Points of View
Parking at Severn Tunnel Junction
To whom it may concern,
As I’m sure you will agree with me, parking at Severn Tunnel Junction train station has recently been frustrating to say the least. I live in Undy (Magor side) and so I do need to drive to the station, particularly as the route is not paved in entirety and therefore not safe to walk. I have to say that I am currently considering riding my bike, even in the cold and wet weather with my asthma (and adding an extra 30 minutes to my commute) due to the complete lack of parking availability.
Today I arrived at STJ to read a poster from an angry resident who will now apparently have to “pay for permits” to park outside their own house because we have caused so much congestion by parking outside on Station Road. I have just phoned the Monmouthshire County Council Traffic Management department and spoken to one Brian Cleary who informs me that this is not the case and that they are consulting on the enforcement of single and double yellow lines, restricting parking between 10 and 4pm, Monday to Friday, after complaints from the Station Road residents themselves.
Due to never being able to get a space in the car park, I do not to park in front of houses, even if as a road tax payer I am within my rights to; I am reasonable and would not like this to happen to me (although, with this in mind, I bought my house with two parking spaces on the deeds), so I park my car right up out of the way of the houses and near to the school - not obstructionally may I add – giving me a 10 minute walk to the station, yet now with the lines to be enforced, where am I to park my car?
I phoned the NCP car parking company only to be given no information at all as to when our badly maintained car park was going to be refurbished, moreover sufficiently cater for the number of commuters, never mind reduce the nearly £2 per day charge for the so-called privilege! Chepstow is free for pity sake!
Is there anything we can do in the community jointly as commuters and residents to help each other out and avoid all of this confrontation and lack of facilities for all?
I look forward to hearing your viewpoints.
Kind regards,
Melanie
Melanie Knight 5-03-07
More early morning trains
A lot of emphasis has been placed on the main commuter trains from Severn Tunnel Jn to Bristol Temple Meads, and rightly so. However there are still two early morning trains that are still missing 05:10 and 06:24 (approx times). I work as a signalling designer with in the rail industry and I now find that as my work load is increasing due to increase Network Rail investment I know find it difficult to respond to requests to work additional hours to deliver projects. The only way I can meet these requests is to use my car and drive over and suffer the expense of bridge tolls and car park charges.
I also know that the 05:10 was used by many rail staff to get to work and it was a train that was surprisingly busy for that time of the morning with all sorts of commuters taking advantage of this service e.g.: holiday makers making their way to Bristol Airport.
Up until the reduction in train service my usual train was the 06:24 the loss of this service is causing me a great deal of inconvenience.
Please restore both the above services.
Very best regards
John Munday 18-01-07
Dear fellow commuter
What comments do regular commuters have?We have been asked by First Great Western for feed-back, and with regard to the planning of future timetable changes.
Please disregard your other frustrations with First Great Western and answer the following question:
'What service would you most like restored?'
Please e-mail your response to: info@saveseverntunnel.co.uk
Kindly post your replies before 19th January.
Kind regards
David Flint Severn Tunnel Action Team 10-01-07
More cancelled services
Once again the 14.24 pm has been cancelled today and is a planned cancellation all week apparently. I am informed it was also cancelled last week.
It ran yesterday, although 15 mins late, but I did manage to collect my children from school.
Today I did not arrive back at Severn Tunnel until 15.30 pm (2 hours after I had finished work) and had to make alternative arrangements for my children
to be collected.This cannot continue. We need the 13.55 pm reinstated to stop at Severn Tunnel Junction!
Sue Thomas 9-01-07
Now for the facilities
Now that the battle to get train services restored has been won the main issue that the campaign needs to address is how long is going to be given to FGW to complete the process of cascading cheaper rolling stock from TransPennine, returning to the leasing companies the Wessex Trains units, and declaring how much it has saved in the process and whether it represents a bargain in comparison to the loss of goodwill and passengers resulting?
Focus also needs to be turned to the issue of how passengers are expected to get to STJ in the first place. It would be nice if it were possible to walk from adjacent Caldicot Halt to STJ, a relatively short distance along a public footpath, which being public means it is an offence to block it. Sadly this is not possible for some years without carrying a machette to chop through the undergrowth. Funds have been allocated by the Welsh Assembley to improve the pathway but none of the parties concerned, including Network Rail and Arriva as the station operator, are prepared to sit in the same room as one another and discuss a way forward.
It would be nice to catch a train to the station. Sadly, the one subsidised by Monmouthshire CC had to stop going there because the station operator were not prepared to sacrifice a couple of car parking spaces to enable the bus to turn, nor to enforce any sanction against that pig headed breed of driver to whom a sign saying `No Parking, Buses Turning` is total anathema. Even taxis sometimes have difficulty turning around there, all very strange when you think how little the station is used, as we are told.
The foregoing represents a very common problem throughout the country, every organisation is so intent on its own little empire that it totally shuns talking to any other. The technical term for it is `disintegrated transport`.Caldicot15@aol.com 22-12-06
Congratulations etc
Firstly, congratulations to everyone involved in getting the Severn Tunnel services to and from Bristol restored. I travel to and from Cardiff Central everyday from Severn Tunnel Junction and felt that if the Bristol commuting service could be whittled away, the Cardiff services would surely follow. Severn Tunnel needs to be kept open and invested in, rather than being run down. Closely linked to that point, are the proposed new parking charges causing any reactions yet?
The main purpose of this email was however to let you know that the 17:00 Cardiff to Westbury service on Friday 15th December comprised just one carriage. Needless to say it was heaving.
Regards
Lucy Osmond 20-12-06
Lack of rolling stock
I too was one of the commuters who were crushed into the single carriage 17.24 on Monday night. Apparently the 17.20 to Filton Abbey Wood was three carriages and was virtually empty when it left Temple Meads!
The fact one carriage came was bad enough, but it was a very run down train, with some seats virtually falling apart. The journey was a very slow one and at one point I thought that we weren't going to leave STJ as the driver struggled to get the engine going. When we reached Newport I noticed the train had got much colder and wondered if the heating had been switched off to provide the power the engine was lacking. We also struggled on the approach to Cardiff Central, as the engine seemed to lose power going uphill.
The Conductor was apologetic and announced that we should have had three carriages and he had 'given control some verbal abuse but would probably get hauled over the coals for it when he got back'. He then advised us all to complain to FGW.
I did ring FGW and complain and was told they would look into it and that the timetabling team were logging all problems with the new timetable etc. I also commented it was a good job it wasn't the summer as a lot of people could have fainted and been ill due to the heat and serious overcrowding.
Before this new timetable chaos, I have stood up all the way to STJ on numerous occasions and sometimes to Newport. When I complained to FGW all I got was fluffy answers.I do know there are problems elsewhere on the network and read that someone fainted on a train between Bath and Oldfield Park last week. Staff at Trowbridge station also spent one day last week issuing more refunds for FGW than they did tickets - see below
A Wiltshire MP has attacked "cattle truck chaos" on trains which he said had been caused by Government cuts in numbers of carriages.
Tory Dr Andrew Murrison (Westbury) told Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman that on one day this month Trowbridge Station ticket office spent more time issuing refunds for First Great Western Railway trains than tickets.
"This is indicative of the changed timetabling and rolling stock reductions over which you have presided," he said.
"They have caused cattle truck chaos across the country and especially in the south."
Dr Stephen Ladyman said he was unaware of the problem at Trowbridge station. He said: "When the new timetables take over there's always a time period when passengers have to get used to new timetables.
"I am absolutely convinced that the new timetables and the new franchises coming online in the next few years will introduce new rolling stock and will improve the service for everyone travelling."
Like many others I am fed up of paying for a third rate rail service and wish you all the best with your campaign.
Regards
Alison Hollinshead 20-12-06
Cancelled Train - causes chaos for working mum!!
Prior to the timetable changes I used to get the 13.50 which stopped at Severn Tunnel. I now have to get the 2.24 pm which arrives at Severn Tunnel at 2.45 approx. I have children that I have to pick up from school at 3.10 pm.
I happened to look at the online departure board at 13.20 pm today and noticed that the 2.24 pm train was showing as cancelled. I quickly made my way to the station and got there at 13.40 pm and went straight to the information point. I explained that I usually get the 2.24 pm and that I needed to collect my children from school. A very helpful man requested that they put a stop on the 13.55 train so that I would not be late collecting my children. I received confirmation that this had been agreed to.
The 13.55 train subsequently came in, with a note on the departure board that it would stop additionally at Severn Tunnel. However, when I got on the train the conductor said that they had cancelled the stop and that I should go to the information point and ask why.
I got off the train, by this time I was visibly distressed. I went to the
information point and was told that the stop had been cancelled. I was upset, and I am sorry to say that I was very angry and asked to see a Manager.The Duty Manager came to see me and said that the stop was cancelled because they can not put a stop on a train if the train I was due to get was not late. There was no apology at all for my inconvenience. The conversation finished when I asked if I could use the phone and suggested that I ask the Police to collect my children of 8 and 11 who were left alone.
I was left with no alternative but to wait for the 14.55, on which a stop was placed and finally arrived at the school at 15.20, ten minutes after my children had finished school.
I would comment that at no time during the time from 13.40 to the time the 2.24 should have left, did they announce the train was cancelled on the speaker nor did they apologise for any inconvenience caused.
I was not the only person who needed to get home, one lady needed to collect her child from a childminders and also missed a doctors appointment.
What annoyed me also was that the train to Filton Abbey Wood at 14.18 still ran, and there are so many trains there, why did they have to cancel one of the few that stop at Severn Tunnel!
Sue Thomas 19-12-06
Excellent news
This is excellent news and just in time for Christmas too! I joined in the protests outside BTM as I travel to Bath every day from STJ. Last night I caught the 16.38 from Bath and was home at 17.30 just as I used to be before the new timetable was introduced.
Please pass on my thanks to all the action team, without them I'd be looking for another job by now!
Thanks again for all your hard work.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for a trouble free 2007 on public transport!
Sarah Doe 19-12-06
Continuing degradation of FGW's service to Patchway commuters.
Dear Ms. Forster,
I need to make you aware of the continuing degradation of FGW's service to Patchway commuters. Just when I thought it wasn't possible, the service has achieved yet another all time shambolic low.
Yesterday, 18th-Dec, more than 10 customers were turned away from the 08:38 Patchway to Bristol service because the train was full.
On my return journey, I was one of more than 20 customers (not all bound for Patchway) who were turned away from the 17:24 service because the train was full.
Both of these services are scheduled hourly - a long wait until the next one and no guarantee that it will turn up, or if it does, that it will have space to absorb displaced passengers from earlier services.
Can you please help me understand how the service has deteriorated to this intolerable level, what actions are planned to rectify the problem and when we can expect to see improvements ? I'm sure that the service can be improved with a little imaginative, constructive thinking. If FGW need help with this, Patchway commuters can provide consultancy - for free.
Rumour has it that commuters are angered to the extent that they may prevent the train from leaving the station next time this happens, and attract some media publicity... just so that FGW 'management' are encouraged to make a public statement about the diabolical state of FGW's 'service' and what's being done to fix it Preemptive action on your part might help… maybe a poster or something at Patchway declaring that management at the highest levels in FGW recognise the poor service that's on offer at the moment and declaring that steps are being taken to sort it out - and soon.
Thank you.
Barry Dixon, Patchway commuter. 19-12-06
Reinstatement of services
What fantastic news, someone somewhere has listened and acted accordingly, quite why the powers that be decided to withdraw the services in the first place is beyond me ! However we must not stop our campaigning, just because of this success, we must now ensure that FGW and the DfT do not attempt to try and withdraw these services in the future, we must also work at promoting further usage of the Severn Tunnel Junction station.
The Action Team can be proud of their achievements and I have no doubt will continue to work hard to ensure that the voice of the passenger is heard. A mention also of Andrew Griffiths, FGW manager, who has taken the flak on a regular basis over the last few weeks , but I believe has been on our side with regard to the reinstatement of these services. Anyway congratulations to the Action Team, and as a suggestion a stopping service to and from London Paddington should be an early priority for the next Action Team Agenda.
Alan & Alexander Vickers 16-12-06
STJ - More Good News!
Well done to you and all your team. Common sense has prevailed!
Perhaps it is too much to ask but now perhaps Network Rail will consider improving the facilities at Severn Tunnel but for the moment the trains will do.
Have a good Xmas.Best wishes
John Harpar 16-12-06
STJ - More Good News!
This is indeed excellent news and restores faith in campaigning.
I happened to be at Bristol Temple Meads this afternoon. The 14-55 to Cardiff was full and standing. Too my surprise a second empty set was found to strengthen the service to four cars.
It has to be in First Great Western's long term interest to "grow the
business" and attract more passengers and that means adding to capacity not reducing it.Have a great Christmas. Well earned.
Richard Lloyd 16-12-06
I don"t understand what David Harrison means I have travelled to England many times via Newport without any restriction.I went to London recently on a pre booked ticket and was routed that way there and back.
Tim Myerscough 15-12-06
I am writing regarding the article "Complaint - Options of Services from Severn Tunnel Junction not shown on First Great Western Web Site Travel Enquiries" which appears on your site.
There are 2 quite obvious reasons (well, to me) why it doesn't appear on the site. The first is that both the the 1425 and 1525 options are quicker than the 1448 and the second is that you can not travel to Newport on a ticket from Severn Tunnel Junction to Swindon, as Newport is in the other
direction. NRES may tell you that you can but I tried to buy a ticket and was told that you can't.I use FGW services from Oxford daily and I have also suffered as a result of the new timetable. But I am sorry, such a spurious and quite frankly ridiculous complaint written in such a pontificating manner can only damage your campaign.
Yours faithfully
David Harrison 13-12-06
THANKS
Dear Paul and team
Fantastic - you have managed the seeming impossible.
Seasons greetings.
Now you need to ensure there is pressure to reinstate other timings, longer trains and better station facilities.You deserve a good jar tonight!
Regards
Fellow Newport - Bristol commuter - Tudor Thomas 13-12-06
THANKS
Well done to all who are working hard to retain our services.The arguments for keeping and improving the severn tunnel service seem overwhelming to me.
I will continue to support you.
John Harper 13-12-06
How did you manage to get First to listen ?
They're slashing services and numbers of carriages on the service I use from Yate to Bristol, and when I complained, their attitude is it's either Network Rail's or the DFT's fault, and anyway they don't run services for the passengers' convenience.!
Any ideas would be gratefully received !
Thanks
Kerr Brown 12-12-06
FIRST GREAT WESTERN
I have been pleased to support your campaign from the Bristol side of the river.
Just look what First’s sister company are doing in the north, including pressing for more new trains and extra capacity. What a contrast
Richard Lloyd 12-12-06
TRANSPENNINE EXPRESS NEW TIMETABLE
A full fleet of new trains, shorter journey times and a better choice of departures from key destinations are promised by TransPennine Express in its new rail timetable which runs from Monday 11 December.
As more of the company’s new 100mph Class 185 Pennine trains enter service, passengers will see journey times cut by up to 15 minutes on many services between Newcastle and York and between Middlesbrough and York.An extra new service will leave Newcastle at 1855 providing a direct evening train between Newcastle, Durham, Darlington and Northallerton for the first time in several years. The current last train from Newcastle to Northallerton leaves at 1701.
Heading to Manchester Airport from York, Leeds and Huddersfield there will be a train every hour through the night to give a better choice of arrivals for passengers catching early morning flights.
Passengers are seeking earlier arrival times at the airport to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
Introduction of the full fleet of 51 new trains is due to be completed across the TransPennine Express network by the end of January 2007 and the train operator is seeking additional trains to supplement the new fleet.
New trains will help to create extra seating capacity on several busy, peak time morning and evening services between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester.
For the first time, the new timetable will include regular departures every fifteen minutes from Leeds at 10, 25, 40 and 55 minutes past the hour to Manchester and 12, 27, 42 and 57 minutes past the hour from Manchester to Leeds.
To improve reliability and avoid congestion on the route into Leeds, TransPennine Express services from Hull to Manchester Piccadilly will leave two minutes earlier at 37 minutes past the hour.
Full details are in the new TransPennine Express guide to services available at stations and on-line at www.tpexpress.co.uk.
Re: Severn Tunnel Junction / Patchway - Stopping Orders -
Dear Mr West, (Franchise Manager DfT)
Thank you for the update. As you will know, there's only 3 days to go until the December timetable is introduced, and this will cause a lot of hassle for a lot of passengers... the lack of service at Severn Tunnel will have a knock-on effect on train loadings at Patchway as well, because the remaining 'stopping' trains will not have sufficient capacity and Patchway commuters will get turned away.
The most annoying thing is that most of the trains that stop pre-TT-Change will run post-TT-Change... but just won't stop.
We have examined the new timetable in the minutest detail and believe that the schedule has the flexibility to reintroduce the stops immediately... but it's up to the DfT to take the initiative and make it happen. If FGW want to reintroduce the stops, then who is obstructing progress ?
I look forward to hearing of positive developments... very soon.
Thank you,
Barry Dixon. Patchway
Reply:-
Dear Mr Dixon,
Thank you for your e-mail of 30 November to Douglas Alexander and Tom Harris in which you ask the Department for Transport to use emergency powers to reinstate FGW train stops at Severn Tunnel Junction. I have been asked to respond on their behalves.
The underlying railways legislation provides the Secretary of State with the powers to give directions to railway operators "in time of hostilities, whether actual or imminent, severe international tension or great national emergency". I am not clear whether these are the powers you refer to.
In relation to day-to-day railway operations, I have sought advice from colleagues with extensive railway operational experience. We have not been able to identify anything in the track access agreement and national Network Code with the effect you suggest.
More straightforwardly, I have continued to explore with FGW ways in which it might be possible for the additional train stops at Severn Tunnel Junction which FGW has already said it would like to make to be brought forward from May to the timetable change in December.
Regards
Peter West Franchise Manager DfT
Dear Mr. West, (Franchise Manager DfT)
Thank you for your continued interest and for providing the strong encouragement that has led to FGW's re-instatement of the 2 morning services - this will help a lot.
Can you now provide strong encouragement to FGW to sort out the evening services... ie re-instate the stopping pattern on the 16:55 and 17:54
This will then reduce the increased overcrowding on the 17:24 and hopefully, I will at least get a standing space on the Patchway service.
I have access to independent timetabling advice who can discuss timetabling issues with <anyone> if these are thought to be the root cause of the problem.
Thank you.
Barry Dixon. Patchway Commuter
Reply:-
Thank you for your further e-mail. As you may now be aware, with our strong encouragement, FGW has now implemented additional stops at Severn Tunnel Junction in the Bristol direction at 0654 and 0754.
Regards
Peter West Franchise Manager DfT
A campaign demonstration to have the evening services restored.
I just wanted to say thank you very much for all your work in this - it would have made a massive impact if the services had been cut in the morning. The fact that they have changed them makes me even less likely to believe FGW given the comments they made at the meetings, saying that nothing could be done!
Peter Ball 12-12-06
A concerned commuter
I travel from Severn Tunnel Junction to Bristol Temple Meads on a daily basis, and normally catch the 0654 from STJ to BTM. And, I am satisfied that FGW have reinstated the morning services that were to be excluded from new winter timetable.
However, on the first day of the 'reinstatement' lo and behold the 0654 was cancelled, meaning that the next train the 0727 was standing room only, with the Virgin staff acting commendably whilst having to apologies for the problems experienced by FGW.
Further, travelling back to STJ this evening was horrendous - as you are no doubt aware, the main commuter trains from BTM, are now at 1624, 1724 & 1824, as opposed to the 1/2 hourly basis upon which they previously operated. This means in practice that should a train be missed then an hour wait would ensue until the next available train becomes available.
Having waited for the 1724 service, (which in practice is the first one that can be caught by people who finish work at 1700, who are still the majority of commuters - NB in the old timetable those who finish at 5 and travelled to STJ were able to get the 1720 or 1750); lo and behold there were only two carriages (2!), meaning that a significant number of people had no option but to cram themselves onto trains in a scenario that you would not and cannot force upon livestock; with paying commuters crowding into any available space including luggage racks and toilets.
Having noted your comments that the situation with regard to the evening services cannot be amended until March/April 2007, at the earliest, I look forward to the proposals that you will put forward to deal with passengers succumbing to the effect of heat and a lack of ventilation, as we come out of winter.
I await with interest your feedback on both the cuts in evening services, and also the reduction in rolling stock, which can only be deemed untenable and unacceptable. I can only hope that this evenings' situation does not foretell the next 3-4 months.
Yours Sincerely
Craig Downes 12-12-06
Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways
Dear Friends in FOSBR
The deplorable public transport in Bristol deprives all its young citizens of their rightful independence - such as it taken for granted by their London friends - and thousands of them have no access to a family car with which to pollute the atmosphere and clog up the roads.
Stella Greenlade, Bath
Mr Alex Gordon
20 Saxon Road,
Bristol BS2 9UG
December 10, 2006Evening Post,
Temple Way,
Bristol BS99 7HDDear Sir,
The Evening Post’s trenchant editorial comment (“Railway woes will
continue”, Post Comment, Dec 9) on the scandal of 20% fewer train
seats available to rail users in the Bristol commute-to-work area
makes a number of excellent points. Rail users are held captive by
private sector monopolies that increase the cost of train travel
massively above the rate of inflation, while so-called regulation
fails to deliver a good deal for the public on price, quality,
cleanliness, reliability or frequency of rail services. That is why
the demand for an end to the fiasco of rail privatisation, which the
Post rightly identifies as the root of the problem, will not go away.However, Bristol’s commuters and rail users will ask themselves why
it is that commuters in Yorkshire can look forward to an easier ride
to work from Monday December 11 when almost 1,700 extra seats will be
provided on peak-time trains in and out of Leeds, while Bristol
commuters experienced a cut of 1,839 train seats per day. Across the
river Severn in south east Wales steps to open up new commuter rail
lines to Ebbw Vale are underway and new services to the Vale of
Glamorgan are already in place, while Bristol’s local rail lines to
Portishead and those linking Filton and Bristol Parkway stations with
Avonmouth via Henbury remain freight-only and proposals for a
suburban passenger rail service fit for a city of Bristol’s size and
economic importance remain a pipedream.There is an abject failure of political leadership amongst greater
Bristol local authorities particularly at Bristol City Council.
Whilst local councillors elsewhere fight for improved public
transport links, the City Council’s Lib-Dem minority administration
seems content to preside over the city’s booming rat population,
while they contract out our bus services to cut-price operators that
don’t even recognise trade unions, slash local authority support for
rail services, such as the Severn Beach line and get rid of the West
of England Partnership’s only dedicated rail officer. No wonder
Cardiff to Portsmouth train services are being reduced from 3 to 2
carriages in breach of former Transport Secretary, Kim Howells’
instruction - Department for Transport officials must think the local
authority is a soft touch and they’d be right.Let’s bring railways back to the public sector where they belong but
rail users in Bristol and the west also need accountable structures
to manage rail services similar to Passenger Transport Executives
that exist in other major British cities where rail is growing.
Perhaps then we might get representatives prepared to defend and
improve our train services.Alex Gordon
South Wales & West Regional Council Secretary
National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers (RMT)
10-12-06
Letter to and from Department of Transport.
You may be interested in my original e-mail to Douglas Alexander on 22nd November and the reply I have received today from Judith Shepherd of his Rail Ministerial Liaison Team (see attachment). The text of my e-mailed reply to this letter follows.
Regards
Gillian Hill
Dear Judith
I am grateful to you for your reply to my earlier e-mail concerning the degradation of rail services between Severn Tunnel Junction and Bristol Temple Meads. While grateful for your reply I am not at all satisfied with the content. I would particularly like to take issue with you concerning your statement in paragraph 3 ‘Specific analysis explored the need for enhancing service provision in the peak hours and concluded that enhancement of train frequency between Cardiff and Bristol would not be needed to handle present and future demand’. You seem to be under a misconception. This issue is not about enhancing train frequency it is about retaining that which currently exists! What is actually happening on 11th December is a reduction of the present six morning peak time services calling at Severn Tunnel Junction (five operated by FGW and one by one Virgin) to just two (one FGW and one Virgin). The question I and hundreds of others are asking is how you get six into two particularly remembering that most of these services are already full by the time they get to Severn Tunnel Junction?
I also feel there is a certain amount of buck passing going on. Yes, I agree the original franchise negotiation was started by the SRA but your Department has ultimate responsibility. Let us not forget it was your Department which gave FGW the green light to reduce the number of trains stopping at Severn Tunnel. Given that FGW would have known (or should have known) about overcrowding on these peak time services they must have been delighted to be given the opportunity to by-pass Severn Tunnel. They are a commercial operation who can be forgiven for putting revenue before the needs of the travelling public but you are not. If you are not going to protect the interests of honest, hardworking people whose only objective is to get to work then who will? I note with regret that FGW had the courage to attend our recent public meeting while your Department, although invited, did not. In fact FGW has at least now had the good grace to admit that it underestimated the number of commuters using these services and has agreed to reinstate some of them in May 2007. This is, I suppose, some kind of progress but in the meantime at least 170 commuters will still have no way of getting to work through no fault of their own.
My MP, Jessica Morden, and two others have written to Douglas Alexander asking him to issue a Special Stopping Order which will allow FGW to continue to stop two of the affected trains on and after 11th December. The very least the Secretary of State can do in these circumstances is to grant that order with alacrity and humility.
Regards
Gillian Hill
Dear Ms Hill,
Dear Ms Hill,
Services Via Severn Tunnel Junction
Thank you for your e-mail of 22 November to the Secretary of State about the rail service from Severn Tunnel Junction to Bristol Temple Meads. I have been asked to reply.
The planning of the new Greater Western franchise was started by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) in 2004, before responsibility for the franchising of rail passenger services was transferred to the Department for Transport. Given that the franchise was to be created from three existing franchises, and that the SRA's prime objectives were the improvement of the operational performance of the railway, and to provide an efficient service within public expenditure constraints, its approach was to build up proposed service patterns from first principles. In the case of Bristol-area suburban and inter-urban services, this produced the basic proposals for hourly cross-Bristol services:
· Cardiff - Portsmouth
· Cardiff - Westbury - (Weymouth/Southampton)
· Gloucester - TauntonSpecific analysis explored the need for enhancing service provision in the peak hours, and concluded that enhancement of train frequency between Cardiff and Bristol would not be needed to handle present and forecast demand. The proposed peak and off-peak service pattern was clearly set out in the SRA's stakeholder consultation document published in June 2005; as far as I can trace, no response was received regarding service levels at Severn Tunnel Junction.
Following franchise award, First Great Western (FGW) published a proposed December 2006 timetable early this year, and, as you probably know, made many changes to its proposals in response to public comment. I understand it received some representations regarding Severn Tunnel Junction, but not sufficient to cause it to conclude that it needed to change its plans.
Its franchise agreement specifies the minimum level of service that FGW has to provide. It is free to make additional station calls, and operate additional services, provided that maximum journey times are not exceeded, and that network capacity is available.
In the case of Severn Tunnel Junction, commuter travel to Bristol has grown recently because of housing development in the Rogiet and Caldicot areas, which has attracted people working in Bristol. Such developments will of course happen during the life of a rail franchise, and the franchise agreement contains provisions to allow for service to be varied in response to demand changes. I would expect proposals to be initiated by FGW, who are best placed to identify changes in the market changes, and to design the most appropriate solution (in terms of service and cost) to meet these changes.
With regard to the possibility of FGW reinstating peak hour calls at Severn Tunnel Junction, we have strongly encouraged FGW to seek solutions to identified passenger/stakeholder concerns and have done so in relation to Severn Tunnel Junction specifically.
Yours sincerely,Judith Shepherd
Rail Customer and Stakeholder RelationsGillian Hill 6-12-06
Labour transport secretary on the BBC
I watched the Labour transport secretary on the BBC on Sunday morning. He was discussing proposals for pay per mile driving to ease congestion. He highlighted that good public transport was a major contributor to this proposal. He bragged how there would be more money spent on bigger platforms and more trains to ease overcrowding on the trains. However, when posed with the question of given the rail services are now privately run, does the Government actually have the power to make the rail companies run more services etc he gave a very unconvincing answer.
I think from the response we have seen from the MPs to the cut in services at Severn Tunnel shows that while the Government say that want more services and increased spending they don't have the power over the private rail companies.
Sion Cole 4-12-06
Severn Tunnel Misery not just Monday to Friday!
Approx 20 people were turned away from the 10 to 10 Severn Tunnel to Bath train yesterday (Saturday) through overcrowding.
Once again it was left to the poor guard to handle the disgruntled public rather than the bungling morons who "run" the service.Catherine Harcombe 4-12-06
Please put me on the campaign maling list...
I am a regular commuter who, at five months pregnant, already finds the packed trains unbearable. I would not risk getting on the train any more people so dread what will happen after 11th December.
I would be happy to write to local MPs or FGW if you could let me have contact details, and think it would be useful.
Thanks
Allison Holland 2-12-06
Liftshare to work
Hello,
I currently liftshare to work and was seriously considering getting the train on a regular basis next year when my liftshare goes on maternity leave.
As it is at the moment I get the train several times during the month and am horrified at these plans to cut the trains.
Many thanks, Katy 2-12-06
JOINED UP GOVERNMENT
This week has seen the Government report that it is unlikely to meet its commitments to reduce CO2 emissions, a confirmation that traffic is continuing to grow relentlessly creating increasing congestion, and will see the start of the new Greater Western franchise on 1st April.
Rising CO2 emissions from ever increasing car travel and rising congestion are major concerns. The Minister will be aware that proposals for timetable changes and service reductions have been proposed by the Greater Western franchise for the west country and south west for introduction in December. Many of these proposals will have the effect of disrupting current rail journeys to work, discourage any growth in local rail travel and fail to tackle overcrowding at peak times, which is becoming a particular problem in the Bristol area.
Under the stewardship of Wessex Trains local journeys have increased by 27% over the past four years and more motorists have been encouraged to use rail for at least part of their journey to work. This is a significant achievement which should not be put at risk.
I look to the Department of Transport to ensure that the Greater Western Franchise has the necessary resources to provide an adequate service to cater for growth in "journey to work" travel and to address problems of overcrowding, if necessary by adjustments to the subsidy/premium payment profile for the new franchise.
RICHARD LLOYD 2-12-06
My wife's Weekend Trip Away to Oxford from Chepstow.
Friday April 21st to Sunday April 23rd 2006.About once a year my wife spends a weekend away with some of her friends from Brighton. This year they decided that Oxford would be a nice place to go and it seemed like a good idea for them all to go by train.
The train service from Chepstow is pretty irregular so, as we often do, we decided that it would be simpler for her to set out and return to Severn Tunnel Junction.
The outward journey via Bristol Temple Meads and Didcot was straightforward and the whole party arrived at Oxford and met up as planned.
The return journey to Brighton was pretty good too but unfortunately Pat's experience trying to get back to Severn Tunnel Junction wasn't so good. She will never try it again.
The train she was scheduled to catch from Oxford about 18.30 was cancelled and her connection from Didcot arrived at Bristol Temple Meads just too late to make her connection to STJ. She could find no indications for trains to STJ and no one to ask so at about 19.50 boarded a train for Newport, where she knew a train was due to leave for STJ at 20.30.
When she arrived at Newport there was no train at the platform and no indication displayed. She watched a Paddington train depart expecting the STJ one to follow, but still nothing! She then humped her heavy case across the bridge to the front of the station, which was pretty deserted at this time on Sunday. She then saw a notice which said the train was replaced by a bus. The bus had just gone!
She was told that there was another bus at the bus stop for Gloucester. She told the driver that she wanted to get to STJ or Chepstow but the driver said he couldn't stop his was a direct service to Gloucester only. The bus was then driven off EMPTY!.
It must have been about 21.00 by now and she explained to the platform staff what had happened and asked if they would taxi her to STJ. She was told that they could not help because another bus (replacing the 22.35 train) would be running. She discovered that if it did run it would not get her back to Chepstow until 00.30. 6 hours after her departure from Oxford.
Fortunate that I hadn't been with her and I was able to make the 40 mile return trip to pick her up and bring her back to Chepstow.
Jim JENKINS 2-12-06
Public Protest
Just an idea why not do what commuters in the London area did and the last day of the service will stop at Severn Tunnel Jun. Board the train and then block the doors of the train (by passengers refusing to step fully on board). so that he train is unable to proceed, this type of direct action has knock on effects for the rest of the day, and First Group will be penalised by Network Rail for the delays to the running of the delayed trains.
If you can organise yourselves you could do it for the last remaining few days, It will get your stand publicity and the B.T.P. can not arrest 20 -30 passengers.Philip Morris 2-12-06
My response due to the disastrously poor quality of train service on Thursday 30 December 2006 evening
It is a shame that First Group as a professional transport company is agreeing with the Department of Transport to cut these services and throwing hard won passengers off the railway network. It is crazy.
I travelled last night on the 1750 High Peak Hour train from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff. You could not have got another person on it if you tried. It was squashed standing with NO ROOM LEFT. People were ass in seated passengers face throughout the silly 2 car Class 150 train - fortunately it was a lady in mine but that is not the point. This is no way to run a railway.
Sorry (I have heard that word several million times) means nothing. Your sorrow is completely false. You may be as a human being be sorry you are being paid to send out bad news. But First is not sorry at all - otherwise the company PR machine would highlight that it is making this and other cut backs from 11 December because it is told too by the Government.
Your management-public speak does not add up either - you need to understand that when a train does not stop (calls) in a station it is a WITHDRAWN SERVICE. If people are forced to hand in their notice when they can't get to work, they become unemployed. They are no longer an employee late for work are they?T.T 1-12-06
Time Table
At present the 7.55 from Severn Tunnel leaves Cardiff at 7.30 and Newport at 7.43 to arrive in Bristol at 8.18. The new timetable still shows it leaving Cardiff at 7.30 but now leaves Newport at 7.44 to arrive at 8.17. Why is it scheduled to leave Newport at a later time, it still has the same slot in the tunnel itself. The only train before it, the London train still leaves Newport at 7.39 so that cannot be used as an excuse for not stopping at STJ. There is absolutely no reason why it cannot continue to leave Newport at 7.43 and still stop at the junction.
John W 1-12-06
Services Under the Severn
Dear Save Severn Tunnel Junction Services Action Group
Until 2004, i worked for the former Rail Passengers Committee Wales. In 2003-2004, with our sister Committee the RPC Western England we commissioned, researched and produced a report on the South Wales to South Coast Route. The report called “The Mainline they shouldn’t ignore” chronicled in some detail the demand and issues about the whole route from Cardiff, through Bristol, Bath, Salisbury to Portsmouth and Southampton. I myself was a member of the Reports TaskForce and did some work on the analysis journey data and passenger journeys.
The Report highlighted back in 2003-2004, the issues you campaign has highlighted. But rather than mereling pointing out the issues, we made what we felt were important suggestions. So much so that when the Report landed on the desk of the then Transport Secretary, Mr A Darling, he held it up and urged all in the rail industry to note its recommendations and act upon them.
Something sadly must have got lost in translation, although again whilst working for the old RPC Wales i do remember discussions with the old SRA, who merged into the DfT – who if i am being honest seemed to forget that rail services from Paddington and Bristol actually went through the Severn Tunnel and stopped on this side of the bridge.
I wish you well in your campaign.
markjohn@youngman70.freeserve.co.uk 26-11-06
Service Cuts
I was astonished to hear that the service from Severn Tunnel Junction is to be cut. Despite minimum investment in the station it provides a vital link for people living on the east side of Newport wanting to travel to Bristol and Cardiff in particular. I discovered Severn Tunnel a few years ago and now use it whenever I can. It seems madness, when we are trying to reduce road traffic, to cut rail services which provide a better and more sustainable form of transport.
Contrary to cutting rail services there should be more investment and I would like to see more trains stopping at Severn Tunnel, not less.
I strongly oppose the cuts proposed and urge a reconsideration of this decision.
Yours Sincerely
John Harper 26-11-06
Keep using the Train
Please do all you can to carry on using the train if the cuts go ahead.If passenger numbers using the services to Bristol show a sharp fall , First Great Western will say there is no demand and the services won"t come back.
timmyerscough@talktalk.net 26-11-06
Service Cuts
I currently travel every day to temple meads from Severn tunnel junction every day, I work about 15mins from temple meads therefore cannot rely on the 8.25 service to get into work on time. My working hours are 9 - 5.30 so I currently use the 7.55 service in and the 5.50 train home, both of which are being cancelled!! This means I am faced with having to leave for work half an hour earlier and getting home half hour later - and that's only if I can get on the trains!!
I also regularly attend meetings in London for a nine am start, previously I have used the 6.25 service from Severn tunnel in order to catch the 7.00 service to London from temple meads - due to the cut of this service it will now actually become impossible for me to arrive in London by 9 o clock - I think this is absolutely absurd!!
Laura Jones 24-11-06
Can you put this on the site - obviously FGW do not want to carry on speaking to me
Dear Mr Marshall
Thank you for your further email. Alison and I have discussed your comments
and given that I responded to the previous email, we felt it better that I
reply to this email as well.I am sorry that you are disappointed that the timetable has not changed. We
have repeatedly said that it would not be possible to make any changes
before May, and this remains the case. As you know we are bidding for the
two extra services which will run from May (if approved) but there will be
no changes before then. I recognise you are unhappy with this, and I
appreciate that you are not alone in your disappointment. I have outlined
previously why the changes are being made and shared with you more
information that is generally available in doing so.I regret that I was not be able to attend the meeting on 22 November
myself, as I had a prior engagement, but the Senior Managers who were
attending the meeting were happy to address questions raised there. I do
not think it helpful for you and I to continue to correspond on the same
issues when the situation cannot be changed. I assure you that we will
contact you directly, as soon as we have heard about the May proposals, and
you will also be invited to take part in the consultation on the December
2007 timetable.I would however like to address the point about Filton Abbey Wood as I note
this is something you raised previously and feel we have ignored. Filton
Abbey Wood has an annual footfall of 414,000 customers. Even with Cardiff
and Gloucester traffic, Severn Tunnel Junction does not reach half this
figure. In 2004/05 there were 147,000 journeys from Filton Abbey Wood to
stations Temple Meads to Bath, and in the same period 49,000 journeys from
Severn Tunnel Junction.We remain sympathetic to the concerns of Severn Tunnel Junction customers
and are keen to try and restore the two most important trains, but to
suggest that Filton Abbey Wood should be seen on a par with Severn Tunnel
Junction is to ignore the facts, and as a businessman yourself I am sure
you can appreciate we cannot logically do that.Thank you again for the email. Whilst I feel there is little to add to our
correspondence, I trust you will find the meeting on 22 November 2006
helpful.Regards
Glenda Lamont
Customer Services Director 24-11-06
Train service between Patchway and Temple Mead
Dear Mr Naysmith,
Re: Train service between Patchway and Temple Mead -Your Ref: DN/RC 22 November
Thank you for your suggestions on actions to take in order to move towards a resolution of our 'train timetable issue' which will affect Patchway and Severn Tunnel commuters in a few weeks time.
You mentioned that we should direct complaints to FGW and PasengerFocus. This has been done and both parties were represented at the ActionGroup meeting on 22-Nov. However, at that meeting, it was made clear that they were not able to rectify the problem. FGW said that it's a DfT and NetworkRail issue, NetworkRail say it's DfT, DfT say its an FGW issue.
Unfortunately the DfT and NetworkRail were' unable to attend' the Action Group meeting so I do not know where they stand on this but I have 2nd-hand information that David Redgewell from Transport 2000 has been told that an emergency procedure can be put in place to reinstate stops at our stations ... but the Department for Transport have to agree with this.
Please can you make your colleagues at the DfT aware of what's going on and instruct them to get their act together ASAP and sort this mess out, involving whoever needs to be involved.
Thank you for your continued interest in the problem and for up-to-the-minute information on the campaign and public feeling, please visit http://www.saveseverntunnel.co.uk
Yours sincerely,Barry Dixon 24-11-06
We need all the campaigners and different railway groups to team together and fight
Please send me a copy of the questionnaire I live 2 minutes from Patchway Station and I am very angry that the 6.37am service to Bristol is going to be cut. Also the 23.17pm train each night is being cut. I am a member of FOSBR, Railfuture and Portishead. I am very much in favour of reopening and increasing rail stations and services, not cutting them I just do not see the common sense. I don't know how I am going to get to work as from 11th December. I have e-mailed FGW and finally received a feeble excuse. I also recently wrote to Tony Blair about the rail services in and around Bristol, and after a chase up letter I have had replies, but only in favour of the new bus corridors and schemes. I do not understand how bus corridors are going to be inserted in the congested areas aroung south gloucestershire, there is no room on the roads. I am moving to Hallen next year, and it would be great if the Avonmouth - Bristol Parkway freight route was reopened to commuters.
We need all the campaigners and different railway groups to team together and fight.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Angie Lerway 24-11-06
Letter from Mr. JA Grose to Robin Shaw, Director of Transport, Welsh Assembly.
Re: Reduction of train services at Severn Tunnel Junction, as from 12-12-06
Copy of document is available for download in PDF format,
" please click here to down load"This is a very important letter supporting the campaign please read it!
JA Grose 24-11-06
This may be of interest
Dear Reader
Please permit me to introduce myself. I am neither a commuter nor a regular user of trains from Severn Tunnel but I speak from a position of some knowledge.
From around 1989 to 1995 I was Secretary to the South Gwent Group of Transport 2000 following an initiative by Rogiet Community Council to whom I was Clerk at the time. As part of our activities the Group undertook, and I personally masterminded, a survey of some 6000 households throughout south east Gwent on transport issues in general including usage of Severn Tunnel station as well as questions on shopping and leisure. The survey was carried out by door-to-door delivery and subsequent collection of questionnaires and we obtained over 2400 responses. These were analysed and the survey report was sent to the then Monmouth Borough and Gwent County Councils and data were used by W S Atkins and Steer, Davies Gleave, joint consultants to the Gwent County Rail Study, which was then ongoing. The survey also helped to obtain a £240,000 Welsh Office grant towards the pedestrianisation of Caldicot Town Centre and was instrumental in my deciding to leave the Business Statistics Office in Newport and set up my own consultancy, a move from which I’ve never looked back (visit www.pengwynservices.com if you want to know more)! Newport Central Reference Library may still have a copy of the survey report, no doubt gathering dust. I recall that users of Severn Tunnel station (then) came from as far away as Abergavenny, Cwmbran, Llanrumney and Lydney.
The Group also attempted to get one London-bound train stopping at Severn Tunnel in the morning and a corresponding one in the evening but despite continual cajoling with First Great Western that never materialised. We did however routinely receive draft copies of the proposed rail timetables for Severn Tunnel up to 18 months or so in advance for comment – I assume these copies are still sent out by Train Operating Companies to interested parties and it would seem that some Jobsworth somewhere hasn’t been very vigilant! Perhaps someone can enlighten me on this. Sadly the South Gwent Group folded around 1995 due to lack of support from Joe Public. There has never been any shortage of advice on how the railways should be run and we now see politicians of all parties scurrying around – they should remember that they and their predecessors are responsible for the state of road and rail transport that we now have.
I already had a good working knowledge of railway operations, geography and procedures and my consultancy has since carried out numerous rail and bus surveys and headcounts including the 6 monthly customer satisfaction surveys for Valley Lines, as required for OPRAF, various secure stations surveys for Wales and West and Wessex Trains throughout their network (an area from Penzance to Westbury, Carmarthen and Hereford) plus various ad-hoc studies throughout Great Britain. We have also carried out a range of traffic counts for local authorities and other clients.
I hope this information is of interest and value. I have no conflict of interest and if anyone is thinking of a further survey, headcount or other observation study at Severn Tunnel or elsewhere I am happy to discuss and can be contacted by email, telephone or letter.
Best wishes.
John A Whitehead MMRS 24-11-06
Principal Consultant
Pengwyn Services Ltd
www.pengwynservices.com
Save Severn Tunnel Campaign NEWS
At the end of last nights public meeting you asked people for ideas on how to continue your campaign.
At the time I had no ideas, but having given it some thought I have an avenue that may be worth exploring.
My thought is that Season Ticket holders who hold 12 month or 3 month passes must surely be entitled to some kind of compensation. And I don't mean the refund on the days left minus a £20 administration charge. I believe that if a 12 month season ticket is purchased there is an expectation by the consumer that a train will run or an alternative mode of transport will be provided. If I buy a 12 month season ticket and after three months I find that the trains have changed to such an extent that my ticket is useless to me then there must be some legal obligation to compensate me for the inconvenience caused.
It was woefully obvious at last nights meeting that FGW have made no plans for the commuters left stranded. There must be a case for putting pressure on FGW by taking them to court over their actions, and seeking an injunction on the new timetable. I am no lawyer and am unsure of how legally sound this argument is, but I do feel it may be worth exploring. FWG are a commercial company and as such will only pay attention when someone is either giving them money or taking it away from them.
I hope that you can continue the pressure that you have started as this seems the only way the trains will be reinstated.Jonathan Punt 24-11-06
Severn Tunnel offer of help
I am a resident of Rogiet and a community councillor. I feel strongly about the reduction in service and also that we need an inter-city service from STJ. In the past Rogiets CC has requested such service but the response is there is no time for the trains to stop. As I live near the railway I frequently see the inter- city trains waiting just outside the station, I assume waiting to go through the tunnel. As I said this frequently happens and I do not understand the excuse. I am an active member of the community but i am willing to assist in any way but as provision of trains is the main agenda I feel we should also include provision of an inter- city service to and from London now . This could bring about huge implication in all - areas to the severnside area and to south wales.
Please will you make comment on my thoughts and the offer of assistance.
Linda Guppy 24-11-06
SAVE SEVERN TUNNEL JUNCTION STATION
It was great to see that the campaign to save train services has got off to such a good start and most encouraging that so many people attended. It is of course crazy that the proposed remedy to deal with the overcrowding of the trains is to flag the trains through STJ without stopping and then to stop them at Filton Abbey Wood instead.
At the start of the Meeting we were assured that suggestions of Severn Tunnel Junction Station closing were unfounded. I think that our political friends from their positions of authority within the Welsh Assembly and Parliament would do this campaign a service by checking the current situation with the Department of Transport and Network Rail. I know that Network Rail are progressing a re-signalling scheme which includes STJ and a glance at their signalling plans would make it clear what is in store for the future!
It would be unfortunate if the Campaign to save the trains succeeded and was then eclipsed with a total closure of STJ station.
From my long experience I would say that there is every indication that closing this station is the eventual aim of the DoT. The classic scenario is to gradually run down the services and drive passengers away so that figures can be tabled pointing to a lack of use and insufficient demand. These latest cuts to trains serving STJ are not the first, I don't have an old timetable, but we used to be able to make return trips from STJ to Portsmouth and the South Coast through most of the day. If you are elderly, infirm or have children with you having a through service and not having to negotiate bridges and tunnels or risk missed connections make the difference of whether you go by train or take a car!
If there was a prize for the worst station in Wales, the UK, or Europe then Severn Tunnel Junction Station would be top candidate in all categories. It is a bleak ramshackle place sparsely furnished with a portakabin, two bike sheds for shelter and a rusty bridge to clamber from platform to platform. An antique gobbledegook device, often unresponsive is a substitute passenger information system. The whole scene is what one might expect to find in a backward Eastern European state rather than at the Gateway to Wales.
It would be surprising if there were no plans at all to improve facilities at STJ and searching the web for documents in the public domain I found one (Annex. 1) dated Nov. 2000 which shows that it was intended to close STJ and provide another station at Magor.
I submit that despite the lack of any passenger facilities and all the efforts to drive people away from STJ it is evident from the overcrowding of trains, increased ticket sales and the action of protestors that there is a growing demand for train services at this station. Already, just a few days into this campaign evidence is mounting that people are travelling from many miles to join trains here because STJ station occupies an ideal strategic position in the Rail and Road Network. Just imagine how many people would use the station if it had proper facilities like Bristol Parkway.
Yours sincerely,
Jim JENKINS 24-11-06
Reduced rail services for Severn Tunnel Junction
For: The RH Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport
Dear Secretary of State,
My I bring to you attention the affect that the new First Great Western franchise and new winter timetable is having for morning and evening commuting between Severn Tunnel Junction (STJ) and the Bristol / Bath area.
The reduction in the number of early morning trains stopping at STJ between 0600 and 0830, from 11 December 2006, is to be reduced from the current 5 in number to just two. And one of these is already operated by Virgin Rail, not First Great Western (FGW) the new franchise holder.
I would like to quote to you some passages for a recent speech you made to Transport 2000:
“ Since privatisation rail passenger numbers have increased by around 40%. Train operators report that there are around 20% more daily services running on a network that broadly speaking is the same size as it was then. This is welcome news. The more people on the train, the higher our environmental efficiency.”
“But frankly, the converse is also true. Here is an uncomfortable statistic. If 10 or fewer people travel in a Sprinter, it would be less environmentally damaging to give them each a Land Rover Freelander and tell them to drive. Be clear - that is not code for rail closures. Far from it. We want to see the railways grow. And in order to do so, we need to encourage better use on all parts of our railway.”
“We need to encourage more people on to rail. Because delivering environmental improvement and meeting rail demand are not two different things. Investing in rail, making the best use of our network, meeting the demands of passengers now and in the future; these are also the best way to deliver our 'green' ambitions.”
Might I suggest that one way of encourage more people on to rail is to try stopping trains at station where people wish to get on. The “half-full” trains will still run through STJ, you just won’t be able to board them.
Might I also suggest that the current rail commuters from Severn Tunnel Junction have had green ambitions long before they became politically fashionable. But the reductions in stopping services at STJ are forcing these committed rail users (and myself in particular) back into their cars.
Could you please explain how the reduced stopping services from STJ to Bristol/Bath fits into your departments policy / aims. And should you need a small reminder of what those aims are, the following is an extract for a letter you wrote to be PM on 11 July 2006:
“We need to build a transport system that underpins long-term economic growth and productivity. A system that gives people access to the employment they want and the services they need, as quickly and safely as possible. And we need to meet our environmental obligations, giving people real choices about the journeys they make, giving them more options for sustainable travel that reduce carbon emissions.”
The commuters of Severn Tunnel Junction use to have real choices about the journeys they make, they choose to use the train. But the stupidity of your departments franchise agreement and its implementation by FGW has, for many, taken choice away.
Yours sincerely
Brian Welsh STJ/Bath Commuter 24-11-06
My concerns about the Severn Tunnel Rail cuts
- my point of veiwDear Sirs
Firstly I would like to thank all those involved in the campaign and the way last nights meeting was organised. The whole campaign so far has been very slick, very professional and very well organised.
My back ground is that I commute daily form Severn Tunnel Jn, recently I have been catching the 05:12, my choice, my work allows a certain flexibility in the hours I work, my normal train would be the 06:24.These two trains allow me to travel to and from Bristol at what I consider off peak thus avoiding potentially crowded trains. it is interesting to note that these two trains have not been the main focus of attention which to a certain extent I can understand, never the less these are still important services.
As an example the 05:12 (for those who dare get up that early) is surprisingly popular, it's a railway staff train used by Bristol Temple Meads staff, Freight staff and Virgin Rail staff (of course FGW aren't going to worry about them!). There are also holiday makers who use that service to get them selves to Bristol Airport. I do not see any possibility in that early service ever being restored from what I have heard to date.
I feel very cynical about Andrew Griffiths replies to questions from the floor about making changes to the December 2006 time table I am not convinced that FGW can not make some provision to amend the situation we find ourselves in. As one of the speakers from the platform, stated where there's a will there's a way, I question FGW's will. Exploring this point further is there a possibility, now that FGW have realised their blunder, that as a concession they run coaches until the time table can be changed?
Now to the main purpose of this email and that is my concern of the effects of extra numbers of commuters attempting to catch the 07:24 (Virgin Train) it is well known that this train is already near full capacity from Newport and I have caught this train in recent weeks having to stand as far as Bristol. We now have a potential situation where a great many more commuters will be trying to board this service. My point is, as there been any consideration from those concerned about crowd control i.e. barrier crowd control similar to those implemented after rugby matches, I have a great fear that someone is going to get hurt trying to scramble to get on the train, it is true to say that unless some form of control is in place that even if you are first on the platform it will not mean you will be guaranteed a place on the train or should we males stand back and say women and children first ( a bit like the Titanic - sorry can not help drawing comparisons).
As a final cynical thought, I do wonder if FGW focus is on the big money services i.e. main line to London, to the detriment of our regional services, certainly the theme from Andrew Griffiths is one of money and not customer focus
Thank to you all for your involvement in this campaign, keep up the good work.
Very best regards
Trevor John Munday Commuter Portskewett 24-11-06
Letters by the Secretary of State for Transport
Letter to the Prime Minister from Douglas Alexander the Secretary of State for Transport, outlining key priorities for the Department. Published: 11 July 2006 :
“We need to build a transport system that underpins long-term economic growth and productivity. A system that gives people access to the employment they want and the services they need, as quickly and safely as possible. And we need to meet our environmental obligations, giving people real choices about the journeys they make, giving them more options for sustainable travel that reduce carbon emissions.”
Isn’t it about time Douglas Alexander practices what he preaches ?
Brian Welsh Dissatisfied STJ/Bath Commuter 24-11-06
TicketingI can’t help wondering if Great Westerns assertions about poor use of these services are linked to the fact that every ticket I have bought on my credit card for journeys to and from Bristol (whether bought on the train or at Bristol TM) has been charged to ‘Arriva Trains Wales’. Perhaps they are counting the wrong tickets.
Graham Hill 24-11-06
Open access
The situation with Severn Tunnel Jn arises purely because FGW see an opportunity in rigidly sticking to franchise minutia to ignore obvious commercial advantage and screw additional subsidy from the Welsh Assembly. Lack of effective pressure by the local authorities over many years has failed to achieve obvious timetable needs and advantages, ie, at least some London trains calling and a Lydney-Severn Tunnel commuter journey reversing and continuing to Bristol.
History will prove that the expanded Great Western franchise to be a grave error of judgement, too monlithic and detached from local concerns. Already they have trashed the Bristol - Portsmouth service formerly so ably run by Wessex Trains, expecting passengers to ride from Brighton to Milford Haven in suburban `Pacer` stock.
The solution under the existing operational set-up is clear. What we need is for an `Open Access` new operator to take up the challenge and provide the journeys that are necessary for the area, taking up the paths vacated by FGW and giving them some much needed competition.Caldicot15@aol.com 24-11-06
Points of View Index
You can count on my continued support for the cause
I've forwarded on both these messages and I'd just like to say what a great job the action team is doing and that you can count on my continued support for the cause.
I'd just like to mention that on Monday of this week I purchased my monthly season ticket to Bath Spa from Severn Tunnel and was surprised to find that they aren't offering a discount this month because their records show that the performance of the service has improved.
I've been commuting since July of this year and every month so far have been offered a reduction in price on my ticket based on the performance of the rail service.
However GWR are stating that no discounts are to be given this month for poor performance which I personally think is outrageous.On more than one occassion the 06.55 has been cancelled over the last month
and on another occassion the 16.32 GWR service from Portsmouth Harbour to
Cardiff Central was cancelled due to the late arrival of an incoming train, leaving myself and many other passengers stood freezing at the station for an hour till the next service arrived. Many an evening the train is at least 5 to 10 minutes late arriving at Bath Spa, which has become a regular occurence since the nights have started drawing in.I'd like to know how GWR can justify not offering a discount on this occassion and if anyone else has experienced similar problems getting a reduction on their season ticket.
Feel free to post this on the website or mention it at tonights meeting on my behalf.
Keep up the good work!
Best regards,
Sarah Doe 24-11-06ps. the reduction on a monthly to Bath Spa is usually around £10 but when an
hour of your time equates to £15 I think this is the least they can do to show willing!
FGW's treatment of their Welsh passengers
I think First Great Western’s treatment of all their Welsh passengers is appalling. The 17.20 from Bristol Temple Meads should be a 3 to 4 carriage train and they sometimes only supply a 2 carriage train. The passengers are herded on as cattle with people squeezed together. They now expect people at Severn Tunnel Junction to stay on the train until they get to Newport and put up with these disgusting conditions even longer as well as lengthen the discomfort for people further West than Newport.
They HST service will never wait in stations for a few minutes for connections for the very few stations that people connect with, but yet they make their passengers wait many many minutes because of some other excuse such as technical failures.
Now there are strong rumours that some of the London to Swansea trains are going to terminate in Cardiff, yet another
slap in the face for regular passengers West of Cardiff. They say on their magazines as their first priority is to their passengers. I cannot believe this and I find the service mostly unacceptable.
David Thomas 22-11-06
Changes to the FGW time table
I cant believe that commuters from South Wales are going to be disregarded as easily as the buffet car on the first Great Western Services between Bristol and Swansea.
I am a regular commuter on the FGW between Neath and Bristol Temple Meads and find the changes to the service as discrimination against the Welsh and others who choose to live in Wales.
I have concerns over the Health and Safety of passengers especially pregnant women who will be forced to travel on the already crowded trains.
During a time when the government is promoting sustainable transport I cant believe that these changes are being enforced.
I have a yearly train ticket which cost over three thousand pounds, these train companies are keen to take your money but not so when it comes to providing you with a train service.
Joanne Davies 22-11-06
Not so Great Western
I find the idea of cutting this particular train service totally ludicrous, it borders on the irresponsible. The present train users are easing the strain on ever-increasing road use which let's face it, is going to get even worse.
At the moment, I drive daily from Rogiet to Bristol, but given the ever increasing bridge tolls, petrol costs and yet more taxation in the form of congestion and parking charges looming, I'm intending to switch to using the Severn Tunnel Junction link to Bristol. Let's not even go into the inconvenience of rush-hour traffic to and from Bristol and the repercussions of the Old Severn Bridge having corroded cables and how that might affect bridge tolls and traffic!
I also know that I'm not the only one looking at switching from road to rail. I work for a multi-national company who employ several hundred people - many of whom, like me reside on the Welsh side of the Severn and work on the English side.
The company are currently planning to centralise their operations to one location in Bristol rather than the many sites they operate from presently. As part of this process they have taken a very brave decision to cut overall parking provision for staff at their new site and looked at providing other more sustainable and ecologically responsible means of getting employees to and from work. A private bus service to pick up and drop off train commuters at Temple Meads, Patchway and Parkway Stations has been on the agenda as part of a much larger transport strategy. The cutting of this important link will pretty much eradicate Welsh residents working in Bristol and could quite possibly lead to people moving away from the area.
So, in conclusion First Great Western (I bet Brunel is turning in his grave! ), we can put up with the crap service, late or cancelled trains, high fares, full and expensive car parks, over-crowded carriages and platforms smelling of pi** - providing you can just give us something we can get to work and back in.
I hope to be at the public meeting, but the chances are I'll be sitting on one of your static trains or in a traffic jam.
Dave Gough - Rogiet 22-11-06
Here is another view from a Patchway passenger about train services in the greater Bristol area.
He has been campaigning for improvements to services for a very long time.
The article talks about service frequency, nuimber-of-units etc...
Copy of document is available for download in PDF format,
" please click here to down load"
Apologies for the PDF quality...21-11-06
My son and I are deeply concerned at these cuts
My son and I are deeply concerned at these cuts, I point the finger at no one but DfT they drew up the franchise and First operate it, I fear also that Newtork Rail is involved in this, they would be delighted if no trains ran at all !
The whole point of franchising comes into question, back in 1996 when the initial franchises were awarded the remit being that private companies would be able to bring their own initiative and entrepenurial flair to the running of services. This ideaolgy has now been well and truly strangled by the DfT.
The franchises are now little more than S.D.U's (Service Deivery Units)
Best wishes
See you on Wednesday
Alan Vickers & Alexander Vickers 21-11-06
I live in Chepstow and took a job in Bristol because I thought it would be an easy commute, taking the 7.28 from Chepstow and then the 7.54 from STJ to Bristol Temple Meads.
With the reduction in train services it is now nearly impossible for me to get to work. I will no longer be able to get a train from Chepstow that connects with a train from STJ as the 8.26 will not get me into work on time.
I do not drive and the train is my only option to getting into work but with these reduction in services, First Great Western are making it virtually impossible for people to work in Bristol.
Most people start work at 9 but they are getting rid of the train that people most use to get in for that time. It is going to force more people to drive, meaning more cars on the road which will cause more traffic problems in Bristol. We are told to use public transport but how can we when the private companies are making it impossible for us?
I read the First Great Western free magazine this morning( Issue 10 2006) and there is an article about the timetable changes. It states how they have listened to all their customers and are improving the services they provide.
They are obviously not listening to us here at Severn Tunnel Junction and the surrounding areas.
Perhaps it is time they did.
It is disgraceful what they are doing and I give my full support to the campaign.
Becky Etchells 21-11-06
Surely in an age when the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions has never been greater.
As a Postgraduate student at Bristol University living in Llanmartin,
I have regularly been using the service between Severn Tunnel Junction
and Bristol Temple Meads for the last six years.During this time, I have seen a steady rise in the number of people using the station, to the current position, where there is a full platform of passengers for all of the rush-hour trains. I am, therefore, appalled at the proposed train service cuts, especially considering that you are already lucky to find a seat on the busiest trains.
Imposing such cuts will surely force more people to commute by car (for those that this is an option for), which will add to the congestion problems already experienced on both the M4 and around Bristol City Centre.
Surely in an age when the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions has never been greater, we should be imposing measures to attract more people to use greener and safer public transport such as trains, not forcing them onto an already congested road system.
All the best with the campaign,
Paul Harper 20-11-06
Great to see that people are at last taking an interest.
Over the last few years I have put letters in the Free Press and met our MP and AM but to no effect. I believe there is a lot that could be done to improve train services in Chepstow and Severn TJ with little expense.
With a bit of vision and money to back it we ought to have a station "Wales Gateway" at STJ ( a smaller version of Bristol Parkway). This could bring tremendous benefits to the people of the immediate area, Monmouthshire and part of the Forest of Dean.
The more of us that get involved the better the chance that we'll be listened to and get some results.
.
Did you know there is a recent Welsh Assembly Report which anticipates the closure of STJ Station and replacing it with one at Magor!
Just let me know how I can help, I am a retired railway engineer and therefore have some experience of how a railway should be run.
Monmouthshire is low on the list of priorities for the Welsh Assembly and as a result is worse served than anywhere in Wales. We come no where compared with SE England and Europe. We have every reason to protest.Copy of letter sent the Editor Chepstow Free Press 17-10--06
Dear: EditorCUTS TO TRAIN SERVICE
The cuts to train service at Severn Tunnel Junction are just another step in the unnecessary decline in rail services in Monmouthshire. The suggestion that we should express our concern to First Great Western is I suggest simply an attempt to divert attention away from our MP's and Welsh Assembly members who are the real problem.
First Great Western provides an excellent service on the main line serving Bristol, Newport and they would not be proposing any service cuts unless they were allowed under the recently awarded franchise contract. I would suggest that the terms of the contract are such that it is more profitable for FGW not to provide the service than to continue it! Of course we will never know because these contracts are usually deemed to be commercially sensitive (secret). Apparently the public are never consulted.
The appallingly bad local train services in Monmouthshire are the direct result of successive MP's and Assembly Members failing to take an interest or take action to preserve and improve our local services.
Severn Tunnel Junction is situated I one of the most important strategic positions in the Rail Network, the gateway to Wales is the probably the most run down and derelict station in the UK and the local services are served by some of the oldest clapped out trains to be seen anywhere. The "train service" in common with that of neighbouring Caldicot, Chepstow and Lydney is haphazard arrangement with gaps in service when most needed and makes no attempt to connect with other services.
It appears that those running the trains would like us all to leave and go by road but anyone going to Severn Tunnel Junction Stati
