Bournemouth to Waterloo by SWT

[sixhundred]

I currently use this service on an infrequent basis however I'll soon be commuting this everyday.

Does anyone have an opinion on reliability of this long distance service and any particular tips on the best time to travel. (I plan to travel early morning and early evenings at least 4 days per week).

Many thanks.

 

[Oracle]

I can attest to return journeys from Waterloo...it used to get busy from 1630 onwards. I can also say that from Ashurst I was amazed at the number of commuters on the 06.20 or thereabouts: some obviously were destined for Southampton. I wonder how early 'early' is for you?

As for reliability, I used to find that the problems were at the London end. Finding a platform space was difficult at times.

 

[swt_passenger]

It's quite a few years since SWT had to make a season ticket charter rebate due to performance (they are still on the old scheme, ie not 'delay repay'). As far as the NR statistics go, they seem to be one of the most reliable at timekeeping, and as a commuter TOC all their services are measured with respect to being within 5 mins of time at destination, rather than 10 mins for inter city TOCs.

Like any third rail system TOC there are the odd winter days when it goes wrong bigtime, though I'd think these were once or twice a year at most.

 

[wintonian]

I agree most likely to have problems Clapham/ Waterloo.

Going from Winchester I know if I want any real chance of getting a seat to jump on before 0700 so that means for the most comfortable journey from Southampton onwards the only options from Bournemouth are the 0512 and 0542 or arrive into Waterloo after 09:30. Returning you will most of the time get a seat leaving after 19:00 but I have been forced to stand on the 22:05 so I wouldn't expect any comfort unless traveling on the 23:05 or 00:05.

Unfortunately every time I go up or come back in the peak (5/6 times a year) it seems to get worse, last time I went up I even shelled out £33.80 for a first class single and went via Reading, which is what I would suggest, though having hardly used that route during the peaks I couldn't say if it is much better having seen people standing all through the carriages to Reading. On the other hand if you wish to travel between the peaks you'll find the trains with loads of space.