GWR failures

Wed 19 Aug, 09:32

The minimum compensation is controlled by the Dept for Transport but there is nothing to prevent GWR from increasing that, especially when they do not run a service with reasonable care and skill. And there was no care or skill involved on Monday evening when train after train was cancelled with no information or assistance. 

Wed 19 Aug, 08:45

Sophie, the levels of compensation are not controlled by GWR but by the Dept for Transport just as they, and the Treasury, control all things financial when it comes to the railways. This is why we still have some stretches of single track along our line, causing any delays to quickly have repercussions. 

Wed 19 Aug, 07:04

You are quite right, Alan, but there’s plenty of blame to go round. GWR is entirely responsible for the paltry compensation and general lack of customer communications, leaving one unsure whether to embrace train bingo at Paddington or organise a whip round and charter a flight home. 

Tue 18 Aug, 18:06

If you are going to grumble about the railways, at least blame the right company.  The cancellations were due to a track defect (probably related to the extreme dry and hot weather.  GWR just run the trains, they cannot run them if the track is defective.  Track is maintained by the publicly owned Network Rail, and has been for many years. 

Tue 18 Aug, 12:43

The 17.23 from Oxford was aborted before it got to Hanborough and we were all taken back to Oxford as there was an issue with the track just beyond Charlbury (although not sure why we couldn't get off at Hanborough). This effectively closed the line. I think they are not willing to take any risks due to the recent derailments.

Mon 17 Aug, 23:11

They have exhausted my patience tonight. Last week I lost four hours to delays. Tonight’s meltdown meant I couldn’t get a train at all and had to get the Oxford Tube. The Tube is more frequent, cleaner, has WiFi and plug sockets at the seat, and is significantly cheaper than the train. I am seriously contemplating not bothering to renew my season ticket and using the bus instead…

Mon 17 Aug, 21:47

GWR is becoming the bane our lives. Three weeks on the trot I have had to drive to Oxford after the train from London has cancelled at Oxford forcing my wife to exit the train (after her own long shift at the office) I don’t mind every few months but every week is beyond it. Unreliable trains have such a huge impact on life outside of work, what is supposed to be some down time is disrupted by cancellations. Not good.