| Archived Save the Train forum articles - 2005 to 2010. See below
Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2644 Written by Lee on Friday, 29th December 2006 From the First Great Western Website : 18:40 Southampton Central to Cardiff Central due 20:32 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a shortage of servicable trains. 20:32 Westbury to Cardiff Central due 22:30 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a shortage of servicable trains. 18:00 Cardiff Central to Westbury due 19:50 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a shortage of servicable trains. 13:22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 16:42 This train has been revised. It will additionally call at: Dunbridge, Dean and Bradford-On-Avon. 10:30 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour due 13:49 This train has been revised. It will additionally call at: Severn Tunnel Jn, Patchway, Keynsham, Oldfield Park, Freshford, Avoncliff, Bradford-On-Avon, Dean and Dunbridge. 12:22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 15:42 This train has been revised. It will additionally call at: Dunbridge and Dean. 09:30 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour due 12:49 This train has been revised. It will additionally call at: Dean and Dunbridge. 17:06 Westbury to Southampton Central due 18:17 This train has been cancelled. This is due to This is due to a shortage of servicable trains. 15:39 Southampton Central to Westbury due 16:45 This train has been cancelled. This is due to This is due to a shortage of servicable trains. 14:12 Westbury to Southampton Central due 15:23 This train has been cancelled. This is due to This is due to a shortage of servicable trains. 12:32 Southampton Central to Westbury due 13:39 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a shortage of servicable trains.. 10:00 Cardiff Central to Southampton Central due 13:17 This train has been cancelled. This is due to a shortage of servicable trains. 14:22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 17:40 This train has been revised. It will additionally call at: Dean and Dunbridge. It will no longer call at: Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth & Southsea, Fratton and Cosham. This is due to engineering work. There may have been earlier cancellations / revisions that I didnt catch. Please feel free to post details. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2654 Written by Sion Bretton on Friday, 29th December 2006 Why are there so many trains unserviceable. What do the MP's think or are they interested? Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2657 Written by admin (Graham Ellis) on Saturday, 30th December 2006 The incredible thing is that there's a SATURDAY service been in operation this week which I would have expected to have used a few less trains ... I'll be most interested to see what happend next Tuesday onwards. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2661 Written by Lee on Saturday, 30th December 2006 [quote author=Sion Bretton link=topic=941.msg2654#msg2654 date=1167420787]Why are there so many trains unserviceable. What do the MP's think or Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2664 Written by Sion Bretton on Saturday, 30th December 2006 I have wriiten to my MP as it is a lottery to see if a train runs or not. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2665 Written by Steve35 on Saturday, 30th December 2006 I see from another thread that FGW's Glenda Lamont has issued a letter saying that timetable changes are being looked into for January. I just wonder if you might get more than you bargained for.... 1) The current situation is appalling. So... 2) Something Must Be Done 3) but there aren't enough units on-lease to run the timetable given their current availability levels 4) and the DfT won't let us have any more units 5) So let's review the timetable to try and stabilise the situation. 6) I know! If we temporarily replace branch line services with buses we can transfer the branch line units to help run the main line services. 7) And if we temporarily replace some late night main line services with buses as well that'll give the depot more chance to do overnight maintenance. 8 ) Hmmm, it might just work! 9) And it's only 'temporary' too so anyone who complains about the bustitutions can be told they'll get their trains back when the situation improves. This is a crisis you know - we have to do something about it so stop complaining. 10) Of course by then everyone will be using their cars, having deserted the replacement buses. 11) Oh look. No-one uses the service so there's no need to bring the trains back. Ingenious. Maybe I'm being far too cynical. Nevertheless be on your guard... Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2682 Written by Lee on Tuesday, 2nd January 2007 I dont think that you are being too cynical at all , Steve. I think that there is a grave risk that this is EXACTLY what might happen , which is why I feel that we should shout about it now. For a historical context , have a look at the link below , which deals with the farce that surrounded the last days of the Lewes - Uckfield service.. http://home.clara.net/wealdenline/gm_archive/exp_1168.html Ironically , there is currently a self - funding proposal to reopen this line , which is opposed by the DfT , probably because they want BRB (Residuary) to sell the former Uckfield station site (links below.) http://www.christianwolmar.co.uk/articles/tt/dec15,06.shtml http://home.clara.net/wealdenline/spages/051018brbr.html By the way , many thanks for the excellent research support , which is very much appreciated. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2692 Written by Lee on Tuesday, 2nd January 2007 29/12/2006 excuses : 1840 Southampton to Cardiff Central - cancelled due to unit shortages 2032 Westbury to Cardiff Central - cancelled due to unit shortages 1800 Cardiff Central to Westbury - cancelled due to unit shortages 1322 Portsmouth to Cardiff Central - amended due to engineering works 1030 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth - amended due to engineering works 1222 Portsmouth to Cardiff Central - amended due to engineering works 0930 Cardiff Central to Portsmouth - amended due to engineering works 1706 Westbury to Southampton - cancelled due to unit shortages 1539 Southampton to Westbury - cancelled due to unit shortages 1412 Westbury to Southampton - cancelled due to unit shortages 1232 Southampton to Westbury - cancelled due to unit shortages 1000 Cardiff Central to Southampton - cancelled due to unit shortages 1422 Portsmouth to Cardiff Central -amended due to engineering works 1827 Southampton to Cheltenham - amended timetable in operation Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2693 Written by Nick Field on Tuesday, 2nd January 2007 I was at Eastleigh station over the Christmas Holidays and got chatting to a friendly member of the ticket office staff who had popped out onto the platform for his fag break. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2706 Written by Graz on Wednesday, 3rd January 2007  I don't think I've ever seen this in my life... This is just not acceptable in the slightest >:( Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2707 Written by Nick Field on Wednesday, 3rd January 2007 Graz agreed its becoming nothing short of a shambles and a disgrace, - its almost as if they are trying to deliberately run down certain stations. Is this becasue of the showcase buses? As I undersatand it the Dft have issued First some sort of ultimatum to get things sorted. In the meantime if things dont turn around quickly passengers will desert the railways and it will be hard to get them back when / if things improve. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2734 Written by bubblecat on Thursday, 4th January 2007 Brand new to the site - basially trying to find out more information about how to complain in the most effective way. I shall be writing to my MP after writing this. I started using the trains again taking a new job in Bath. I live in Frome. My communte has been, well as you all know, absolutely appalling. I'm interested in the whole "let the train take the strain" campaign that I've seen - is there a forum for this as yet? If not - I have spare web-space available. I had no idea that FGW's service as a whole appears to be in total shambles. I used to use the Hedge End to Basingstoke service years ago and it was good. So far in the last three months I have been late to work most days, sometimes by an hour. I have seen a grown man faint due to overcrowding three weeks ago and I've been home late up to an hour nearly every night after the introduction of the "new" 17.21 service to Weymouth. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2737 Written by Sion Bretton on Thursday, 4th January 2007 I think the MP for Bath Don Foster is on the case with poor train services for both Bath Spa & Oldfield Park. What does transport 2000 have to say on this matter? Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2740 Written by admin (Graham Ellis) on Friday, 5th January 2007 [quote author=bubblecat link=topic=941.msg2734#msg2734 date=1167939927] My communte has been, well as you all know, absolutely appalling. I'm interested in the whole "let the train take the strain" campaign that I've seen - is there a forum for this as yet? If not - I have spare web-space available. [/quote] Posts are very welcome in this "Greater Western" area, and I'm minded to provide specific extra boards in this area for groups who are looking at particular servcies based in Bristol and using the 143 / 150 / 153 / 158 fleets (i.e. the 1, 2, 3 coach trains that First run from Bristol - ex Wessex Trains), and who don't have other such sites available. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2756 Written by Graz on Friday, 5th January 2007 Good idea, I'd really like to discuss with more people about their recent experiences. Again, widespread FGW cancellations across the board. Not taking into account the problems at Newquay there were a lot all day today. You're right Sion, Don's very much been campaigning for Bath Spa and Oldfield Park for a long time, but I'll be writing to him again- the more support, the better! :) And Nick, unfourtunately there is not a rail replacement bus stop at Oldfield Park. Buses stop anywhere along the Lower Bristol Road which is a good 200 yards away at least. I'll be suggesting they should put one in! And you're absolutely right. Being stranded at Oldfield Park for 2 hours is enough to put people off rail travel forever. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2759 Written by Graz on Friday, 5th January 2007 Sorry for the double post, but here's the Points West report tonight on the situation on the rails for anyone who missed it: Click! Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2760 Written by Nick Field on Friday, 5th January 2007 Graz - thanks you beat me to it! Glad they showed the pictures of the unused trains in the sidings at Eastleigh. Advice given is for people to contact their MP's. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2767 Written by Sion Bretton on Friday, 5th January 2007 Thanks lets hope they get on thier phones. Or points west at Temple Meads AM monday to see how things go Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2773 Written by Lee on Saturday, 6th January 2007 Here is a further article on this (link below.) http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/01/train_operator_under_pressure.html#more Some quotes : "Train operator First Great Western has come under increasing pressure to scrap its new timetable." "Since the revised timetable was introduced on December 11, passengers have complained about the lack of trains and seats, especially at peak times." "Local MPs Richard Benyon (Con, Newbury) and Martin Salter (Lab, Reading West) have received a bulging postbag of complaints from angry constituents who are unhappy with the existing service." "Both politicians will meet with the train company on Thursday to see if any action can be taken to resolve the situation." "The meeting follows train company c2c Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2774 Written by Sion Bretton on Saturday, 6th January 2007 I see our 1st service cancelled all next week http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=712 ;D Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2776 Written by Lee on Saturday, 6th January 2007 Is it my imagination or does that link state that the following branch line train services are ALL replaced by bus?? St Erth - St Ives Liskeard - Looe Par - Newquay Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2777 Written by admin (Graham Ellis) on Saturday, 6th January 2007 [quote author=Lee link=topic=941.msg2776#msg2776 date=1168100849] Is it my imagination or does that link state that the following branch line train services are ALL replaced by bus?? St Erth - St Ives Liskeard - Looe Par - Newquay [/quote] It look to me as if the 3rd and 4th Newquay services are NOT listed - so that line should get a half of its trains. Having said which, that could be an oversight, or it could be that First are now announcing half their cancellations ahead of time for the week, and then the rest during the week, so that the don't have to issue a very bad-looking long list. You may call me cynical, but here we are 9 months into the their stewardship and 3 our of 4 of the branch lines wholly in Cornwall are effectively out of service for a substantial time; I wonder if they'll be back in service in a week's time ... or if not, when? Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2780 Written by streety7 on Saturday, 6th January 2007 [quote author=Lee link=topic=941.msg2773#msg2773 date=1168100123] Here is a further article on this (link below.) http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/01/train_operator_under_pressure.html#more Some quotes : "Train operator First Great Western has come under increasing pressure to scrap its new timetable." "Since the revised timetable was introduced on December 11, passengers have complained about the lack of trains and seats, especially at peak times." "Local MPs Richard Benyon (Con, Newbury) and Martin Salter (Lab, Reading West) have received a bulging postbag of complaints from angry constituents who are unhappy with the existing service." "Both politicians will meet with the train company on Thursday to see if any action can be taken to resolve the situation." "The meeting follows train company c2c Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2783 Written by streety7 on Sunday, 7th January 2007 Some more on the Looe & St. Ive's Branch Closures [url]http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=111[/url] I notice this is not posted on the front page like the last letter was... Rail replacement transport on the Looe Valley and St Ives branchlines. Below is a letter from Glenda Lamont, Customer Services Director, apologising for the withdrawal of the train service and replacement road transport on the Looe Valley and St Ives branchline. Dear Customer, I regret to inform you that services on this branchline will be replaced by road transport up to and including Friday 12 january. We have had to withdraw train services on this line due to a shortage of serviceable trains. I would like to apologise for the fact that we have had to introduce this alternative service. I assure you that this issue is receiving our urgent attention and that customers will see a continual improvement in the provision of First Great Western services. Glenda Lamont Customer Services Director Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2784 Written by Sion Bretton on Sunday, 7th January 2007 What are thier views on Trains at Southampton just in the sidings IU have aslk FGW & my MP this qustion let you know Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2785 Written by Lee on Sunday, 7th January 2007 [quote author=Graham Ellis link=topic=941.msg2777#msg2777 date=1168102486] [quote author=Lee link=topic=941.msg2776#msg2776 date=1168100849] Is it my imagination or does that link state that the following branch line train services are ALL replaced by bus?? St Erth - St Ives Liskeard - Looe Par - Newquay [/quote] It look to me as if the 3rd and 4th Newquay services are NOT listed - so that line should get a half of its trains. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2793 Written by Lee on Sunday, 7th January 2007 Text of RMT statement just issued : End overcrowding on First Great Western trains by ending the scandal of 'mothballed trains', RMT tells Rail Minister Britain's largest rail union RMT today called on Railways Minister, Tom Harris to end the scandal of increasingly hazardous levels of overcrowding on train services run by First Great Western in Bristol, the west of England and south Wales by releasing into service 'mothballed' trains currently being in private railway sidings across the region. RMT General Secretary, Bob Crow said: "It is nothing short of an act of deliberate sabotage of the region's rail services that long-suffering commuters are shoehorned daily into fewer and shorter trains and railway staff bear the brunt of the anger and frustration experienced by rail users, while we now see perfectly serviceable trains withdrawn from passenger service to be squirreled away in railway sidings. "As commuters face the prospect of the mass return to work following the Christmas/New Year break they must be dreading the appalling mess that FGW have created with reports of passengers fainting from overcrowding and being left behind on platforms unable to squeeze onto packed trains while train service cancellations have been running at an average of over 60 per day since FGW introduced a new winter timetable on 11 December 2006," Bob Crow said. He also warned rail bosses not to try to fix the shortage of trains in the Bristol commute-to-work area by replacing train services in Plymouth and Exeter with buses. "Any attempt to rob Peter to pay Paul by such blatant 'bustitution' will be opposed by this union", Bob Crow said. "If the management responsible for the current monumental fiasco of wholesale train cancellations, unprecedented delays and staff shortages of their own making aren't up to the job, then the Minister should take the Greater Western franchise in-house and run it directly in the public sector where it belongs", Bob Crow said. However, Bob Crow warned: "FGW's ineptitude must not be used as an excuse for continuing to allow serviceable trains to languish in rail sidings and yards when the public needs them to provide train services essential for the region's environment and economy. I am calling on Tom Harris to act now to release any trains currently mothballed under 'warm storage' arrangements and put them to work to deliver the service the public needs and has every right to expect. The RMT Parliamentary group of MPs has already met with the Minister to raise our concerns about FGW's rail service cuts and we will continue to make the Minister aware about the lamentable performance of FGW until he does something to address the shortage of trains." Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2814 Written by Lee on Monday, 8th January 2007 [quote author=Sion Bretton link=topic=941.msg2774#msg2774 date=1168100501] I see our 1st service cancelled all next week http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=712 ;D [/quote] And the last.... 05:29 Gloucester to Westbury - Cancelled Road transport will operate from Chippenham 18:27 Southampton Central to Cheltenham Spa - Terminates at Westbury Replaced by road transport from Westbury Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2817 Written by Sion Bretton on Monday, 8th January 2007 The info point at Melksham Station advised the 6.44 was 24 minutes late I do not know if did arrive or not. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2822 Written by Trowres on Monday, 8th January 2007 The FGW website [url]http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=712[/url] has the 05:29 Gloucester-Westbury cancelled for the entire week. If it did run, did it have any passengers ??? Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2826 Written by admin (Graham Ellis) on Tuesday, 9th January 2007 [quote author=Trowres link=topic=941.msg2822#msg2822 date=1168295791] The FGW website [url]http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=712[/url] has the 05:29 Gloucester-Westbury cancelled for the entire week. If it did run, did it have any passengers ??? [/quote] I have come across cases where the info point announces a train as cancelled, but then it turns up. And even a case where it announced a train as cancelled and straight afterwards the same train as running with no details about timing (and it turned up). Difficult one, but a train that is publicised as not running for a substantial period may as well be considered "cancelled" if all the passengers have found alternative plans. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2838 Written by Lee on Tuesday, 9th January 2007 [quote author=Lee link=topic=941.msg2793#msg2793 date=1168183909]Text of RMT statement just issued : End overcrowding on First Great Western trains by ending the scandal of 'mothballed trains', RMT tells Rail Minister Britain's largest rail union RMT today called on Railways Minister, Tom Harris to end the scandal of increasingly hazardous levels of overcrowding on train services run by First Great Western in Bristol, the west of England and south Wales by releasing into service 'mothballed' trains currently being in private railway sidings across the region. RMT General Secretary, Bob Crow said: "It is nothing short of an act of deliberate sabotage of the region's rail services that long-suffering commuters are shoehorned daily into fewer and shorter trains and railway staff bear the brunt of the anger and frustration experienced by rail users, while we now see perfectly serviceable trains withdrawn from passenger service to be squirreled away in railway sidings. "As commuters face the prospect of the mass return to work following the Christmas/New Year break they must be dreading the appalling mess that FGW have created with reports of passengers fainting from overcrowding and being left behind on platforms unable to squeeze onto packed trains while train service cancellations have been running at an average of over 60 per day since FGW introduced a new winter timetable on 11 December 2006," Bob Crow said. He also warned rail bosses not to try to fix the shortage of trains in the Bristol commute-to-work area by replacing train services in Plymouth and Exeter with buses. "Any attempt to rob Peter to pay Paul by such blatant 'bustitution' will be opposed by this union", Bob Crow said. "If the management responsible for the current monumental fiasco of wholesale train cancellations, unprecedented delays and staff shortages of their own making aren't up to the job, then the Minister should take the Greater Western franchise in-house and run it directly in the public sector where it belongs", Bob Crow said. However, Bob Crow warned: "FGW's ineptitude must not be used as an excuse for continuing to allow serviceable trains to languish in rail sidings and yards when the public needs them to provide train services essential for the region's environment and economy. I am calling on Tom Harris to act now to release any trains currently mothballed under 'warm storage' arrangements and put them to work to deliver the service the public needs and has every right to expect. The RMT Parliamentary group of MPs has already met with the Minister to raise our concerns about FGW's rail service cuts and we will continue to make the Minister aware about the lamentable performance of FGW until he does something to address the shortage of trains."[/quote] Further links on this below. http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/01/end_train_overcrowding_scandal.html#more http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/01/rail_union_in_call_to_end_pass.html#more (Post modified to include extra link.) Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2839 Written by Sion Bretton on Tuesday, 9th January 2007 With the overcrowding of FGW services do we have to wait until we have a crash and people are badly hurt or Killed before FGW get off their A**es and get the trains working. >:( I hope not. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2869 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 10th January 2007 Green Party South West statement : GREEN PARTY SOUTH WEST SLAMS DISARRAY IN GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT POLICY First Great Western panic measures will only make the chaos on the trains in the region worse The decision by First Great Western to remove trains from the Cornish branch lines in order to relieve overcrowding in Bristol underlines the tremendous flaws in the government's current rail policy. Jon Lucas, Green Party South West Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2870 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 10th January 2007 Transport 2000 (Plymouth & Cornwall) statement : A Bus is not a Train. Transport 2000 Plymouth & Cornwall group are dismayed at the news that that First Great Western (FGW) is replacing trains with buses on the Cornish Branch lines to enable rolling stock to be redeployed to help with overcrowding in the Bristol area. Speaking for T2000 Plymouth & Cornwall Group Roger Creagh-Osborne (local spokesman) said "It is simply not acceptable to close down part of the rail network to relieve overcrowding elsewhere. FGW made commitments to service when it won the franchise and as professional railway people must have known what would be required to run the specified timetable. Part of the trouble is that their commercial arrangements prevent them from leasing additional trains at a fair price; while the banks who own the leasing companies make obscene profits from public money that is supposed to provide a train service" Transport 2000 believes that significant action by Department for Transport and Government is needed as a matter of urgency to sort out this mess. There is massive public demand for a good reliable train service and we need an environment in which the use of the railways can grow rapidly in response to both bottom-up public demand and top-down incentives to reduce carbon emissions. Roger added: "The simplest short term fix to provide an acceptable service would be to immediately revert to the pre December 11th timetable and force the leasing companies to release stored rolling stock. Whilst the overcrowding problems in the Bristol area undoubtedly need attention, robbing Peter to pay Paul in this way is not an acceptable solution by any measure." Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2871 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 10th January 2007 Cornwall Green Party statement : Cornwall Green Party reacted with anger and dismay today at the news that First Great Western (FGW) is to withdraw trains from Cornish Branch lines and run buses instead as a "temporary measure" to enable rolling stock to be redployed to help with overcrowding in the Bristol area. Ted Chapman, coordinator for Cornwall Green Party said "This example of robbing Peter to pay Paul is in flagrant disregard of the commitments made when FGW took on the franchise for Cornwall. The branch lines are a vital link in our local economy and the dismissive attitude of FGW to passengers in Cornwall beggar's belief" At a time when there is increasing demand for train usage and more frequent and reliable services as part of a grass roots response to our problems with carbon emissions it is madness that trains have been taken out of service, whilst perfectly good 'off lease' rolling stock is laid up in depots unused. Speaking by phone from onboard a grossly overcrowded and delayed train from London to Cornwall, Roger Creagh-Osborne, Cornwall GP Transport spokesman added: "This is the inevitable consequence of the mad way in which our privatised railways are organised, and illustrates the total shambles in the Government's transport policy and its futile attempts to meet the challenges of responding to climate change" Since the introduction of the new timetable Cornish passengers have been subject to frequent delays and cancellations as FGW have struggled to run the agreed service. With additional rail replacement buses struggling through the Cornish lanes it looks like Cornwall is again been treated as the poor relation of the transport network. Cornwall Green Party sees the Cornish branch line network as a vital resource for the county. Cornwall's roads are already overcrowded and we urgently need to see an integrated transport policy which makes best use of the available resources and tackles the need to reduce our carbon footprint. As a first step the FGW franchise should revert to the pre-December timetable, and the perfectly good trains which are laid up in depots by the leasing companies should be released to enable FGW to run a reliable service. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2872 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 10th January 2007 Here is a further article on this (link below.) http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/01/anger_over_suspended_branch_li.html#more Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2883 Written by Steve35 on Wednesday, 10th January 2007 Good news. The St Ives branch is a train today instead of the planned bus. The Looe branch has also resumed, starting with the 1348 Liskeard-Looe. All services on the Newquay branch have run so far today. Unit availability seems to be improving with only 16 ex-Wessex units stopped on depot at the moment. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2884 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 10th January 2007 How are things elsewhere , Steve? Any sign of "robbing Peter to pay Paul" ? Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2885 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 10th January 2007 Updated list : Looe branchline services will be replaced by road transport until 13:48 Wednesday 10 January. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2888 Written by Trowres on Wednesday, 10th January 2007 [quote]13:32 Westbury to Cardiff Central - Cancelled 12:47 Fareham to Cardiff will call additionally at Bradford on Avon, Avoncliff, Freshford, Oldfield Park, Keynsham, Patchway and Severn Tunnel Junction Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2896 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 10th January 2007 [quote author=Lee link=topic=941.msg2870#msg2870 date=1168433850]Transport 2000 (Plymouth & Cornwall) statement : A Bus is not a Train. Transport 2000 Plymouth & Cornwall group are dismayed at the news that that First Great Western (FGW) is replacing trains with buses on the Cornish Branch lines to enable rolling stock to be redeployed to help with overcrowding in the Bristol area. Speaking for T2000 Plymouth & Cornwall Group Roger Creagh-Osborne (local spokesman) said "It is simply not acceptable to close down part of the rail network to relieve overcrowding elsewhere. FGW made commitments to service when it won the franchise and as professional railway people must have known what would be required to run the specified timetable. Part of the trouble is that their commercial arrangements prevent them from leasing additional trains at a fair price; while the banks who own the leasing companies make obscene profits from public money that is supposed to provide a train service" Transport 2000 believes that significant action by Department for Transport and Government is needed as a matter of urgency to sort out this mess. There is massive public demand for a good reliable train service and we need an environment in which the use of the railways can grow rapidly in response to both bottom-up public demand and top-down incentives to reduce carbon emissions. Roger added: "The simplest short term fix to provide an acceptable service would be to immediately revert to the pre December 11th timetable and force the leasing companies to release stored rolling stock. Whilst the overcrowding problems in the Bristol area undoubtedly need attention, robbing Peter to pay Paul in this way is not an acceptable solution by any measure."[/quote] At national level , Transport 2000 have blamed the Government (link below.) http://www.transport2000.org.uk/news/maintainNewsArticles.asp?NewsArticleID=344 Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2944 Written by Lee on Friday, 12th January 2007 First Great Western are now claiming that only the following service is to be cancelled due to a shortage of serviceable trains : The following service alteration will apply Friday 12 January 05:45 Bristol Temple Meads to Fareham - Terminates at Westbury Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2948 Written by admin (Graham Ellis) on Friday, 12th January 2007 The 06:44 at Melksham DID show up as running .... Having been cancelled (Saturday service) for the last week in December, then for 4 days this week ... this train has run on fewer weekdays that it has not run. So I really wonder whether there's any traffic left. And having given up on it for the week, I suspect that people didn't turn up for it this a.m. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2953 Written by Sion Bretton on Friday, 12th January 2007 I see the later services is not running from Swindon tonight Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2954 Written by Lee on Friday, 12th January 2007 From the First Great Western website : 17:28 Cheltenham Spa to Westbury due 19:24 This train will be terminated at Swindon. It will no longer call at: Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury. This is due to a member of train crew being unavailable. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2956 Written by Lee on Friday, 12th January 2007 An amazingly quick response from the FGW Customer Service Team : Thank you for you email regarding the 1728 service from Cheltenham to Paddington. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/2961 Written by Sion Bretton on Friday, 12th January 2007 Yes we had road transport. Re: Do We Still Have A Train Service?? (29/12/2006) - 941/3348 Written by Lee on Tuesday, 23rd January 2007 [quote author=Lee link=topic=941.msg2838#msg2838 date=1168359414] [quote author=Lee link=topic=941.msg2793#msg2793 date=1168183909]Text of RMT statement just issued : End overcrowding on First Great Western trains by ending the scandal of 'mothballed trains', RMT tells Rail Minister Britain's largest rail union RMT today called on Railways Minister, Tom Harris to end the scandal of increasingly hazardous levels of overcrowding on train services run by First Great Western in Bristol, the west of England and south Wales by releasing into service 'mothballed' trains currently being in private railway sidings across the region. RMT General Secretary, Bob Crow said: "It is nothing short of an act of deliberate sabotage of the region's rail services that long-suffering commuters are shoehorned daily into fewer and shorter trains and railway staff bear the brunt of the anger and frustration experienced by rail users, while we now see perfectly serviceable trains withdrawn from passenger service to be squirreled away in railway sidings. "As commuters face the prospect of the mass return to work following the Christmas/New Year break they must be dreading the appalling mess that FGW have created with reports of passengers fainting from overcrowding and being left behind on platforms unable to squeeze onto packed trains while train service cancellations have been running at an average of over 60 per day since FGW introduced a new winter timetable on 11 December 2006," Bob Crow said. He also warned rail bosses not to try to fix the shortage of trains in the Bristol commute-to-work area by replacing train services in Plymouth and Exeter with buses. "Any attempt to rob Peter to pay Paul by such blatant 'bustitution' will be opposed by this union", Bob Crow said. "If the management responsible for the current monumental fiasco of wholesale train cancellations, unprecedented delays and staff shortages of their own making aren't up to the job, then the Minister should take the Greater Western franchise in-house and run it directly in the public sector where it belongs", Bob Crow said. However, Bob Crow warned: "FGW's ineptitude must not be used as an excuse for continuing to allow serviceable trains to languish in rail sidings and yards when the public needs them to provide train services essential for the region's environment and economy. I am calling on Tom Harris to act now to release any trains currently mothballed under 'warm storage' arrangements and put them to work to deliver the service the public needs and has every right to expect. The RMT Parliamentary group of MPs has already met with the Minister to raise our concerns about FGW's rail service cuts and we will continue to make the Minister aware about the lamentable performance of FGW until he does something to address the shortage of trains."[/quote] Further links on this below. http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/01/end_train_overcrowding_scandal.html#more http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/01/rail_union_in_call_to_end_pass.html#more (Post modified to include extra link.)[/quote] The RMT have renewed their statement (link below.) http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2007/01/rmt_urges_action_to_end_danger.html#more link to index of articles |
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Save the Train was the campaign to bring an approriate train service back to and through Melksham. Most big contributors are still around writing at the Coffee shop forum where new members are very welcome. The train has been saved - sort of - we have stepped back up from an unusable service to a poorish one but it's doing very well. We did that through setting up the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership. That fulfilled its early objectives; it has been taken over by local and regional government types who are now doing medium and long term work. The team from this forun can also be found at the Melksham Rail User Group (which was the Melksham Rail Development Group at the time these articles were written and we had no users. We mustn't loose sight, though, that the train service remains poor and needs our community support in marketing and campaigning to keep it going in a positive direction ... and all the more so when we're expecting to find a different normallity once we get out of the Coronavirus Pandemic and head for zero carbon via the climate crisis. Yes, it's saved ... it's now a key community facility ... the need for enhancement and the strong and near-universal local support remain, and the rail industry and goverment remain slow to move and provide the enhancements even to level us up with other towns. Please support the Melksham Rail User Group - now very much in partnership rather than protest with the rail industry and local government, including GWR, TransWilts and unitary and town councils. And please use the trains and buses, and cycle and walk when you can. -- Graham Ellis, (webmaster), February 2021 | |||
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