And the Berks and Hants line electric stock - will we get longer trains on the old timetable? Anyone know where I can find what is planned for GWR?
Pity that GWR are to continue with their May timetable but they will be printing a lot of leaflets: I picked up a Severn beach one this morning which gave the validity date as being until 31st December 2018.
I believe the plan will be that when the new timetables take effect for GWR there is to be a full recast of services to & from London Paddington, Bristol, South Wales, Devon & Cornwall. IIRC I read somewhere that Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads will see a combined total of up to 7tph to & from London Paddington which, I guess, will comprise:
- up to 3tph Bristol TM - Bath Spa - Swindon - Reading - Paddington
- up to 3tph Cardiff Central - Bristol Parkway - Swindon - Reading - Paddington (of which 1 will start from Swansea)
- 1tph Bristol TM - Bristol Parkway - Swindon - Reading - Paddington (using the extra capacity available due to the new track on Filton bank)
In addition to that lot I believe that a plan is afoot for more trains between Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance (2tph?) of which some will be London Paddington services. However I believe I am right in thinking that not all of the Paddington services will call at Westbury. On their website GWR say that "major track layout changes" are to be put in place during an 11-day blockade at Westbury (22nd December 2018 - 01st January 2019).
Wait and see: the changes could well be worth waiting for.
Dave