Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Rail passenger numbers and crowding published In "Across the West" [377600/32283/26] Posted by Noggin at 21:13, 30th July 2026 |      |
Used to commute Reading to London up until 2009 and I'm pretty sure that it's a lot better now - pre-Electrification in the morning rush hour you often had to wait for up to three HST's to come through the station before you were actually able to fit on one (zero chance of getting a seat). At one point, a first class season ticket wasn't that much more expensive than second (let's say £150 a month), so quite a lot of people started buying a first class ticket to get a seat, until first was also jammed. Apparently some rather influential people complained, at which point the (unregulated) first class season ticket was jacked up and the riff-raff headed back to second.
Oh yes, and during electrification, I seem to remember the reliability getting so bad that we actually got a discount on a number of month's tickets. And remember, that was before smart phones, so the best you could do for amusement as you sat on the floor was to read your book or call your mates, or if you weere important you might send a few emails on your Blackberry.
Finally, the Thames Valley stoppers were 3-car only for much of the day and my recollection is that they might even have been hourly to the smaller stations like Burnham.
| Re: Road markings and signs - various errors causing confusion, mirth and some concerns - merged pos In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377599/12302/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:04, 30th July 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Lydney Mayor had to check road misspellings 'were not AI'
Tasha Saunders, mayor of Lydney, said she believes the spelling on Templeway West was originally correct - Image © Submitted
A mayor says she had to make sure misspelt road markings "were not AI" after errors were painted next to electric vehicle bays in two Forest of Dean towns.
Tasha Saunders, mayor of Lydney in Gloucestershire, said she asked a member of staff on their way to work to check whether the "electirc vehicles" marking on Templeway West was genuine on Thursday.
The mishap came days after Ray Donaghue, who represents Cinderford at Gloucestershire County Council, said he was left laughing after noticing "electric vehicels only" markings had popped up on Station Street in his town.
Both errors have now been rectified, which the county council said came at no cost to it as contractors were responsible.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Donaghue, a Reform UK councillor, said he reported the issue on Monday, adding: "It's one of those things and it's made us laugh. "I've seen a 'Worchester' sign and 'no parkeng' before but I think 'electric vehicels only' is a new one. It made me think of the 'no regerts' tattoo phenomenon."
Donaghue said the contractors "sparked into action and were out like a flash" on Tuesday morning to repaint the markings.
The misspelling in Cinderford (pictured) differed from the error in Lydney - Image © Submitted
Mark Harris, cabinet member for highways at Gloucestershire County Councillor, thanked Donaghue for making the mistake known.
"As soon as the error was realised, we contacted our contractors who fixed the issue on Tuesday morning." But, on Thursday morning, Saunders said a resident made her aware of a similar mistake in Lydney, which she believed had not been there before.
"I believe they were done earlier in the week and, from what I can gather, they were originally correct," she said. "It seems when the Cinderford mistake became apparent and they fixed that one, they must have come out to Lydney and altered the spelling there but actually made it wrong."
Saunders said she contacted the highways team at 08:30 BST, and by 10:00, contractors were working to return the markings to their original state. "I must say it did make me laugh in the grand scheme of things," she said. "Some things you just can't write, can you? Literally."
Tasha Saunders, mayor of Lydney, said she believes the spelling on Templeway West was originally correct - Image © Submitted
A mayor says she had to make sure misspelt road markings "were not AI" after errors were painted next to electric vehicle bays in two Forest of Dean towns.
Tasha Saunders, mayor of Lydney in Gloucestershire, said she asked a member of staff on their way to work to check whether the "electirc vehicles" marking on Templeway West was genuine on Thursday.
The mishap came days after Ray Donaghue, who represents Cinderford at Gloucestershire County Council, said he was left laughing after noticing "electric vehicels only" markings had popped up on Station Street in his town.
Both errors have now been rectified, which the county council said came at no cost to it as contractors were responsible.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Donaghue, a Reform UK councillor, said he reported the issue on Monday, adding: "It's one of those things and it's made us laugh. "I've seen a 'Worchester' sign and 'no parkeng' before but I think 'electric vehicels only' is a new one. It made me think of the 'no regerts' tattoo phenomenon."
Donaghue said the contractors "sparked into action and were out like a flash" on Tuesday morning to repaint the markings.
The misspelling in Cinderford (pictured) differed from the error in Lydney - Image © Submitted
Mark Harris, cabinet member for highways at Gloucestershire County Councillor, thanked Donaghue for making the mistake known.
"As soon as the error was realised, we contacted our contractors who fixed the issue on Tuesday morning." But, on Thursday morning, Saunders said a resident made her aware of a similar mistake in Lydney, which she believed had not been there before.
"I believe they were done earlier in the week and, from what I can gather, they were originally correct," she said. "It seems when the Cinderford mistake became apparent and they fixed that one, they must have come out to Lydney and altered the spelling there but actually made it wrong."
Saunders said she contacted the highways team at 08:30 BST, and by 10:00, contractors were working to return the markings to their original state. "I must say it did make me laugh in the grand scheme of things," she said. "Some things you just can't write, can you? Literally."
| Re: Getting to the airport - an advert for public transport! In "Buses and other ways to travel" [377598/32285/5] Posted by LiskeardRich at 20:37, 30th July 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
The only airport I’ve driven to in years is Gatwick. I paid £27 for 6 days parking last time with Purple Parking. Even with Fuel from Cornwall, and public transport couldn’t compete.
At Bristol the same parking would be in 3 figures. I think Bristol’s parking tariff is why the Flyer, Falcon and NX are so successful on their Bristol airport routes.
| Re: Getting to the airport - an advert for public transport! In "Buses and other ways to travel" [377597/32285/5] Posted by Mark A at 19:20, 30th July 2026 | |
Four trains an hour - to Cornwall (Falmouth?),
My memory tells me there used to be a Summer Saturday Falmouth - Paddington (& return) express.
There was. It was still I thing in summer 1975, I feel sure. I signalled the down service at Bruton 'box, which was opened to reduce the section for all the extra trains on Saturdays in summer, but, by then, mostly was switched-out
EDIT TO ADD
This service came to an end after the 1979 summer timetable, I've found out with a bit of Grok's help
Presumably the branch infrastructure wouldn't support it (in which case, if it would also provide other benefits, strengthen it). The railway should trial a daily Falmouth - Paddington service again. IEP 2 times 5 car set from Paddington - send the rear half to Newquay, the front 5 to Falmouth, and on the way back up, combine them again.
Mark
| Re: Getting to the airport - an advert for public transport! In "Buses and other ways to travel" [377596/32285/5] Posted by eXPassenger at 18:28, 30th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Living in the far West, unfortunately mostly it's a car.
Indeed / I can sympathise. Newquay, Exeter, Bristol airports ... none has a rail connection. I still fancy the idea - pink flying elephant time - of the Strawberry line re-opening to Wrington and then extending into an underground station at Lulsgate / Bristol Airport. Four trains an hour - to Cornwall (Falmouth?), to Cardiff via Bristol, to Minehead via Taunton, and to Swindon via Bath Spa.
Wrington was on the Wrington Vale Light Railway which left the Strawberry line at Congresbury and went to Blagdon, it closed to passengers in 1931. Realistically a brand new railway from Yatton or Flax Bourton would be better, and cheaper, than trying to reuse this alignment.
| Re: Walking - and the right to roam. In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [377595/32293/50] Posted by stuving at 18:18, 30th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
As I understand it, there is a "Right to Roam" in Scotland, but in England it's much more restricted - perhaps to National Parks. Would anyone with a bit of knowledge on this be able to fill me in?
Most of the kind of land that the Kinder trespass was about are now accessible. From the gov.uk page of guidance on "Open access land: management, rights and responsibilities":
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act) normally gives a public right of access to land mapped as open country (mountain, moor, heath or down) or registered common land. These areas are ‘open access land’.
The online maps show if the public has a right of access to land. They also have details of any local restrictions or exclusions that limit the public’s rights over them. Some of the mapped areas do not have access rights because they are excepted land.
Much of the coastal margin that’s being created as part of the work to implement the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is also open access land. Open stretches of the KCIIIECP are shown on the National Trails website
Registered common land is land other than coastal margin which is registered as common under the Commons Registration Act 1965. If land ceases to be registered it will retain open access rights if it qualifies as open country or has been dedicated for access.
You are not required to create new ways for people to reach open access land over neighbouring land.
The online maps show if the public has a right of access to land. They also have details of any local restrictions or exclusions that limit the public’s rights over them. Some of the mapped areas do not have access rights because they are excepted land.
Much of the coastal margin that’s being created as part of the work to implement the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is also open access land. Open stretches of the KCIIIECP are shown on the National Trails website
Registered common land is land other than coastal margin which is registered as common under the Commons Registration Act 1965. If land ceases to be registered it will retain open access rights if it qualifies as open country or has been dedicated for access.
You are not required to create new ways for people to reach open access land over neighbouring land.
In the Scottish case the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 went further by making everywhere accessible unless it was on a list of exclusions. Here's a moderately short explanation from Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP (i.e.lawyers) - their "what's excluded" bit starts with:
While the access rights may appear to be very extensive, they are subject to many restrictions. Land over which statutory access rights cannot be exercised includes:
▪ any land to the extent that there are buildings on it, a fixed piece of machinery or anywhere that provides an individual with privacy or shelter, such as a tent or caravan. This covers both residential and non- residential buildings;
▪ gardens around houses, caravans or tents etc., of a sufficient extent to allow a reasonable degree of privacy.
Public access rights also do not apply to:
▪ common gardens that are restricted to residents, even if they are separated from the homes themselves;
▪ schools or land used by schools, such as a playground;
▪ land that has been developed as a sports or playing field, or for a particular recreational purpose; or
▪ land on which crops are growing (in order to protect farming).
Additionally, it is not permissible to use public access rights for certain types of conduct such as to hunt, shoot or fish, or for the purpose of committing an offence such as theft or polluting water (including breaching a court order).
▪ any land to the extent that there are buildings on it, a fixed piece of machinery or anywhere that provides an individual with privacy or shelter, such as a tent or caravan. This covers both residential and non- residential buildings;
▪ gardens around houses, caravans or tents etc., of a sufficient extent to allow a reasonable degree of privacy.
Public access rights also do not apply to:
▪ common gardens that are restricted to residents, even if they are separated from the homes themselves;
▪ schools or land used by schools, such as a playground;
▪ land that has been developed as a sports or playing field, or for a particular recreational purpose; or
▪ land on which crops are growing (in order to protect farming).
Additionally, it is not permissible to use public access rights for certain types of conduct such as to hunt, shoot or fish, or for the purpose of committing an offence such as theft or polluting water (including breaching a court order).
Obviously in both cases there are lots of complications; some written in and some that have emergaed since enactment.
| Re: Getting to the airport - an advert for public transport! In "Buses and other ways to travel" [377594/32285/5] Posted by Witham Bobby at 17:00, 30th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Four trains an hour - to Cornwall (Falmouth?),
My memory tells me there used to be a Summer Saturday Falmouth - Paddington (& return) express.
There was. It was still I thing in summer 1975, I feel sure. I signalled the down service at Bruton 'box, which was opened to reduce the section for all the extra trains on Saturdays in summer, but, by then, mostly was switched-out
EDIT TO ADD
This service came to an end after the 1979 summer timetable, I've found out with a bit of Grok's help
| Re: Interrail trip 4 - the journey continues In "Introductions and chat" [377593/32275/1] Posted by grahame at 16:37, 30th July 2026 | |
There is something that almost sounds like home when arriving in Prague and hearing the sounds of the station
| Re: Walking - and the right to roam. In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [377592/32293/50] Posted by ChrisB at 16:36, 30th July 2026 | |
From Gov.uk via Google
Right to Roam in the UK
In England and Wales, the right to roam is limited compared to Scotland. Access is primarily granted on open access land, which can be used for walking, horse-riding, and cycling under certain conditions. Dogs must be kept on a lead no longer than 2 meters, and some areas, called excepted land, remain private and are not accessible even if they appear on maps of open access land
Public rights of way, common lands, and the foreshore of beaches often provide additional access opportunities
In England and Wales, the right to roam is limited compared to Scotland. Access is primarily granted on open access land, which can be used for walking, horse-riding, and cycling under certain conditions. Dogs must be kept on a lead no longer than 2 meters, and some areas, called excepted land, remain private and are not accessible even if they appear on maps of open access land
Public rights of way, common lands, and the foreshore of beaches often provide additional access opportunities
| Walking - and the right to roam. In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [377591/32293/50] Posted by grahame at 16:28, 30th July 2026 | |
From The BBC
Retracing the defiant walk that changed Britain
Molly Gorman
Seventy-five years after the Peak District became Britain's first national park, visitors can retrace the mass trespass that helped open the countryside to everyone.
[snip]
Having grown up on the fringes of the Peak District, I have always delighted in walking across its dramatic landscapes, while being largely unaware of its role in shaping public access to the English countryside. Today, I'm retracing those bold rebels' steps where it all began.
[snip]
"We have this idea that England's crowded, England's full. That's not the case, but it may feel like it, because there's very little land that most of us can legally access" – Jon Moses
However, the Kinder mass trespass of 24 April 1932 is often cited as the catalyst that led to the birth of England's own national park system.
[snip]
Molly Gorman
Seventy-five years after the Peak District became Britain's first national park, visitors can retrace the mass trespass that helped open the countryside to everyone.
[snip]
Having grown up on the fringes of the Peak District, I have always delighted in walking across its dramatic landscapes, while being largely unaware of its role in shaping public access to the English countryside. Today, I'm retracing those bold rebels' steps where it all began.
[snip]
"We have this idea that England's crowded, England's full. That's not the case, but it may feel like it, because there's very little land that most of us can legally access" – Jon Moses
However, the Kinder mass trespass of 24 April 1932 is often cited as the catalyst that led to the birth of England's own national park system.
[snip]
As I understand it, there is a "Right to Roam" in Scotland, but in England it's much more restricted - perhaps to National Parks. Would anyone with a bit of knowledge on this be able to fill me in?
| Dog rescued from railway line with help from drone In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377590/32292/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:11, 30th July 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Dog rescued from railway line with help from drone
Maddie needed help after she strolled on to the railway embankment - Image © Network Rail
A dog has been rescued from a railway embankment with the assistance of a drone.
Cairn terrier Maddie got stuck near Hitchin, Hertfordshire, on 21 July.
British Transport Police deployed a drone which located her in the thick undergrowth before Network Rail mobile operations manager Martin Mason collected her.
He said: "While we're delighted this story had a happy ending, animals on the railway can create significant safety risks and lead to potential train service disruption. We would encourage all pet owners to keep dogs secure when near the railway."
Drones are also used along the railway to deter trespassers, check for fires and monitor potential flooding.
Maddie needed help after she strolled on to the railway embankment - Image © Network Rail
A dog has been rescued from a railway embankment with the assistance of a drone.
Cairn terrier Maddie got stuck near Hitchin, Hertfordshire, on 21 July.
British Transport Police deployed a drone which located her in the thick undergrowth before Network Rail mobile operations manager Martin Mason collected her.
He said: "While we're delighted this story had a happy ending, animals on the railway can create significant safety risks and lead to potential train service disruption. We would encourage all pet owners to keep dogs secure when near the railway."
Drones are also used along the railway to deter trespassers, check for fires and monitor potential flooding.
| Re: Potential rail strike over lack of toilets In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377589/32288/51] Posted by Mark A at 15:03, 30th July 2026 | |
Ah, there is, from 2010, but it's not freely available. The impairment takes people to the equivalent of the drink-driving limit or '24 hours of sleep deprivation'. Article in the Scottish Daily Record newspaper. That makes this a safety issue.
Mark
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/science-technology/researchers-claim-driving-while-needing-to-pee-1083148
Lewis, M. S., Snyder, P. J., Pietrzak, R. H., Darby, D., Feldman, R. A., & Maruff, P. (2010). The effect of acute increase in urge to void on cognitive function in healthy adults. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 30(2), 183–187. https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.20963
| Re: Station fire at Paignton. Footbridge? In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [377588/32262/24] Posted by REVUpminster at 15:03, 30th July 2026 Already liked by rogerw | |
Terrific drone video here. Get a good view of Happy Valley sidings owned by the steam railway. Must have been done last weekend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F512zZsDQP8
| Re: The City of PCB In "South Western services" [377587/20350/42] Posted by grahame at 15:00, 30th July 2026 | |
grahame - What I would be interested to know is whether the source who informed your correspondent that "we will be getting a tram system" was imparting a genuine change of policy that would move the implementation of such a system into the short/medium term timeframe (presumably by removing the quoted funding constraints through the use of some of the significant savings envisaged by moving to a unitary system), or whether they were simply jumping the gun/living in hope.
There is certainly potential there in my view. There are already LTP commitments to work towards an integrated transport authority, Quality Bus Corridors, and the main bus operators (RATP and Go) are both well experienced in the kind of partnership working that could even facilitate successful Bus Franchising if so desired.
There is certainly potential there in my view. There are already LTP commitments to work towards an integrated transport authority, Quality Bus Corridors, and the main bus operators (RATP and Go) are both well experienced in the kind of partnership working that could even facilitate successful Bus Franchising if so desired.
Taken me a long time to answer, Lee ... but from the Dorset Echo
Plan to move Dorset railway station called 'anti-motorist'
A 15-year plan with proposals to move a railway station, introduce trams and expand the cycling network is continuing the “anti-motorist biased agenda”.
That's according to Reform councillor Cameron Adams.
The local transport plan (LTP4) was consulted on between January and March 2024 so that the council could “understand the transport-related issues” the strategy would seek to address.
The plan includes proposals to reopen Hamworthy branch line as a freight route, relocate Poole train station to help regenerate the town centre, introduce trams across the BCP conurbation and make improvements to cycling networks and pedestrian routes.
During a debate on the strategy at a full council meeting on July 28, Councillor Margaret Phipps, who was a member of the working group for the local transport plan said: “For me it is not a transport plan it more resembles a cycling and climate plan.
“I really can’t see how this plan will benefit a majority of residents in BCP and businesses who have to by absolute necessity use a motorised vehicle to get around.”
Councillor Karen Rampton asked how a petition which had 2,000 signatures from a motorist group was considered.
Cllr Rampton said: “This is 2.000 residents who took the time to make representation to us about something they feel strongly about and it seems to me that was just dismissed.
“This transport plan barely mentions a car but for many residents the car is a lifeline, it is there choice and we shouldn’t remove that choice. ”
Councillor Stephen Bartlett said: “The document should be retitled to the local walking wheeling and cycling transport plan as it is trying to alter people behaviour.
“The impression I got was this is a paper that does not reflect public opinion.”
Councillor Cameron Adams said: “In the local transport plan strategy document it does mention motorists five times, with cars mentioned on a further 30 occasions.
“Cycling is mentioned 85 times and potholes one of the most frequently complained about issues is mentioned on one occasion which shows the priority that is given to them.
“The Lib Dems continuing to do this anti-motorist biased agenda is why so many of them are going to be joining Sir Keir in the job centre next May.”
Councillor Millie Earl said: “I don’t see it as something taking away from car drivers to give to cyclists this is about equity and rebalancing.
“Everyone should feel safe on our roads.”
BCP Council voted in favour of implementing the strategy 44:13 with four councillors abstaining.
A 15-year plan with proposals to move a railway station, introduce trams and expand the cycling network is continuing the “anti-motorist biased agenda”.
That's according to Reform councillor Cameron Adams.
The local transport plan (LTP4) was consulted on between January and March 2024 so that the council could “understand the transport-related issues” the strategy would seek to address.
The plan includes proposals to reopen Hamworthy branch line as a freight route, relocate Poole train station to help regenerate the town centre, introduce trams across the BCP conurbation and make improvements to cycling networks and pedestrian routes.
During a debate on the strategy at a full council meeting on July 28, Councillor Margaret Phipps, who was a member of the working group for the local transport plan said: “For me it is not a transport plan it more resembles a cycling and climate plan.
“I really can’t see how this plan will benefit a majority of residents in BCP and businesses who have to by absolute necessity use a motorised vehicle to get around.”
Councillor Karen Rampton asked how a petition which had 2,000 signatures from a motorist group was considered.
Cllr Rampton said: “This is 2.000 residents who took the time to make representation to us about something they feel strongly about and it seems to me that was just dismissed.
“This transport plan barely mentions a car but for many residents the car is a lifeline, it is there choice and we shouldn’t remove that choice. ”
Councillor Stephen Bartlett said: “The document should be retitled to the local walking wheeling and cycling transport plan as it is trying to alter people behaviour.
“The impression I got was this is a paper that does not reflect public opinion.”
Councillor Cameron Adams said: “In the local transport plan strategy document it does mention motorists five times, with cars mentioned on a further 30 occasions.
“Cycling is mentioned 85 times and potholes one of the most frequently complained about issues is mentioned on one occasion which shows the priority that is given to them.
“The Lib Dems continuing to do this anti-motorist biased agenda is why so many of them are going to be joining Sir Keir in the job centre next May.”
Councillor Millie Earl said: “I don’t see it as something taking away from car drivers to give to cyclists this is about equity and rebalancing.
“Everyone should feel safe on our roads.”
BCP Council voted in favour of implementing the strategy 44:13 with four councillors abstaining.
I have quoted more than I normally would there to give readers a real flavour. I note
* 77% of councillors voted in favour of the scheme
* I agree the absolute necessity of motorised vehicles to get around. There's more than just the private car, though - there are buses, proposed trams, trains, e-bykes, taxis and private hire options too where I live, and as I understand it the same offerings in Poole.
* From Wikipedia: """The Downs–Thomson paradox (named after Anthony Downs and John Michael Thomson), also known as the Pigou–Knight–Downs paradox (after Arthur Cecil Pigou and Frank Knight), states that the equilibrium speed of car traffic on a road network is determined by the average door-to-door speed of equivalent journeys taken by public transport or the next best alternative.""" and it follows, perhaps, that speeding up public transport is a darned good way to speed up car traffic too. At first this seems to be counter-intuitive, but if PCB can improve public transport and suck more people onto it, those people who remain attached to their cars will find they are faster too. I wonder if this has been explained to the 13 councillors objecting and / or the 2,000 residents who felt strongly enough to sign a petition (and I don't know the wording of that) stuck under their noses.
* By increasing the capacity of flows in and out of Poole, a boost to footfall should also be a boost to the local economy.
| Re: Potential rail strike over lack of toilets In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377586/32288/51] Posted by bobm at 14:54, 30th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
Never stolen. Mind you, who would want to steal a bus.....
When the municipal bus depot was in Reading town centre there was a particular set of traffic lights that was frequently the victim of a collision with a stolen bus. It was at the first left turn after the depot.
Having driven a bus you get used to turning points and using mirrors. Those unused to larger vehicles and possibly impaired due to alcohol managed right turns ok, but frequently cut the corner on the left and took the lights with them.
| Re: Potential rail strike over lack of toilets In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377585/32288/51] Posted by Mark A at 14:49, 30th July 2026 | |
Does anyone know of any research into the relationship between driving ability and the need to go to the loo? Apocryphal evidence suggests that there is a dependence between the two.
Mark
| ScotRail apology as passengers unable to book tickets in app launch chaos In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377584/32291/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:48, 30th July 2026 | |
From the BBC:
ScotRail apology as passengers unable to book tickets in app launch chaos
ScotRail has apologised for the chaotic launch of its new app, which has left hundreds of passengers unable to book train tickets.
The operator replaced its existing system, provided by Trainline, with an updated ticketing platform for travellers on Thursday morning.
Complaints on ScotRail's social media channels saw a series of issues with passengers being forced to reset account passwords and journeys not appearing in booking searches.
ScotRail said it was working to fix "intermittent technical issues" and said passengers should continue using their old phone app until resolved.
Many people attempting to catch morning trains were frustrated by the processes involved before they could buy tickets. Passengers on social media branded the roll-out a "shambles" and a "nonsense".
An email earlier this week had warned passengers that they would need the new app to buy tickets from Thursday. But the app was not made available to download ahead of launch day.
ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, David Ross, told BBC Radio Scotland that issues began when "thousands and thousands of people" attempted to switch to the new app at the same time.
"There were challenges with a bit of a backlog with the sheer volume of people downloading the app this morning," he said. "There have been some intermittent technical challenges, our suppliers and technical teams are working round the clock to resolve those. We were doing lots of testing work, working closely with Apple and Google, about when and where in the app store it can be made available."
(BBC article continues)
ScotRail has apologised for the chaotic launch of its new app, which has left hundreds of passengers unable to book train tickets.
The operator replaced its existing system, provided by Trainline, with an updated ticketing platform for travellers on Thursday morning.
Complaints on ScotRail's social media channels saw a series of issues with passengers being forced to reset account passwords and journeys not appearing in booking searches.
ScotRail said it was working to fix "intermittent technical issues" and said passengers should continue using their old phone app until resolved.
Many people attempting to catch morning trains were frustrated by the processes involved before they could buy tickets. Passengers on social media branded the roll-out a "shambles" and a "nonsense".
An email earlier this week had warned passengers that they would need the new app to buy tickets from Thursday. But the app was not made available to download ahead of launch day.
ScotRail Chief Operating Officer, David Ross, told BBC Radio Scotland that issues began when "thousands and thousands of people" attempted to switch to the new app at the same time.
"There were challenges with a bit of a backlog with the sheer volume of people downloading the app this morning," he said. "There have been some intermittent technical challenges, our suppliers and technical teams are working round the clock to resolve those. We were doing lots of testing work, working closely with Apple and Google, about when and where in the app store it can be made available."
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Call for volunteers - 18th July 2026 - Walkers for Melksham Carnival In "Diary - what's happening when?" [377583/32222/34] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:12, 30th July 2026 | |
The printed version of Melksham News was delivered here yesterday. There is a full two-page item about the carnival, including lots of pictures of the participants.
I'm keeping it safe here, ready for grahame's return.
| Re: Wilts & Berks Canal - merged posts, ongoing developments and discussion In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [377582/28863/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:33, 30th July 2026 | |
The book I am looking at is mostly black and white images, but I suspect the content of both books does indeed overlap somewhat.
| Re: Potential rail strike over lack of toilets In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377581/32288/51] Posted by grahame at 13:07, 30th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A, Oxonhutch | |
Never stolen. Mind you, who would want to steal a bus.....
It has been done ... a story I heard ...
I drove to the pub last night, intending to be there for just a short time ... but good company, good beer and a good match I stayed far longer than I should. A friend recommended that I leave the car and take a bus home, and I took him up on that advise.
Good job I did take the bus, because just up the road the police were stopping all the cars and checking that their drivers were fit to drive, but they just waved the bus through.
This morning, my wife wants to know where the car is - and why there's a bus parked outside our house.
Good job I did take the bus, because just up the road the police were stopping all the cars and checking that their drivers were fit to drive, but they just waved the bus through.
This morning, my wife wants to know where the car is - and why there's a bus parked outside our house.
| Re: Potential rail strike over lack of toilets In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377580/32288/51] Posted by GBM at 13:00, 30th July 2026 | |
Reminded me of when I took over a bus from another driver and he was very clear about not switching off the engine as it wouldn't restart. The call of nature came about 2 hours into a 3h30 run where the only option was to use Tesco's facilities (it shouldn't really be up to other companies to provide facilities without being compensated, but that's another matter). I couldn't go inside the supermarket with the engine running so had no choice but to risk switching it off.
Ha. forgotten about that aspect.Think we certainly one (maybe two) vehicles that were not to be switched off whilst in service.
Left running for handovers and PNB!
Never stolen. Mind you, who would want to steal a bus.....
There was a start (and another for stop) button in the engine bay, but we, as drivers, were told never to go into the engine bay. H&S. Engineers trained in there, drivers not trained.
A few vehicles we had to start from the back mind.
We also on occasions had to top up the water lever (again, untrained).
| Re: Stonehenge - National Monument in Wiltshire: merged posts, ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [377579/22806/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:52, 30th July 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
That quote is from the BBC article, by the way - not from me.
I, too, remember clambering on the stones as a youngster in a family visit - clearly before 1977.
| Re: Potential rail strike over lack of toilets In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377578/32288/51] Posted by grahame at 12:30, 30th July 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
Personal Need Breaks for bus drivers - reminds me of just how joined up our "Information at the Station" project is, including a route end at Melksham Station with a layover while the train arrives and departs, and with a layover long enough for connections to still make even if there are delays of a handful of minutes.
Plan is to provide a public loo ... loo already there ... should be up and running from day 1.
| Re: Station fire at Paignton. Footbridge? In "Shorter journeys in Devon - Central, North and South" [377577/32262/24] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:23, 30th July 2026 Already liked by GBM, Mark A | |
Thanks for posting your detailed updates here, REVUpminster. CfN.
| Re: Lifts at Swindon In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [377576/32287/18] Posted by ChrisB at 12:23, 30th July 2026 | |
We'll be coming back London - Swindon - Melksham next week. It will be interesting to see what advice if any we are offered at Paddington; Swansea or Cardiff trains will be an issue - we know the solution for Bristol and Cheltenham Spa services.
Yup - you need to et the hourly Cheltenham Spa service.....
They could try but the lifts at Didcot (P2/3 and P4/5) are also out of order, seems to be connected to the heatwave as happens every time we get 'extreme heat'.
Arrgh!! So Reading it would be & doubling back. Or BRI or Welsh services from the east.
| Re: Potential rail strike over lack of toilets In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377575/32288/51] Posted by Fourbee at 12:20, 30th July 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
Reminded me of when I took over a bus from another driver and he was very clear about not switching off the engine as it wouldn't restart. The call of nature came about 2 hours into a 3h30 run where the only option was to use Tesco's facilities (it shouldn't really be up to other companies to provide facilities without being compensated, but that's another matter). I couldn't go inside the supermarket with the engine running so had no choice but to risk switching it off.
Deed quickly done, it took me 5 attempts to restart the engine, but fortunately it did and got a cheer from those on board when we got away only about a minute late.
Levity aside, this thread also made me think of the occasion when a Southern driver was hit in West Worthing Middle Siding having exited the cab, potentially for a PNB; RAIB report: https://www.gov.uk/raib-reports/report-02-slash-2023-train-driver-struck-by-a-train-near-west-worthing-middle-siding
Lack of PNBs have also been cited in SPAD incidents in the past, so companies should take toilet provision (more) seriously and make sure adequate facilities are available.
| Re: Lifts at Swindon In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [377574/32287/18] Posted by ray951 at 12:11, 30th July 2026 | |
From Journey Check
Does this mean that passengers for Swindon with mobility issues from the west may travel to Didcot and double back there at no extra charge?
Swindon: Lifts out of order
The lifts will be out of order between platform 1, 2 & 3 and the station subway from now until further notice at Swindon station.
Additional Information
Platforms 1 , 2 & 3 have no step free access with the rest of the station and entrance.
Your journey may be possible using services to/from platform 4 at Swindon changing at another station with step free access.
Platform 4 has step free access.
The lifts will be out of order between platform 1, 2 & 3 and the station subway from now until further notice at Swindon station.
Additional Information
Platforms 1 , 2 & 3 have no step free access with the rest of the station and entrance.
Your journey may be possible using services to/from platform 4 at Swindon changing at another station with step free access.
Platform 4 has step free access.
Does this mean that passengers for Swindon with mobility issues from the west may travel to Didcot and double back there at no extra charge?
They could try but the lifts at Didcot (P2/3 and P4/5) are also out of order, seems to be connected to the heatwave as happens every time we get 'extreme heat'.
| Re: Cornish mainline and branch line delays - ongoing discussion In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [377573/28556/25] Posted by REVUpminster at 12:01, 30th July 2026 | |
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:G15387/2026-07-30/detailed#allox_id=0
2N02 0707 Par to Newquay
175007 coupled to 175114
Only 175114 operated 2N022N02 0707 Par to Newquay
175007 coupled to 175114
175007 took up 2C05 from Plymouth to Penzance
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:G15161/2026-07-30/detailed#allox_id=0
| Re: Getting to the airport - an advert for public transport! In "Buses and other ways to travel" [377572/32285/5] Posted by GBM at 11:59, 30th July 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
Four trains an hour - to Cornwall (Falmouth?),
My memory tells me there used to be a Summer Saturday Falmouth - Paddington (& return) express.
| Re: Lifts at Swindon In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [377571/32287/18] Posted by grahame at 11:48, 30th July 2026 | |
Lifts and anything else will inevitable fail from time to time, or require to be out of service for maintenance work and servicing. Where that is a single point of failure, the rule appears to stipulate that it should have been thought through and a Plan B should be in place:
Carry out a Diversity Impact Assessment – do you have a Plan B in place in case the lift or escalator stops working for any reason? How will disabled passengers continue their journey?
Based on the lack of direction / instruction / information we have seen on this one so far, there has not been a customer friendly "Plan B" in place, or if there has been, NR and GWR have failed to action it. Of course - if "Plan B" were to be "keep as quiet as you can about it and hope it doesn't make the headlines so we don't have to spend on these passengers who are expensive to look after", it could be that they have implemented it - their unfriendly Plan B.
There days, Lisa and I are travelling by train a lot and it's very hard for her to use straights. At Osnabroek and at Beurs we have used the "three lift solution". Where lines cross each other and there are four lifts linking the platforms, a single lift out of action can be replaced by using three. Same would work at places like Berlin Hbf. A lift out of action at Brescia lead to another three lifts being used - rather than rising to the main entrance from the main subway, we went back up to the platform, and along to the secondary subway also fitted with lifts and did a down, across, up there.
We'll be coming back London - Swindon - Melksham next week. It will be interesting to see what advice if any we are offered at Paddington; Swansea or Cardiff trains will be an issue - we know the solution for Bristol and Cheltenham Spe services.
