DfT has released details of improvements for nationalised operators under GBR

https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/gbr-improvements-train-operators-in-public-ownership-are-making-for-customers

South Western Railway

In public ownership, South Western Railway are:

Modernising and improving their West of England Fleet, with a programme beginning in December 2025 (to be completed during 2028). This will overhaul the 15X fleet serving the West of England, improving performance and reliability of the trains while delivering customer benefits such as interior upgrades and at-seat USB power.

Delivering the new Arterio fleet to transform their suburban network, with over 50% of morning high peak arrivals into Waterloo now on Arterio trains. These provide increased capacity and more comfort for passengers. SWR are aiming for most Arterios to be introduced by the end of Summer 2026 (75% of total schedules).

Building a new timetable for the first time in 20 years, by consulting with stakeholders and passengers, with design in early 2026 and a full public consultation in Autumn 2026. The timetable transformation will seek to strike the right balance between enhanced connectivity in their communities, more services and capacity, better train performance on the network and increased economic value for the taxpayer.

Investing over £600 million in improving infrastructure performance to reduce delays and cancellations, complete by March 2027. This includes track and signal renewals, level crossing upgrades, and renewal of associated infrastructure, with projects such as West of England line resilience works, London Waterloo-Clapham Junction upgrades, Island Line improvements, and strengthening the railway at Fareham-Havant and Portsmouth Harbour.

Recruiting more drivers to improve reliability and reduce cancellations, with an increase in the numbers of drivers in active service each year, and increase the number of new drivers in training by 50%.

Passenger who fell from Virgin hot air balloon took own life

A man who died after falling from a hot air balloon took his own life, an inquest has concluded.

Jesus Lato Garzon, from Watford, fell during a Virgin Balloon Flights journey near Newpound Common in Wisborough Green, West Sussex, at about 09:20 BST on 19 September.

On Monday, assistant coroner Sally Morgan told West Sussex Coroner's Court that Mr Garzon had "intended" to die by suicide when he left the balloon.

After searching for more than four hours, using drones, officers and dogs, Mr Garzon's body was found on farmland nearby, having sustained "traumatic injuries", the hearing was told.

* If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.

Mr Garzon's body was found with a note, which the coroner said indicated he had intended to die by suicide.

Footage from the balloon showed he "waved" at a camera in the basket immediately before he fell to his death, the court heard.

Mr Garzon was among 16 passengers and a pilot travelling from Billingshurst to Dunsfold, Surrey. He spoke to the pilot when he arrived at the airfield at 06.15 BST, who had "no concerns" about his fitness to fly, the court heard.

Det Sgt Elaine Keating told the coroner: "Everybody was aware there was a camera to record the flight, and the pilot asked them to look at the camera to take a photo. Jesus turned and waved at the camera and then climbed out of the balloon." She added he then "very quickly" left the balloon and left "no opportunity" for the other passengers to stop him.

Members of Mr Garzon's family attended the inquest via video-link from Spain. He was described as a "much-loved son, family member and friend".

Mr Garzon had not previously expressed any mental health concerns to his GP, the court heard.

The balloon was separated into five sections, and Mr Garzon was with three other passengers.

They set off late due to fog, after a safety briefing, at about 08.45 BST, and police had "no concerns" about the safety of the flight.

Mrs Morgan said it was "not for this court to determine why Mr Garzon took the actions he did".

"I'm not going to speculate as to what was going on in his mind at the time," she added.

A Virgin Balloon Flights spokesperson said: "We are deeply mindful of the experience of all passengers involved, and their wellbeing and peace of mind remain a priority. We kindly ask privacy is respected, as the welfare and safety of our passengers and the public is always our utmost concern."

18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21

18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.

Don't have the above - but this is available on the Signalling Record Society website.  What do you need it for?

17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19

17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 is being delayed at Swindon.
This is due to the train departing late to maintain customer connections.

"Track Layout Diagrams of the GWR and BR (WR) – Section 65 Chester -Wrexham by R.A. Cooke"

An opening to start up quietly a wind-back milometer business?

Problem with the 2-car unit for the Up Parliamentary this morning, according to RTT

15:18 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington due 17:29 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to congestion.
Last Updated:08/12/2025 15:06

15:23 London Paddington to Worcester Foregate Street due 17:47 will no longer call at Reading, Didcot Parkway, Oxford, Hanborough, Charlbury, Kingham, Moreton-In-Marsh, Honeybourne, Evesham, Pershore and Worcestershire Parkway Hl.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Last Updated:08/12/2025 15:11

It's one of the quoted reasons that the urban bus service route here has been shortened and become less convenient - buses no longer able to keep to time as given that cars have grown, there's less road space for the buses, so, a bit of a doom loop going on there.