Friday 7 November and close on Friday 19 December, with the feedback from the public collated ahead of a possible planning application in early 2026.
Bristol Airport says plans to extend its runway to accommodate long-haul aircraft will include taking over a small section of open access land.
The development would see landing lights and fencing installed on a small section of Felton Common, at the eastern edge of the runway, so it can handle larger long-haul planes needed for transatlantic flights.
A public consultation will open this week, but campaign group Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) has described the plans as "unacceptable".
A Bristol Airport spokesman said: "We realise how important the open space is to local people, and so we are consulting with those with rights on the common, users of the common and local residents. We would encourage people to find out more about our proposal and provide any feedback they might have to help shape our plans."
Richard Baxter, a local environmental campaigner speaking for BAAN, said: "Felton residents shouldn't have their community space reduced and their homes and wildlife facing such intense light pollution just to spare the airport its blushes for forgetting about the safe landing of its long-haul flights."
Last year, the airport announced its 'Masterplan to 2040', detailing its long-term vision to provide long-haul flights to destinations such as the Middle East and the east coast of America.
However, BAAN has claimed that the airport's plans did not take into account the need for approach landing lights, which are an essential safety feature.
Since publishing the master plan, the airport said it has has continued to refine its design to ensure it meets all relevant safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK's independent regulator for aviation.
In order for the runway to continue operating safely, for all types of aircraft and in all weather conditions, the airport said it would need to relocate the existing approach lighting and install additional safety features at the end of the runway.
BAAN said their research suggests the new approach on Felton Common would be a row of bright white elevated lights placed 30 metres apart and 250 metres long (820ft) - roughly equivalent to the length of Park Street in Bristol.
Bristol Airport said people will still be able to continue to use all of the bridleways on the common and that care has been taken to maintain access across the green space. As the enclosed lighting would result in some loss of accessible open space and affect grazing rights, the airport said replacement land would be provided adjacent to the area.
The six-week consultation will open on Friday 7 November and close on Friday 19 December, with the feedback from the public collated ahead of a possible planning application in early 2026.
| Re: Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368765/31175/30] Posted by TonyN at 11:12, 1st December 2025 | |
10: Cosham
| Re: [otd] 1st December 1933 - first GWR diesel railcar In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [368764/28196/47] Posted by Witham Bobby at 10:57, 1st December 2025 | |
The GWR doing their very best to make the less well used bits of their network viable.
Although, one of the earlier uses for the early versions of the diesel railcars was an express service between Birmingham and Cardiff, aimed at what would these days be called "business travellers". They had a buffet and a steward
The original "flying bananas" had a different appearance to the one in the picture. The were, in keeping with their times, very sleek and streamlined. They were made by Park Royal Vehicles, I think
The later version, the more "razor edged" type, was a Swindon product, and was designed and powered to be able to haul trailing loads - either an additional passenger carriage, or a parcels van
| Re: Severn Tunnel - engineering improvements, events, incidents and history - merged posts In "London to South Wales" [368763/3861/11] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 10:56, 1st December 2025 Already liked by Mark A | |
Today is the anniversary of the first passenger train through the Severn Tunnel, on 1 December 1886.
| Re: Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368762/31175/30] Posted by RobT at 10:44, 1st December 2025 Already liked by grahame | |
4. Barry Island
| Re: Cheltenham Road Viaduct - scope for possible redoubling (split topic, ongoing discussion) In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [368761/31161/21] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 10:39, 1st December 2025 Already liked by GBM | |
It could be called the 'Convenience Coffee Shop'.
| Re: Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368760/31175/30] Posted by brooklea at 10:27, 1st December 2025 Already liked by grahame | |
8. Leeds
| Re: [otd] 1st December 1933 - first GWR diesel railcar In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [368759/28196/47] Posted by grahame at 10:25, 1st December 2025 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
| Re: Some Site Statistics In "News, Help and Assistance" [368758/10588/29] Posted by grahame at 10:12, 1st December 2025 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
"A thousand posts a month an a hundred new topics" ... I take a look each month and see how we are doing against those target; here is a bar chart from the start of last year:
2025 has been a steady year - I expected a far more major perturbation from the start of this year with the move from http to https, and from a single server to the receptionist - worker model.
| Re: Cheltenham Road Viaduct - scope for possible redoubling (split topic, ongoing discussion) In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [368757/31161/21] Posted by Noggin at 09:41, 1st December 2025 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Mark A | |
My local barbers is located in an ex-public toilet in Totterdown that Bristol closed & sold off. He put a flat on the roof and called the shop "The Gents".
| Re: Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour - closed, 1.12.2025 In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [368756/31176/20] Posted by Mark A at 08:46, 1st December 2025 | |
As a pendant - I would suggest Option 5 - to walk from Portsmouth and Southsea to Portsmouth Harbour which is not far and probably what I would do, but that would need to be phrased carefully to avoid being seen as a cheeky suggestion. Option 3 is NOT an option for passengers at all, of course - it's an option that the disruption planning team will have considered, but then (rightly in this case IMHO) have ruled out.
Totally dissimilar as there wasn't a good walking route and also going off on a tangent: this put me in mind of the start of the sixties when services north of Nottingham Victoria to the likes of Sheffield were abruptly axed. Platform staff (whose morale must have been through the floor) had to tell passengers arriving from the south and needing a connection to walk to the Midland station a good 3/4 of a mile south. (This imposition on passengers would have rapidly dissipated as many people will have modified their travel patterns in favour of alternative routes or modes, but it's a useful if extreme example of how travel patterns can be moulded and shaped - negatively in this case).
Mark
| Re: Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour - closed, 1.12.2025 In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [368755/31176/20] Posted by GBM at 08:27, 1st December 2025 | |
And just to add to the 'fun' on Portsmouth trains, now signalling problems near Dean too.
The signalling problem at Dean has been ongoing for several days now.A shortage of axel counter specialists perhaps!
| Re: Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour - closed, 1.12.2025 In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [368754/31176/20] Posted by John D at 08:10, 1st December 2025 | |
And just to add to the 'fun' on Portsmouth trains, now signalling problems near Dean too.
Sensibly GWR have reminded everyone that if you miss connections don't need to pay extra and can claim delay repay
Quote :
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Salisbury and Romsey trains have to run at reduced speed.
Impact:
Train services running through these stations will be delayed by up to 10 minutes. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice:
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There is a fault with the signalling system in the Dean area. The signalling system is how trains are kept a safe distance apart and directed onto the various lines along their journey. When there is a fault with the signalling system trains may need to stop at the affected signals so that the Driver can speak to the Signaller to confirm if the track ahead is clear.
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As trains are still running you should travel as normal and catch your intended train. If you miss a connection as a result of being delayed, your ticket will be accepted, at no extra cost, on the next available train.
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You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner.
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If you are at a station, please check the live departure boards or speak to a member of station staff.
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Delay Repay:
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If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
| Re: Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368753/31175/30] Posted by eightonedee at 08:05, 1st December 2025 Already liked by grahame | |
2 is Newcastle
| Re: Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368752/31175/30] Posted by Timmer at 07:23, 1st December 2025 Already liked by grahame | |
9 Kyle of Lochalsh
| 04:50 Fratton - Bristol Temple Meads cancelled In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [368751/31177/21] Posted by matth1j at 07:21, 1st December 2025 | |
Left Fratton on time, but cancelled from Warminster onwards due to 'an issue with train crew'.
As I catch this from Trowbridge, and the next service to Bristol (07:05 Cardiff) was showing as (just) 'delayed', I decided to catch the bus from Melksham to Bath instead of the 06:32 train to Trowbridge. Of course the Cardiff train subsequently ran normally
| Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour - closed, 1.12.2025 In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [368750/31176/20] Posted by grahame at 07:08, 1st December 2025 | |
Cancellations to services between Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour all lines are closed.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
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What has happened?
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Axle counters, part of the signalling system, have stopped working. Axle counters tell the signalling system if a section of track has a train on it. If an axle counter stops working, trains need to stop at the affected signal so that the Driver can speak to the Signaller to confirm if the track ahead is clear.
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What are we doing about it?
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Engineers are on site and are working on a fix
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Whilst this is the case our services will not be able to run to Portsmouth Harbour. Our services will instead run as far as Portsmouth & Southsea where they will terminate.
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What are my options?
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We are sorry for the delay to your journey today. Below are the current options available to you:
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Option 1: Use the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to check if a journey by rail is currently possible. If you are at a station please check the Live Departure Boards or speak to a member of our station team.
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Option 2: Your ticket can be used, at no extra cost, in both directions on the following local bus routes. Just show your rail ticket to the driver:
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First Bus route 1 between Portsmouth (Hard Interchange Stop F), Portsmouth (Guildhall Stop B) and Fratton (Fratton Bridge).
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First Bus route 2 between Portsmouth Harbour (Hard Interchange), Portsmouth & Southsea (Guildhall), Cosham (Interchange)
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First Bus route 3 between Fareham (Bus Station Stop B), Cosham (Health Centre), Portsmouth (Guildhall) and Portsmouth (Hard Interchange Stop E).
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First Bus route 8 between Portsmouth (Hard Interchange Stop G), Portsmouth (Guildhall) and Cosham (Health Centre).
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irst Bus route X4 between Southampton (WestQuay Stop BI), Fareham (Station) and Portsmouth (Hard Interchange Stop G).
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Option 3: Replacement transport, provided by us such as a buses, coaches or taxis, have not been requested as there are other alternatives in place to allow you to continue your journey. The time taken to resource vehicles and the journey time by road is likely to be significantly longer that it would be for you to use one of the other alternative options. We will continue to monitor the need for this as the situation develops and provide any updates here.
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Option 4: Travel at a later time. You might want to consider postponing your journey until our service returns to normal.
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Let us help you:
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Don't worry if you're already travelling when disruption happens, we'll get you where you need to go. If you miss the last train of the day due to cancellation or because another train was delayed, we wont leave you stranded.
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If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to our staff at the station or on the train.
Use the Customer Help Point on the platform.
Message us on X @GWRHelp, Facebook Messenger @gwruk, Instagram @gwruk or WhatsApp 07890 608043. Our team is available weekdays between 06:00 - 23:00 and on weekends between 07:00 - 23:00.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 06:00 and 23:00.
Call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
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Delay Repay:
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If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Due to a fault with the signalling system between Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour all lines are closed.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
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What has happened?
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Axle counters, part of the signalling system, have stopped working. Axle counters tell the signalling system if a section of track has a train on it. If an axle counter stops working, trains need to stop at the affected signal so that the Driver can speak to the Signaller to confirm if the track ahead is clear.
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What are we doing about it?
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Engineers are on site and are working on a fix
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Whilst this is the case our services will not be able to run to Portsmouth Harbour. Our services will instead run as far as Portsmouth & Southsea where they will terminate.
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What are my options?
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We are sorry for the delay to your journey today. Below are the current options available to you:
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Option 1: Use the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to check if a journey by rail is currently possible. If you are at a station please check the Live Departure Boards or speak to a member of our station team.
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Option 2: Your ticket can be used, at no extra cost, in both directions on the following local bus routes. Just show your rail ticket to the driver:
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First Bus route 1 between Portsmouth (Hard Interchange Stop F), Portsmouth (Guildhall Stop B) and Fratton (Fratton Bridge).
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First Bus route 2 between Portsmouth Harbour (Hard Interchange), Portsmouth & Southsea (Guildhall), Cosham (Interchange)
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First Bus route 3 between Fareham (Bus Station Stop B), Cosham (Health Centre), Portsmouth (Guildhall) and Portsmouth (Hard Interchange Stop E).
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First Bus route 8 between Portsmouth (Hard Interchange Stop G), Portsmouth (Guildhall) and Cosham (Health Centre).
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irst Bus route X4 between Southampton (WestQuay Stop BI), Fareham (Station) and Portsmouth (Hard Interchange Stop G).
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Option 3: Replacement transport, provided by us such as a buses, coaches or taxis, have not been requested as there are other alternatives in place to allow you to continue your journey. The time taken to resource vehicles and the journey time by road is likely to be significantly longer that it would be for you to use one of the other alternative options. We will continue to monitor the need for this as the situation develops and provide any updates here.
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Option 4: Travel at a later time. You might want to consider postponing your journey until our service returns to normal.
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Let us help you:
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Don't worry if you're already travelling when disruption happens, we'll get you where you need to go. If you miss the last train of the day due to cancellation or because another train was delayed, we wont leave you stranded.
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If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to our staff at the station or on the train.
Use the Customer Help Point on the platform.
Message us on X @GWRHelp, Facebook Messenger @gwruk, Instagram @gwruk or WhatsApp 07890 608043. Our team is available weekdays between 06:00 - 23:00 and on weekends between 07:00 - 23:00.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 06:00 and 23:00.
Call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
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Delay Repay:
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If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Good to see so many options offered and the explanations. Most Coffee Shop members will already know what an axle counter is - however, useful stuff for wider and guest readers and I comment the completeness of the data.
As a pendant - I would suggest Option 5 - to walk from Portsmouth and Southsea to Portsmouth Harbour which is not far and probably what I would do, but that would need to be phrased carefully to avoid being seen as a cheeky suggestion. Option 3 is NOT an option for passengers at all, of course - it's an option that the disruption planning team will have considered, but then (rightly in this case IMHO) have ruled out.
| Re: Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368749/31175/30] Posted by Electric train at 06:59, 1st December 2025 Already liked by grahame | |
No 1 - Acton Main Line
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2025 In "TransWilts line" [368748/29726/18] Posted by grahame at 06:39, 1st December 2025 | |
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will call additionally at Dilton Marsh.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will call additionally at Dilton Marsh.
This is due to the train making extra stops because a train was cancelled.
I would need to look at what it's replacing, but in the whole picture of things, it would be sensible for this train to routinely call at Dilton Marsh.
| Re: Interrail Black Friday Sale - 25/11 to 17/12/2025 (for use in 2026) In "Fare's Fair" [368747/31140/4] Posted by grahame at 06:20, 1st December 2025 | |
| Re: Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368746/31175/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 06:09, 1st December 2025 Already liked by grahame, Timmer, GBM, Western Pathfinder, rogerw | |
Alright, let's get this one out of the way:
5. Taunton.
CfN
| Coffee Shop / Advent Quiz 2025. Introduction and first day questions In "The Lighter Side" [368745/31175/30] Posted by grahame at 05:53, 1st December 2025 | |
Advent Quiz 2025. The Coffee Shop Advent Quiz will run until Christmas, with a new set of questions every day. Members encourage to answer / made educated gussed and comment - but where there are lots of pictures or questions, please limit your answers to just one of them per day - give everyone else a chance.
If you are not a member - you are very welcome to join and take part - not only in the quizzes but in all of our other topics - ranging from best fares and routes for passengers right through to the very techy stuff if that's your thing. The Coffee Shop forum is run by a team of volunteers - we do it all completely free, because we enjoy it, we enjoy the socialisation it brings / friendships across the patch and beyond, and that what's posted is helpful to our members, our guests, and at times to helping inform partners who run and campaign for public transpor improvements. To join - follow the registration link here; there's a whole lot of TsAndCs there which help us keep this a happy place; please do not be put off by them - consider them more as guidelines than rules.
If you are a member - the first quiz just below - these are pictures taken in the British Isles - can you identify a location?
1. Acton Main Line - Electric Train
2. Newcastle - eightonedee
3.
4. Barry Island - RobT
5. Taunton - Chris from Nailsea
6.
7. Cork Kent - stuving
8. Leeds - brooklea
9. Kyle of Lochalsh - Timmer
10.
