| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 19:34, 29th May 2026 |     |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
Facilities on the 17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06.
Toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Additional Information
Toilets are not available on this train - There will be Toilet stops at some stations on your Journey
Facilities on the 17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06.
Toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Additional Information
Toilets are not available on this train - There will be Toilet stops at some stations on your Journey
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 03:54, 29th May 2026 | |
Just for the record, but hopefully everyone will be pleased that all the Oxford<>Bristol’s ran again today…as well as all of the services through Melksham!
Yes - and thank goodness. How it should be.
As a separate note, the 20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa via Swindon (2G91) was flagged up as cancelled ... "This service was cancelled due to the planned cancellation (was not planned to operate) (PD)". However, a train 2Z91 ran in its path ... and from my logs looks like that's been the case earlier this week too. Not an Oxford <-> Bristol issue / even for comparison, so I'll let's comment further (if we want) on the TransWilts log.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:38, 28th May 2026 | |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 05:52, 28th May 2026 | |
That's actually a very formal acknowledgement of their failure to provide a rail service at Melksham.
Interestingly, the final train of the day appears to have run, but that is indeed a formal acknowledgement. I would tend to ask if GWR has bitten off more than it can chew with the extra trains running Bristol - Oxford and Par - Newquay for the last 10 days, and is prioritising those. However, there were cancellations on both of those services as well yesterday.
Rolling stock and heat issues are getting a lot of the blame with it being the "hottest May on record" but I do note that it's a May record and not a year-round record, so is that something of a more generic excuse that about trains not coping with the new UK weather patterns?
Rather off "Melksham" I got a phone call from Keynsham yesterday, where passengers had been waiting "an hour and a half" for a train and "could not get through to National Enquires". Old people and babies waiting ... no information about what was happening ... trains flashing through non-stop but nothing calling. It would appear that after the 14:11 called (at 14:20), the 14:49 was cancelled (though Real Time Trains was just showing nothing for it while this was ongoing) and then the 15:11 had failed to show as well - in turned out that it had got stuck at Temple Meads for 25 minutes and then skipped stations including Keynsham ... presumably to make up time ... the next train due at 15:52 did eventually call, more or less on time. Good illustration of the lack of customer support / information that reaches people as things go wrong.
This morning ...
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Dilton Marsh, Warminster, Salisbury, Romsey and Southampton Central.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 03:39, 28th May 2026 | |
That's actually a very formal acknowledgement of their failure to provide a rail service at Melksham.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 20:15, 27th May 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Swindon
Due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time between Westbury and Swindon fewer trains are able to run on the line.
Train services running through these stations have been cancelled. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Customer Advice
Due to a shortage of trains this evening, we have unfortunately had to suspend our Westbury to Swindon service, meaning Melksham station will not be served.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 20:14, 27th May 2026 | |
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 15:43, 27th May 2026 | |
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 22:00, 26th May 2026 | |
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:51, 26th May 2026 | |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 15:01, 26th May 2026 | |
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 has been cancelled.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge earlier today.
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 has been cancelled.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge earlier today.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge earlier today.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge earlier today.
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:45, 26th May 2026 | |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge
Not a bridge that's anywhere between Westbury and Swindon, mind you
Double track the line again - like wot it was before - and no need to cancel trains! I suggest this cancellation might be to give priority to other services.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 09:14, 26th May 2026 | |
The 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street is running about 13 mins late, Melksham 07:21 -> 07:34.
Looks like it - just - made the connection at Chippenham into the Bristol train - the new one - from Oxford.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 07:36, 26th May 2026 | |
The 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street is running about 13 mins late, Melksham 07:21 -> 07:34.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 06:57, 26th May 2026 | |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 is being delayed between Kemble and Swindon and is now expected to be 6 minutes late.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 is being delayed between Kemble and Swindon and is now expected to be 6 minutes late.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 06:48, 26th May 2026 | |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 is being delayed between Kemble and Swindon and is now expected to be 6 minutes late.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 is being delayed between Kemble and Swindon and is now expected to be 6 minutes late.
This is due to engineering works not being finished on time.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 19:06, 25th May 2026 | |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 21:46 will be started from Gloucester.
It will no longer call at Westbury, Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham, Swindon, Kemble, Stroud and Stonehouse.
This is due to a fault on this train.
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 17:05, 25th May 2026 | |
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by JohnM at 16:58, 25th May 2026 | |
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 15:23, 25th May 2026 | |
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 will be terminated at Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Swindon.
It has been delayed at Westbury and is now 35 minutes late.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be started from Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Swindon.
This is due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:52, 25th May 2026 | |
Oh dear ...
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:40, 25th May 2026 | |
Personally I would use a worse than poor description for things like 2 consecutive trains not running. Woeful seems as good a word as any.
If > 3% cancellations, or less than two thirds on time, 19% not within 3 minutes, and what appears to be increasing numbers of short forms, can be described as upgraded from woeful to poor, is debatable in my mind
https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/publications/performance-report/gwr-performance-report-period-2701.pdf
If > 3% cancellations, or less than two thirds on time, 19% not within 3 minutes, and what appears to be increasing numbers of short forms, can be described as upgraded from woeful to poor, is debatable in my mind
https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/publications/performance-report/gwr-performance-report-period-2701.pdf
A slightly rushed post yesterday. I meant to refer to the TransWilts year so far as upgraded from 'woeful' to 'poor', not GWR wide as I said - though that has also improved quite significantly with the cancellation percentage down 38% on last year...perhaps from 'atrocious' to 'woeful'?
As for the TransWilts, you can indeed use the word 'woeful' for a two consecutive trains cancelled scenario, much as you could use the word phrase 'very good' for the 21 day stretch early in the year (according to Graham's stats) where there were no cancellations at all at Melksham, and a 16 day period within that with no delays over 15 minutes.
So, for me, the year so far on the TransWilts has improved from 'Woeful' to 'Poor'...but that's only my description. It would be interesting to hear Graham's thoughts on that.
So what would you say GWR has done/is doing differently to upgrade performance from "woeful" to "poor"?
I think it's largely due to a general improvement from Network Rail in terms of providing more reliable infrastructure in general.
Please don't paraphrase that into suggesting I am saying the infrastructure is reliable.
Wouldn't dream of it!
I don't think even you would attempt to polish that particular turd II, especially given performance today and over the last week or so!
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by IndustryInsider at 11:29, 25th May 2026 | |
Personally I would use a worse than poor description for things like 2 consecutive trains not running. Woeful seems as good a word as any.
If > 3% cancellations, or less than two thirds on time, 19% not within 3 minutes, and what appears to be increasing numbers of short forms, can be described as upgraded from woeful to poor, is debatable in my mind
https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/publications/performance-report/gwr-performance-report-period-2701.pdf
If > 3% cancellations, or less than two thirds on time, 19% not within 3 minutes, and what appears to be increasing numbers of short forms, can be described as upgraded from woeful to poor, is debatable in my mind
https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/publications/performance-report/gwr-performance-report-period-2701.pdf
A slightly rushed post yesterday. I meant to refer to the TransWilts year so far as upgraded from 'woeful' to 'poor', not GWR wide as I said - though that has also improved quite significantly with the cancellation percentage down 38% on last year...perhaps from 'atrocious' to 'woeful'?
As for the TransWilts, you can indeed use the word 'woeful' for a two consecutive trains cancelled scenario, much as you could use the word phrase 'very good' for the 21 day stretch early in the year (according to Graham's stats) where there were no cancellations at all at Melksham, and a 16 day period within that with no delays over 15 minutes.
So, for me, the year so far on the TransWilts has improved from 'Woeful' to 'Poor'...but that's only my description. It would be interesting to hear Graham's thoughts on that.
So what would you say GWR has done/is doing differently to upgrade performance from "woeful" to "poor"?
I think it's largely due to a general improvement from Network Rail in terms of providing more reliable infrastructure in general.
Please don't paraphrase that into suggesting I am saying the infrastructure is reliable.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 09:37, 25th May 2026 | |
16:43 Frome to Swindon due 17:34
24/05/26 16:43 Frome to Swindon due 17:34 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham and Swindon.
This is due to a shortage of train crew
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55
24/05/26 17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
24/05/26 16:43 Frome to Swindon due 17:34 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham and Swindon.
This is due to a shortage of train crew
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55
24/05/26 17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
There was a discussion yesterday about "atrocious" and "poor" and how to qualify the performance. And over the last 7 days now cancellation rates at Melksham are 16.1% (plus in my view trains cancelled but re-instated very late) but "Shortage of Train Crew" is now far less common. Contrast, perhaps, to other services where today (a lovely Bank Holiday Monday) there are around 30 cancellations and short runs, the majority of which are attributed to lack of staff. On that basis, GWR locally to us have been doing a little better - though train faults, signalling problems, and congestion have been unusually rampant and seem to have taken "a while" to fix ...
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 09:22, 25th May 2026 | |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 is being delayed between Warminster and Salisbury and is now expected to be 14 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 is being delayed between Warminster and Salisbury and is now expected to be 14 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
15 late into Salisbury ... where the 12 minutes timetabled to be spent in the station is more than is needed, and so it left there just 3 minutes late. Scheduled into Southampton at 08:10. Journeycheck suggests 08:24, Real Time Trains suggests 08:12. Personal educated guess - around a quarter past eight. We could open a book and have great fun betting on the final arrival times of delayed trains, couldn't we?
Arrived 08:11 - 1 minute late. Top mark (nearest prediction) to Real Time Trains. JourneyCheck - and it's a pattern woefully pessimistic which means that if someone turns up to catch the train at the time it predicts later on the journey, they will miss it!
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 07:48, 25th May 2026 | |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 is being delayed between Warminster and Salisbury and is now expected to be 14 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:10 is being delayed between Warminster and Salisbury and is now expected to be 14 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
15 late into Salisbury ... where the 12 minutes timetabled to be spent in the station is more than is needed, and so it left there just 3 minutes late. Scheduled into Southampton at 08:10. Journeycheck suggests 08:24, Real Time Trains suggests 08:12. Personal educated guess - around a quarter past eight. We could open a book and have great fun betting on the final arrival times of delayed trains, couldn't we?
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by John D at 17:11, 24th May 2026 | |
Very interesting stats, Graham. Thanks for providing them so quickly.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
So what would you say GWR has done/is doing differently to upgrade performance from "woeful" to "poor"?
Personally I would use a worse than poor description for things like 2 consecutive trains not running. Woeful seems as good a word as any.
If > 3% cancellations, or less than two thirds on time, 19% not within 3 minutes, and what appears to be increasing numbers of short forms, can be described as upgraded from woeful to poor, is debatable in my mind
https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/publications/performance-report/gwr-performance-report-period-2701.pdf
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 14:04, 24th May 2026 | |
Very interesting stats, Graham. Thanks for providing them so quickly.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
So what would you say GWR has done/is doing differently to upgrade performance from "woeful" to "poor"?
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by IndustryInsider at 11:34, 24th May 2026 | |
Very interesting stats, Graham. Thanks for providing them so quickly.
I think that means that the TransWilts is now broadly in line with the rest of GWR in terms of cancellations, which is broadly in line with the rest of the country.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/newbury-weekly-news/20260514/281689736443730
So, GWR wide they're gone from a woeful position in 2025, to a poor but much better position in 2026. Still much to be done, but encouraging nonetheless.
A disappointing couple of days, but given the heat arriving very suddenly after a period of low temperatures, and the fact it's a Bank Holiday weekend, that's probably not too surprising. Expected, if not to be accepted.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 11:27, 24th May 2026 | |
We have already been informed of 2/14 (14%) cancellation rate for today ... let's see what the next week brings before we make any longer term judgement.
And as soon as I write that, 4/14 = 28% ... seems to happen disproportionatly on nice sunny Bank Holiday weekends ...
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:23, 24th May 2026 | |
20:38 Westbury to Swindon due 21:23
20:38 Westbury to Swindon due 21:23 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 11:15, 24th May 2026 | |
In the end, the final round trip train ran yesterday, and indeed the [Melksham time] 08:02 and 09:09 that were "cancelled" earlier in the week had been re-instated, giving a 11.8% cancellation rate for the last week.
What's the TransWilts cancellation rate so far for the year? Is it worse, the same, or better than the same point last year? And is there any trend to the rate for each individual month, year on year?
Last ...
7 days - 11.9%
14 days - 6.3%
28 days - 5.1%
56 days - 4.0%
112 days - 3.7%
From 1st January - 3.8%
I am wondering if the last - back to the 2025 sub-standard running rate - is a glitch or the system creaking again for the summer, and the jury is out on that.
My monitoring URL is https://www.wellho.info/sh4.php?daze=56 (replace the final number with the number of days you want to look back)
Notes
* The stats given are actual running and , and my view is that once a train is cancelled and notified as such it should be included in the failures. Four trains in the last seven days have been advertised as cancelled but have ended up running - not much good to passengers who have made other arrangements based on advice given, or been put off travelling.
* These are MELKSHAM calls - and where a train is terminated short, for example at Chippenham and it never reaches Chippenham, it shows up above as running AOK
* Where an alternative train makes a call at Melksham - this now sometimes happens when our train in cancelled to make way for a longer distance diverted service - it does not show up in the report / stats
We have already been informed of 2/14 (14%) cancellation rate for today ... let's see what the next week brings before we make any longer term judgement.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by IndustryInsider at 10:48, 24th May 2026 | |
In the end, the final round trip train ran yesterday, and indeed the [Melksham time] 08:02 and 09:09 that were "cancelled" earlier in the week had been re-instated, giving a 11.8% cancellation rate for the last week.
What's the TransWilts cancellation rate so far for the year? Is it worse, the same, or better than the same point last year? And is there any trend to the rate for each individual month, year on year?
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 07:54, 24th May 2026 | |
If all trains cancelled for the day, taxis will be provided. They can't leave you stranded
Indeed - if you know to ask ... the industry systems that talk to passengers should as a matter or course (IMHO) suggest practical alternatives to tell people how they can make their journeys and not leave it up to the wannabe-passengers to say "oy!". The systems for this have improved, but remain patchy as illustrated yesterday.
In the end, the final round trip train ran yesterday, and indeed the [Melksham time] 08:02 and 09:09 that were "cancelled" earlier in the week had been re-instated, giving a 11.8% cancellation rate for the last week. There are two more cancellations already flagged up for today, so the stats in this report will get worse unless the cancellation are then reversed.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 05:48, 24th May 2026 | |
16:43 Frome to Swindon due 17:34
24/05/26 16:43 Frome to Swindon due 17:34 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Trowbridge, Melksham, Chippenham and Swindon.
This is due to a shortage of train crew
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55
24/05/26 17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by ChrisB at 19:52, 23rd May 2026 | |
If all trains cancelled for the day, taxis will be provided. They can't leave you stranded
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 15:52, 23rd May 2026 | |
There are some repeats here - a growing list of cancellations.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:05
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:18
18:35 Westbury to Swindon due 19:20
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00
19:44 Swindon to Westbury due 20:29
22:12 Swindon to Westbury due 22:55
22:12 Swindon to Westbury due 22:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:05
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:18
18:35 Westbury to Swindon due 19:20
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00
19:44 Swindon to Westbury due 20:29
22:12 Swindon to Westbury due 22:55
22:12 Swindon to Westbury due 22:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
Why should a signalling fault earlier today result in cancellations for the next six hours?
As I write, journey check says nothing about alternative arrangements - just offers delay/repay which is 'nice' but does not help you reach your objective of getting home
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 15:40, 23rd May 2026 | |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:05
18:35 Westbury to Swindon due 19:20
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
18:35 Westbury to Swindon due 19:20
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00
19:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 22:00 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system earlier today.
I am - relieved - that I did not go to Weymouth today.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 15:10, 23rd May 2026 | |
14:19 Westbury to Swindon due 15:06 will be terminated at Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Swindon.
It is being delayed at Melksham.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
It will no longer call at Swindon.
It is being delayed at Melksham.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 09:45, 23rd May 2026 | |
Wednesday, the day of the WWRUG meeting in Trowbridge (for which the trains were unperturbed by that time) a friend had headed for Weymouth for the day. After a remarkably cool and blustery but enjoyable day by the sea, they headed back to the station to find the 17:28 back to Bristol cancelled (the next being 20:14). For some reason they were given the impression that travel via Southampton was out of the question. After a short bit of hanging around, put in a taxi, they "enjoyed" a somewhat edge of seat ride to Westbury, from where there were trains back to Bristol, and they were back only around 15 minutes late.
*Significant detail* - a number of passengers for the Bristol train had been relying on there being a loo on the train once they were at the station - and the station loos were found to be locked - however a member of staff on request unlocked the accessible loo there and the day was saved.
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 08:37, 23rd May 2026 | |
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:28
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:28 is being delayed between Trowbridge and Melksham and is now expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:28 is being delayed between Trowbridge and Melksham and is now expected to be 7 minutes late.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
I was very concerned at an alert flashing up this morning and especially for the train that becomes the "Weymouth Wizard" from Swindon, but no worries - this is much more and informational alert than an "oh shit!".
Personally, I would love to "do" Weymouth today - except I am pacing myself; want to keep up on other things and not be tired for when I head out next week.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 21:39, 22nd May 2026 | |
The train that operates our Westbury - Swindon services via Melksham has failed and there is no replacement train available. Melksham services are cancelled for the remainder of the day.
Adding up numbers from Wikipedia, GWR have 220 different trains that could be used to provide the service (the number does not include battery trains, purely electric units, or the sleepers)
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:02, 22nd May 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham
Due to a broken down train between Westbury and Swindon the line is closed. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Train services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham will be cancelled.
Customer Advice
What has happened?
-
The train that operates our Westbury - Swindon services via Melksham has failed and there is no replacement train available. Melksham services are cancelled for the remainder of the day.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 20:42, 22nd May 2026 | |
GWR account on Bluesky.
"Due to a broken down train at Melksham"
Mark
https://bsky.app/profile/gwr.com/post/3mmhmoduamo2a
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 18:53, 22nd May 2026 | |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by IndustryInsider at 18:08, 22nd May 2026 | |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to congestion.
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to congestion.
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
First one ran on time.
Second one left 11 minutes late (waiting sensibly for connections from London and Oxford), but looks like it only got a short way before returning to Swindon for some reason.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:50, 22nd May 2026 | |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to congestion.
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26
17:45 Swindon to Westbury due 18:26 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 08:22, 22nd May 2026 | |
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:34
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
Confusion reigns! Industry open data feeds still report cancelled, but are giving actual times for it running
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 05:50, 22nd May 2026 | |
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:34
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 17:51, 20th May 2026 | |
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a points failure.
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a points failure.
For the record this was eventually cancelled due to the problems at Westbury North junction.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 15:14, 20th May 2026 | |
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a points failure.
15:14 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58 will be cancelled.
This is due to a points failure.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 14:30, 20th May 2026 | |
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a points failure.
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a points failure.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 11:11, 17th May 2026 | |
10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57
10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester West, Maiden Newton, Chetnole, Yetminster, Thornford, Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome.
This is due to a fault on this train.
10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester West, Maiden Newton, Chetnole, Yetminster, Thornford, Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:15, 16th May 2026 | |
A large branch is close to the line near Christian Malford. Trains heading west can pass it at slow speed.
There never was a branch line at Christian Malford.
Oh, I see what you mean.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 15:21, 16th May 2026 | |
A large branch is close to the line near Christian Malford. Trains heading west can pass it at slow speed.
14:19 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:19 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 has been delayed at Chippenham and is now 11 minutes late.
This is due to congestion.
14:19 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 has been delayed at Chippenham and is now 11 minutes late.
This is due to congestion.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 12:48, 16th May 2026 | |
A large branch is close to the line near Christian Malford. Trains heading west can pass it at slow speed.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:32, 16th May 2026 | |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01 will be terminated at Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Swindon.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 13:01 will be terminated at Chippenham.
It will no longer call at Swindon.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.
13:13 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55
13:13 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.
13:13 Swindon to Westbury due 13:55 will be cancelled.
This is due to a tree blocking the railway.
12:50 Chippenham to Westbury due 13:16
An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown 12:50 Chippenham to Westbury due 13:16.
An additional train service has been planned to operate as shown 12:50 Chippenham to Westbury due 13:16.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 05:52, 15th May 2026 | |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09
Facilities on the 05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
Facilities on the 05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
I am - relieved - to report that there are not all that many long distance passengers on this train, with the majority go customers using it for short duration journeys. There are *some* longer distance mind - including regulars off the line north of Trowbridge and carrying on to Southampton.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 15:04, 9th May 2026 | |
14:19 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01
14:19 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 is being delayed between Chippenham and Swindon and is now expected to be 16 minutes late.
This is due to trespassers on the railway.
14:19 Westbury to Swindon due 15:01 is being delayed between Chippenham and Swindon and is now expected to be 16 minutes late.
This is due to trespassers on the railway.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 21:08, 8th May 2026 | |
This reminds me a bit of the bridge at Pontgolgoch, by Caersws: from the south, effective advance and repeat warnings aren't in evidence and the skew bridge span finally hoves into view as a bit of a surprise, and again, vegetation on railway land and on the bridge structure itself softened its visual impact. (Not often hit, it also had a bridge strike recently).
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Hopefully no-one's been for a pint!
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 19:19, 8th May 2026 | |
This reminds me a bit of the bridge at Pontgolgoch, by Caersws: from the south, effective advance and repeat warnings aren't in evidence and the skew bridge span finally hoves into view as a bit of a surprise, and again, vegetation on railway land and on the bridge structure itself softened its visual impact. (Not often hit, it also had a bridge strike recently).
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Toilet facilities are not available. Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 19:06, 8th May 2026 | |
This reminds me a bit of the bridge at Pontgolgoch, by Caersws: from the south, effective advance and repeat warnings aren't in evidence and the skew bridge span finally hoves into view as a bit of a surprise, and again, vegetation on railway land and on the bridge structure itself softened its visual impact. (Not often hit, it also had a bridge strike recently).
A fraction of the cost incurred in a bridge strike would surely pay for a lot of proactive management of vegetation at selected sites - a mown embankment on a bridge approach is in itself an effective communicator.
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by John D at 17:43, 8th May 2026 | |
It is Limpley Stoke.
Awaiting a bridge examiner.
Awaiting a bridge examiner.
I'm suspecting that all these impacts are happening on the west side of this bridge. Driving that road this morning and thinking 'Bridge strike location coming up', the impression was that the associated signage isn't brilliant. No indication before the turn off the A36, then an advisory on the height restriction 3/4 mile ahead - said notice among others and in a busy part of the road immediately after the turn off the A36... and then nothing apart from a couple of 'Give way' signs before the bend in the road before the at that point invisible bridge itself, it being approached via and concealed by the left hand bend immediately before it. The signage has plenty of opportunity to hide in foliage / be inconspicuous in bright sunlight. None of which is an acceptable reason for driving into the bridge of course, even the road alignment is screaming 'Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear'.
Mark
Whatever the failure of advance signage on A36 (trunk road so Highways Authority) than doesn't advise large vehicles.
Or Banes Council (the advance sign you saw, but at bottom of lots of info just before bend and narrow bridge so easily missed.
Or Wiltshire Council (road has boundary at that narrow bridge) where there is no advance signage.
But real problem is Network Rail, they have allowed vegetation to grow unchecked on former Cameron branch trackbed which dangles over the road obscuring the signs on the bridge itself. Of course as they own the strip of land alongside the road they could erect warning signs on their land saying low bridge facing the road, but have chosen not to.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 16:23, 8th May 2026 | |
The 12:17 from Westbury to Swindon ran and is now sat in the bay at Swindon awaiting its next working.
Quoting the full report as it is at the moment on JourneyCheck. Whilst we can say "wouldn't it br nice if" to some aspects, this is streets ahead of what's happened on so many prior occasions.
Cancellations to services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham
Following a road vehicle colliding with a bridge earlier today between Bath Spa and Trowbridge the line towards Bath Spa has now reopened. Disruption is expected until 17:30 08/05.
Train services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham have been cancelled.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
A vehicle had struck a bridge in the Freshford area between Bath Spa and Trowbridge.
-
What are we doing about it?
-
Trains are currently only running from Trowbridge to Chippenham via Melksham.
-
Trains that would normally run along that route have been diverted along the route through Melksham, which means we had to suspend our timetabled services between Swindon and Westbury, in both directions for a time. These services will shortly be running again.
-
What are your options?
-
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
-
Replacement transport in the form of a taxi will transport passengers from Melksham to Chippenham for the 16:39 service.
-
Where possible the diverted trains will make additional stops at Melksham and Chippenham, these will be advertised in journey planners once confirmed.
-
You can use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the local Faresaver bus route X34 between Chippenham (Bus Station, Bay 6), Melksham (McDonalds, a 10 minute walk from the station), Trowbridge (Trinity Church, a short walk from the station). Just show your train ticket to the bus driver. You can find bus times at www.faresaver.co.uk/current-timetables/
-
Consider postponing your journey until our service returns to normal.
-
For more information:
-
Use the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to check if a journey by rail is currently possible. If you are at a station please check the live departure boards or speak to a member of station staff.
-
Let us help you:
-
If you're already travelling when disruption happens, we'll get you where you need to go. If you miss the last train of the day due to cancellation or because another train was delayed, we wont leave you stranded.
-
If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to staff at the station or on the train. Use the Customer Help Point on the platform.
Message us on X @GWRHelp, Facebook Messenger @gwruk, Instagram @gwruk or WhatsApp 07890 608043. Our team is available daily between 06:00 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 23:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday and Sunday, or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
-
Delay Repay:
-
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
-
Last Updated:08/05/2026 16:09
Following a road vehicle colliding with a bridge earlier today between Bath Spa and Trowbridge the line towards Bath Spa has now reopened. Disruption is expected until 17:30 08/05.
Train services between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham have been cancelled.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
A vehicle had struck a bridge in the Freshford area between Bath Spa and Trowbridge.
-
What are we doing about it?
-
Trains are currently only running from Trowbridge to Chippenham via Melksham.
-
Trains that would normally run along that route have been diverted along the route through Melksham, which means we had to suspend our timetabled services between Swindon and Westbury, in both directions for a time. These services will shortly be running again.
-
What are your options?
-
We are sorry for the disruption to your journey today, these are the current options available to you:
-
Replacement transport in the form of a taxi will transport passengers from Melksham to Chippenham for the 16:39 service.
-
Where possible the diverted trains will make additional stops at Melksham and Chippenham, these will be advertised in journey planners once confirmed.
-
You can use your ticket, at no extra cost, on the local Faresaver bus route X34 between Chippenham (Bus Station, Bay 6), Melksham (McDonalds, a 10 minute walk from the station), Trowbridge (Trinity Church, a short walk from the station). Just show your train ticket to the bus driver. You can find bus times at www.faresaver.co.uk/current-timetables/
-
Consider postponing your journey until our service returns to normal.
-
For more information:
-
Use the National Rail Enquiries real-time journey planner to check if a journey by rail is currently possible. If you are at a station please check the live departure boards or speak to a member of station staff.
-
Let us help you:
-
If you're already travelling when disruption happens, we'll get you where you need to go. If you miss the last train of the day due to cancellation or because another train was delayed, we wont leave you stranded.
-
If you require help, further information or would like to provide feedback, to help us improve in the future:
Speak to staff at the station or on the train. Use the Customer Help Point on the platform.
Message us on X @GWRHelp, Facebook Messenger @gwruk, Instagram @gwruk or WhatsApp 07890 608043. Our team is available daily between 06:00 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 23:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Call our Customer Support team on 03457 000 125, who are available between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday and Sunday, or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950, who are available 24 hours a day.
-
Delay Repay:
-
If you arrive at your destination 15 or more minutes late because your GWR train was delayed or cancelled, you can apply for Delay Repay compensation. Please keep your ticket and visit GWR.com/DelayRepay
-
Last Updated:08/05/2026 16:09
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 16:20, 8th May 2026 | |
The 12:17 from Westbury to Swindon ran and is now sat in the bay at Swindon awaiting its next working.
Looks like that unit is now going to work the 17:35 to Westbury.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by Mark A at 15:32, 8th May 2026 | |
It is Limpley Stoke.
Awaiting a bridge examiner.
Awaiting a bridge examiner.
I'm suspecting that all these impacts are happening on the west side of this bridge. Driving that road this morning and thinking 'Bridge strike location coming up', the impression was that the associated signage isn't brilliant. No indication before the turn off the A36, then an advisory on the height restriction 3/4 mile ahead - said notice among others and in a busy part of the road immediately after the turn off the A36... and then nothing apart from a couple of 'Give way' signs before the bend in the road before the at that point invisible bridge itself, it being approached via and concealed by the left hand bend immediately before it. The signage has plenty of opportunity to hide in foliage / be inconspicuous in bright sunlight. None of which is an acceptable reason for driving into the bridge of course, even the road alignment is screaming 'Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear'.
Mark
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 13:16, 8th May 2026 | |
The 12:17 from Westbury to Swindon ran and is now sat in the bay at Swindon awaiting its next working.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 13:13, 8th May 2026 | |
It is Limpley Stoke.
Awaiting a bridge examiner.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 13:12, 8th May 2026 | |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00
15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57
14:18 Westbury to Swindon due 15:00
15:15 Swindon to Westbury due 15:58
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be cancelled.
This is due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge.
The bridge strike is "in the Freshford area" which probably means at Limpley Stoke.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 22:09, 7th May 2026 | |
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06 will no longer call at Kemble, Stroud and Stonehouse.
It has been delayed at Westbury and is now 29 minutes late.
This is due to a points failure.
20:06 Westbury to Cheltenham Spa due 22:06 will no longer call at Kemble, Stroud and Stonehouse.
It has been delayed at Westbury and is now 29 minutes late.
This is due to a points failure.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 00:02, 5th May 2026 | |
Tue, 5 May 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
05/05/26 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault on this train.
05/05/26 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 20:34, 4th May 2026 | |
No comfort for those who can only use accessible toilets but at least there is a second smaller toilet for those who can access those.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:11, 4th May 2026 | |
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:08 Swindon to Westbury due 20:52
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:08 Swindon to Westbury due 20:52
21:16 Westbury to Swindon due 21:58
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
Facilities on the 22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12.
Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:32, 3rd May 2026 | |
10:38 Weymouth to Swindon due 12:57
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:45
Facilities on the 13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:45.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.
13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:45
Facilities on the 13:32 Swindon to Weymouth due 15:45.
Will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 10:44, 2nd May 2026 | |
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:28
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:28 is being delayed at Chippenham.
This is due to congestion.
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:28 is being delayed at Chippenham.
This is due to congestion.
The main line from Bristol to London via Bath is closed this weekend between Bath and Chippenham, and a London express that was due to start from Chippenham was delayed there and started 22 minutes late (no reason given that I could see), holding up the train from Westbury.
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
Most of the time made up - that ran within 5 minutes of plan
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:34, 2nd May 2026 | |
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:28
07:45 Westbury to Swindon due 08:28 is being delayed at Chippenham.
This is due to congestion.
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:25 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:21, 30th April 2026 | |
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 is being delayed at Melksham and is now expected to be 11 minutes late.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
16:23 Westbury to Swindon due 17:06 is being delayed at Melksham and is now expected to be 11 minutes late.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
8 minutes late from Westbury ... 13 minutes late onward by Swindon
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 17:47, 29th April 2026 | |
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
17:35 Swindon to Westbury due 18:19 will be starting late from Swindon.
This is due to congestion.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:36, 27th April 2026 | |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59 will be starting late from Westbury and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59 will be starting late from Westbury and is expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 11:50, 24th April 2026 | |
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 is being delayed at Trowbridge.
This is due to the police dealing with an incident.
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 is being delayed at Trowbridge.
This is due to the police dealing with an incident.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 22:50, 22nd April 2026 | |
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 is being delayed at Swindon.
This is due to the train departing late to maintain customer connections.
22:31 Swindon to Westbury due 23:12 is being delayed at Swindon.
This is due to the train departing late to maintain customer connections.
Left Swindon 14 minutes late - holding this train for connections is usually the right move
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 19:32, 20th April 2026 | |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21 has been cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 11:33, 20th April 2026 | |
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 11 minutes late.
This is due to a fault on this train.
11:05 Swindon to Westbury due 11:47 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 11 minutes late.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 06:07, 20th April 2026 | |
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault on this train.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault on this train.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 18:28, 16th April 2026 | |
18:37 Westbury to Swindon due 19:21
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
Last Updated:16/04/2026 17:55
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56
20:12 Swindon to Westbury due 20:56 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train.
Last Updated:16/04/2026 17:55
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 18:31, 15th April 2026 | |
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 is being delayed between Stroud and Kemble and is now expected to be 11 minutes late.
This is due to a safety inspection of the track.
17:50 Gloucester to Salisbury due 20:06 is being delayed between Stroud and Kemble and is now expected to be 11 minutes late.
This is due to a safety inspection of the track.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:27, 15th April 2026 | |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to a broken down train.
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59 will be starting late from Westbury.
This is due to a broken down train.
Could this relate to problems with the 10:36 Paddington to Exeter, off which train crew arrive at Westbury to work the Swindon service ...
10:36 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids due 13:07
10:36 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids due 13:07 will no longer call at Westbury but will call additionally at Frome.
It is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a broken down train.
10:36 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids due 13:07 will no longer call at Westbury but will call additionally at Frome.
It is being delayed at Westbury.
This is due to a broken down train.
My guess is that the 10:36 train itself is fine - that something else has sat down in the approach to Westbury which is preventing it calling there.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:03, 12th April 2026 | |
12:13 Westbury to Swindon due 12:57
13:34 Swindon to Westbury due 14:14
13:34 Swindon to Westbury due 14:14 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:12/04/2026 11:43
13:34 Swindon to Westbury due 14:14
13:34 Swindon to Westbury due 14:14 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:12/04/2026 11:43
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 14:59, 10th April 2026 | |
Shows the value of the bus being provided if there has to be a cancellation. They would have been two hours late without it.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 14:13, 10th April 2026 | |
13:42 Chippenham to Westbury due 14:25
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 13:42 Chippenham to Westbury due 14:25.
An additional bus service has been planned to operate as shown 13:42 Chippenham to Westbury due 14:25.
Sensible time off Chippenham as it connects with the next train from Swindon. By my calculation, passengers for the Portsmouth train miss the connection so their journey will take an hour longer.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 12:25, 10th April 2026 | |
12:17 Westbury to Swindon due 12:59
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57
13:14 Swindon to Westbury due 13:57 will be cancelled.
This is due to a broken down train earlier today.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 09:26, 10th April 2026 | |
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 is being delayed between Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault on a train in front of this one.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 is being delayed between Salisbury and Warminster.
This is due to a fault on a train in front of this one.
9 minutes late from Salisbury, up to 12 minutes late along the way with a longer stop than normal at Swindon. Pathing, perhaps?
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 07:52, 7th April 2026 | |
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09 has been delayed between Trowbridge and Westbury and is now 9 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with barriers at a level crossing.
05:11 Gloucester to Southampton Central due 08:09 has been delayed between Trowbridge and Westbury and is now 9 minutes late.
This is due to a fault with barriers at a level crossing.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 16:32, 6th April 2026 | |
In the end left half an hour late. That had a knock on effect to the 09:46 from Westbury to Swindon which departed 11 minutes behind schedule.
Thanks to a generous layover at Swindon, the 11:05 back to Westbury left almost on time.
Thanks to a generous layover at Swindon, the 11:05 back to Westbury left almost on time.
The scheduling of that at 09:46 rather than 10:16 from Westbury was in part our suggestion when the daytime services were brought back - far more useful half an hour in front of the clockface 10:16, 12:16, 14:16 would have been with an 07:51 to 10:32 gap at Melksham. Much better now - 08:02 to 10:02.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 12:06, 6th April 2026 | |
In the end left half an hour late. That had a knock on effect to the 09:46 from Westbury to Swindon which departed 11 minutes behind schedule.
Thanks to a generous layover at Swindon, the 11:05 back to Westbury left almost on time.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 09:16, 6th April 2026 | |
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 is being delayed at Swindon.
This is due to trespassers on the railway.
08:44 Swindon to Westbury due 09:26 is being delayed at Swindon.
This is due to trespassers on the railway.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 08:33, 6th April 2026 | |
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be delayed at Swindon and is expected to be 11 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47 will be delayed at Swindon and is expected to be 11 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed.
JourneyCheck suggests an arrival at 09:58 now. Real time trains suggests 09:47, and I would concur.
Delays awaiting crew at Swindon seem to be a new thing. Is this, perhaps, because of crews needing to change there as they now sign less routes?
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by bobm at 16:04, 5th April 2026 | |
The line is blocked near Wootton Bassett junction.
There was a train from Chippenham to Westbury via Melksham which left Chippenham at 15:31.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by grahame at 16:02, 5th April 2026 | |
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident at Swindon all lines are blocked. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Train services between London Paddington and Swansea via Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
A person has been struck by a train in the Swindon area, leading to all lines being blocked.
It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop.
Train services between London Paddington and Swansea via Bristol Parkway and Cardiff Central may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
Customer Advice
-
What has happened?
-
A person has been struck by a train in the Swindon area, leading to all lines being blocked.
It is necessary to bring all trains in the affected area to an immediate stop.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 Posted by TaplowGreen at 15:45, 5th April 2026 | |
15:44 Swindon to Westbury due 16:25
15:44 Swindon to Westbury due 16:25 will be cancelled.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
16:52 Westbury to Swindon due 17:34
16:52 Westbury to Swindon due 17:34 will be cancelled.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be started from Westbury.
It will no longer call at Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham and Trowbridge.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident
