Recent content by andydcm

Yes, you should get a First Group box card, works roughly the same as safeguarded boxes for First franchises; also able to buy return tickets / day rovers for travel on First franchises for friends and family at a cost of £5 per day per franchise, there is also something similar for weekly bus...

Yes, unless it has changed since my revenue days the minimum of a PF that can be paid at the time is the full single price for journey being made, which I am sure you would have paid. All RPIs should have a special authorised PF collector ID and this should be all you need to report problems...

Not convinced about the exact position by letter of the law, but opening any doors not platformed is now a big no-no for most companies - FGW operate HSTs that for many years just announced not to alight from non-platformed coaches, but now have Selective Door Operation; if there is a problem...

FGW have signs saying that you cannot stand in a 1st class vestibule; must admit I would find this a bit if I was still a guard but some TMs enforce rigorously. If used properly Wifi is fine, seems an obvious development for me and don't know why so many TOCs have lagged behind - should be...

I actually think FGW 'Dynamic Lines' is one of the most attractive HST liveries there's been and looks good on 180s too; the Stagecoach colours just don't look right on an HST power-car in my opinion, but looks OK on units. Was never a fan of Nat Exp on anything.

Whilst there is maybe an argument that stopping everything at Reading is inefficient, it is a large town with a huge commuter flow in and out, big tech industry, university etc., and a major strategic interchange, tho dedicated, high capacity services that people could aim to get a seat on would...

Assuming a non-AP ticket, going via Basingstoke, you could get off at Oxford and get an FGW HST to Reading, though if you're unlucky with your times may have to wait a while as a lot are 165/6 off-peak. Don't imagine that there would be through ticketing via Bristol allowing an XC HST but...

It's a high-output possession train, some equipment seems to have come loose and done some damage, back on the rails at present but sounds like a long job as RAIB are on site, though sounds like they can run some trains via Frome.