Free travel on Severn Beach Line...

[Mojo]

...Sunday 1 & Sunday 8 June

A voucher is required which is available from http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/FreeSundays.aspx

 

[Ben]

First Group giving something for free?

I can immediately tell they aren't funding this themselves!

 

[DaveNewcastle]

That's an excellent initiative to raise interest (and pax numbers, hopefull) on that line! Thanks for the info, Mojo.
Its a real miracle that it wasn't shut down and built over. One of my favorites.

But I am dissapointed about some aspects of the timetable:
- that Sunday Services only run until about 6pm,
- that it is scheduled to stop again in September (its in winter when walking or cycling up Park Road in the rain is most miserable, so it will def be the car or bus), and
- that there are still some odd times (not as bad as it was when the LAST train ran 3 mins before the "normal" clock face time! but still some at 2 mins before the "normal").

I guess the 2 mins issue has to tie in with mainline traffic through Stapleton to TM, but is there no hope of Sunday services in winter or anything after 6pm in summer?

(and while I'm on, for curiosity only, what's the speed limit in the Clifton Down tunnel?)

 

[mrcheek]

That's an excellent initiative to raise interest (and pax numbers, hopefull) on that line! Thanks for the info, Mojo.
Its a real miracle that it wasn't shut down and built over. One of my favorites.

But I am dissapointed about some aspects of the timetable:
- that Sunday Services only run until about 6pm,
- that it is scheduled to stop again in September (its in winter when walking or cycling up Park Road in the rain is most miserable, so it will def be the car or bus), and
- that there are still some odd times (not as bad as it was when the LAST train ran 3 mins before the "normal" clock face time! but still some at 2 mins before the "normal").

I guess the 2 mins issue has to tie in with mainline traffic through Stapleton to TM, but is there no hope of Sunday services in winter or anything after 6pm in summer?

(and while I'm on, for curiosity only, what's the speed limit in the Clifton Down tunnel?)

typical Geordie, they give him something for free, and he complains....

BTW, I must also ask "Where's your Messiah now?"

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Sorry mrcheek, but I don't understand your reply. Messiah?

I didn't think I was complaining, either. My post stated that its one of my favourite lines and welcomed the offer! In case I didn't make it clear: THE SBR IS GREAT!

I think my timetable questions are reasonable, too. If I had complained, it would be about the state of some of the stations and their facilities incl. signage and the maintenance of its Pacers or about the threat to terminate services at Avonmouth. But I would much much rather see the line operate as it is with the support of the City and the "Friends of SBR" than not at all. (PS I'm not a Geordie)

 

[Z12XE]

Its an excellent idea, and hope the trial goes well for Sunday services,

I'm quite impressed with the prices anyway, flat fare of £3 to do the entire line (13 miles) is excellent, over here on NXEA you pay that to go 1 stop or a couple of miles........

 

[devon_metro]

FGWs local fares are excellent all round, particularly on the branch lines.

 

[Mojo]

I checked today, and the free trains are being paid for by FGW.

The new timetable is odd, you're right. Exactly why the trains that don't stop at Lawrence Hill take as long as those which don't, and why some trains leave at xx15 and others leave xx16 but take the same time to get to Clifton is unknown!

We had written confirmation from FGW that the summer service ending in Sept. was incorrect, but I'm not so sure.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

If you get a chance to ask anyone who knows the answers to the timetabling anomalies it would be great if you could keep us posted. Thanks again.
From a marketing point of view, the free Sunday travel offer next month does seem mis-judged if that new Sunday service will cease in 3 months!

And once we've sorted the SBR can we start on the Portishead line and then the Avonmouth - Filton loop? (tee hee!)

 

[Mojo]

Severnside Community Rail Partnership's website was launched yesterday

http://www.severnbeachline.org

 

[Mojo]

I've had it from Cllr Mark Bradshaw & Keith Walton that the Sunday service *will* continue after Sept, but the plans have not been finalised.

Was great to see so many people using the Sunday trains and attending the launch this morning.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

That's great news!
It makes these special Sunday offers really worthwhile!
Let's hope new people continue coming to the line to make more journeys.

 

[Techniquest]

Saw this offer last week, but got no real reason to go on it.

Good news about the Sunday trains after September.

 

[Mojo]

I'd rather go on a Saturday and pay £2 with a railcard for a return to Severn Beach TBH.

I've hundreds of these vouchers & line guide leaflets which I collected today from Temple Meads and having trouble getting rid of them!

 

[Mojo]

Most of us are fuming because half of the trains yesterday were cancelled! Some publicity!

 

[theblackwatch]

Most of us are fuming because half of the trains yesterday were cancelled! Some publicity!

Bit of an 'own goal' for FGW! :-?

 

[Mojo]

I have it on good authority that an investigation is underway at FGW.

 

[Mojo]

Special Offer with Bristol Zoo Gardens
Bristol Zoo Gardens and First Great Western have teamed up to offer customers a great deal on entry to the Zoo.

You can get to the Zoo by travelling on the Severn Beach Line to Clifton Down Station, and then it is a sign-posted walk to the Zoo. Bristol Zoo Gardens are offering one free child (aged 3 -14 years old) entry with a full paying adult on production of a valid train travel ticket to Clifton Down station. The offer is valid on the following Sundays only - 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th June 2008.

http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=86

 

[Chris B]

I have it on good authority that an investigation is underway at FGW.

Just got this from FGW....

"Unfortunately, a number of our services on the Severn Beach line had to be cancelled due to a train fault, which in turn displaced train staff last Sunday (June 8th).

"As we were offering customers free travel on these services, we are happy to repeat the offer this Sunday.

"We want to offer sincere apologies to any customers affected by the unforeseen circumstances which affected the service last week.."

 

[Mojo]

I wonder if Bristol City will make a profit out this contract because of the penalty clauses thanks to all the cancellations lately
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just had feedback with regards to why there were so many cancellations and delays on Sunday. I can't say much, but some traincrew are going to be in trouble.