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Newsletter 313: 07/12/2024
Hello All,
Please find some updates below.
Storm Darragh
I hope I can get this information out between power cuts, the lights flicking are dramatically as I type, and a Microsoft Windows update is making things take ten times longer than they need to. Anyhow, following Red and Amber weather warnings, in relation to Storm Darragh on parts of GWR’s network, GWR advises customers to change their travel plans if possible this weekend (Sat 7 and Sun 8 December).
Although GWR still expects to be able to run services, strong winds mean Network Rail will impose speed restrictions to ensure the safe running of trains, increasing journey times. Fallen trees and other debris may also impact services.
Customers with tickets for this weekend can use them on Monday, December 9, and if they no longer wish to travel at all, they can claim a refund. The latest journey information is available at www.gwr.com/check, and it will remain updated as usual throughout the weekend. GWR will also provide updates through their social media channels.
Sunday Travel
On Sunday 8 December, train crew availability means a significantly reduced service will run on GWR’s long-distance routes. Online journey planners will be updated overnight on Saturday. This is a problem which, for the foreseeable future, will apply to all Sundays.
Engineering Works
Monday 9th December
From 2155 Monday until 0200 Thursday - Trains will run to an amended timetable between London Paddington, Reading and Newbury. Replacement buses will run between Newbury and Bedwyn.
Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th December
There will be a full line closure between Newbury, Bedwyn and Westbury. Bus replacements will operate. Please see the journey planners. Please also note, that Newbury station's car park will fill quickly on these days.
The first off-peak buses will be:
Bedwyn 0810
Hungerford 0825
Kintbury 0835
GWR has agreed that monthly or longer season ticket holders can use Swindon or Didcot. South West Trains have agreed to accept tickets from/to stations Basingstoke – Grateley, via Woking to London, or via Basingstoke towards Paddington. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay for your parking. Overton and Whitchurch have limited parking. Refunds can be claimed on season tickets for anyone not travelling subject to the usual terms and conditions (and where applicable, admin fees). Refunds are not available by way of compensation during these works, as GWR put mitigations in place (ticket acceptance from other stations, replacement buses etc).
A tip from another passenger is to use the Sainsbury's car park at Newbury. A day pass can be purchased at https://www.justpark.com/uk/parking/newbury/s/hectors-way-newbury-rg14-5ab/
Friday 13th December
The 0532 Bedwyn to London Paddington will not run. Please use alternative services.
Sunday 15th December
The 0806 Reading to Newbury will be replaced with a bus departing at 0755 from Reading and calling all stations to Newbury (except Newbury Racecourse). The 0833 Reading to Bedwyn will start from Newbury connecting with the 0755 Reading to Newbury bus
Saturday 21st December
0508 Reading to Bedwyn will be replaced with a bus running earlier than usual train times as far as Newbury. This will connect at Newbury with the 0539 (departing Reading) at 0555 and running fast to Newbury, Kintbury, Hungerford and Bedwyn. Customers travelling from Reading West to Newbury Racecourse should travel on earlier or later services. 0608 Bedwyn to Reading will start from Newbury. A replacement bus will run earlier than usual train times from Bedwyn to Newbury to connect with the train. 0635 Bedwyn to Newbury and 0658 Newbury to London Paddington services will depart slightly later than usual train times.
Sunday 22nd December
0806 Reading to Newbury will be replaced with a bus running earlier at 0755 and calling all stations to Thatcham then Newbury where the bus journey will end. 0833 Reading to Bedwyn will start from Newbury connecting with the 0755 Reading to Newbury bus. Also the 0751 (departing 0747) London Paddington to Penzance will be diverted and will not call at Newbury or Pewsey. The 0850 (departing 0842) London Paddington to Penzance will call additionally at Newbury and Pewsey. 2323 Newbury to Reading will be replaced with a bus service.
25th and 26th December
The entire GWR network will be closed.
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th December
All lines between Ealing Broadway and London Paddington will be closed. If you wish to travel to Paddington, catch an Elizabeth Line service at Reading then change onto the Underground at Ealing Broadway.
Saturday 28 December 2024 to Friday 3 January 2025 - General
An amended level of train service will run across the GWR network over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
January 2025
Due to extensive work at Westbury station, all train services running via Westbury will be affected from Friday 27 December to Thursday 23 January 2025. GWR’s long-distance services between London Paddington/Reading and the West of England will call at Frome instead of Westbury. So, if you are heading west during this period, check your trains.
Best wishes
Steve Smith
Bedwyn Trains Passenger Group