Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373446/31355/51] Posted by ChrisB at 14:42, 20th March 2026 |      |
From The Met Office
A warm, sunny weekend before a return to cooler weather and even a chance of snow
Much of the UK will enjoy a warm and settled weekend, with long spells of sunshine and temperatures climbing into the mid to high teens, thanks to high pressure dominating the weather.
Any early mist and fog could be slow to clear, but once it does, conditions will be largely fine and dry.
However, from Sunday the weather begins to change. A weakening band of cloud and patchy rain will move southeast across the country, followed by sunny spells and scattered showers in the north. Some of these showers may turn wintry over higher ground.
Met Office Chief Forecaster, Steve Willington, said: “While the early part of the period brings warm sunshine for many, it’s not unusual to see colder spells and even some wintry showers in March. As we head into next week, a shift to a cooler north‑westerly flow will bring a drop in temperature and more unsettled weather, including some hill snow in the north and brisk winds at times. This pattern is entirely typical for the time of year.”
Early next week, a more mobile Atlantic pattern develops, with rain spreading into northern and western areas on Monday and Tuesday, occasionally turning to snow over the Scottish mountains. Stronger winds are expected in the north, with coastal gales at times.
By Wednesday, the UK will be in a cooler and more unstable north‑to‑north-westerly flow, bringing frequent showers, some heavy and wintry over higher ground. Snow could possibly reach lower levels in the north later in the day. Temperatures will be near or a little below average.
Towards the end of the week, higher pressure is expected to build again from the west, reducing showers and easing winds. However, temperatures are likely to remain on the cool side, with some overnight frost possible.
Much of the UK will enjoy a warm and settled weekend, with long spells of sunshine and temperatures climbing into the mid to high teens, thanks to high pressure dominating the weather.
Any early mist and fog could be slow to clear, but once it does, conditions will be largely fine and dry.
However, from Sunday the weather begins to change. A weakening band of cloud and patchy rain will move southeast across the country, followed by sunny spells and scattered showers in the north. Some of these showers may turn wintry over higher ground.
Met Office Chief Forecaster, Steve Willington, said: “While the early part of the period brings warm sunshine for many, it’s not unusual to see colder spells and even some wintry showers in March. As we head into next week, a shift to a cooler north‑westerly flow will bring a drop in temperature and more unsettled weather, including some hill snow in the north and brisk winds at times. This pattern is entirely typical for the time of year.”
Early next week, a more mobile Atlantic pattern develops, with rain spreading into northern and western areas on Monday and Tuesday, occasionally turning to snow over the Scottish mountains. Stronger winds are expected in the north, with coastal gales at times.
By Wednesday, the UK will be in a cooler and more unstable north‑to‑north-westerly flow, bringing frequent showers, some heavy and wintry over higher ground. Snow could possibly reach lower levels in the north later in the day. Temperatures will be near or a little below average.
Towards the end of the week, higher pressure is expected to build again from the west, reducing showers and easing winds. However, temperatures are likely to remain on the cool side, with some overnight frost possible.
| Re: Go-Op Cooperative - proposals for additional rail services In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [373445/11010/28] Posted by eightonedee at 14:15, 20th March 2026 | |
I am sorry Grahame, but I am with Chris B, Industry Insider, Tony K and others who have long been sceptical about the chances of this project succeeding. Just take a cold, hard look at what is involved. Not only do you need to procure the rolling stock (with associated leasing or borrowing costs, likely to be enhanced by the lack of trading history and substantial parent company backing), you need sufficient for resilience in the event of breakdowns, you need somewhere to stable them, somewhere and someone to maintain them, fuel and clean them. You need the IT infrastructure for travel information. You need administrative personnel for the staff, health & safety, procurement and other regulatory compliance, as well as train staff. They will need not only paying, but also training, having their pensions funded and employers NI paid. Then you need insurance, public liability and employer's, the premium for which is likely to be higher with a lack of any track record in operating a public service on part of the national rail network. And that's just what someone who is not in the industry can think of in a few minutes.
This is not a self-contained heritage operation, supported by volunteer effort with limited days of operation at slow speeds. Even they struggle, as anyone who is a member of a heritage railway group (or who reads about them in the relevant threads on this forum) can attest. While they might not be faced with the problems of directly bearing the cost of infrastructure maintenance that beset that sector, they will have to contribute to Network Rail's maintenance of their route to a much higher standard.
Matters are not helped by their somewhat contradictory, presumably over-optimistic, announcements, about everything from the route they intend to run, the rolling stock they claim to have secured and even recruitment and training of staff. No professional railwayman would be wise to give up a job with his or her current employer to join Go-op.
My own view is that it would have been kinder for Network Rail to have bitten the bullet, pointed out that they showed no realistic prospect of raising the initial track access payment or supporting financial security, let alone funding the service until it became (hopefully) sustainable, and instead directed them to start lobbying GWR, ORR, DfT, local MPs and the relevant local transport authorities to work together to provide links across Somerset and from West Wiltshire to the Midlands via Swindon and Oxford.
| Re: Manchester Piccadilly station to shut for nine days for upgrade - February 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373444/31052/51] Posted by ChrisB at 13:52, 20th March 2026 | |
And.....the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday features a club from.......yup, Manchester!
No London train until lunchtime will mean substantial overcrowding on the few trains to get to Euston in time for kick-off.
You couldn't make it up really. 50 other weeks without a Cup Final at Wembley to choose from
| Rail worker killed in the Radlett area dealing with sinkhole - 15 March 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373443/31763/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:34, 20th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Rail worker killed after being struck by a train
The incident happened in the Radlett area on Sunday evening
A railway worker has been killed after being struck by a train during work to deal with a sinkhole.
It happened on Sunday evening in the Radlett area in Hertfordshire and involved a train travelling from Sheffield to London St Pancras.
All lines were blocked as emergency services attended and the Network Rail worker was pronounced dead at 21:43 GMT.
British Transport Police (BTP) said it was "working to establish the full circumstances leading up to his death".
It is believed the worker was a controller of site safety and had been looking to put in speed restrictions in relation to a sinkhole at Elstree & Borehamwood railway station - the next stop into London after Radlett.
In a statement, BTP said officers were called to the line near Radlett at about 21:05 following "reports of a casualty on the tracks".
A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed a member of its team died and they said the company's "thoughts are with their family and colleagues at this extremely difficult time".
"We're supporting everyone affected and are working closely with the BTP to understand the full circumstances of what happened," they added.
The incident happened in the Radlett area on Sunday evening
A railway worker has been killed after being struck by a train during work to deal with a sinkhole.
It happened on Sunday evening in the Radlett area in Hertfordshire and involved a train travelling from Sheffield to London St Pancras.
All lines were blocked as emergency services attended and the Network Rail worker was pronounced dead at 21:43 GMT.
British Transport Police (BTP) said it was "working to establish the full circumstances leading up to his death".
It is believed the worker was a controller of site safety and had been looking to put in speed restrictions in relation to a sinkhole at Elstree & Borehamwood railway station - the next stop into London after Radlett.
In a statement, BTP said officers were called to the line near Radlett at about 21:05 following "reports of a casualty on the tracks".
A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed a member of its team died and they said the company's "thoughts are with their family and colleagues at this extremely difficult time".
"We're supporting everyone affected and are working closely with the BTP to understand the full circumstances of what happened," they added.
| Re: Manchester Piccadilly station to shut for nine days for upgrade - February 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373442/31052/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:03, 20th March 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
More weekend disruption at Manchester Piccadilly
The closure will see services cancelled or altered on Sunday
Passengers travelling through Manchester Piccadilly have been warned to expect more disruption when the station shuts to some rail routes on Sunday.
Trains from the south and east of England will be unable to call at the station from the start of services until about 13:00 GMT, with some connections cancelled and others running on altered routes.
The closure will allow "essential" work to be finished as part of a £7.9m upgrade to tracks, points and signalling systems, Network Rail said.
Some trains to Liverpool, Blackpool and Chester will continue to run from platforms 13 and 14 on a reduced timetable.
The latest closure comes after the station shut for a week last month.
It means no services will run from Stockport until 12:30 GMT, from London Euston until 12:55 GMT.
Trams will continue to run from Piccadilly, while Transport for Greater Manchester said valid rail tickets will be accepted on several buses through the wider city region.
Rail replacement buses will run from the station between Stockport and Crewe.
The Bee Network has provided a full list of amended services from operators across the region.
The closure will see services cancelled or altered on Sunday
Passengers travelling through Manchester Piccadilly have been warned to expect more disruption when the station shuts to some rail routes on Sunday.
Trains from the south and east of England will be unable to call at the station from the start of services until about 13:00 GMT, with some connections cancelled and others running on altered routes.
The closure will allow "essential" work to be finished as part of a £7.9m upgrade to tracks, points and signalling systems, Network Rail said.
Some trains to Liverpool, Blackpool and Chester will continue to run from platforms 13 and 14 on a reduced timetable.
The latest closure comes after the station shut for a week last month.
It means no services will run from Stockport until 12:30 GMT, from London Euston until 12:55 GMT.
Trams will continue to run from Piccadilly, while Transport for Greater Manchester said valid rail tickets will be accepted on several buses through the wider city region.
Rail replacement buses will run from the station between Stockport and Crewe.
The Bee Network has provided a full list of amended services from operators across the region.
| Re: WECA becomes WEMCA, sometime between December 2024 and January 2026 (updated title) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [373441/25181/21] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:32, 20th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
'Weca needs to control its own bus network'
Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham called for an "integrated transport system" in the city
Greater Manchester's mayor has called on West Country transport bosses to take control of their bus network.
Andy Burnham brought Manchester's buses back under public control in 2023 and believes the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which manages public transport in Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset, could follow a similar transport model.
Burnham now has the power to manage bus routes and fares, which has resulted in a number of changes including the introduction of the "hopper fare", where a single fare is valid on most buses for an hour.
Helen Godwin, Weca mayor, said the authority is "looking carefully at all of the options for how to take greater control of our buses". Unlike Greater Manchester, Weca does not have revenue-raising power through council tax, as that is instead raised by local authorities.
"The revenue is important because once you raise the money to take control, you control the money," Burnham said. He spoke of Liverpool and South Yorkshire, which have recently taken steps to take back control of their own bus networks, something Greater Manchester has already achieved.
He said he wants to support the Weca mayor in doing the same, adding there is "a lot of collaboration that goes on between mayors".
"She (Godwin) is a close friend and she's doing a great job," he said. "I'm going to help Helen all the way on this because I know she wants to get there. I realise it's more difficult here because of the situation she inherits, but honestly I think a city like Bristol needs to be in control of its own transport," he added.
Ideas for a mass transit system have been floated around for years.
Godwin said franchising is "not a quick or cheap fix".
"As Andy knows it takes years and has meant an extra charge on people's council tax bills - which is not something we want to rush into. It's true that what's right for somewhere else may not always be the best model for the West of England, which is much more rural than Greater Manchester.
"More immediately, we're already working to quickly improve our bus network, as we secure more investment and make the most of devolution to catch up with other regions," she added.
Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham called for an "integrated transport system" in the city
Greater Manchester's mayor has called on West Country transport bosses to take control of their bus network.
Andy Burnham brought Manchester's buses back under public control in 2023 and believes the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which manages public transport in Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset, could follow a similar transport model.
Burnham now has the power to manage bus routes and fares, which has resulted in a number of changes including the introduction of the "hopper fare", where a single fare is valid on most buses for an hour.
Helen Godwin, Weca mayor, said the authority is "looking carefully at all of the options for how to take greater control of our buses". Unlike Greater Manchester, Weca does not have revenue-raising power through council tax, as that is instead raised by local authorities.
"The revenue is important because once you raise the money to take control, you control the money," Burnham said. He spoke of Liverpool and South Yorkshire, which have recently taken steps to take back control of their own bus networks, something Greater Manchester has already achieved.
He said he wants to support the Weca mayor in doing the same, adding there is "a lot of collaboration that goes on between mayors".
"She (Godwin) is a close friend and she's doing a great job," he said. "I'm going to help Helen all the way on this because I know she wants to get there. I realise it's more difficult here because of the situation she inherits, but honestly I think a city like Bristol needs to be in control of its own transport," he added.
Ideas for a mass transit system have been floated around for years.
Godwin said franchising is "not a quick or cheap fix".
"As Andy knows it takes years and has meant an extra charge on people's council tax bills - which is not something we want to rush into. It's true that what's right for somewhere else may not always be the best model for the West of England, which is much more rural than Greater Manchester.
"More immediately, we're already working to quickly improve our bus network, as we secure more investment and make the most of devolution to catch up with other regions," she added.
| 'Absolutely buzzing town is voted best place to live' in the south-west In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373440/31762/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:13, 20th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
'Absolutely buzzing' town voted best in south-west
Malmesbury has been ranked the top place to live in the south-west of England
An "absolutely buzzing" market town has been ranked as the best place to live in the south-west of England.
Judges from the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide picked Malmesbury in Wiltshire due to its range of annual events and lively High Street.
Meanwhile the "culture and charm" of Bristol's Kingsdown and the "community spirit" of Stroud in Gloucestershire helped these two locations be named as runners up.
On Malmesbury, Sunday Times judge Tim Palmer said: "It's a beautiful historic town which has also managed to keep itself bang up to date. At a time when so many town centres and High Streets are struggling, [this] High Street is absolutely buzzing."
Malmesbury was chosen for its variety of things to do, as well as its annual carnival hosted "by the community, for the community". Judges also pointed to the Three Cups pub, wide range of state schools and job opportunities at the Dyson Creative Campus.
Malmesbury can be seen as "the place you pass by on the M4" to outsiders, says resident Jenni Tricklebank, who has lived there 15 years. She hopes the new Sunday Times ranking will bring more visitors to the town. She told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "We rented in Malmesbury to start with thinking we'll move to Bath or Bristol, somewhere with a bit more going on. But we just fell in love with the place. We're so lucky you have everything we need right in the town centre, yet the countryside is right on our doorstep."
David Drake, head of the Malmesbury Town Team and owner of the Caerbladon gallery, said the new ranking was "fantastic" news, but added that challenges have arisen due to the town's rise in residents. "It is a medieval town which wasn't designed with the volume of traffic which we currently experience in mind. We've been working hard to encourage people to cycle or walk. I think the future really is in more sustainable town use that increases the quality of experience for residents and visitors," he added.
Kingsdown in Bristol was praised for the suburb's walkable nature, its range of pubs, cafes and independent shops.
Meanwhile judges in Stroud praised its Saturday morning farmers' market, train links and "a quality lifestyle for everyone".
The full list of south-west locations is:
* Malmesbury, Wiltshire
* Bridport, Dorset
* Bristol: Kingsdown
* Dartmoor, Devon
* Exmouth, Devon
* Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall
* Stroud, Gloucestershire
* Wimborne Minster, Dorset
Malmesbury has been ranked the top place to live in the south-west of England
An "absolutely buzzing" market town has been ranked as the best place to live in the south-west of England.
Judges from the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide picked Malmesbury in Wiltshire due to its range of annual events and lively High Street.
Meanwhile the "culture and charm" of Bristol's Kingsdown and the "community spirit" of Stroud in Gloucestershire helped these two locations be named as runners up.
On Malmesbury, Sunday Times judge Tim Palmer said: "It's a beautiful historic town which has also managed to keep itself bang up to date. At a time when so many town centres and High Streets are struggling, [this] High Street is absolutely buzzing."
Malmesbury was chosen for its variety of things to do, as well as its annual carnival hosted "by the community, for the community". Judges also pointed to the Three Cups pub, wide range of state schools and job opportunities at the Dyson Creative Campus.
Malmesbury can be seen as "the place you pass by on the M4" to outsiders, says resident Jenni Tricklebank, who has lived there 15 years. She hopes the new Sunday Times ranking will bring more visitors to the town. She told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "We rented in Malmesbury to start with thinking we'll move to Bath or Bristol, somewhere with a bit more going on. But we just fell in love with the place. We're so lucky you have everything we need right in the town centre, yet the countryside is right on our doorstep."
David Drake, head of the Malmesbury Town Team and owner of the Caerbladon gallery, said the new ranking was "fantastic" news, but added that challenges have arisen due to the town's rise in residents. "It is a medieval town which wasn't designed with the volume of traffic which we currently experience in mind. We've been working hard to encourage people to cycle or walk. I think the future really is in more sustainable town use that increases the quality of experience for residents and visitors," he added.
Kingsdown in Bristol was praised for the suburb's walkable nature, its range of pubs, cafes and independent shops.
Meanwhile judges in Stroud praised its Saturday morning farmers' market, train links and "a quality lifestyle for everyone".
The full list of south-west locations is:
* Malmesbury, Wiltshire
* Bridport, Dorset
* Bristol: Kingsdown
* Dartmoor, Devon
* Exmouth, Devon
* Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall
* Stroud, Gloucestershire
* Wimborne Minster, Dorset
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373439/31005/51] Posted by Mark A at 12:12, 20th March 2026 Already liked by eightonedee | |
Thinking back to the marketing and to the uplift in passenger services after the work was completed to electrify the West and then the East Coast Main Lines, in the case of the former at least a very disruptive chapter with a lot of so-called secondary lines pressed into service to mitigate the impact.
The nature of the electrification of the GWR... has it meant that it's never really benefitted from that feelgood boost, the 'Sparks effect'? The lack of electrification even to Oxford is astonishing - it's shut down an opportunity for the railway to really achieve something even there.
Also, an odd thing: Oxford to Marylebone services started less than ten years ago. Imagine the current GWR service to London, but if the Marylebone service hadn't happened. (For that matter, imagine the current GWR services without the M40 and the Oxford Tube.)
Mark
| Re: Birmingham's new railway stations on Camp Hill Line In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373438/30899/51] Posted by grahame at 12:00, 20th March 2026 Already liked by Red Squirrel | |
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cnv6vrrg65ro
Two Black Country towns have welcomed trains for the first time in 60 years following the opening of new stations.
The Willenhall and Darlaston stations are part of a £185m project to reinstate rail links across the West Midlands not used in decades.
The stations have been added to the Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street service via Wolverhampton.
Lucy Elwell, who lives close to the new Willenhall station, said she planned to use it straight away, adding: "I literally live a few doors down so it's going to be quite helpful to just hop on the train whenever."
The Willenhall and Darlaston stations are part of a £185m project to reinstate rail links across the West Midlands not used in decades.
The stations have been added to the Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street service via Wolverhampton.
Lucy Elwell, who lives close to the new Willenhall station, said she planned to use it straight away, adding: "I literally live a few doors down so it's going to be quite helpful to just hop on the train whenever."
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373437/31355/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:57, 20th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
UK set for temperature rollercoaster as chilly nights follow warm days
High pressure lying over the UK means that above average temperatures and spring sunshine will continue for the next few days.
All four UK nations have seen their warmest weather of 2026 so far over the past two days, with Friday set to bring another warm day - possibly the warmest yet this year for Scotland and Northern Ireland. But the clear skies that bring the sunshine and warm conditions also mean that overnight temperatures can drop significantly.
Some locations in the Midlands and southern England experienced a day/night temperature difference of around 21C following Wednesday's warmth which was followed by a sharp frost Thursday morning.
Clear skies and light winds this time of year can mean that the Sun warms the ground quickly by day, pushing temperatures up in the strengthening spring sunshine. However, with a lack of cloud overnight, this also means that radiation escapes quickly once the sun sets.
During spring, we still have relatively long nights, and cool surface temperatures, meaning the variation in temperatures over a 24 hours period can be particularly stark.
South Newington in Oxfordshire reached 19C on Wednesday, then plummeted to -2.4C overnight. Meanwhile, Woburn in Bedfordshire reached 19.4C before tumbling to -1.6C.
These huge swings are known as the diurnal temperature range. Put simply, it's the difference between the highest and lowest temperature of the day.
Afternoons are normally the warmest part of the day because the sun has had time to warm the ground and surrounding air, whilst the coldest time is usually dawn as the ground has lost heat throughout the night.
(BBC article continues)
High pressure lying over the UK means that above average temperatures and spring sunshine will continue for the next few days.
All four UK nations have seen their warmest weather of 2026 so far over the past two days, with Friday set to bring another warm day - possibly the warmest yet this year for Scotland and Northern Ireland. But the clear skies that bring the sunshine and warm conditions also mean that overnight temperatures can drop significantly.
Some locations in the Midlands and southern England experienced a day/night temperature difference of around 21C following Wednesday's warmth which was followed by a sharp frost Thursday morning.
Clear skies and light winds this time of year can mean that the Sun warms the ground quickly by day, pushing temperatures up in the strengthening spring sunshine. However, with a lack of cloud overnight, this also means that radiation escapes quickly once the sun sets.
During spring, we still have relatively long nights, and cool surface temperatures, meaning the variation in temperatures over a 24 hours period can be particularly stark.
South Newington in Oxfordshire reached 19C on Wednesday, then plummeted to -2.4C overnight. Meanwhile, Woburn in Bedfordshire reached 19.4C before tumbling to -1.6C.
These huge swings are known as the diurnal temperature range. Put simply, it's the difference between the highest and lowest temperature of the day.
Afternoons are normally the warmest part of the day because the sun has had time to warm the ground and surrounding air, whilst the coldest time is usually dawn as the ground has lost heat throughout the night.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Copyright of images - do you need to check your old posts? In "News, Help and Assistance" [373436/31403/29] Posted by Red Squirrel at 11:40, 20th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Just a little something to add to this thread: I've just been alerted to yet another potential copyright gotcha.
We are now all too aware of 'copyright trolls' - those who seek punitive fees from those who have, often by accident, infringed copyright. But there are also 'copyleft trolls'!
Copyleft trolls exploit a loophole in the wording of the pre-CC4 creative commons licence. The way these licences were worded meant that if you did not comply with the full usage conditions (such as attribution, copyright statement and link to the licence) you were in breach of the originator's copyright. Generally this would not be a problem as people who publish under CC licences are unlikely to mind much.
Copyleft trolls exploit this by publishing under a pre-CC4 licence and then looking for any errors people make when using and attributing their images, in much the way that copyright trolls do. Beware!
As a user, you are probably best advised to stick to images published under CC4. As a publisher, switching to CC4 is a good way of reassuring users that your images are safe to republish.
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [373435/28982/26] Posted by a-driver at 11:08, 20th March 2026 | |
175111 arrived at Wolverton 9th October, so has taken 5.5 months.
If another unit arriving today from Ely takes the same duration, will reappear in September
And these would have been considered to be in the best condition!
The move from Ely has been cancelled though.
| Re: 19th March 2026 - Community Rail Awards, Derby In "Diary - what's happening when?" [373434/31549/34] Posted by grahame at 10:10, 20th March 2026 Already liked by rogerw, Western Pathfinder, PrestburyRoad, eightonedee | |
Congratulations to TransWilts CRP for second place in the "Small Projects" category last night
“Such an innovative approach to widening access to rail travel.” - Riona McMorrow, judge
I expect that there are a number of other place entries and perhaps winners across the GWR area - congratulations to them too - my data feed so far this morning isn't set up to winkle them all out yet from all the entries
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [373433/28982/26] Posted by John D at 09:18, 20th March 2026 | |
Should be 175111 with another two 3-cars pencilled in for April.
There’s also a move in the system for Ely to Wolverton so potentially another 175 to attempt to get working!
There’s also a move in the system for Ely to Wolverton so potentially another 175 to attempt to get working!
175111 arrived at Wolverton 9th October, so has taken 5.5 months.
If another unit arriving today from Ely takes the same duration, will reappear in September
| Where are people going - top tourist attractions in 2025 In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373432/31761/31] Posted by grahame at 06:55, 20th March 2026 Already liked by MVR S&T | |
from Association of Leading Visitor Attractions - my graphic from their figure for attractions in the South West
Here is the "base data" for the South West, showing national ranking number in the first column
:
25 Stonehenge 1253405
32 Roman Baths and Pump Room 1034160
47 Longleat 790533
48 Moors Valley (Forestry England) 787620
59 Eden Project 679076
71 Westonbirt - The National Arboretum Forestry England 617032
87 Forestry England Haldon 496758
109 Stourhead 415208
111 St Michael's Mount 403711
116 Kingston Lacy 398634
117 Tyntesfield 398389
129 Forestry England Beechenhurst 341958
141 Tintagel Castle 303096
144 Forestry England Forest of Dean Cycle Centre 291038
159 WWT Slimbridge 263731
165 Salisbury Cathedral with Magna Carta 252513
170 Dyrham 250885
171 RHS Garden Rosemoor 250884
172 Lacock 248511
177 Forestry England Cardinham 242044
179 Corfe Castle 239483
182 Killerton 234588
187 Tate St Ives 224652
193 The Tank Museum 219792
195 Trelissick 217048
204 Forestry England Mallards Pike 200970
206 Lanhydrock 193401
213 Cheddar Gorge and Caves 177167
217 Dunster 164667
219 Forestry England Symonds Yat 160940
224 Saltram 147638
233 Brunel's SS Great Britain 131056
269 Fleet Air Arm Museum 80338
273 Pendennis Castle 76568
32 Roman Baths and Pump Room 1034160
47 Longleat 790533
48 Moors Valley (Forestry England) 787620
59 Eden Project 679076
71 Westonbirt - The National Arboretum Forestry England 617032
87 Forestry England Haldon 496758
109 Stourhead 415208
111 St Michael's Mount 403711
116 Kingston Lacy 398634
117 Tyntesfield 398389
129 Forestry England Beechenhurst 341958
141 Tintagel Castle 303096
144 Forestry England Forest of Dean Cycle Centre 291038
159 WWT Slimbridge 263731
165 Salisbury Cathedral with Magna Carta 252513
170 Dyrham 250885
171 RHS Garden Rosemoor 250884
172 Lacock 248511
177 Forestry England Cardinham 242044
179 Corfe Castle 239483
182 Killerton 234588
187 Tate St Ives 224652
193 The Tank Museum 219792
195 Trelissick 217048
204 Forestry England Mallards Pike 200970
206 Lanhydrock 193401
213 Cheddar Gorge and Caves 177167
217 Dunster 164667
219 Forestry England Symonds Yat 160940
224 Saltram 147638
233 Brunel's SS Great Britain 131056
269 Fleet Air Arm Museum 80338
273 Pendennis Castle 76568
UK tops - No. 1 is the Natural History Museum with 7.1 million visitors and second is the British Museum with 6.4 million.
Base data mirrored for members at https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/mirror/alva2025.pdf
BBC article at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c70n09pz4y1o
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373431/31005/51] Posted by a-driver at 06:44, 20th March 2026 Already liked by grahame, PrestburyRoad, eightonedee, Western Pathfinder, Richard Fairhurst, Mark A, PhilWakely, Oxonhutch, John D, rogerw, GBM | |
Possibly also because (as I understand it) we've lost some of the Electrostar fleet to other routes. To be fair (but see concluding comment below) a lot of this was because there were a lot of 8-car Electrostar trains running very lightly loaded off-peak between Paddington and Didcot.
BUT... had we got the electrification all the way to Oxford and on the Thames Valley branches as I believe was anticipated when they were ordered, those trains (and the ones refitted for Heathrow Express use) might have been more fully used.
I think more issues were caused by the DfT insisting on the withdrawal of the castle HSTs whist not authorising the use of 175’s, and the failed 769 project.
Not electrifying through to Oxford is a huge mistake and must be deeply frustrating for GWR, even a delay on the scheme by a year or two would be acceptable, but to just stop is plain ridiculous. Electrification, whilst you had the trained workforce and equipment, should have been a rolling programme of gradual expansion.
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [373430/28982/26] Posted by a-driver at 06:32, 20th March 2026 | |
Should be 175111 with another two 3-cars pencilled in for April.
There’s also a move in the system for Ely to Wolverton so potentially another 175 to attempt to get working!
| Re: Go-Op Cooperative - proposals for additional rail services In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [373429/11010/28] Posted by grahame at 06:12, 20th March 2026 | |
If you were a driver, would you sign up with this outfit? Do you think you'll get paid/a longterm job?
Chris - with a personal risk assessment and "Plan B" - yes, I might sign up to drive for them. Looking at issues like career steps, training, work principles and environment. Some jobs (how about those people who drive trains west rather than east from Bishops Lydeard, for example) are not actually all about the pay / if any; amazing what can be done voluntarily.
I do note the financial and operational elements of running a service Norden to Wareham where the hurdles seem so high they have defeated the scheme, and that feels like a microcosm of what Go-Op faces. Which does not - for either Wareham (or Melksham) eliminate the significant benefits it should bring to the area.
| Bet on how late your train will be? In "The Lighter Side" [373428/31760/30] Posted by grahame at 03:58, 20th March 2026 | |
From European Rail Timetable news blog
Betting on the Delay: BahnBet Turns Deutsche Bahn Frustration into a Game
Anyone who has travelled regularly on the German rail network will be familiar with the experience: checking the departure board, watching the minutes tick up, and wondering just how late the train will be this time. BahnBet is a tongue-in-cheek website that turns that familiar frustration into a playful social experiment.
The platform invites users to “bet” on the delay of long-distance trains, from ICE services to IC and EC departures. The twist is that no real money is involved. Every participant begins with €1,000 of entirely fictional “caßh”, which can be staked on predictions about how late a particular train will arrive. Using a simple slider, users guess the delay – anywhere from zero to 90 minutes – and then wait to see how close they were once the train finally reaches its destination.
Anyone who has travelled regularly on the German rail network will be familiar with the experience: checking the departure board, watching the minutes tick up, and wondering just how late the train will be this time. BahnBet is a tongue-in-cheek website that turns that familiar frustration into a playful social experiment.
The platform invites users to “bet” on the delay of long-distance trains, from ICE services to IC and EC departures. The twist is that no real money is involved. Every participant begins with €1,000 of entirely fictional “caßh”, which can be staked on predictions about how late a particular train will arrive. Using a simple slider, users guess the delay – anywhere from zero to 90 minutes – and then wait to see how close they were once the train finally reaches its destination.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373427/31359/18] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:43, 19th March 2026 | |
As an aside: when my daughter made her rather extended rail excursion, on a Sunday 'official' diversion return journey from Cardiff Central to Nailsea & Backwell via Bristol Parkway - she somehow managed to travel via Didcot Parkway - but (through 'delay/repay') she received a full refund of her whole ticket. She was delighted!
| Re: Go-Op Cooperative - proposals for additional rail services In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [373426/11010/28] Posted by ChrisB at 21:03, 19th March 2026 | |
If you were a driver, would you sign up with this outfit? Do you think you'll get paid/a longterm job?
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373425/31359/18] Posted by matth1j at 19:32, 19th March 2026 | |
Not sure how much to claim though - the next service from Chippenham to Melksham is the 19:07 to Salisbury, over an hour later than the cancelled service (due 17:59). However if I didn't have the bus option I would have taken the train from Bristol to Trowbridge instead of Chippenham, then the 18:43 from there to arrive in Melksham at 18:53, less than an hour late.
Having filled in the form, and ticked the 30-59 min delay box, the summary does show Chippenham as the intermediate station. So perhaps they only consider alternatives along the same route; we'll see...I'm not that bothered about the ~£2.50 difference, but it's nice when it covers the cost of the bus ticket.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373424/31359/18] Posted by matth1j at 19:20, 19th March 2026 | |
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
Not sure how much to claim though - the next service from Chippenham to Melksham is the 19:07 to Salisbury, over an hour later than the cancelled service (due 17:59). However if I didn't have the bus option I would have taken the train from Bristol to Trowbridge instead of Chippenham, then the 18:43 from there to arrive in Melksham at 18:53, less than an hour late.
I'll claim the <1 hour; last time I did that I was refunded for >=1 hour, I suspect because the <1 hour route I took included changing between trains that were too close together to be an official connection.
| King Charles III opens world's longest coastal path around England In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373423/31759/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:20, 19th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
King opens world's longest coastal path around England
2,689 miles and 18 years in the making, King Charles III opens his namesake coastal path
King Charles has inaugurated a new footpath stretching around the entire coast of England.
At 2,689 miles long, it is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, according to Natural England, the government body which created it.
Its name is quite a trek too - King Charles III England Coast Path - but for the first time it creates a continuous trail, allowing walkers to explore England's shoreline step by step.
Along the way, it passes through some of the country's most beautiful and varied landscapes, from salt marshes and sandy beaches to cliffs, dunes and historic coastal towns.
Among the highlights is the iconic chalk downland of the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, which also forms part of a newly designated National Nature Reserve being announced by Natural England.
The King inaugurated the coastal path and the new nature reserve at a reception hosted by the South Downs National Park Authority. He later walked a section of the newly completed path at Seven Sisters, joined by Natural England Chair Tony Juniper and Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds.
Juniper said the path "is a testament to how public enjoyment, conservation, heritage, history and community can come together, helping make life better for millions of people."
Much of the new coastal route already existed, but more than 1,000 miles of new paths have been created, and many other sections upgraded. Paths have been resurfaced, stiles removed, boardwalks built and bridges installed.
A new boardwalk over salt flats near Portsmouth has been built for the path
The project was initiated during Gordon Brown's government, and it has taken 18 years and seven prime ministers to get to this stage.
About 80% of the route is now open and most of the rest of the path is due to be completed by the end of the year.
(BBC article continues)
2,689 miles and 18 years in the making, King Charles III opens his namesake coastal path
King Charles has inaugurated a new footpath stretching around the entire coast of England.
At 2,689 miles long, it is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, according to Natural England, the government body which created it.
Its name is quite a trek too - King Charles III England Coast Path - but for the first time it creates a continuous trail, allowing walkers to explore England's shoreline step by step.
Along the way, it passes through some of the country's most beautiful and varied landscapes, from salt marshes and sandy beaches to cliffs, dunes and historic coastal towns.
Among the highlights is the iconic chalk downland of the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, which also forms part of a newly designated National Nature Reserve being announced by Natural England.
The King inaugurated the coastal path and the new nature reserve at a reception hosted by the South Downs National Park Authority. He later walked a section of the newly completed path at Seven Sisters, joined by Natural England Chair Tony Juniper and Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds.
Juniper said the path "is a testament to how public enjoyment, conservation, heritage, history and community can come together, helping make life better for millions of people."
Much of the new coastal route already existed, but more than 1,000 miles of new paths have been created, and many other sections upgraded. Paths have been resurfaced, stiles removed, boardwalks built and bridges installed.
A new boardwalk over salt flats near Portsmouth has been built for the path
The project was initiated during Gordon Brown's government, and it has taken 18 years and seven prime ministers to get to this stage.
About 80% of the route is now open and most of the rest of the path is due to be completed by the end of the year.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373422/31005/51] Posted by ChrisB at 17:52, 19th March 2026 | |
DfT» cost saving
Possibly also because (as I understand it) we've lost some of the Electrostar fleet to other routes.
One & the same.....
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373421/31005/51] Posted by eightonedee at 17:16, 19th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Anyone care to explain logic of why if passengers are growing, GWR shorten the average number of carriages per train please
DfT» cost saving
Possibly also because (as I understand it) we've lost some of the Electrostar fleet to other routes. To be fair (but see concluding comment below) a lot of this was because there were a lot of 8-car Electrostar trains running very lightly loaded off-peak between Paddington and Didcot.
BUT... had we got the electrification all the way to Oxford and on the Thames Valley branches as I believe was anticipated when they were ordered, those trains (and the ones refitted for Heathrow Express use) might have been more fully used.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373420/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 16:32, 19th March 2026 | |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373419/31005/51] Posted by a-driver at 15:04, 19th March 2026 | |
Anyone care to explain logic of why if passengers are growing, GWR shorten the average number of carriages per train please
DfT cost saving.
| Re: Passenger numbers up 7% Spring 2025 on Spring 2024 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373418/31005/51] Posted by John D at 14:32, 19th March 2026 | |
Latest ORR quarterly data is now published
https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/2hto1os3/passenger-rail-usage-oct-dec-2025.pdf
For GWR
Passenger numbers up 6% on 2024 to 23.8m
Passenger km up 5% on 2024
so on average journeys are 0.5% shorter
Train km up 3% to 11.6m km
Vehicle km up 2% to 68.2m km
so trains have on average got bit shorter
Clearly if passenger km increase is 3% more than train carriage km increase, then on average every journey is now 3% busier (so crowding is more likely).
Anyone care to explain logic of why if passengers are growing, GWR shorten the average number of carriages per train please
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373417/31359/18] Posted by matth1j at 12:21, 19th March 2026 | |
What has happened?
Some axle counters, part of the signalling system, have stopped working in the Swindon area that is affecting the services to Gloucester and to Melksham. 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.
We are working with Network Rail to be able to return to running the normal timetable as soon as possible.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service-disruptions/kemble-20260319/
