Recent content by Will Mitchell

https://bettertransport.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Runways-to-Railways-Report.pdf Recently published by the Campaign for Better Transport. Rightly calling on the Government to revisit the channel tunnel security requirements and proposing onboard passport checks.

I just got off a flight from Edinburgh to Bristol. I hate myself. But it was a choice between (at least) seven hours on an XC Voyager, vs. a total of five hours comprising transfers, airport faff and flight time. Had there been a German ICE-style train with full bar/restaurant facilities...

Why aren’t the exteriors and interiors of modern trains co-designed? I think the answer is probably that it’s cheaper to build a generic metal tube and leave it to the operator to worry about the interior. But it’s a real shame and it surely can’t be beyond the wit of man to fix.

I agree. I think it’s the lighting that is key. The Voyagers have lighting with a much warmer colour temperature. Whereas on the 80x the colour temperature is too cold.

I live in Bristol which, like many places in the UK, is woefully under-provisioned with safe walking and cycling infrastructure, and takes what might politely be called a minimalist approach to public transport. The predictable result : Cars, and absolutely loads of them, everywhere; seemingly...

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P75228/2023-06-30/detailed I travelled from BRI to SWI on this service yesterday morning. The train arrived in Swindon well after 0930 and I missed my connection to Kemble, having to wait nearly an hour for the next one. GWR are claiming I arrived...

This is very helpful. thank you Adam.

I am using Rail UK Tickets to book my weekly tickets from Bristol to London and I am finding it a little tricky. I generally always want to book the same train: Tuesday 0830 BRI-PAD, returning Thursday at 1902. It’s a simple off-peak return ticket but the booking engine needs a lot of...

I am beginning to suspect a conspiracy

In an effort to convince my wife of the virtues of rail travel and get her out of her car, I offered to accompany her on this morning’s 0810 GWR service from Clifton Down to Temple Meads and ensure she made her connection - the 0835 XC service to Edinburgh. The GWR service is scheduled to...

In my fantasy land I would have next generation APTs that can run at 400kph on the high speed lines and then also keep up with (or indeed go faster than) the pendos north of Wigan on the WCML. Someone just needs to figure out how to do that given the significant additional weight from all the...

I just had the same issue. I was unable to buy a standard super off peak from BRI to PAD between 0900 and 1030 for travel today. Neither GWR or Trainline websites would sell me one. RTT says ‘Reservations Compulsory’. Is this just an attempt by the operators to prevent overcrowding or are some...

so standard class has a superior level if service to first class? sounds mad.

DB used to but E* pulled the plug. another reason why i won’t be mourning E*’s demise.

this is great! I for one will be travelling up to dine there.