|
Pages: [1]
|
 |
|
 Author
|
Topic: Trains replaced by buses from 26 Aug to 3 Sept 2006 (Read 2959 times)
|
|
Graham Ellis
|
Due to Engineering works at Wootton Bassett Junction (between Chippenham and Swindon), there will be major serive changes to trains from 26th August to 3rd September inclusive. Chippenham will be served by shuttle trains from Bristol and Bath, and "a limited peak-time train service will run between Chippenham and London Paddington which will operate on an alternative route direct to Reading" accorsing to First Great Western's Press Release. There press release also states: "Swindon/Southampton services - A replacement bus service will run between Westbury and Swindon. Train services will run between Westbury and Southampton."Bus timetables will be available later ... |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Sion Bretton
|
shame the train can to just run to/from Chippenham
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Graham Ellis
|
shame the train can to just run to/from Chippenham
I asked for that alternative in mid-June but although all the other points in that email have now been got back to, I've just learnt the answer on this particular point from the 5th July press release quoted above. I also asked about the Chippenham to Reading train stopping on its way through (we WILL have a limited service, just not stopping), and told it cannot do so at the short platform. To be fair, no big surprise in that; we know that Melksham is the exception to most in that long trains are NOT allowed to stop here at short platforms unless they have selective door control, and there are no "Grandfather rights" allowing to do so. Selective door closure is being fitted as I write to the 125 fleet, but it will NOT be across the fleet until December 2007. Use of the seletive door opening to make such stops cannot be used until the whole fleet is fitted (part of answer from First). |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Graham Ellis
|
I've been reminded that during last year's Glastonbury festival, the 5-coach-plus-two-locos train operated by Fragoset was used from Swindon to Westbury to handle the extra traffic, and that this train called at Melksham. This train has ceratinly NOT got selective door opening, so it seems that longer trains can call at Melksham when in suits the operator.
The "Grandfather rights" thing has always puzzled me; I don't see why the safety of stopping a long train at a short station depends on whether that station has been open to the public for 20 years (it's dangerous), or 100 years (it's safe).
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Graham Ellis
|
Yes, I saw the interview on the TV too. He was also explaining how passengers will gain in the future from a better / more reliable service as a result. All in general terms - no mentions of any specific services.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pages: [1]
|
|
|
 |
