Way off topic for the "TransWilts" - much more a general topic - but I can't help feeling that the rail industry's near complete shutdown on 26th December shows just how well traffic flows can be dealt with by private cars.  An "own goal", if you like.

Some tweets that reflected this / got me thinking:





and a discussion:

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=4057.0

I appreciate that "everyone needs a break some time" and the argument is that Christmas is a good time to give most railway staff the days off.  However, that's enforced on the staff - they have no individual choice - and the powers that be (on both management and worker representation sides) could be surprised at just how many maveric, but silent folks would be perfectly happy to provide at least some service.   Our business WAS open on Christmas day and IS open today; I offered (and did) a couple of hours yesterday (but have today off) - and I was far from alone in being willing to work.