| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 10:43, 14th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Now, that 'b' road wasn't a through route for around ten days - closed for works to a gas main on Winsley Hill. That would have been a good opportunity to improve the signage and sightlines to the bridge - was this done? On the first day it reopened, it was struck again... It can't be that there's more income to be made from the constant risk and disruption of bridge strikes here than there is from simply operating the railway can it?
Mark
Mark
Actually it was open by Saturday afternoon (my sat nav said it was closed, but all the closed signs had been removed, and D1 bus was running normally)
However during the closure, a lot more vegetation has sagged from Network rail land towards the road, making any signage harder to see, but there is now a height restriction warning sign on blue background about 150m before the bridge, which I think is new (although the overhanging vegetation partly hides it as driving towards it)
I have just asked for advice from a friend with a foot in multiple camps as to the best / most effective way of bringing the very real issues this is causing rail passengers across the whole area to attention to get appropriate attention.
If it's growing on Network Rail land, it's their responsibility to address it - had a similar issue a year or two back with overgrown vegetation near Taplow station making it virtually impossible to use the pavement, and people were having to walk in the road - to their credit, once they were made aware of it they cut it back quite quickly - I would suggest you drop them a line with all the details, location etc - it tends to be very reactive rather than proactive.
https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=25289.0
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 10:34, 14th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Now, that 'b' road wasn't a through route for around ten days - closed for works to a gas main on Winsley Hill. That would have been a good opportunity to improve the signage and sightlines to the bridge - was this done? On the first day it reopened, it was struck again... It can't be that there's more income to be made from the constant risk and disruption of bridge strikes here than there is from simply operating the railway can it?
Mark
Mark
Actually it was open by Saturday afternoon (my sat nav said it was closed, but all the closed signs had been removed, and D1 bus was running normally)
However during the closure, a lot more vegetation has sagged from Network rail land towards the road, making any signage harder to see, but there is now a height restriction warning sign on blue background about 150m before the bridge, which I think is new (although the overhanging vegetation partly hides it as driving towards it)
I have just asked for advice from a friend with a foot in multiple camps as to the best / most effective way of bringing the very real issues this is causing rail passengers across the whole area to attention to get appropriate attention.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by John D at 10:29, 14th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Now, that 'b' road wasn't a through route for around ten days - closed for works to a gas main on Winsley Hill. That would have been a good opportunity to improve the signage and sightlines to the bridge - was this done? On the first day it reopened, it was struck again... It can't be that there's more income to be made from the constant risk and disruption of bridge strikes here than there is from simply operating the railway can it?
Mark
Mark
Actually it was open by Saturday afternoon (my sat nav said it was closed, but all the closed signs had been removed, and D1 bus was running normally)
However during the closure, a lot more vegetation has sagged from Network rail land towards the road, making any signage harder to see, but there is now a height restriction warning sign on blue background about 150m before the bridge, which I think is new (although the overhanging vegetation partly hides it as driving towards it)
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 09:31, 14th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Now, that 'b' road wasn't a through route for around ten days - closed for works to a gas main on Winsley Hill. That would have been a good opportunity to improve the signage and sightlines to the bridge - was this done? On the first day it reopened, it was struck again... It can't be that there's more income to be made from the constant risk and disruption of bridge strikes here than there is from simply operating the railway can it?
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 22:15, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Yes it was the Limpley Stoke bridge again! I cycled past at midday and there were 3 Network Rail people leaning on their truck.
13th July. Apparently something's just hit a bridge between Bath Spa and Westbury, disruption expected until 17:45. It can't be the B3108 bridge at Limpley Stoke though... or can it...
Mark
Weve been informed that a vehicle has struck a bridge in the Freshford area. The bridge will have to be examined to make sure it's safe and any debris cleared.
It could be a boat on the canal - Avoncliff or Dundas aqueducts, or a canoe beneath the bridge over the River Avon. But somehow I would vote for Limpley Stoke rather than any of those three, even though it is not confirmed to be a road vehicle.
Spoiler alert: it was the bridge at Limpley Stoke.
Mark
https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/26275694.live-a36-closed-gwr-trains-cancelled-crash/
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 18:04, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The 15:14 Swindon Westbury hasn't departed yet, still shown as Delayed.
13:09 Gloucester to Weymouth due 16:26
13:09 Gloucester to Weymouth due 16:26 will be diverted between Bath Spa and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Chippenham and Melksham.
It has been previously delayed, is being further delayed between Bath Spa and Trowbridge and is now expected to be 34 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
13:09 Gloucester to Weymouth due 16:26 will be diverted between Bath Spa and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Chippenham and Melksham.
It has been previously delayed, is being further delayed between Bath Spa and Trowbridge and is now expected to be 34 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
Passengers from Bristol - through train to Melksham, Looks like it left Temple Meads at 14:26, reached Melksham perhaps an hour later. Sadly, it probably wasn't advertised as such ... so not usable as a through service for passengers.
Anyway rather than wait another 2 hours for the next Melksham train I caught the X34 bus - got home about 45 mins later than planned but not too bad considering.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:10, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The 15:14 Swindon Westbury hasn't departed yet, still shown as Delayed.
13:09 Gloucester to Weymouth due 16:26
13:09 Gloucester to Weymouth due 16:26 will be diverted between Bath Spa and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Chippenham and Melksham.
It has been previously delayed, is being further delayed between Bath Spa and Trowbridge and is now expected to be 34 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
13:09 Gloucester to Weymouth due 16:26 will be diverted between Bath Spa and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Bradford-On-Avon but will call additionally at Chippenham and Melksham.
It has been previously delayed, is being further delayed between Bath Spa and Trowbridge and is now expected to be 34 minutes late.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
Passengers from Bristol - through train to Melksham, Looks like it left Temple Meads at 14:26, reached Melksham perhaps an hour later. Sadly, it probably wasn't advertised as such ... so not usable as a through service for passengers.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 15:37, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Journeycheck says nothing about services via Melksham, but the Real Time Trains site declares for the 14:18 WSB -> SWI
This service is cancelled.
This service was cancelled due to a bridge strike (XP).
This service was cancelled due to a bridge strike (XP).
And the departure board offers

| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 15:29, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The 15:14 Swindon Westbury hasn't departed yet, still shown as Delayed.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 14:22, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Yes it was the Limpley Stoke bridge again! I cycled past at midday and there were 3 Network Rail people leaning on their truck.
13th July. Apparently something's just hit a bridge between Bath Spa and Westbury, disruption expected until 17:45. It can't be the B3108 bridge at Limpley Stoke though... or can it...
Mark
Weve been informed that a vehicle has struck a bridge in the Freshford area. The bridge will have to be examined to make sure it's safe and any debris cleared.
It could be a boat on the canal - Avoncliff or Dundas aqueducts, or a canoe beneath the bridge over the River Avon. But somehow I would vote for Limpley Stoke rather than any of those three, even though it is not confirmed to be a road vehicle.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 13:48, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Yes it was the Limpley Stoke bridge again! I cycled past at midday and there were 3 Network Rail people leaning on their truck.
13th July. Apparently something's just hit a bridge between Bath Spa and Westbury, disruption expected until 17:45. It can't be the B3108 bridge at Limpley Stoke though... or can it...
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 13:21, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Sorry that happened. S'teeth, that was a chapter. Well, two chapters in fact...
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by GBM at 12:53, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Waaay off Melksham line topic, but.
Our daughter came down from Norfolk last week for a weeks stay with us.
Train to Stansted Airport, then flight to Newquay.
Train terminated at Ely as wires down further down the line.
So many passengers, only taxi's (bus replacement not available).
After 2 hours, a shared taxi to the airport (she left in plenty of time).
Flight arrived at Newquay only for their fire alarm to go off.
Had to wait in the car park for the all clear before those passengers were allowed back in to collect their bags.
The car park operator gained many more £££'s from waiting passengers.
Return flight was 2 hours late departure.
Trains delayed at Stansted with a lineside fire.
Home 4 hours late.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 07:51, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Then the 6:35 Salisbury Worcester developed a fault, so the 7:21 Melksham became 7:34.
Should have been ok to connect with the 7:47 Bristol (from Oxford) service at Chippenham, but then we had to wait for the late running Oxford service to pass us while we parked on the wrong side of the main line after leaving the single track.
So now it's another wait, for the 8:09 Bristol. What should have been arrival at Temple Meads at 7:28 is now 8:36, barring further delays...
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 05:28, 13th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 will be diverted between Gloucester and Trowbridge.
It will no longer call at Stonehouse, Stroud, Kemble, Swindon, Chippenham and Melksham but will call additionally at Bristol Parkway.
It will be delayed due to the diversion and is expected to be 3 minutes late.
This is due to a fire next to the track.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 12:47, 12th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
11:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 13:45
11:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 13:45 will be delayed at Westbury and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Will be formed of 3 coaches. Toilet facilities are reduced.
Additional Facilities Information
The accessible toilet is not available for use.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 05:55, 12th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
According to Real Time Trains the morning service from Swindon was operated by 166 205 and the evening return by 165 104.
I would "go" with a suggestion that 166205 became too hot to handle waiting in the Jersey or Jubilee sidings all day and was failed, with the other unit that was also waiting all day to form a Weymouth to Bristol strengthening service called in to help. There were some interesting delays / cancellations / shunts.
The Swindon train left Weymouth 28 minutes late but was only 20 minutes late by Swindon. Apparently the station stop at Yetminster took 6 minutes, but then the generous allowance of 15 minutes at Pen Mill was cut to 3 minutes.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 01:08, 12th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
According to Real Time Trains the morning service from Swindon was operated by 166 205 and the evening return by 165 104.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Trowres at 21:55, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00 is being delayed at Weymouth.
This is due to this train being late from the depot.
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00 is being delayed at Weymouth.
This is due to this train being late from the depot.
Ironic as it sits in the Jersey Sidings (cooking!) all day.
20:06 rather than 19:38 off Weymouth.
May have had something to do with the preceding train, the 18:45 to Bristol, being cancelled due to unspecified fault. Both trains were being shown as "Delayed" at around 19:45. The Bristol stock may have ended up in Jersey sidings.
For a while, the final Bristol service (2104 from Weymouth) was showing as 7 coaches on TIGER. It's now back to 3.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 21:07, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00 is being delayed at Weymouth.
This is due to this train being late from the depot.
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00 is being delayed at Weymouth.
This is due to this train being late from the depot.
Ironic as it sits in the Jersey Sidings (cooking!) all day.
20:06 rather than 19:38 off Weymouth.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:29, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:02, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Cancellations to services between Chippenham and Trowbridge via Melksham
Due to a shortage of train crew between Westbury and Swindon disruption is expected until 20:30 11/07.
Train services between Chippenham and Trowbridge via Melksham have been cancelled.
Customer Advice
Owing to a shortage of train crew several afternoon / evening journeys on the Westbury - Swindon - Westbury (via Melksham) route have been cancelled.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause to your intended journey on this route today.
Taxis will operate in place of the cancelled train services between Chippenham and Westbury in both directions, calling at Melksham and Trowbridge. This road transport is intended to connect at Chippenham out of the next Swindon to Chippenham train service (normally a service to Bristol Temple Meads) following the cancelled Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham service. From Westbury they will connect at Chippenham into train services towards Swindon, Didcot Parkway, Reading and London Paddington.
Due to a shortage of train crew between Westbury and Swindon disruption is expected until 20:30 11/07.
Train services between Chippenham and Trowbridge via Melksham have been cancelled.
Customer Advice
Owing to a shortage of train crew several afternoon / evening journeys on the Westbury - Swindon - Westbury (via Melksham) route have been cancelled.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause to your intended journey on this route today.
Taxis will operate in place of the cancelled train services between Chippenham and Westbury in both directions, calling at Melksham and Trowbridge. This road transport is intended to connect at Chippenham out of the next Swindon to Chippenham train service (normally a service to Bristol Temple Meads) following the cancelled Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham service. From Westbury they will connect at Chippenham into train services towards Swindon, Didcot Parkway, Reading and London Paddington.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:01, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Buses are not too bad to the hospital on a Sunday. The 1/1A/1B and 12 combine to give three buses an hour.
Edit to add. For the return the 12 has the advantage it stops outside the railway station after Fleming Way - but only runs hourly at 33 mins past the hour from the hospital.
Edit to add. For the return the 12 has the advantage it stops outside the railway station after Fleming Way - but only runs hourly at 33 mins past the hour from the hospital.
Thanks, Bob - it's an investigation machine I'll be on so I suspect I'll like something of a walk when back in Swindon rather than being too out of action to get to the station.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 14:35, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Buses are not too bad to the hospital on a Sunday. The 1/1A/1B and 12 combine to give three buses an hour.
Edit to add. For the return the 12 has the advantage it stops outside the railway station after Fleming Way - but only runs hourly at 33 mins past the hour from the hospital.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 13:55, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The message again - don't rely on the railway in anything other than Spring-like conditions, or as Graham suggests, during holiday periods or major sporting (especially football) events.
Tomorrow - Sunday, 12th July, I have an appointment at the Great Western Hospital at 11:45. So that's the 08:52 train from Melksham and a bus from Fleming Way to the hospital. Being a Sunday, buses to the hospital may be thin - but I have nearly 3 hours from Swindon Station. The next train, on time, would give me just 15 minutes!
Yes, I *do* have a "Plan B" if things go wrong.One advantage of having to start to absurdly early is that I should have time to implement that backup plan too.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 09:29, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Oh dear ... we are told not to mention BBQs. So perhaps I should not mention a football match in Miami tonight?
There is a sad pattern ... "severe weather", big match, public holidays ... where GWR are simply unable to provide the service that they are contracted to provide or the public really need if they are to rely on trains. I am not looking to attach any blame there - just stating a fact we can see from the stats. 98% achieved on a "normal" week - a fair weather railway, but then it goes pear-shaped. But then once the immediate situation is resolved, we move on / persuaded to the "yes it's better" and the underlying things that caused the problems are just glossed over / forgotten - except by the disappointed customers who are put off / have been suppressed from using the railway.
There is a sad pattern ... "severe weather", big match, public holidays ... where GWR are simply unable to provide the service that they are contracted to provide or the public really need if they are to rely on trains. I am not looking to attach any blame there - just stating a fact we can see from the stats. 98% achieved on a "normal" week - a fair weather railway, but then it goes pear-shaped. But then once the immediate situation is resolved, we move on / persuaded to the "yes it's better" and the underlying things that caused the problems are just glossed over / forgotten - except by the disappointed customers who are put off / have been suppressed from using the railway.
I think one of the most frustrating things here is that so many of these cancellations are down to avoidable own goals - GWR (and it is 100% their responsibility as the employer) failing to provide a tolerable working environment for their staff, failing to manage heat related risks which is seeing entire branches virtually shut down for much of the day as staff, quite rightly, do not feel safe or able to work in these conditions.
The message again - don't rely on the railway in anything other than Spring-like conditions, or as Graham suggests, during holiday periods or major sporting (especially football) events.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 07:42, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Oh dear ... we are told not to mention BBQs. So perhaps I should not mention a football match in Miami tonight?
There is a sad pattern ... "severe weather", big match, public holidays ... where GWR are simply unable to provide the service that they are contracted to provide or the public really need if they are to rely on trains. I am not looking to attach any blame there - just stating a fact we can see from the stats. 98% achieved on a "normal" week - a fair weather railway, but then it goes pear-shaped. But then once the immediate situation is resolved, we move on / persuaded to the "yes it's better" and the underlying things that caused the problems are just glossed over / forgotten - except by the disappointed customers who are put off / have been suppressed from using the railway.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 06:28, 11th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:05
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:18
18:35 Westbury to Swindon due 19:17
19:44 Swindon to Westbury due 20:29
19:44 Swindon to Westbury due 20:29 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:18
18:35 Westbury to Swindon due 19:17
19:44 Swindon to Westbury due 20:29
19:44 Swindon to Westbury due 20:29 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 21:43, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Hold old are these units? What was the average summer temperatuire back then>? Why would you design an AC that needed to do much more than average at that time? You wouldn't
They all need new kit. There is no money, so units are failed by drivers
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by John D at 21:37, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Down to Drivers deciding cabs are too hot to work in at some stage in their shift
which rather suggests the maintenance depots are not maintaining the a/c to expected standards of train crew (it's like they work for different companies with different standards).The new Emirates stock designed to not exceed 23c even when outside temperature is +60c, Eurostar new stock has been specified to work at +55c. GWR depots cannot cope with maintaining it to cope with temperatures nearer 33c, a mere 10c reduction required (rather than 22-27c reduction)
I guess the depots revealingly their quality standards, but worth remembering same depots with these standards also maintain the trains brakes.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:34, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
........and for a bit of variety.....
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to a safety inspection of the track.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 21:10, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Down to Drivers deciding cabs are too hot to work in at some stage in their shift
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:54, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
.....perhaps it's send them out on a wing & a prayer and hope for the best?
Rather like the Battle of Britain, then: put up everything we've got, knowing that some of them won't make it back.

| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 20:02, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Would it be realistic (though uncharitable) to suggest that GWR are sending out trains at the start of the day that aren't going to be able to manage their full diagram?
Given the number of other lines listed in a similar position to the TransWilts I don't think anyone would challenge that view too much.....perhaps it's send them out on a wing & a prayer and hope for the best?
.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 19:18, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Would it be realistic (though uncharitable) to suggest that GWR are sending out trains at the start of the day that aren't going to be able to manage their full diagram?
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 19:02, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 15:01, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
followed with a feeling of inevitability by
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 14:52, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 06:20, 10th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/26268279.train-delays-due-broken-train-near-swindon/
Picture ... of an IET. I still wonder if - in a parallel universe - the hourly London (Paddington) to Cheltenham Spa train would load to 10 carriages, dividing at Swindon with 5 (first portion) going forward alternately to Cheltenham Spa via Gloucester and to Gloucester via Cheltenham Spa, and 5 going forward via Trowbridge, Westbury, Frome, Yeovil and Dorchester to Weymouth.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 20:28, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The unit doing the Bedwyn shuttle has expired now.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 20:27, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
There is a programme to improve the air cooling in the cabs of some of the units - not sure if it is the turbos or the 158s or both.
It will take 12 months to complete and it will probably still struggle on the hottest day as it can only reduce the temperature by about 7 degrees.
In the meantime crew are being asked to lower blinds and leave windows open when units are laying over between trips to try to reduce the greenhouse effect.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 20:17, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Heat getting to them? They are very old
I know how they feel too. But I don't have any data as to what the failures are, or indeed where "more trains than usual require repair" it could relate to trains sitting in sidings waiting for parts, or waiting for technicians to fix them. Rumour has suggested that a/c failure in the driving cab is a major cause of trains being declared unusable in very hot weather and that sounds plausible to me.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by PrestburyRoad at 20:12, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Heat getting to them? They are very old
I know how they feel! I am having very long siestas in this heatwave.| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 19:54, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Heat getting to them? They are very old
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by John D at 18:16, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
............there is some lengthy advice about rail replacement and alternatives if you're at either end of the line but didn't want to fill the space up here!!!
We have space on the server, and for completeness I will quote it.
Due to a broken down train between Swindon and Westbury fewer trains are able to run.
Looks right "no spare train" in the Cardiff -> Portsmouth is running with only 3 and 2 car trains. Love it that you can take "next 2 services" - that reads to me that you can use today's ticket on the first train or two tomorrow.
GWR DMUs are failing all over the place today
The train being used for the Par to Newquay service has broken down, and a spare is not currently available.
-The train that runs between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton has broken down.
One of the train being used on the Exeter to Barstaple service has developed a fault and has been taken out of service. There is no spare immediately available, and so regretfully we have had to reduce to service from hourly to two hourly. This is likely to be for the remainder of the day.
The train operating between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham has failed and there is no spare train available to replace it
Clearly a serious DMU crisis, units breaking down, no serviceable spares, are they simply be worked unrealistically hard, beyond point where they can repair them fast enough
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:28, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
............there is some lengthy advice about rail replacement and alternatives if you're at either end of the line but didn't want to fill the space up here!!!
We have space on the server, and for completeness I will quote it.
Due to a broken down train between Swindon and Westbury fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
The train operating between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham has failed and there is no spare train available to replace it
-
What are your options?
-
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
-
Option 1: Passengers from Westbury and Trowbridge are advised to await the next service towards Bath Spa and then change there for services towards Chippenham and Swindon.
Passengers from Swindon and Chippenham are advised to await the next service towards Bath Spa and then change there for services towards Trowbridge and Westbury.
Passengers from Melksham are advised await the rail replacement services to Chippenham and Westbury via Trowbridge
Passengers from Westbury or Trowbridge for Melksham should contact station staff for onward road transport.
Passengers from Swindon for Melksham should travel to Chippenham on the next available service and then liaise with station staff for onwards road transport to Melksham.
-
Option 2: Replacement transport provided by us will operate between Chippenham and Westbury via Melksham and Trowbridge will start operating from 18:00 onwards
-
Option 3: If your train is cancelled, you may travel on either of the two services before, or two services after, your original train. If these are peak services or less flexible, you can still travel with your original ticket, at no extra cost.
-
Option 4: Consider postponing your journey until our service returns to normal.
-
For more information:
-
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 station staff.
-
Let us help you:
-
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.
-
If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to 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 daily between 06:00 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 23:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday and Sunday, or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
-
Delay Repay:
-
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
-
Further Information
An update will follow within the next 2 hours.
Last Updated:09/07/2026 17:14
Looks right "no spare train" in the Cardiff -> Portsmouth is running with only 3 and 2 car trains. Love it that you can take "next 2 services" - that reads to me that you can use today's ticket on the first train or two tomorrow.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:49, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
[snip]
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
[snip]
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
[snip]
Oh dear - five trains out of 9 each way cancelled, and only one train Westbury to Swindon after the 09:45 - that's the 20:06, left, and only one train Swindon to Westbury after the 10:41 (the 11:05 normal time, but running earlier) - that's the 18:44.
No alternative transport mentioned on JourneyCheck, and no suggestions to passengers as to how they should travel. It appears to be purely an operational announcement, with nothing to help passengers get to where they need / want / planned to go.
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Most passengers I speak to would prefer to have a service and get home, rather than getting there money back and being left to fend for themselves on how to travel ... by a travel company!
Now in Journeycheck;
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury
Due to a broken down train between Swindon and Westbury fewer trains are able to run.
Train services running through these stations may be cancelled.
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
The train operating between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham has failed and there is no spare train available to replace it
............there is some lengthy advice about rail replacement and alternatives if you're at either end of the line but didn't want to fill the space up here!!!
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 16:10, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
[snip]
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
[snip]
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
[snip]
Oh dear - five trains out of 9 each way cancelled, and only one train Westbury to Swindon after the 09:45 - that's the 20:06, left, and only one train Swindon to Westbury after the 10:41 (the 11:05 normal time, but running earlier) - that's the 18:44.
No alternative transport mentioned on JourneyCheck, and no suggestions to passengers as to how they should travel. It appears to be purely an operational announcement, with nothing to help passengers get to where they need / want / planned to go.
If you require further information please speak to our staff at the station or on the train, use the Customer Help Point, message us on X @GWRHelp or call National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950.
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can claim Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
Most passengers I speak to would prefer to have a service and get home, rather than getting there money back and being left to fend for themselves on how to travel ... by a travel company!
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 13:50, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:28, 9th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:05
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 19:50, 8th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
This is odd - on the 18:00 Chippenham Melksham train and we've just stopped a mile or 2 before Melksham (single track).
Going again now; no announcement...
Train manager told me it was a line side fire Going again now; no announcement...

| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 18:21, 8th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 18:09, 8th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
This is odd - on the 18:00 Chippenham Melksham train and we've just stopped a mile or 2 before Melksham (single track).
Going again now; no announcement...
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 19:13, 7th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury.
It has been delayed at Gloucester and is now 15 minutes late.
This is due to trespassers on the railway earlier today.
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury.
It has been delayed at Gloucester and is now 15 minutes late.
This is due to trespassers on the railway earlier today.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 18:01, 6th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The crossed legs express!
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
Facilities on the 17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 08:59, 6th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Not a great start to the week with the first two trains cancelled, but after that everything ran through Melksham to give a 98.28% reliability score for the week.
Looked like they were running bus replacements through Melksham at least one day over the weekend (can't remember when I noticed it); presumably that was planned?First train to Swindon and back was - planned - replaced by a bus to Chippenham on Sunday. Yes, preplanned. We pragmatically accept that this first train is more prone to pre-planned engineering bus replacement than other services. An eye is kept on ensuring that connections work, especially at Chippenham where there have been very long waits for Swindon in the past. Yesterday, the bus arrived at Chippenham at 09:03 and the train left onwards at 09:26. In the opposite direction, the bus left for Westbury at 09:23 and the first train from London - due at 09:08 - arrived at 09:25. I hope the bus waited. Although trains and local buses here have real time tracking, rail replacement buses don't and.
But the service is more reliable than it has been - far more reliable. We still keep a watchful eye, and get loads of criticism on social media from both historic reports from people who have been put off, and we must remember that if a train is cancelled, there isn't another one along half an hour later.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 08:39, 6th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Not a great start to the week with the first two trains cancelled, but after that everything ran through Melksham to give a 98.28% reliability score for the week.
Looked like they were running bus replacements through Melksham at least one day over the weekend (can't remember when I noticed it); presumably that was planned?| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by IndustryInsider at 23:23, 5th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Not a great start to the week with the first two trains cancelled, but after that everything ran through Melksham to give a 98.28% reliability score for the week.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 11:34, 5th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
14:04 Frome to Swindon due 14:57
14:04 Frome to Swindon due 14:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
15:44 Swindon to Frome due 16:38
15:44 Swindon to Frome due 16:38 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
14:04 Frome to Swindon due 14:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
15:44 Swindon to Frome due 16:38
15:44 Swindon to Frome due 16:38 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Much of that now appears to be uncancelled - hope not too many people were put off! Now down to:
14:04 Frome to Swindon due 14:57
14:04 Frome to Swindon due 14:57 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Frome.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
14:04 Frome to Swindon due 14:57 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Frome.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:55, 5th July 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
14:04 Frome to Swindon due 14:57
14:04 Frome to Swindon due 14:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
15:44 Swindon to Frome due 16:38
15:44 Swindon to Frome due 16:38 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 18:55, 29th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Not good, sending props, and that Manvers Street walk rapidly gets old. (Been hiking it since 2021 when First Bristol Bath incarsterated the 6/7 bus routes...)
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 18:29, 29th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Great - that's commute plans A & B out of the window then 

Plan C - bus to Manvers Street. Oh no, wait, that's closed for engineering works at the moment.

In the end I got my morning walk in by picking up the first 271 bus at Melksham Market Place instead of the nearest stop, had a bonus walk from Bath Grand Parade to the station, and caught the 07:47 Weston train at Bath.
Bus again coming home - should have caught the 15:00 Paddington train from Temple Meads to connect with the Melksham train at Chippenham, but the former was running late and would have missed the latter (it's a bit tight, but an official connection). So caught the 15:04 Frome train to Bath, walked up to Guildhall and caught the 272 bus back.
Ho hum.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by IndustryInsider at 16:16, 29th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
96.6% ran again last week.
I'm sure this week will be much more challenging.
I'm sure this week will be much more challenging.
Indeed it was.
Just over 77% of trains through Melksham ran - probably in line with the overall GWR figure in what was a
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 13:33, 29th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
You jest but with Manvers Street closed to vehicles, the walking routes to either side of the works are not particularly good* and there needs to be a signed accessible route + more guidance. The bus station's slowly gaining paper notices but these are all pretty perfunctory. All else aside, this must surely be having an effect on bus service profitability/viability.
The east side of the street, the two vehicle entrances to what was the police station, the ramp for those extends across the entire pavement and must be in excess of 10%, I'm not sure that people using wheelchairs would even be prepared to attempt to cross them.
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:56, 29th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Great - that's commute plans A & B out of the window then 

Plan C - bus to Manvers Street. Oh no, wait, that's closed for engineering works at the moment.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 04:48, 29th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Great - that's commute plans A & B out of the window then

| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 03:53, 29th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 will be terminated at Swindon.
It will no longer call at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham, Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse, Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa, Ashchurch For Tewkesbury, Worcester Shrub Hill and Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 12:55, 28th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
20:38 Westbury to Swindon due 21:23
20:38 Westbury to Swindon due 21:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 19:24, 26th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06 will be terminated at Gloucester.
It will no longer call at Cheltenham Spa.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06 will be terminated at Gloucester.
It will no longer call at Cheltenham Spa.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 19:14, 26th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 11:57, 26th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
And after all that, if you had caught the 07:21 and gone via Reading you would have arrived in Southampton Central just over 20 minutes late at 10:05 (but got delay repay).
Sorta point-of-view. If you had caught the 06:29 as planned, you would have planned an arrival into Southampton at 08:10 - so you (and your employer or a person meeting you) might consider that 115 minutes late
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 11:21, 26th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
And after all that, if you had caught the 07:21 and gone via Reading you would have arrived in Southampton Central just over 20 minutes late at 10:05 (but got delay repay).
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 08:19, 26th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
JourneyCheck is struggling with 250 cancellations and part cancellations this morning and I suspect that the bloke or blokessse who feed it are overworked. There are regular users of this train though, and it would be a politeness for the people or systems that tell them their train is cancelled to tell them the alternative. This IS used as a get-to-work train by people to Bristol and Southampton.
Searching on GWR, the best they offer is a train that gets people to Southampton and hour and a half later, at a much higher price (cheeky when they cancelled the train). If I were personally travelling, I would take a look at the bus option to Trowbridge which would certainly be cheaper and probably get me to Southampton earlier than the 07:21 via Reading!

Yep - 06:50 bus from Broughton Road to Trowbridge Trinity Church (you'll note it takes 30 minutes by bus and 10 minutes by train!) and then the 07:53 train from Trowbridge to Southampton Central, due 09:03. £3 bus fare plus £30.10 which is a darned site cheaper than the £106.20 GWR will have you pay if you don't know, and gets you there still late - but 40 minutes after the train they offer you having cancelled the 06:29.
Another good reason to have a knowledgable person able to offer help at the station!
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 05:29, 26th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
"More automated logging systems than usual needing repair at the same time"
- Indeed. But you may have noticed I filed the report with a note on the alternatives we are using to help readers (customers for our data) keep track. JourneyCheck is struggling with 250 cancellations and part cancellations this morning and I suspect that the bloke or blokessse who feed it are overworked. There are regular users of this train though, and it would be a politeness for the people or systems that tell them their train is cancelled to tell them the alternative. This IS used as a get-to-work train by people to Bristol and Southampton.
Searching on GWR, the best they offer is a train that gets people to Southampton and hour and a half later, at a much higher price (cheeky when they cancelled the train). If I were personally travelling, I would take a look at the bus option to Trowbridge which would certainly be cheaper and probably get me to Southampton earlier than the 07:21 via Reading!

| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 04:52, 26th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton cancelled because of more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time (again).
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Trowres at 21:14, 25th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
In amongst all the cancellations, an extra service today:
Westbury: 2040
Trowbridge: 2046
Melksham: 2056
Chippenham: 2112
Bath: 2126
Bristol: a2140.
This service, 1U85, wasn't activated in the "system" until 20:46, so the actual times before Bradford Jn are not recorded. The train does not seem to be visible in journey planner queries nor on TIGER, so it may come as a welcome surprise for some people waiting for delayed trains.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 18:09, 25th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
My automated logging system that has been running since January - automatically scraping the last 24 hour's records in the middle of the night - has had a spanner thrown in its works, as the place I have scraped it from has gone "human only", identified me as a 'bot and stopped my access. I'm not surprised; it was useful while it lasted but it was a "quick and dirty" way of monitoring. I will see what I can do to find an alternative when I'm back in the UK early next month. For sure it could be done using industry data and significant learning and effort; I'm not sure if I'm up to/for that.
In the meantime, a huge THANK YOU to members who help me log the cancellations and other goings on with this service. Your posts will be all the more vital now.
In the meantime, a huge THANK YOU to members who help me log the cancellations and other goings on with this service. Your posts will be all the more vital now.
"More automated logging systems than usual needing repair at the same time"
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 18:01, 25th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
My automated logging system that has been running since January - automatically scraping the last 24 hour's records in the middle of the night - has had a spanner thrown in its works, as the place I have scraped it from has gone "human only", identified me as a 'bot and stopped my access. I'm not surprised; it was useful while it lasted but it was a "quick and dirty" way of monitoring. I will see what I can do to find an alternative when I'm back in the UK early next month. For sure it could be done using industry data and significant learning and effort; I'm not sure if I'm up to/for that.
In the meantime, a huge THANK YOU to members who help me log the cancellations and other goings on with this service. Your posts will be all the more vital now.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:54, 25th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:45 Swindon - Westbury "cancelled because of a broken down train"
And apparently will take some time to fix
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 17:23, 25th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:45 Swindon - Westbury "cancelled because of a broken down train"
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 16:31, 25th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 06:05, 25th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The 05:11 Gloucester - Southampton Central is 'delayed', or over 35 mins late if it sets off as I'm writing this.
...and unsurprisingly "This journey has been cancelled because of more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time".| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 05:48, 25th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The 05:11 Gloucester - Southampton Central is 'delayed', or over 35 mins late if it sets off as I'm writing this.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 18:02, 24th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The 17:45 Swindon - Westbury has also been cancelled (fault on the train).
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:07, 24th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:52, 23rd June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 21:10, 22nd June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
Both these ran in the end albeit with a delay of 25 minutes on the 18:37.
They, like most of the TransWilts services today, were operated by 158748 which was running with the windows open after the air cooling/conditioning failed. I suspect it was not alone.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 20:06, 22nd June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 was terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to a fault on this train.
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 was terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 18:13, 22nd June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by IndustryInsider at 11:36, 22nd June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Another decent week last week for Melksham, with one cancellation each way on the Saturday and Sunday giving a 96.6% reliability score from the Monday to Sunday.
96.6% ran again last week.
I'm sure this week will be much more challenging.
Agree that figure though with at least two trains flagged up on journey planner / check stuff as cancelled which then actually ran, the customer view figure might be just under 95%. This week WILL be more challenging - started with 2 cancellations due to "shortage of train crew" and with weather issues anticipated ...
Yes, as you've said it's virtually impossible to quantify that as it's a moving target.
For example, an early afternoon train, say the 14:18 Westbury to Swindon, showing at 4:30am as cancelled but then reinstated at 7am is likely to have much less of a 'customer view figure' than if it was reinstated at 1pm.
I remain of the opinion that start-of-service early morning journeycheck entries should show 'may be cancelled' - with a note to say every effort is being made to run it and to check back later. That could automatically change to 'will be cancelled' three hours before departing its origin station if it hasn't been reinstated by then as it's far less likely it will be.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 10:52, 22nd June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Another decent week last week for Melksham, with one cancellation each way on the Saturday and Sunday giving a 96.6% reliability score from the Monday to Sunday.
96.6% ran again last week.
I'm sure this week will be much more challenging.
Agree that figure though with at least two trains flagged up on journey planner / check stuff as cancelled which then actually ran, the customer view figure might be just under 95%. This week WILL be more challenging - started with 2 cancellations due to "shortage of train crew" and with weather issues anticipated ...
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:45, 22nd June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Another decent week last week for Melksham, with one cancellation each way on the Saturday and Sunday giving a 96.6% reliability score from the Monday to Sunday.
96.6% ran again last week.
I'm sure this week will be much more challenging.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:38, 22nd June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
There ARE additional trains Westbury to Southampton and Swindon to Worcester. What is lacking is any service a t all, or any customer advice for passengers travelling between Swindon and Westbury. It may be "just one round trip", but it's all we have got - or to be accurate NOT got.
Somewhat ironically.......
07:54 Swindon to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
Additional 07:54 Swindon to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be cancelled.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 06:26, 22nd June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 was terminated at Swindon.
It will no longer call at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 was terminated at Swindon.
It will no longer call at Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham, Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse, Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa, Ashchurch For Tewkesbury, Worcester Shrub Hill and Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham, Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse, Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa, Ashchurch For Tewkesbury, Worcester Shrub Hill and Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
There ARE additional trains Westbury to Southampton and Swindon to Worcester. What is lacking is any service a t all, or any customer advice for passengers travelling between Swindon and Westbury. It may be "just one round trip", but it's all we have got - or to be accurate NOT got.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 22:12, 21st June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 15 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 15 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 18:56, 21st June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:15, 20th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
14:19 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
20/06/26 15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
20/06/26 15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Looks like they've been reinstated.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 04:48, 20th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
14:19 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
20/06/26 15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
20/06/26 15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 20:41, 19th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
It left Westbury 19 minutes late and then lost another 10 at Bradford Junction. Finally arrived in Swindon 25 late.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 19:46, 19th June 2026 | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been delayed at Chippenham and is now 29 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been delayed at Chippenham and is now 29 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.














