Chancellor tells First Great Western ‘to get a grip’!

During a recent visit to Bristol, Alistair Darling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, told journalists in response to a question about First Great Western:-

‘I know that there has been very great problems with this particular franchise that have gone on for far too long. Frankly, the travelling public using the line are entitled to expect far better punctuality and reliability. First Great Western needs to get a grip of it.’

First Great Western fare rises 1995 to 2008

A recent survey has revealed that First Great Western first class single fares rose by an average of one hundred and fifty per cent during the period from June 1995 to January 2008 – during the same period First Great Western standard class single fares rose by an average of one hundred and forty-five per cent. Inflation for the twelve and a half year period was forty-one per cent.

First class single fares on South West Trains rose on average during the same period by one hundred per cent, while standard class single fares on South West Trains rose by forty per cent, slightly less than the inflation increase.

Network Rail chief calls for high speed line to the West

The chief executive of Network Rail, Ian Croucher, has called for a new high speed line to be built to link London and the West – Mr Croucher stated:-

‘I really hope that by the time we get to 2020 we will be able to justify faster inter-city trains on a new high speed line from London west towards Bristol.’

Somerset County Council plans for public transport improvements

A meeting of Somerset County Council on Wednesday 20 February will be asked to confirm the funding to undertake the following improvements to the county’s public transport infrastructure over the next three years:-

1. new bus priority measures in Taunton
2. second park and ride to the east of Taunton
3. a new transport interchange at Rockwell Green, Wellington with new shelters and cycle parking
4. improved access for pedestrians and cyclists to Frome railway station
5. a study into the possible provision of a new bus interchange at Shepton Mallet

People

Malcolm Drury, currently with Virgin West Coast and formerly with Wessex Trains, has been appointed Route Director (West) of First Great Western, in succession to John Curley – Malcolm will be based in Exeter and will take up his new appointment on 1 April.

And finally,

A married couple from Gillingham, Dorset have bought the very seats they occupied when they first met on a South West Trains class 159 unit!