I spoke with Peter West of the Department for Transport, at length, on Thursday
evening.   Peter is the Franchise Manager for the First Grerat Western Franchise,
and had been due to visit on Wednesday evening but had to reschedule due to the
train fire at Burnham which made his trip impractical.

The purpose of Peter's call / contact was to discuss / advise what might be possible. 

To summarise some of the pertient points:

1. On the case

Peter advised that we press hard for the strongest initial case and do not spoil
our chances by "over-egging" the case.

He pointed us to look at the Oxford to Bicester model, where the new train service
is skewed towards morning and evening peaks rather than a regular interval service
through the day.  He encouraged lateral thinking and mentioned such things as:
        First are looking at daytime maintainaince of train sets
        The possibility of turning trains at Melksham

The use of the Stroud Valley 'set' was discussed, and the problem that the peak
service in to Swindon from West Wilts and Somerset is needed at the same time as
that service and most others.  In my view, no practical alternative / solution was
reached on this.  Anyone reading this with ideas / suggestions - PLEASE TELL!

Peter does not have it within his remit to award subsidy, but "I can ask". Such a
subsidy request would, it seems, need to be requested by FGW to support a case they
might put forward for an improved service.  I fear we may go around in circles on
this one until after deadlines have passed ...

Cases are looked at on a passenger subsidy per mile basis, with, however, some form
of cap as the level goes up.   In other words, a 17p per mile figure is all well and
good for 1 train per day, but the metrics would change is we well looking at that
same figure for a half-hourly service.

2. On inclusivity

Peter recommended that we work with other interests rather than on our own. He
mentioned "the local railway development group" (MRDG) as an example.  Others such
as the local councils, First, Network rail, RDAs, etc and partnerships were mentioned.

The Community service designation possibility was briefly discussed - with the
conclusion that it could help with some flexibility but it's not going to be the
be-all and end-all.

3. On current service

Peter is painfully aware that it's not working - that the objective of cutting out
the 60% least used services in order to leave only the busy ones and thus give a
much better average loading has not worked.   He is open to suggestions ... see
my "Bicester" comments above, and what would be a solution based on a similar model.

I am going to get back with him, with some comments, in the near future. Inputs
welcomed, but I am *wondering* about ...
        1. A service to arrive in Swindon at 08:30, return at 17:45
        2. KEEP the existing service (so that we have TWO peak trains for
           commuters in / out of Swindon)
        3. Return the 08:30 to Westbury at 08:45, send it back up to
           Swindon for 17:30

Not sure (haven't fully thought through) the implications of daytime servicing.

I would be happy to discuss further / ideas etc by email - som eof the things that came up could open doors, others would need very careful consideration.   I do have a lot more notes I made!

Political pressure IN ADDITION to the threads above is a good idea ... and as one of the folks at the meeting reminded us we must be very careful to avoid spending so long ob business cases that deadlines pass.  However, the knowledge of which doors are likely to be openable and which may not be should help.

Want some off - peak services to go with your improved peak service? Your wish is my command.

0535 Weymouth - Filton Abbey Wood 0820.

0825 Filton Abbey Wood - Westbury 0920 , calling at Bristol Temple Meads arrive 0832 , depart 0834 , Keynsham 0841 , Oldfield Park 0848 , Bath Spa 0852 , Freshford 0901 , Avoncliff 0904 , Bradford - on - Avon 0907 , Trowbridge 0913 & Westbury 0920.

1035 Westbury - Swindon 1120 , calling at Trowbridge 1041 , Melksham 1050 , Chippenham 1100 & Swindon 1120.

1135 Swindon - Westbury 1217 , calling at Chippenham 1151 , Melksham 1201 , Trowbridge 1210 & Westbury 1217.

1235 Westbury - Swindon 1320 , calling at Trowbridge 1241 , Melksham 1250 , Chippenham 1300 & Swindon 1320.

1335 Swindon - Westbury 1417 , calling at Chippenham 1351 , Melksham 1401 , Trowbridge 1410 & Westbury 1417.

1455 Westbury - Filton Abbey Wood 1540.

Note to Wiltshire County Council - According to Andrew Griffiths , forking out for the ancillary costs of 4 off - peak Trans - Wilts services for a 3 - year trial period is likely to work out a whole lot cheaper than the full cost of a unit , especially as this one appears to be "spare."

Note to Peter West - Including the above services in the franchise specification will cost the DfT absolutely nothing , and ensure efficient utilisation of rolling stock. You also get an extra morning peak Bristol - Bath service thrown in. What a bargain!

Note to potential Melksham train users - A shopping trip to Swindon will be possible using the above services (catch the 1748 return.) Frome passengers could do the same by changing at Westbury from the 1010 or 1210 (outward) or onto the 1839 (return.)