Potential Great Western Intercity service pattern

[HamworthyGoods]

The mention of using 158s on the Cardiff routes passing through Bedminster was from @4-SUB 4732 earlier in this thread. My point was that 80x can run that route given it passes 80x depot(s) and that the 158 may be more use for other places (like Portsmouth) where the Turbo is not popular.

The good news is that is happening in May 23 a 158 is being moved across.

 

[bitzer]

Is that any different to Falmouth or St Ives? Why do people need through trains to Paignton and Torbay but can manage with a change if they are going to places that need a change?

As 30907 has said, Torbay is much bigger. According to the Stats from https://www.visitbritain.org/destination-specific-research Torbay was in the top 20 of total trips average 2017-2019 [wil be interesting to see if that increased due recent staycations] and in the Top 10 when looking at Holiday Trips.

 

[Caaardiff]

With regards to South Wales/VOG, I wouldn't say GWR need to go via the VOG. This would be better for TfW to introduce;

GWR - Extend South West - Cardiff services to Swansea (158/5 car IET) that also calls at Pyle to give people from South Wales direct access to the Southwest.
TFW - Cheltenham services go via the VOG to Swansea or even extend to Pembroke Dock in summer via the district line to serve the proposed new station North of Swansea. West Wales / Pembrokeshire is woefully underserved considering it's such a big tourist destination. This service only calling at Barry, Rhoose and Llantwit Major to give people from West Wales access to Cardiff Airport. There's very little demand from Southwest England for Cardiff Airport. Barry Island is very popular on hot days in the summer which is often in high demand from stations on the Cheltenham line.
TFW - Maesteg services run through to Ebbw Vale instead of Cheltenham which will still serve Pencoed, Pontylcun and Llanharan.