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| {{ |
{{Short description|Train operating company in Great Britain}} | ||
| {{about|the 1996 company|the 1833–1947 company|Great Western Railway|other uses|Great Western Railway (disambiguation)}} | |||
| {{short description|train operating company in Great Britain}} | |||
| {{pp-move|small=yes}} | |||
| {{Use British English|date=November 2015}} | {{Use British English|date=November 2015}} | ||
| {{Use dmy dates|date= |
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} | ||
| {{Infobox rail company | {{Infobox rail company | ||
| |name = Great Western Railway | |name = Great Western Railway | ||
| |image = |
|image = Penzance - GWR 802103 and 43004.JPG | ||
| |caption = ] and ] at {{stnlnk| |
|caption = ] and ] at {{stnlnk|Penzance}} | ||
| |image_size = |
|image_size = 275px | ||
| |franchise = {{unbulleted list|InterCity Great Western |
|franchise = {{unbulleted list|InterCity Great Western {{nowrap|4 February 1996{{snd}}31 March 2006}}|] {{nowrap|1 April 2006{{snd}}25 June 2028<ref name = 2022contract />}}}} | ||
| |logo = Greater west railw logo.svg | |logo = Greater west railw logo.svg | ||
| |logo_size = |
|logo_size = | ||
| |regions = ] |
|regions = {{cslist|]|]|]|]}} | ||
| |secregions = ] |
|secregions = {{cslist|]|]}} | ||
| |abbr = GW | |abbr = GW | ||
| |predecessor = {{plainlist| | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| }} | |||
| |fleet = | |fleet = | ||
| {{plainlist| | {{plainlist| | ||
| *8 {{brc|08}} shunting locos | |||
| *24 ] | |||
| *4 |
*4 {{BRC|43|dab=HST}} ''HST Castle'' sets | ||
| * |
*5 {{BRC|57}} diesel locomotives for 2 '']'' sleeper sets | ||
| * |
*20 {{BRC|150}} ''Sprinter'' units | ||
| * |
*18 {{BRC|158}} ''Express Sprinter'' units | ||
| *36 {{ |
*36 {{BRC|165}} ''Networker Turbo'' units | ||
| *21 {{ |
*21 {{BRC|166}} ''Networker Turbo'' units | ||
| *30 {{BRC|387}} ''Electrostar'' units | |||
| *1 {{brc|319}} set for crew training | |||
| * |
*57 {{BRC|800}} ''IET'' units | ||
| * |
*36 {{BRC|802}} ''IET'' units | ||
| *36 {{brc|802}} "Intercity Express Train" sets | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| |gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|allk=on}} | |gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|allk=on}} | ||
| |el = |
|el = {{plainlist| | ||
| * ] ] | |||
| |stations = over 270 | |||
| }} | |||
| |stationsop = 197 | |||
| |stations = over 270<ref name="First Great Western-Stations">{{cite web |title= Station information |url= http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Your-journey/At-the-station/Station-information |publisher= First Great Western |access-date= 6 November 2013 |archive-date= 12 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140112103719/http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Your-journey/At-the-station/Station-information |url-status= dead }}</ref> | |||
| |routekm = 2129.2 | |||
| |stationsop = 199 | |||
| |length = {{cvt|2129.2|km|order=flip}}{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} | |||
| |parent_company = ] | |parent_company = ] | ||
| |website = |
|website = {{Official URL}} | ||
| |map = ] | |map = ] | ||
| |map_state = uncollapsed | |||
| |map_name = System map | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''First Greater Western |
'''First Greater Western''', ] '''Great Western Railway''' ('''GWR'''), is a British ] owned by ] that provides services in the ] franchise area. It manages 197 stations and its trains call at over 270. GWR operates long-distance inter-city services along the ] to and from the ] and ], inter-city services from London to the ] via the ], and the '']'' ] between London and ]. It provides outer-suburban services in West London; commuter services from its London terminus at {{rws|London Paddington}} to the ] region, including parts of ] and ], and ]; and regional services throughout the West of England and South Wales to the South coast of England. Great Western Railway also operates the ] service. | ||
| The company began operating in February 1996 as '''Great Western Trains''', as part of the ]. In December 1998 it became '''First Great Western''' |
The company began operating in February 1996 as '''Great Western Trains''', as part of the ]. In December 1998, it became '''First Great Western''' after FirstGroup bought out its partners' shares in ]. In April 2006, First Great Western, ] and ] were combined into the new Greater Western franchise and brought under the First Great Western brand. The company adopted its current name and a new livery in September 2015 to coincide with the start of a newly extended contract that was subsequently extended to run until June 2028. | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| ] as operated by the original Great Western Trains franchise in 1996-1998]] | ] as operated by the original Great Western Trains franchise in 1996-1998]] | ||
| As part of the ], the Great Western ] franchise was awarded by the ] to ] in December 1995 and began operations on 4 February 1996. Great Western Holdings was owned by some former ] managers (51%), ] (24.5%) and ] (24.5%).<ref> |
As part of the ], the Great Western ] franchise was awarded by the ] to ] in December 1995, and it began operations on 4 February 1996. Great Western Holdings was owned by some former ] managers (51%), ] (24.5%) and ] (24.5%).<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1997/sep/20/alexbellos |title=The passenger train | last1 = Bellos | first1 = Alex |date=20 September 1997 |work=The Guardian |location= London |access-date=4 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons/lib/research/rp99/rp99-080.pdf |title=Railway Organisations Research Paper 99/80 |publisher=House of Commons Library |date=20 September 1999}}</ref> | ||
| In March 1998, FirstGroup bought out its partners' stakes to give it 100% ownership.<ref> |
In March 1998, FirstGroup bought out its partners' stakes to give it 100% ownership.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/oldbusiness/62790.stm |title=Rail takeover to benefit passengers |publisher=BBC News |date=6 March 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/rail-bosses-cash-in-on-privatised-gravy-train-1148696.html |title=Rail bosses cash in on privatised gravy train |newspaper=The Independent |date=7 March 1998 |location= London | first1 = Randeep | last1 = Ramesh}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |archive-url=https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20081216123006/http://www.firstgroup.com/assets/pdfs/investors/annual_reports/1999_annual_report.pdf |archive-date=16 December 2008 |url=http://www.firstgroup.com/assets/pdfs/investors/annual_reports/1999_annual_report.pdf |title=Annual Report 31 March 1999 |publisher=FirstGroup plc |url-status=dead}}</ref> In December 1998, the franchise was rebranded First Great Western.<ref>{{cite magazine |title= It's First Great Western |magazine= ] |issue=346 |date= 16 December 1998 |page=7}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/05113733 |title=Companies House extract company no 5113733 |publisher=First Greater Western Limited}}</ref> | ||
| On 1 April 2004, ] |
On 1 April 2004, ] began operating the ] franchise. It ran local services from Paddington to {{Stnlnk|Slough}}, {{Stnlnk|Henley-on-Thames}}, {{Stnlnk|Reading}}, {{stnlnk|Didcot Parkway}}, {{Stnlnk|Oxford}}, {{Stnlnk|Newbury}}, {{Stnlnk|Bedwyn}}, {{rws|Worcester Shrub Hill}}, {{Stnlnk|Hereford}}, {{Stnlnk|Banbury}} and {{rws|Stratford-upon-Avon}}. It also operated services from Reading to {{Stnlnk|Gatwick Airport}} (via {{rws|Guildford}} and {{Stnlnk|Dorking}}), and from Reading to {{Stnlnk|Basingstoke}}.<ref name="New Rail Franchise Begins">{{cite press release |title=New Rail Franchise Begins |url= http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?id=283 |publisher=First Great Western |date=1 April 2004 |access-date=24 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081116024110/http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?id=283 |archive-date=16 November 2008}}</ref> | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| On 1 April 2006, the Great Western, Great Western Link and ] franchises were combined into a new Greater Western franchise. FirstGroup, ] and ] were shortlisted to bid for |
On 1 April 2006, the Great Western, Great Western Link and ] franchises were combined into a new Greater Western franchise. FirstGroup, ] and ] were shortlisted to bid for it. On 13 December 2005, it was announced that FirstGroup had won the franchise.<ref>{{cite news |title= FirstGroup wins rail franchises |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4523592.stm |date=13 December 2005 |work= BBC News}}</ref> Originally, First planned to subdivide its services into three categories based on routes.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.firstgroup.com/corpfirst/newsarchives.php?id=213&action=view&year=2005&month=12 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20071220235637/http://www.firstgroup.com/corpfirst/newsarchives.php?id=213&action=view&year=2005&month=12 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 20 December 2007 |title= Award of The Greater Western & Thameslink/Great Northern Franchises| date=13 December 2005 |access-date= 25 September 2007 |publisher= FirstGroup}}</ref> Following feedback from staff and stakeholders, the decision was taken to re-brand and re-livery all services as 'First Great Western'.<ref name="One Brand">{{cite web |url=http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Default.aspx |title=First Great Western homepage |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091124030010/http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Default.aspx |archive-date=24 November 2009}}</ref> | ||
| In May 2011, FirstGroup announced that it had decided not to take up the option to extend its franchise beyond the end of March 2013. |
In May 2011, FirstGroup announced that it had decided not to take up the option to extend its franchise beyond the end of March 2013. It stated that, in the light of the £1{{nbsp}}billion ] from London via Bristol to Cardiff, it wished to try to negotiate a longer-term deal. CEO ] said: "We believe we are best placed to manage these projects and capture the benefits through a longer-term franchise."<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-13351368 |title= First Great Western bids for longer rail franchise deal |work=BBC News |date=11 May 2011 |access-date=11 May 2011}}</ref> | ||
| By not taking up the option to extend its original franchise contract for a further three years, FirstGroup avoided having to pay £826. |
By not taking up the option to extend its original franchise contract for a further three years, FirstGroup avoided having to pay £826.6{{nbsp}}million to the government; it received extra subsidies totalling £133{{nbsp}}million from the government in 2010.<ref>{{cite news | last1 = Milmo | first1 = Dan |title=FirstGroup may give up First Great Western franchise three years early |url= https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/mar/13/firstgroup-may-abandon-first-great-western-franchise |work=The Observer |access-date=18 November 2011 |location=London |date=13 March 2011}}</ref> | ||
| In March 2012 ], FirstGroup, National Express and Stagecoach were shortlisted to bid for the new franchise. The winner was expected to be announced in December 2012, with the new franchisee taking over in April 2013 |
In March 2012, ], FirstGroup, National Express and Stagecoach were shortlisted to bid for the new franchise. The winner was expected to be announced in December 2012, with the new franchisee taking over in April 2013.<ref name="Rail694">{{cite magazine |title=First leads a field of seven bidding for rail franchises | last1 = Haigh | first1 = Philip |magazine=Rail |date=18 April 2012 |pages=8–9 |issue=694 |location= Peterborough}}</ref> But it was announced in July 2012 that the franchise would be extended, due to the late issue of the ] (ITT).<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2012/07/19-great-western-franchise-to-be.html |title=Great Western franchise to be extended |date=19 July 2012 |access-date=19 July 2012 |work= RailNews |location= Wellingborough}}</ref> The ITT ran from the end of July until October 2012. The winner would have been announced in March 2013, and taken on the franchise from 21 July 2013 until the end of July 2028.<ref name="ITT">{{cite press release |title=New Great Western franchise to deliver new express trains |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120727a/ |publisher= ] |date=27 July 2012 |access-date=29 July 2012}}</ref> The new franchise would include the introduction of new ], capacity enhancements and ].<ref name="decrease">{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-19208862 |title=Weston-super-Mare to London rail re-franchise concerns |date=10 August 2012 |access-date=13 August 2012 |work=BBC News}}</ref> The award of the franchise was again delayed in October 2012, while the ] (DfT) reviewed the way rail franchises were awarded. | ||
| In January 2013, the government announced that the current competition for the franchise had been |
In January 2013, the government announced that the current competition for the franchise had been aborted, and that FirstGroup's contract had been extended until October 2013.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rail-franchising-future-programme |title= Rail franchising future programme |publisher= Department for Transport |date=31 January 2013}}</ref> A two-year franchise extension until September 2015 was agreed in October 2013,<ref name="rnextend">{{cite news |url= http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/10/03-first-celebrates-lastminute-great-western.html |title=First celebrates last-minute Great Western deal |work=Railnews |location= Wellingborough |date=3 October 2013 |access-date=4 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="bbcextend">{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24378053 |title=First Great Western retains Wales and west rail franchise |work=BBC News |date=3 October 2013 |access-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> and subsequently extended until March 2019.<ref name="bbcextend2">{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29565156 |title= First Great Western offered new franchise deal |date=10 October 2014 |access-date=10 October 2014 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="guardianextend2">{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/oct/10/firstgroup-great-western-contract-extension-rail |title=FirstGroup wins Great Western contract extension |date=10 October 2014 |access-date=10 October 2014 |work= The Guardian | first1 = Gwyn | last1 = Topham |location= London}}</ref><ref name="rnextend2">{{cite news |url= http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2014/10/10-updated-franchise-schedule-signals-gw.html |title= Updated franchise schedule signals GW extension |date=10 October 2014 |access-date=10 October 2014 |work= Railnews}}</ref> A further extension to April 2019 was granted in March 2015.<ref name="BBCrenewal">{{cite news |title= FirstGroup's Great Western rail deal extended to 2019 |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32014409 |access-date=23 March 2015 |work=BBC News |date=23 March 2015}}</ref> | ||
| The refurbishment of first |
The refurbishment of first-class carriages in 2014 included interiors that featured a new GWR logo,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/2014/08/22/first-great-western-unveils-refurbished-first-class-carriages/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180528113859/https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/2014/08/22/first-great-western-unveils-refurbished-first-class-carriages/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 May 2018 |title=First Great Western unveils refurbished first class carriages |work=Business Traveller |date=28 May 2018 |access-date=28 May 2018}}</ref> with no First branding. The whole company was rebranded Great Western Railway (GWR) on 20 September 2015,<ref>{{cite web |title=First Greater Western Limited |url= https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/05113733 |publisher=Companies House |access-date=29 December 2017}}</ref> with the introduction of a green livery in recognition of the former ] which existed between 1835 and 1947.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Benke |first1=Mike |title=First Great Western extend franchise until 2019 - largest train fleet upgrade in generation |url= http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/archive/2015/03/23/11872796.UPDATE__First_Great_Western_extend_franchise_until_2019___largest_train_fleet_upgrade_in_generation/?ref=arc |access-date=24 March 2015 |work=Swindon Advertiser |date=23 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402192557/http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/archive/2015/03/23/11872796.UPDATE__First_Great_Western_extend_franchise_until_2019___largest_train_fleet_upgrade_in_generation/?ref=arc |archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= First Great Western to become a thing of the past as Great Western Railway launched |url= http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/13771735.First_Great_Western_to_become_a_thing_of_the_past_as_Great_Western_Railway_launched/ |work= Wiltshire Gazette & Herald |location= Trowbridge |date=20 September 2015}}</ref> The new livery was introduced when HST interiors were refurbished, and on sleeper carriages and Class 57/6 locomotives.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34292550 |title= First Great Western unveils rebranded Great Western Railway trains |work=BBC News |date=21 September 2015 |access-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> | ||
| In May 2018, ] {{ndash}} which later became the ] {{ndash}} took over services from Paddington to {{rws|Hayes & Harlington}}, and then some stopping services to Reading in December 2019.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2018/may/tfl-to-operate-heathrow-connect-services-ahead-of-elizabeth-line-opening |title= TfL to operate Heathrow Connect services ahead of Elizabeth Line opening |date=18 May 2018 |publisher= Transport for London}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url= https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2019/september/tfl-rail-to-operate-services-to-reading-from-15-december |date=26 September 2019 |title=TfL Rail to operate services to Reading from 15 December |publisher= Transport for London}}</ref> becoming part of the ] service. | |||
| In March 2020, the DfT awarded a further extension to 31 March 2023.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.gov.uk/government/news/critical-rail-services-protected-in-new-deals-for-gwr-and-southeastern |title= Critical rail services protected in new GWR and Southeastern |publisher= Department for Transport |date=30 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200401051953/https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/firstgroup-says-new-great-western-contract-has-appropriate-balance-of-risk-and-reward/56134.article |archive-date=1 April 2020|url= https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/firstgroup-says-new-great-western-contract-has-appropriate-balance-of-risk-and-reward/56134.article |title= FirstGroup says new Great Western contract has appropriate balance of risk and reward |magazine= Railway Gazette International |location= London |date=30 March 2020}}</ref> | |||
| In June 2022, the DfT replaced the franchise agreement with a direct award contract that expires on 25 June 2028, with an option to extend for a further three years.<ref name = 2022contract >{{cite web | url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1122644/first-greater-western-ltd-2022-nrc.pdf | title = First Greater Western Limited 2022 national rail contract | publisher = Department for Transport | date = 14 June 2022 | access-date = 5 March 2023}}</ref> | |||
| GWR is one of several train operators impacted by the ], which are the first national rail strikes in the UK for three decades.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61573206 |title = Rail strike: RMT union votes for national action |work = ] |date = 24 May 2022 |access-date = 24 May 2022}}</ref> Its workers are amongst those who are participating in ] due to a dispute over pay and working conditions.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://inews.co.uk/news/strike-dates-this-week-when-train-tube-strikes-start-why-how-travel-affected-1695412 |title = The dates of the train, Tube and bus strikes this week, and how services will be affected |date = 20 June 2022 |last=Finnis|first=Alex|newspaper=]|publisher=]|location=] |access-date = 24 June 2022}}</ref> | |||
| ==Routes== | ==Routes== | ||
| Great Western Railway |
Great Western Railway operates routes west of London including those towards south west England such as ], ], ], ], as well as ], ], ] and ]. | ||
| The following is a simplified list of regular off-peak weekday service from the June 2024 timetables.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/train-times|title=Train Times|location=]|publisher=Great Western Railway|access-date=30 September 2024}}</ref> | |||
| ===Main line services=== | |||
| ===Intercity=== | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" |
! colspan="3" | London to South Wales | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! width="250px"<!-- do NOT remove the px from this, non-zero dimensions must have units --> | Route |
! width="250px"<!-- do NOT remove the px from this, non-zero dimensions must have units --> | Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|London Paddington}} to {{Stnlnk|Cardiff Central}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | {{rws|London Paddington}} to {{rws|Cardiff Central}} and {{rws|Swansea}} || 2 || ], ] (1tph, Cardiff trains), ], ], ] and ]. 1tph extends to ] calling at ], ], ] and ]. | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Swindon}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bristol Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Newport}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | London Paddington to {{Stnlnk|Swansea}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| |Reading | |||
| |Swindon | |||
| |Bristol Parkway | |||
| |Newport | |||
| |Cardiff Central | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bridgend}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Port Talbot Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Neath}} | |||
| }} | |||
| 7 trains per day continue to {{Stnlnk|Carmarthen}} mainly calling at {{Stnlnk|Llanelli}} and {{Stnlnk|Pembrey & Burry Port}}. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3 |
! colspan="3" | London to Bristol and Somerset | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route || |
! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|London Paddington}} to {{Stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} || 2 || {{cslist | |||
| | London Paddington to {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}} || 2 || ], ] (1tph off-peak), ], ], ] and ]. <br/><small>Some services are extended to Weston-super-Mare and Taunton during peak periods, limited services are extended to Exeter St Davids, Paignton, Plymouth and Penzance.</small> | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Didcot Parkway}} ({{abbr|1tph}}) | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Swindon}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Chippenham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bath Spa}} | |||
| }} | |||
| 1 train every 2 hours continues towards {{Stnlnk|Weston-super-Mare}}, calling at {{Stnlnk|Nailsea and Backwell}}, {{rws|Yatton}} and {{Stnlnk|Worle}}. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" |
! colspan="3" | London to Devon and Cornwall | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route || |
! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|London Paddington}} to {{Stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train per 2 hours}} || {{cslist | |||
| | London Paddington to {{rws|Plymouth}} and {{rws|Penzance}} || 1 || ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<br/><small>Services include the ] and Royal Duchy expresses, which run non-stop between Reading and Exeter.</small> | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Newbury}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Hungerford}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Pewsey}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Westbury}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Castle Cary}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Taunton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Tiverton Parkway}} | |||
| }} | |||
| Some trains continue to {{Stnlnk|Paignton}} or {{Stnlnk|Plymouth}}, calling at various intermediate stations. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | London Paddington to {{Stnlnk|Plymouth}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train per 2 hours}} || {{cslist | |||
| ! colspan="3" style="background:#{{FGW color}}; color:White" | Oxford and The Cotswolds | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Taunton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Tiverton Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Newton Abbot}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Totnes}} | |||
| }} | |||
| Alternates with services between London Paddington and Penzance to provide an hourly service on this route | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | London Paddington to {{Stnlnk|Penzance}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train per 2 hours}} || {{cslist | |||
| ! Route || tph || Calling at | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Taunton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Tiverton Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Newton Abbot}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Totnes}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Plymouth}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Liskeard}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bodmin Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Par}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|St Austell}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Truro}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Redruth}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Camborne}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|St Erth}} | |||
| }} | |||
| Alternates with services between London Paddington and Plymouth to provide an hourly service between those stations | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | London to Oxford and The Cotswolds | |||
| | London Paddington to {{rws|Oxford}} || 2 || ], ], ] <small>(8{{abbr|tpd|trains per day}} Monday–Friday, 10tpd Saturday and 16tpd Sunday)</small> and ]<br/><small>(For extension services see Peak Only and Limited services below)</small> | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| ! colspan="3" style="background:#{{FGW color}}; color:White" | Cheltenham Direct | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|London Paddington}} to {{Stnlnk|Oxford}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| ! Route || {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} || Calling at | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Didcot Parkway}} (Oxford-bound only) | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | London Paddington to {{Stnlnk|Great Malvern}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | London Paddington to {{rws|Cheltenham Spa}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train per 2 hours}} || Reading, Didcot Parkway, Swindon, {{rws|Kemble}}, {{rws|Stroud}}, {{rws|Stonehouse}}, {{rws|Gloucester}} and Cheltenham Spa <br/><small>Alternates with a turbo every other hour to give an hourly service between Swindon and Cheltenham Spa</small> | |||
| |Reading | |||
| |Didcot Parkway (London-bound only) | |||
| |Oxford | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Hanborough}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Charlbury}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Kingham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Moreton-in-Marsh}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Honeybourne}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Evesham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Pershore}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Worcestershire Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Worcester Shrub Hill}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Worcester Foregate Street}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Malvern Link}} | |||
| }} | |||
| Certain trains terminate at Worcester while others continue to {{Stnlnk|Hereford}} calling at {{Stnlnk|Colwall}} and {{Stnlnk|Ledbury}}. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | London Paddington to {{Stnlnk|Cheltenham Spa}} || 1 || {{cslist| | |||
| |Reading | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Didcot Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Swindon}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Kemble}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Stroud}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Stonehouse}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Gloucester}}{{efn|name="rv"|Trains reverse}} | |||
| }} | |||
| One train per day continues to Worcester Shrub Hill calling at {{stnlnk|Ashchurch for Tewkesbury}}. | |||
| |} | |||
| ===Thames Valley=== | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3 |
! colspan="3" | Great Western Mainline | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! width="250px"<!-- do NOT remove the px from this, non-zero dimensions must have units --> | Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| ! Route || tpd || Calling at | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | London Paddington to |
| {{Stnlnk|London Paddington}} to {{Stnlnk|Didcot Parkway}} || 2 || {{cslist | ||
| |{{Stnlnk|Slough}} | |||
| || ], ], ] (3tpd Monday–Friday, 2tpd Saturday, All Services Sunday) ], ], ], ], ], ] ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. ], ] and ] stations are served twice a day (once in each direction Monday-Friday). Additional direct services to ] are available via ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/~/media/gwr/pdfs/timetables/december-timetables/london-paddington-and-oxford-to-worceseter-and-hereford-e5.pdf?la=en|title=London Paddington to Hereford Timetable (Great Western)|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413180610/https://www.gwr.com/~/media/gwr/pdfs/timetables/december-timetables/london-paddington-and-oxford-to-worceseter-and-hereford-e5.pdf?la=en|archive-date=13 April 2016|dead-url=yes}}</ref> | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Maidenhead}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Twyford}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Tilehurst}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Pangbourne}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Goring & Streatley}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Cholsey}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" |Reading–Taunton Line | |||
| | London Paddington to Carmarthen || {{Unbulleted list|1 (Mon-Sat)|3 (Sun)}} || ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Mon-Sat London bound train also calls at ] and ]. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| !Route | |||
| | Swansea to Carmarthen (Saturdays only) || 1 || ], ], ]. | |||
| !{{Abbr|tph|trains per hour}} | |||
| !Calling at | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | London Paddington to {{Stnlnk|Newbury}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | Swansea to Pembroke Dock (Summer Saturdays only) || 1 (w/b only){{clarify|date=June 2019}} || ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
| |Reading | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Theale}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Thatcham}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |||
| | Reading to Newbury || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading West}} | |||
| |Theale | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Aldermaston}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Midgham}} | |||
| |Thatcham | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Newbury Racecourse}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | Newbury to {{stnlnk|Bedwyn}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | London Paddington to Pembroke Dock (Summer Saturdays only) || {{Unbulleted list|1 from London|2 to London}} || ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. One train to London also calls at ], ], ] and ], | |||
| |{{stnlnk|Kintbury}} | |||
| |{{stnlnk|Hungerford}} | |||
| }} | |||
| * One train runs non-stop from Newbury to Bedwyn. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Greenford Branch | |||
| |London Paddington to Newquay | |||
| (Summer only) | |||
| |1 | |||
| |], ] (Sunday), ], (Saturday), ] (Monday-Friday and Sunday), ], ] (Monday-Friday), ], ] (Monday-Friday and Sunday), ] (Monday-Friday and Sunday), ], ] (Monday-Friday), ] (Monday-Friday), ] (Monday-Friday and Sunday), ] (Monday-Friday and Sunday), ], ] and ]. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| |Plymouth to Newquay (Summer | |||
| Saturdays only) | |||
| |1 (w/b only){{clarify|date=June 2019}} | |||
| |], ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|West Ealing}} to {{Stnlnk|Greenford}} || 2 || {{cslist| | |||
| | London Paddington to Paignton || 6 || Either via Bristol TM or Berks & Hants line. Then: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]. One service each way calls at Starcross and Exeter St Thomas, and then skips Tiverton Parkway. Other services in the summer also call at Dawlish Warren. | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Drayton Green}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Castle Bar Park}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|South Greenford}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Windsor Branch | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| |- | |||
| | Slough to {{Stnlnk|Windsor & Eton Central}} || 3 || ''Shuttle service'' | |||
| |- | |||
| ! colspan="3" | Marlow Branch | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| |- | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Maidenhead}} to {{Stnlnk|Marlow}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Furze Platt}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Cookham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bourne End}}{{efn|name="rv"}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |||
| ! colspan="3" | Regatta Line | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| |- | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Twyford}} to {{Stnlnk|Henley-on-Thames}} || 2 || {{cslist | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Wargrave}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Shiplake}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |||
| ! colspan="3" | North Downs Line | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| |- | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Reading}} to {{Stnlnk|Gatwick Airport}} || 2 || {{cslist | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Wokingham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Crowthorne}} (1tph) | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Sandhurst}} (1tph) | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Blackwater}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Farnborough North}} (1tph) | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|North Camp}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Ash}} (1tph) | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Guildford}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Shalford}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Chilworth}} ({{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}}) | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Gomshall}} ({{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}}) | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Dorking West}} ({{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}}) | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Dorking Deepdene}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Betchworth}} ({{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}}) | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reigate}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Redhill}}{{efn|name="rv"}} | |||
| }} | |||
| *Trains either serve Chilworth and Gomshall, or Dorking West and Betchworth. | |||
| **All remaining trains serve Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Farnborough North, and Ash. | |||
| |- | |||
| ! colspan="3" | Reading–Basingstoke Line | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| |- | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Reading}} to {{Stnlnk|Basingstoke}} || 2 || {{cslist | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading West}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Reading Green Park}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Mortimer}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bramley|Hampshire}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |||
| ! colspan="3" | Oxford Canal Line | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| |- | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Didcot Parkway}} to {{Stnlnk|Oxford}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{cslist | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Appleford}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Culham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Radley}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Didcot Parkway}} to {{Stnlnk|Banbury}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{cslist | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Culham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Radley}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Oxford}} | |||
| |{{stnlnk|Tackley}} | |||
| |{{stnlnk|Heyford}} | |||
| |{{stnlnk|Kings Sutton}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |} | |} | ||
| ===Bristol=== | |||
| ===Commuter and local routes=== | |||
| Great Western Railway operates commuter services between London and destinations such as Slough, ], Reading, ], Oxford, ], ], ], ] and ]. There are also services between Reading and ]; between Reading and ] via ] and ] on the ]; and between Bristol and Cardiff via Newport. | |||
| Trains also run on various north-south routes from Cardiff, ] and ] to ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Many of these run via Bristol. The company also runs trains on local routes including branch lines in Devon and Cornwall, such as the ], ], ] and ] branch lines in Cornwall; the ], ] and ] branch lines in Devon; and the ] branch line in Devon and Cornwall. | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Wessex Mainline | |||
| ! style="background:#{{FGW color}}; color:White" colspan="5" | Thames Valley Locals | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! |
! width="250px"<!-- do NOT remove the px from this, non-zero dimensions must have units --> | Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | ||
| !Rolling Stock | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Cardiff Central}} to {{Stnlnk|Portsmouth Harbour}}|| 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | rowspan="2"| ] || {{rws|London Paddington}} to {{rws|Didcot Parkway}} || 2 || {{rws|Ealing Broadway}}, {{rws|Southall}} (London-bound only), {{rws|Hayes and Harlington}}, {{rws|West Drayton}}, {{rws|Iver}}, {{rws|Langley}}, {{rws|Slough}}, {{rws|Maidenhead}}, {{rws|Twyford}}, {{rws|Reading}}, {{rws|Tilehurst}}, {{rws|Pangbourne}}, {{rws|Goring and Streatley}}, {{rws|Cholsey}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Newport}} | |||
| | rowspan="2" |] | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Filton Abbey Wood}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}}{{efn|name="rv"}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bath Spa}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bradford-on-Avon}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Trowbridge}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Westbury}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Warminster}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Salisbury}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Romsey}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Southampton Central}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Fareham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Cosham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Fratton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Portsmouth & Southsea}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | South Wales to Devon and Cornwall | |||
| | London Paddington to Reading || 2 || Ealing Broadway, Southall (Reading-bound only), Hayes and Harlington, West Drayton, Slough, {{rws|Burnham}}, {{rws|Taplow}}, Maidenhead, Twyford | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|Trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| | ] || {{rws|West Ealing}} to {{rws|Greenford}} || 2 || {{rws|Drayton Green}}, {{rws|Castle Bar Park}}, {{rws|South Greenford}} | |||
| |] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Cardiff Central}} to {{Stnlnk|Penzance}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{cslist | |||
| | ] || Slough to {{rws|Windsor & Eton Central}} || 3 || ''shuttle'' | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Newport}} | |||
| |] | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Severn Tunnel Junction}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Patchway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Filton Abbey Wood}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Nailsea & Backwell}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Yatton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Worle}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Weston-super-Mare}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Highbridge and Burnham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bridgwater}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Taunton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Tiverton Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Dawlish}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Teignmouth}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Newton Abbot}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Totnes}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Ivybridge}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Plymouth}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Saltash}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|St Germans}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Liskeard}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bodmin Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Lostwithiel}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Par}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|St Austell}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Truro}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Redruth}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Camborne}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Hayle}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|St Erth}} | |||
| }} | |||
| * Alternates with services between Cardiff Central and Taunton and services between Plymouth and Penzance to provide an hourly service between those stations | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Bristol and Somerset | |||
| | ] || Maidenhead to {{rws|Marlow}} || 1 || {{rws|Furze Platt}}, {{rws|Cookham}}, {{rws|Bourne End}} | |||
| |] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route !! tph !! Calling at | |||
| | ] || Twyford to {{rws|Henley-on-Thames}} || 2 || {{rws|Wargrave}}, {{rws|Shiplake}} | |||
| |] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Cardiff Central}} to {{Stnlnk|Taunton}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{cslist | |||
| | rowspan="2"| ] || London Paddington to {{rws|Bedwyn}} || 1 || Reading, {{rws|Theale}}, {{rws|Thatcham}}, {{rws|Newbury}}, {{rws|Kintbury}}, {{rws|Hungerford}} <br/><small>11 trains per day, giving hourly service for most of the day</small> | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Newport}} | |||
| | rowspan="2" |], ] | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Severn Tunnel Junction}} | |||
| |- | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Patchway}} | |||
| | Reading to Newbury || 1 || {{rws|Reading West}}, Theale, {{rws|Aldermaston}}, {{rws|Midgham}}, Thatcham, {{rws|Newbury Racecourse}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Filton Abbey Wood}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Nailsea & Backwell}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Yatton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Worle}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Weston-super-Mare}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Highbridge and Burnham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bridgwater}} | |||
| }} | |||
| * Alternates with services between Cardiff Central and Penzance to provide an hourly service on this route | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | Weston-super-Mare to {{Stnlnk|Severn Beach}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | ] || Reading to {{rws|Basingstoke}} || 2 || Reading West, {{rws|Mortimer}}, {{rws|Bramley|Hampshire}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Weston Milton}} | |||
| |] | |||
| |Worle | |||
| |Yatton | |||
| |Nailsea and Backwell | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Parson Street}}|{{Stnlnk|Bedminster}} | |||
| |Bristol Temple Meads | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Lawrence Hill}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Stapleton Road}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Montpelier}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Redland}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Clifton Down}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Sea Mills}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Shirehampton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Portway Park & Ride}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Avonmouth}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|St Andrews Road}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | Bristol Temple Meads to {{Stnlnk|Avonmouth}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | rowspan="2"| ] || {{rws|Reading}} to {{rws|Gatwick Airport}} || 1 || {{rws|Wokingham}}, {{rws|Blackwater}}, {{rws|North Camp}}, {{rws|Guildford}}, {{rws|Dorking West}}, {{rws|Dorking Deepdene}}, {{rws|Reigate}}, {{rws|Redhill}} | |||
| |Lawrence Hill | |||
| | rowspan="2" |] | |||
| |Stapleton Road | |||
| |Montpelier | |||
| |Redland | |||
| |Clifton Down | |||
| |Sea Mills | |||
| |Shirehampton | |||
| |Portway Park & Ride | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | Reading to Redhill || 1 || Wokingham, {{rws|Crowthorne}}, {{rws|Sandhurst}}, Blackwater, {{rws|Farnborough North}}, North Camp, {{rws|Ash}}, Guildford, {{rws|Shalford}}, {{rws|Chilworth}} (1tp2h), {{rws|Gomshall}} (1tp2h), Dorking Deepdene, {{rws|Betchworth}} (1tp2h), Reigate | |||
| |Lawrence Hill | |||
| |Stapleton Road | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Ashley Down}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Gloucester and the Heart of Wessex Line | |||
| | ] || {{rws|Didcot Parkway}} to {{rws|Oxford}} || 2 || {{rws|Appleford}} (infrequent), {{rws|Culham}} (infrequent), {{rws|Radley}} (roughly hourly) <br/>Roughly {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} extended to {{rws|Banbury}}, calling at {{rws|Heyford}}, {{rws|Tackley}}, {{rws|Kings Sutton}} | |||
| |] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route !! tph !! Calling at | |||
| ! style="background:#{{FGW color}}; color:White" colspan="5" | Bristol & West Locals | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Gloucester}} to {{Stnlnk|Weymouth}} || 1tp2h || {{cslist | |||
| ! Line || Route || tph || Calling at | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Yate}} | |||
| !Rolling Stock | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bristol Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Filton Abbey Wood}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}}{{efn|name="rv"}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Keynsham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Oldfield Park}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bath Spa}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bradford-on-Avon}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Trowbridge}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Westbury}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Frome}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bruton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Castle Cary}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Yeovil Pen Mill}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Thornford}}{{efn|name="rq"|Request stop}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Yetminster}}{{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Chetnole}}{{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Maiden Newton}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Dorchester West}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Upwey|Dorset}} | |||
| }} | |||
| * Alternates with services from Gloucester to Westbury to provide an hourly service between those stations | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Gloucester}} to {{Stnlnk|Westbury}} || 1tp2h || {{cslist | |||
| | ] || {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}} to {{rws|Severn Beach}} || {{abbr|3tp2h|3 trains every two hours}} || {{rws|Lawrence Hill}}, {{rws|Stapleton Road}}, {{rws|Montpelier}}, {{rws|Redland}}, {{rws|Clifton Down}}, {{rws|Sea Mills}}, {{rws|Shirehampton}}, {{rws|Avonmouth}}, {{rws|St Andrews Road}} <br/><small>Two trains out of three per 2 hours terminate at Avonmouth. All trains Bristol bound terminate at Bristol Temple Meads barring two services on a Sunday that terminate at Taunton. One train on Sunday forms Exeter St Davids{{snd}} Avonmouth, another forms Taunton{{snd}} Avonmouth and another runs Weston-super-Mare{{snd}} Severn Beach.</small> | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Yate}} | |||
| |], ] | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bristol Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Filton Abbey Wood}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}}{{efn|name="rv"}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Keynsham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Oldfield Park}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bath Spa}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bradford-on-Avon}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Trowbridge}} | |||
| }} | |||
| * 2 trains per day continue to {{stnlnk|Frome}} | |||
| * Alternates with services from Gloucester to Weymouth to provide an hourly service on this route | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Worcester Foregate Street}} to {{Stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | ] || {{rws|Gloucester}} to {{rws|Westbury}} || 1 || {{rws|Cam and Dursley}}, {{rws|Yate}}, {{rws|Bristol Parkway}}, {{rws|Filton Abbey Wood}}, Stapleton Road, Lawrence Hill, Bristol Temple Meads, {{rws|Keynsham}}, {{rws|Oldfield Park}}, {{rws|Bath Spa}}, {{rws|Freshford}}, {{rws|Avoncliff}}, {{rws|Bradford-on-Avon}}, {{rws|Trowbridge}} <br/><small>One train approximately every two hours is extended to and from {{rws|Great Malvern}} (some of these services only run to and from Worcester). One train approximately every two hours is extended to {{rws|Weymouth}} calling at Frome, Bruton Castle Cary, Yeovil Pen Mill, Thornford, Yetminster, Chetnole, Maiden Newton, Dorchester West, Upwey and Weymouth. Southward bound, a few services terminate at Frome and one is extended to Brighton. Northward bound, services can start at Frome, Weymouth, Westbury, Warminster, Brighton, Salisbury and Southampton Central terminating at Cardiff Central, Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, Cheltenham Spa, Great Malvern and Gloucester respectively.</small> | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Worcester Shrub Hill}} | |||
| |], ], ] | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Ashchurch}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Cheltenham Spa}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Gloucester}}{{efn|name="rv"}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Cam & Dursley}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Yate}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bristol Parkway}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Filton Abbey Wood}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} to {{Stnlnk|Salisbury}} || 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | ] || {{rws|Swindon}} to Westbury || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} (roughly) || {{rws|Chippenham}}, {{rws|Melksham}}, Trowbridge <br/><small>One train per day extended to and from Frome; trains also use the Golden Valley Line between Gloucester and Swindon on extensions: one morning service from Gloucester to Southampton as well as a service to Cheltenham Spa from Westbury and one evening service from Cheltenham Spa to Southampton and another Westbury to Cheltenham Spa.</small> | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Keynsham}} | |||
| |], ], ] | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Oldfield Park}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bath Spa}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Freshford}} | |||
| |{{stnlnk|Avoncliff}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Bradford-on-Avon}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Trowbridge}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Westbury}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Warminster}} | |||
| }} | |||
| * Some services terminate at {{rws|Warminster}} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Trans-Wilts Line | |||
| | rowspan="2"| ]{{snd}} ] || {{rws|Cardiff Central}} to {{rws|Taunton}} || 1 || {{rws|Newport}}, {{rws|Severn Tunnel Junction}}, {{rws|Patchway}}, Bristol Temple Meads, {{rws|Nailsea & Backwell}}, {{rws|Yatton}}, {{rws|Worle}}, {{rws|Weston-super-Mare}}, {{rws|Highbridge & Burnham}}, {{rws|Bridgwater}} <br/><small>One train per day extends to Exeter St Davids, one to Paignton and one to Penzance. On Sundays, most trains start at Bristol Temple Meads and terminate at Taunton. At peak times, train stops at Bedminster and Parson Street additionally</small> | |||
| |], ] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route !! tph !! Calling at | |||
| | Bristol Parkway to Weston-super-Mare || 1 || Filton Abbey Wood, Stapleton Road, Lawrence Hill, Bristol Temple Meads, {{rws|Bedminster}}, {{rws|Parson Street}}, Nailsea & Backwell, Yatton, Worle, {{rws|Weston Milton}} <br/><small>Some services originate or terminate in Taunton, one per day originates in Exeter St Davids. Some services originate in Bristol Temple Meads when heading southward. On Sundays, this service doesn't exist. Instead there is a single Cheltenham Spa{{snd}} Taunton service and a single Worcester Shrub Hill{{snd}} Taunton service and a return Taunton{{snd}} Bristol Parkway train.</small> | |||
| |], ] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Swindon}} to {{Stnlnk|Westbury}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{cslist | |||
| |] || Cardiff Central to {{rws|Portsmouth Harbour}} || 1 || Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction, Patchway, Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Trowbridge, Bradford-upon-Avon, Westbury, {{rws|Warminster}}, {{rws|Salisbury}}, {{rws|Romsey}}, {{rws|Southampton Central}}, {{rws|Fareham}}, {{rws|Cosham}}, {{rws|Fratton}}, {{rws|Portsmouth & Southsea}} <br/><small>Limited service at Patchway, Keynsham, Oldfield Park and Dilton Marsh. On Sundays Keynsham and Oldfield Park are regular stops for most trains.</small> | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Chippenham}} | |||
| |], ], ], ] | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Melksham}} | |||
| |{{Stnlnk|Trowbridge}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |} | |||
| ===West of England=== | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Cornish Mainline | |||
| |] || Swindon to {{rws|Cheltenham Spa}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{rws|Kemble}}, {{rws|Stroud}}, {{rws|Stonehouse}}, Gloucester<br/><small>This service alternates with a London{{snd}} Cheltenham express service to give hourly service between Swindon and Cheltenham.</small> | |||
| |], ], ], ] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! width="250px"<!-- do NOT remove the px from this, non-zero dimensions must have units --> | Route !! tph !! Calling at | |||
| ! style="background:#{{FGW color}}; color:White" colspan="5" | Devon Locals | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Plymouth}} to {{Stnlnk|Penzance}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{cslist| | |||
| ! Line || Route || tph || Calling at | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Saltash}} | |||
| !Rolling Stock | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|St Germans}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Liskeard}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Bodmin Parkway}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Lostwithiel}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Par}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|St Austell}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Truro}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Redruth}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Camborne}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Hayle}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|St Erth}} | |||
| }} | |||
| * Alternates with services from Cardiff Central to Penzance to provide an hourly service on this route | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Avocet and Riviera Lines | |||
| | ] || {{rws|Exmouth}} to Exeter St Davids || 2 || {{rws|Lympstone Village}}, {{rws|Lympstone Commando}}, {{rws|Exton}}, {{rws|Topsham}}, {{rws|Newcourt|England}}, {{rws|Digby and Sowton}}, {{rws|Polsloe Bridge}}, {{rws|St James Park}}, {{rws|Exeter Central}} <br/><small>1tph reverses at Exeter St Davids and continues to Paignton. 1tph continues to Barnstaple</small> | |||
| |], ] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at | |||
| | ] || {{rws|Exeter St Davids}} to {{rws|Paignton}} || 2 || {{rws|Exeter St Thomas}}, {{rws|Starcross}}, {{rws|Dawlish Warren}}, {{rws|Dawlish}}, {{rws|Teignmouth}}, {{rws|Newton Abbot}}, {{rws|Torre}}, {{rws|Torquay}} <br/><small>1tph reverses at Exeter St Davids and continues to Exmouth</small> | |||
| |], ] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Exmouth}} to {{Stnlnk|Paignton}} || 2 || {{cslist| | |||
| | ] || Exeter St Davids to {{rws|Barnstaple}} || 1 || {{rws|Newton St Cyres}}, {{rws|Crediton}}, {{rws|Yeoford}}, {{rws|Copplestone}}, {{rws|Morchard Road}}, {{rws|Lapford}}, {{rws|Eggesford}}, {{rws|King's Nympton}}, {{rws|Portsmouth Arms}}, {{rws|Umberleigh}}, {{rws|Chapelton}} <br/><small>1tph continues to Exmouth</small> | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Lympstone Village}} | |||
| |] | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Lympstone Commando}} (1tph){{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Exton}} (1tph){{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Topsham}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Newcourt|England}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Digby and Sowton}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Polsloe Bridge}} (1tph) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|St James Park}} (1tph) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Exeter Central}} | |||
| | Exeter St Davids{{efn|name="rv"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Exeter St Thomas}} (1tph) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Marsh Barton}} (1tph) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Starcross}} (1tph) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Dawlish Warren}} (1tph) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Dawlish}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Teignmouth}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Newton Abbot}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Torre}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Torquay}} | |||
| }} | |||
| * Trains either serve Lympstone Commando, Exton, Polsloe Bridge, and St James Park, or Exeter St Thomas, Marsh Barton, Starcross, and Dawlish Warren. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan=" |
! colspan="3" | Dartmoor and Tarka Lines | ||
| ! | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! |
! Route !! tph !! Calling at | ||
| ! | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |{{stnlnk|Exeter Central}} to {{stnlnk|Okehampton}}|| 1 || {{cslist | |||
| | ] || {{rws|Par}} to {{rws|Newquay}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{rws|Luxulyan}}, {{rws|Bugle}}, {{rws|Roche}}, {{rws|St Columb Road}}, {{rws|Quintrell Downs}} <br/><small>During summer, local services are cut on certain days which are replaced by expresses to and from London which run non-stop between Par and Newquay.</small> | |||
| |{{stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}} | |||
| |] | |||
| |{{stnlnk|Newton St Cyres}}{{efn|name="rq"}} (limited) | |||
| |{{stnlnk|Crediton}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | {{stnlnk|Exeter Central}} to {{Stnlnk|Barnstaple}} || 1 || {{cslist| | |||
| | ] || {{rws|Liskeard}} to {{rws|Looe}} || 1 || {{rws|Coombe Junction Halt}}, {{rws|St Keyne Wishing Well Halt}}, {{rws|Causeland}}, {{rws|Sandplace}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}} | |||
| |] | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Newton St Cyres}}{{efn|name="rq"}} (limited) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Crediton}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Yeoford}}{{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Copplestone}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Morchard Road}}{{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Lapford}}{{efn|name="rq"}} (limited) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Eggesford}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Kings Nympton}}{{efn|name="rq"}} (limited) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Portsmouth Arms}}{{efn|name="rq"}} (limited) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Umberleigh}}{{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Chapelton}}{{efn|name="rq"}} (limited) | |||
| }} | |||
| *1 train per day continues from Exeter Central to Axminster, calling at {{cslist|{{Stnlnk|Pinhoe}}|{{Stnlnk|Cranbrook|Devon}}|{{Stnlnk|Feniton}}|and {{Stnlnk|Honiton}}}}. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Tamar Valley Line | |||
| | ] || {{rws|Truro}} to {{rws|Falmouth Docks}} || 2 || {{rws|Perranwell}}, {{rws|Penryn}}, {{rws|Penmere}}, {{rws|Falmouth Town}} | |||
| |] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Route !! tph !! Calling at | |||
| | ] || {{rws|St Erth}} to {{rws|St Ives}} || 2 || {{rws|Lelant Saltings}}, {{rws|Lelant}}, {{rws|Carbis Bay}} | |||
| |] | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| Plymouth to {{Stnlnk|Gunnislake}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{cslist | ||
| | {{rws|Devonport}} | |||
| | {{rws|Dockyard}} {{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{rws|Keyham}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|St Budeaux Victoria Road}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Bere Ferrers}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Bere Alston}}{{efn|name="rv"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Calstock}} | |||
| |] | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="3" | Looe Valley Line | |||
| |Cornish Main Line | |||
| |- | |||
| |] to ] | |||
| ! Route !! tph !! Calling at | |||
| |1 | |||
| |- | |||
| |], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] | |||
| | Liskeard to {{Stnlnk|Looe}} || 1 || {{cslist| | |||
| |], ], ] | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Coombe Junction Halt}} ({{abbr|2tpd|2 trains every day}}){{efn|name="rv"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|St Keyne Wishing Well Halt}} (1tp2h){{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Causeland}} (1tp2h){{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Sandplace}} (1tp2h){{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| }} | |||
| * One train every 2 hours runs non-stop between Liskeard and Looe. | |||
| |- | |||
| ! colspan="3" | Atlantic Coast Line | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Route !! tph !! Calling at | |||
| |- | |||
| | Par to {{Stnlnk|Newquay}} || {{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every two hours}} || {{cslist| | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Luxulyan}}{{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Bugle}}{{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Roche}}{{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|St Columb Road}}{{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Quintrell Downs}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |||
| ! colspan="3" | Maritime Line | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Route !! tph !! Calling at | |||
| |- | |||
| | Truro to {{Stnlnk|Falmouth Docks}} || 2 || {{cslist| | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Perranwell}} ({{abbr|1tph|1 train per hour}}) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Penryn}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Penmere}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Falmouth Town}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |||
| ! colspan="3" | St Ives Bay Line | |||
| |- | |||
| ! Route !! tph !! Calling at | |||
| |- | |||
| | St Erth to {{Stnlnk|St Ives}} || 2 || {{cslist| | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Lelant Saltings}} ({{abbr|1tpd|1 train every day}}) | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Lelant}} ({{abbr|1tp2h|1 train every 2 hours}}){{efn|name="rq"}} | |||
| | {{Stnlnk|Carbis Bay}} | |||
| }} | |||
| |} | |} | ||
| {{notelist}} | |||
| ==Named trains== | ==Named trains== | ||
| {{ |
{{further|List of named passenger trains of the United Kingdom}} | ||
| Great Western Railway's ] include:<ref>{{cite web |
Great Western Railway's ] include:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/explore-the-west/named-services|title=Named services|publisher=Great Western Railway|access-date=6 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629155312/https://www.gwr.com/about-us/meet-our-trains|title=Named trains|website=gwr.com|date=18 November 2024|access-date=18 November 2024}}</ref> | ||
| {| class="wikitable |
{| class="wikitable" | ||
| ! width="250px"<!-- do NOT remove the px from this, non-zero dimensions must have units --> | Name || Origin || Destination |
! width="250px"<!-- do NOT remove the px from this, non-zero dimensions must have units --> | Name || Origin || Destination | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| ''The Armada'' || ] || ] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] || London Paddington || ] |
| '']'' || London Paddington || ] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] || London Paddington || ] |
| '']'' || London Paddington || ] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | The Capitals United || ] || London Paddington |
| ''The Capitals United'' || ] || London Paddington | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] || ] || London Paddington |
| '']'' || ] || London Paddington | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] || ] || ] |
| '']'' || ] || ] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] || ] || London Paddington |
| '']'' || ] || London Paddington | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] || London Paddington || ] |
| '']'' || London Paddington || ] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | '']''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930064138/https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/plan-journey/timetables/2024/Train-times-2-June-to-14-December/B3-train-times-2-June-to-14-December-2024.pdf|title=Great Western Railway Guide to train times 21 May to 31 December 2017, C1: London Paddington to Bristol, Cheltenham Spa and South Wales|website=gwr.com|date=21 May 2024|access-date=21 May 2024}}</ref> || ] || ] | |||
| | The Devon Express || ] || ] || 07:30 Westbound only service. No return journey. Weekdays only | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ''The Devon Express'' || ] || ] | |||
| | ] || ] || London Paddington || Westbound service additionally calls at ] and ]. Pullman Restaurant available (Mon-Fri) 06:53 Plymouth to Paddington serving Breakfast, 18:03 Paddington to Penzance serving Dinner. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ''The Flying Carolean''<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lydall|first=Ross|date=5 May 2023|title=The Flying Carolean: Royal train gets era of King Charles III off to high-speed start|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/flying-carolean-royal-train-era-king-charles-iii-paddington-gwr-b1079055.html |access-date=5 May 2023|website=Evening Standard|language=en}}</ref> || ] || ] | |||
| | ] || ] || ] || Non stop Taunton to Reading East & West bound following May 2019 timetable change. | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | '']'' || ] || London Paddington | |||
| | ] || |London Paddington || ] or ] || Eastbound only | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] || ] || ] |
| '']'' || ] || ] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| '']'' || |London Paddington || ] or ] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | '']'' || ] || ] | |||
| | ]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/~/media/gwr/pdfs/timetables/may-2017/gw1705,-d-,c01,-d-,dl,-d-,512988,-d-,00,-d-,web.pdf?la=en|title=Great Western Railway Guide to train times 21 May to 31 December 2017, C1: London Paddington to Bristol, Cheltenham Spa and South Wales|last=|first=|date=|website=gwr.com|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804174529/https://www.gwr.com/~/media/gwr/pdfs/timetables/may-2017/gw1705,-d-,c01,-d-,dl,-d-,512988,-d-,00,-d-,web.pdf?la=en|archive-date=4 August 2017|dead-url=yes}}</ref> || London Paddington || ] || None | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ''The ]''<ref name="gwr.com-2"/> || London Paddington || ] | |||
| | ] || London Paddington || ] || Eastbound service calls additionally at Tiverton Parkway & Taunton. Pullman Restaurant available on the 12:05 Paddington to Penzance (Mon-Fri only) | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | '']''<ref name="gwr.com-2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/~/media/gwr/pdfs/timetables/may-2017/gw1705,-d-,c01,-d-,dl,-d-,512988,-d-,00,-d-,web.pdf?la=en|title=Great Western Railway Guide to train times 21 May to 31 December 2017, C1: London Paddington to Bristol, Cheltenham Spa and South Wales|website=gwr.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804174529/https://www.gwr.com/~/media/gwr/pdfs/timetables/may-2017/gw1705,-d-,c01,-d-,dl,-d-,512988,-d-,00,-d-,web.pdf?la=en|archive-date=4 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>|| London Paddington || ] | |||
| | The ]<ref name=":0" /> || ] || ] || Pullman restaurant service available 10:45 ex-London Paddington (Mon-Fri Only) | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| ''The Royal Duchy'' || London Paddington || ] | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| ''The Saint David''<ref name="gwr.com-2"/> || ] || ] | ||
| |- | |||
| | '']'' || London Paddington || ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | '']''<ref name="gwr.com-2"/> || ] || ] | |||
| |} | |} | ||
| ==Onboard services== | ==Onboard services== | ||
| ===Pullman Dining=== | ===Pullman Dining=== | ||
| GWR operates ]s on certain West Country and Wales trains to or from London Paddington. They are available to first-class and standard-class passengers, though only first-class passengers may make advance reservations, and they have priority over seats in the restaurant.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hargreaves |first1=Clare |title=Restaurateur Mitch Tonks has given the Great Western Pullman dining car a makeover |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/restaurateur-mitch-tonks-has-given-the-great-western-pullman-dining-car-a-makeover-9641279.html |access-date=14 November 2015 |work=The Independent |location= London |date=1 August 2014}}</ref> Meals in the restaurant car are not included in the price of rail tickets. | |||
| ===First |
===First class=== | ||
| ] | |||
| GWR has First Class on all its long distance high speed services. First Class on the IETs includes fabric reclining seating with tables at every seat as well as an at-seat service provided by a customer host, on most journeys.<ref name="gwr.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/plan-journey/first-class|title=First Class Train Travel and Tickets - Great Western Railway|website=gwr.com}}</ref> Unlike the previous HSTs, the IETs do not have leather first class seating due to fire H&S regulations. Like the HSTs, there are plug sockets and USB charging points at every seat. There is upgraded WiFi throughout the First Class carriages.<ref name="gwr.com"/> | |||
| GWR has first class on all its long-distance high-speed services. First class on the IETs includes fabric reclining seating with tables at every seat, as well as an at-seat service provided by a customer host on most journeys.<ref name="gwr.com">{{cite web |url= https://www.gwr.com/plan-journey/first-class |title= First Class Train Travel and Tickets |publisher= Great Western Railway |access-date= 21 March 2018 |archive-date= 21 March 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180321192747/https://www.gwr.com/plan-journey/first-class |url-status= dead }}</ref> Unlike the previous HSTs, the IETs do not have leather first-class seating due to fire regulations.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url= https://www.railmagazine.com/news/rail-features/does-great-western-railway-s-class-800-iet-pass-the-test |title=Does Great Western Railway's Class 800 IET pass the test? |magazine=Rail |location= Peterborough | first1 = Richard | last1 = Clinnick |date=6 December 2017 |access-date=6 February 2020}}</ref> Like the HSTs, there are power sockets and USB charging points at every seat. There is ] throughout the first class-carriages, which GWR describes as 'upgraded'.<ref name="gwr.com"/> | |||
| ===Standard |
===Standard class=== | ||
| ] | |||
| Standard Class is provided on all services. | |||
| Standard class is provided on all services. Many services on long-distance and regional routes have specific seat reservations. | |||
| * On the 5 coach IETs, first class coach E is the disabled accessible coach with no disabled accessible space in standard class. Like the HSTs, coach A is the quiet coach. Coach B includes bicycle spaces. | |||
| * On the 9 coach IETs, coach A is the disabled accessible coach as well as the quiet coach. Coaches B and J include bicycle spaces. | |||
| * On the 10 coach IETs, first class coaches E and L are the disabled accessible coaches with no disabled accessible space in standard class. Coach A and G are the quiet coaches. Coach B and H include bicycle spaces. | |||
| ] | |||
| ===Trolley service=== | ===Trolley service=== | ||
| An at-seat trolley service is scheduled to operate on most IET services, with a trolley in each portion of a |
An at-seat trolley service is scheduled to operate on most IET services, with a trolley in each portion of a ten-coach train. This is different from the HSTs, which had buffet counters branded as 'Express Cafes'. | ||
| ==Performance== | ==Performance== | ||
| === |
===Disabled passengers=== | ||
| In July 2018, a disabled woman was threatened by Great Western Railway staff with police action and removal from the train she was travelling in, for using a disabled space for her mobility scooter.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-44858107 |title= Disabled comedian 'humiliated' on train |date=17 July 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=17 July 2018}}</ref> Canadian-born comedian ], who has a form of dwarfism, said she was humiliated when a Great Western Railway conductor made an announcement that she was "causing problems" which had delayed the train. The incident occurred after a woman travelling with a young child demanded that Davis make way for her pram.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.itv.com/news/2018-07-17/disabled-comedian-tanyalee-davis-great-western-railway-apology/ |title=Disabled comedian Tanyalee Davis rejects apology from Great Western Railway after 'humiliation' |work=ITV News |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201020010225/https://www.itv.com/news/2018-07-17/disabled-comedian-tanyalee-davis-great-western-railway-apology |archive-date=20 October 2020 |url-status=dead |date=17 July 2018 |access-date=17 July 2018}}</ref> GWR said the incident should not have happened and "No one travelling with us should be left feeling like this".<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/tanyalee-davis-great-western-railway-guard-disabled-scooter-plymouth-london-a8450776.html |title=Disabled woman 'humiliated by train guard' with announcement over tannoy |work=The Independent |location= London |date=18 July 2018 | first1 = Joanna | last1 = Whitehead}}</ref> | |||
| In 2004–2005, 79.6% of trains arrived on time (defined as within 10 minutes of their scheduled arrival time).<ref>Posters displayed at stations as required by Passenger Charter</ref> On 22 December 2006, the First Great Western InterCity service was declared the worst in Britain for delays, according to figures from the Office of Rail Regulation, with more than one in four trains running late.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/tm_headline=first-great-western-s-intercity-service-the-worst-in-uk-with-more-than-one-in-four-trains-late-&method=full&objectid=18307611&siteid=50082-name_page.html |title= First Great Western's InterCity service the worst in UK with more than one in four trains late |first=Rhodri |last=Clark |date=22 December 2006 |work=Western Mail |location =Cardiff}}</ref> First was also the only train company to achieve a year-on-year fall in performance results.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}} | |||
| ===Strike action=== | |||
| First Great Western admitted to misreporting the number of cancellations in the period from August to December 2007, revised figures showing the company to have breached the cancellation threshold in the franchise contract. Specifically the company was alleged to have deliberately cancelled trains on the day prior to service without the prior approval of the Department for Transport, and without recording these cancellations on their performance figures. The company was also accused of falsifying records in order to claim dispensation for large numbers of cancellations.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/feb/26/firstgroupbusiness.travelleisure| title=First Great Western close to losing its franchise |date=26 February 2008 |work=The Guardian |location =London |accessdate=24 July 2008 |author=Milmo, Dan}}</ref> First Great Western was named in a ] survey as the worst train operating company for 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/news-and-publications/document-search/document.asp?dsid=1451 |title= National Passenger Survey Autumn 2007 |date=January 2008 |page=14 |accessdate= 9 August 2010 |publisher =Passenger Focus |format=PDF}}</ref> | |||
| In 2015, the imminent arrival of the new {{BRC|800}} trains provoked a series of strikes by the ] union over who has the right to control the doors. First Great Western wanted to replace conductors with ] (DOO); however, following several discussions it was agreed to keep conductors on all IET services.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34007374 |title=Rail strike to go ahead as talks fail| work=BBC News |date=21 August 2015}}</ref> | |||
| Another strike took place in early December 2016 amidst a background of ] on a national level. The RMT ballotted Servest UK workers employed on an outsourcing contract to GWR as cleaners; the ballot passed in favour of strike action by 98%. A disruptive transfer period in the outsourcing contract, from ] to Servest UK, had resulted in what the RMT referred to as the creation of a "two-tier workforce" amongst cleaners at GWR, with an inequality in pay and working conditions between cleaners employed directly by GWR and those outsourced to Servest UK.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-confirms-strike-action-by-cleaners-on-gwr/ |title=RMT confirms strike action by cleaners on GWR |publisher=RMT |date=12 October 2016}}</ref> Two 24-hour strikes were held from 06:00 on 16 and 23 December,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/21/cleaner-gwr-great-western-railway-agency-staff-pay-conditions-striking |title=I'm a cleaner on GWR trains. We're striking because we're treated unfairly - | last1 = Anonymous |date=21 December 2016 |work=The Guardian |location= London}}</ref> followed by a 48-hour strike from 06:00 on 19 January 2017.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/gwr-servest-cleaners-striking-for-pay/ |date=19 January 2017 |title=GWR Servest cleaners striking for pay |publisher=RMT}}</ref> Further industrial action was suspended by the RMT following the January strike as a result of an improvement in ongoing negotiations between the RMT, GWR and Servest UK.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-prepared-to-suspend-strike-action/ |title=RMT prepared to suspend strike action |publisher=RMT |date=16 January 2017}}</ref> The dispute was formally resolved in July 2017, as RMT members voted in favour of accepting a new pay deal.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rates-of-pay-and-conditions-of-service11717/ |title=Rates of pay and cojnditions of service 2017 |publisher=RMT |date=11 July 2017}}</ref> | |||
| ===IET issues=== | |||
| On 6 September 2007 FirstGroup announced changes to its management structure, apparently designed to strengthen the First Great Western commuter services. Anthony Smith, head of the rail users council ''Passenger Focus'' commented, "A fresh management approach is welcome. Clearly, looking at the passenger satisfaction scores for First Great Western, the train company and Network Rail have a lot to do. However, passengers will believe it when they see improvements."<ref>{{cite news |first=Dan |last=Milmo |title=All change on the Great Western line |url= http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2164053,00.html |date=7 September 2007 |accessdate= 25 September 2007 | work=] |location =London}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| In April 2021, cracks were discovered in the ] brackets (part of the suspension system) of {{BRC|800}} and {{BRC|802|n}} InterCity Express Trains (IET). Eight trains were withdrawn from service and an investigation started into the cause.<ref name="MR2021-06yaw">{{cite magazine|last1=Ford |first1=Roger |title=Yaw damper problems hit CAF and Hitachi |magazine=Modern Railways |date=June 2021 |pages=28–32}}</ref> On 8 May, all these trains and similar ones operated by other companies were taken out of service. Cracks had now been found in the lifting pads (a component fixed near the ]) and it was feared that if these were to fall off they may cause injury or derailment.<ref name="MR2021-06jacking">{{cite magazine|last1=Ford |first1=Roger |title=Jacking point cracking hits Hitachi fleets |magazine=Modern Railways |date=June 2021 |pages=26–27}}</ref><ref name="MR2021-07cracks">{{cite magazine|last1=Ford |first1=Roger |title=Rolling stock cracks crisis update |magazine=Modern Railways |date=July 2021 |pages=34–35}}</ref> | |||
| The only IET units that were permitted to operate were those which had been carefully inspected and found to have no significant cracks. This meant that most of GWR's 93 units were unavailable which led to significant disruption to long-distance services. {{BRC|387}} units operated additional services from ] to {{rws|Didcot Parkway}} which were later extended to {{Stnlnk|Swindon}} and {{stnlnk|Bristol Parkway}} after approval was given for them to operate in service on this route. Three additional 387 units were loaned from ] and were modified to work with GWR's fleet, mostly on services to {{stnlnk|Newbury}}. ] operated a service on behalf of GWR from Swindon to {{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} and the few available 800 and 802, were concentrated on services west of Swindon and to {{Stnlnk|Plymouth}}.<ref name="MR2021-06news">{{cite magazine |title=Cracks crisis |magazine=Modern Railways |date=June 2021 |pages=6–9}}</ref> Plans were agreed on 13 May to increase inspections of the lifting pads and yaw dampers so that more trains could be returned to service.<ref>{{cite news |title=Industry reveals Intercity Express recovery plan |url=https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2021/05/13-industry-reveals-intercity-express-recovery.html |access-date=27 May 2021 |work=Railnews |date=13 May 2021}}</ref><ref name="MR2021-07GWRrebound">{{cite magazine|last1=Abbott|first1=James|title=Great Western prepares for the rebound|magazine=Modern Railways |date=July 2021 |pages=52–58}}</ref> A further six Class 387 units were loaned from ] in July 2021 and used in a common pool with GWR's existing 387/1 fleet, being surplus to requirements while the '']'' service was suspended.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=GTR to GWR |magazine=The Railway Magazine |issue=1445 |date=August 2021 |page=94}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Some delays are attributable to Network Rail rather than the operator, as the ] (ORR) found in September 2007,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2007/09/10/cngwr110.xml |title=Network Rail on probation over First Great Western delays |date=12 January 2007 |author=Osborne, Alistair |work=The Daily Telegraph |location =London |accessdate=24 July 2008}}</ref> when it remarked that the First Great Western service continued "to suffer from very high levels of delays attributed to Network Rail" and described Network Rail's performance as "exceptionally disappointing". | |||
| By 2009, passenger satisfaction with First Great Western was described by Passenger Focus as having "significantly improved".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/press/official-statistics-national-passenger-survey-release-3 |title=Official Statistics National Passenger Survey release |year=2009 |publisher=Passenger Focus |accessdate=6 November 2013}}</ref> | |||
| The company is no longer the worst-performing UK rail operator, a title which it held for a long period. However, the ''Which?'' survey of rail passengers published in February 2013 showed the company scoring lowest of the larger operators with less than 40% satisfaction (Virgin, which topped the poll, managed 67%).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.which.co.uk/news/2013/02/virgin-trains-top-which-train-satisfaction-survey-for-second-year-310927/ |title=Virgin trains top Which? train satisfaction survey for second year|date=18 February 2013 |publisher=Which? |accessdate=6 November 2013}}</ref> | |||
| The latest punctuality statistics to be released by Network Rail for period 7 of 2013/2014 were 89.3% PPM (]) and a MAA (Moving Annual Average) of 88.8% for the 12 months up to 12 October 2013.<ref name="PerfP7">{{cite web| title = Rail performance results period 7 | url = http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/ | publisher = Network Rail}}</ref> | |||
| ===Remedial Plan=== | |||
| In February 2008 the Secretary of State for Transport stated that FGW had "fallen persistently short of customers' expectations and been unacceptable to both passengers and government". She issued First Great Western with a Breach Notice for misreporting cancellations and a Remedial Plan Notice as a result of exceptionally high levels of cancellations and low passenger satisfaction. As part of the Remedial Plan Notice, First Great Western was required to achieve improvement milestones, to lease five more Class 150 units to allow three-car trains to be used on Portsmouth-Cardiff services, to undertake a much more extensive refurbishment of the Thames Turbo fleet, to offer 50% higher compensation for the duration of the franchise, to offer 500,000 more cheap tickets on off-peak services, and to improve station customer information systems. Failure to do this would result in FGW losing its franchise. FirstGroup's railway operating profit, meanwhile, was reported to have risen 10% in the six months to September 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/improveperffgw |title= Improving Performance on First Great Western |date=26 February 2008 |publisher= Department for Transport |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080604192416/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/improveperffgw |archivedate= 4 June 2008}} Official release on contents of First Great Western's Remedial Plan Notice. See also ''The Scotsman'', 27 February 2008, p. 38</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/wmsfgwfranchise |archive-url= http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20080305120155/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/wmsfgwfranchise |dead-url= yes |archive-date= 5 March 2008 |title=First Great Western Franchise |date=26 February 2008 |accessdate= 26 March 2008 |publisher=Department for Transport}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| By June 2009, FGW had transformed its performance to become one of the UK rail network's more punctual operators, recording 94.6% of trains arriving on time.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/content/detail.aspx?releaseid=4453&newsareaid=2 |title= Train punctuality reaches new record high |date= 22 June 2009 |accessdate= 24 June 2009 |publisher= Network Rail |deadurl= yes |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20141229052552/http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/content/detail.aspx?releaseid=4453&newsareaid=2 |archivedate= 29 December 2014 |df= dmy-all }}</ref> In February 2010 FGW was named Train Operator of the Year at the national Rail Business awards. Presenting the award, judges said, "First Great Western provides an extensive network of commuter, regional, local and intercity trains. The systems they have put into place over the last two years have made a significant improvement to the service they now provide."<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/5003869.First_Great_Western_voted_train_operator_of_the_year/ |title=First Great Western voted train operator of the year |newspaper=The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald |location= Trowbridge |date=12 February 2010 |accessdate=5 November 2013}}</ref> | |||
| However, in February 2015 First Great Western came 17th (out of 21) in ''Which?'' magazine's ''Best and worst UK train companies'' survey. Customers gave First Great Western a score of 47% (compared to the worst performing operator, ], with a score of 43%, and the best performing operator, ], with a score of 76%). First Great Western also scored 3 out of 5 stars across five of six specific categories, apart from ''Value for money'' in which First Great Western scored 2 out of 5 stars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/leisure/reviews-ns/best-and-worst-uk-train-companies/best-train-companies-overall/|title=Best and worst UK train companies|publisher=which.co.uk}}</ref> | |||
| ===Overcrowding=== | |||
| ]}}</ref>]] | |||
| First Great Western has been criticised for overcrowded trains, and in January 2007 commuters on the Bath-Bristol service staged a protest against overcrowding. Participants were issued with imitation tickets printed with "Ticket type: standing only", "Class: cattle truck", "Route: hell and back", "Price: up 12%". The company threatened protestors with criminal prosecution and fines of £5,000, but staff failed to enforce ticket requirements.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6285629.stm |title= Passengers in rush-hour protest |date=22 January 2007 |accessdate= 25 September 2007 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Alison Forster, First Great Western's Managing Director at that time, apologised to customers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Train company says sorry to users|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6295071.stm|accessdate=6 December 2015|publisher=BBC News|date=24 January 2007}}</ref> | |||
| In January 2008 another fare strike was held as a passenger group said that not enough improvements have been made, despite First Great Western announcing that 2008 season tickets and car parking charges would be frozen until the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 January 2008 |title=Train operator sorry for service |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7202336.stm |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=6 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=28 January 2008 |title=Fare strikers target rail service |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7212466.stm |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=6 November 2013}}</ref> | |||
| In August 2010 First Great Western was shown to have operated all of the top ten most overcrowded trains in England and Wales, mostly between {{rws|Reading}} and {{rws|London Paddington}}.<ref name=Sedghi>{{cite web |url= http://theguardian.com/news/datablog/2011/aug/12/train-services-overcrowding-data |title=Overcrowded trains: which are the most cramped journeys? |work=] datablog |author= Sedghi, Ami |location= London |date=12 August 2011|accessdate=6 December 2012}}</ref> By December 2011, this had reduced to two.<ref name=BBCtopten>{{cite news |title=Most overcrowded train services: Figures reveal top 10 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20783986 |publisher=BBC News |date=19 December 2012 |accessdate=27 December 2012}}</ref> | |||
| In 2011 First Great Western was revealed to be the train company with the highest levels of overcrowding: an average of 16.6% of passengers were shown to standing during the morning and evening peak times.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14491488 | publisher=BBC News | title=Rail overcrowding 'worsening' in London and South East | date=11 August 2011}}</ref> In 2012 it held the record for the most overcrowded train, carrying nearly twice its capacity, the 07:44 Henley-on-Thames to London Paddington.<ref name=BBCtopten/> Paddington, the London terminus for many FGW services, was identified as the most overcrowded station.<ref name=Sedghi/> The company was also listed as the operator with the most passengers in excess of capacity in the south east region in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.rail.co/2012/07/05/london-and-south-east-overcrowding-worsens/ |title=London and south east overcrowding worsens |date=5 July 2012 |work=rail.co |accessdate=6 December 2012}}</ref> | |||
| ===Disabled passengers=== | |||
| In July 2018, a disabled woman was threatened by Great Western Railway staff with police action and removal from the train she was travelling in, for using a disabled space for her mobility scooter.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-44858107|title=Disabled comedian 'humiliated' on train|date=17 July 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=17 July 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref> Canadian-born comedian ], who has a form of dwarfism, said she was humiliated when a Great Western Railway guard made an announcement that she was "causing problems" which had delayed the train. The incident occurred after a woman travelling with a young child demanded that Davis make way for her pram.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.itv.com/news/2018-07-17/disabled-comedian-tanyalee-davis-great-western-railway-apology/|title=Disabled comedian Tanyalee Davis rejects apology from Great Western Railway after 'humiliation'|work=ITV News|access-date=17 July 2018|language=en}}</ref> GWR said the incident should not have happened and “No one travelling with us should be left feeling like this".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/tanyalee-davis-great-western-railway-guard-disabled-scooter-plymouth-london-a8450776.html|title=Disabled woman 'humiliated by train guard' with announcement over tannoy|work=The Independent|access-date=17 July 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
| ===Strike action=== | |||
| The pre-imminent arrival of the new {{brc|800}} saw a series of strikes by the ] union over who has the right to control the doors, First Great Western as it was known at the time, wanted to replace guards with ] (DOO), however following several discussions it was agreed to keep guards on all IET services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34007374|title=Rail strike to go ahead as talks fail|date=21 August 2015|publisher=|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Another strike took place | |||
| In early December 2016, amidst a background of ] on a national level, the RMT ballotted Servest UK workers who were employed on an outsourcing contract to GWR as cleaners; the ballot passed in favour of strike action by 98%. A disruptive transfer period in the outsourcing contract, from ] to Servest UK, had resulted in what the RMT referred to as the creation of a "two-tier workforce" amongst cleaners at GWR, with an inequality in pay and working conditions between cleaners employed directly by GWR and those outsourced to Servest UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-confirms-strike-action-by-cleaners-on-gwr/|title=RMT confirms strike action by cleaners on GWR - rmt|website=rmt.org.uk}}</ref> Two 24-hour strikes were held between 0600–0600 on 16–17 December and 23–24 December,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/21/cleaner-gwr-great-western-railway-agency-staff-pay-conditions-striking|title=I’m a cleaner on GWR trains. We’re striking because we’re treated unfairly - Anonymous|first=|last=Anonymous|date=21 December 2016|website=the Guardian}}</ref> followed by a 48-hour strike between 0600 on 19 January and 0600 on 21 January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/gwr-servest-cleaners-striking-for-pay/|title=GWR Servest cleaners striking for pay - rmt|website=rmt.org.uk}}</ref> Further industrial action was suspended by the RMT following the January strike as a result of an improvement in ongoing negotiations between the RMT, GWR and Servest UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-prepared-to-suspend-strike-action/|title=RMT prepared to suspend strike action - rmt|website=rmt.org.uk}}</ref> The dispute was formally resolved in July 2017 as RMT members voted in favour of accepting a new pay deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rates-of-pay-and-conditions-of-service11717/|title=RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2017 – GWR - rmt|website=rmt.org.uk}}</ref> | |||
| ==Rolling stock== | ==Rolling stock== | ||
| Great Western Railway inherited a fleet of ] sets (] power cars and ]) and {{ |
Great Western Railway inherited a fleet of ] sets (] power cars and ]) and {{BRC|57}} locomotives and Mark 3 sleeper coaches from BR. In 2006, it inherited a fleet of {{BRC|165}} and {{BRC|166}} units from First Great Western Link, and a fleet of {{BRC|150}}, {{BRC|153}} and {{BRC|158}} units from Wessex Trains. | ||
| === |
===Inter-City services=== | ||
| ====Class 800 Intercity Express Train==== | ====Class 800 Intercity Express Train==== | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| The fleet of 57 ] trains from the ] family is used to operate most of GWR's long-distance services between London and destinations such as {{stnlink|Swindon}}, {{stnlnk|Chippenham}}, {{stnlnk|Bath Spa}}, {{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}}, {{stnlnk|Newport}}, {{stnlnk|Cardiff Central}}, {{stnlnk|Swansea}}, {{stnlnk|Carmarthen}}, {{stnlnk|Cheltenham Spa}}, {{stnlnk|Oxford}}, {{stnlnk|Worcester Shrub Hill}} and {{stnlnk|Hereford}}. Introduced between autumn 2017 and spring 2019, these gradually replaced the older ] sets. | |||
| Most Great Western Railway intercity services are operated by a fleet of fifty-seven ] trains. | |||
| On 28 April 2021, six Class 800s were withdrawn from service due to cracks being found during maintenance and were sent to Hitachi for inspection.<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 April 2021|title=High-speed GWR trains withdrawn over crack fears|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-56902528|access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref> | |||
| GWR operates most of its long-distance services between London and destinations such as {{stnlink|Swindon}}, {{stnlnk|Chippenham}}, {{stnlnk|Bath Spa}}, {{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}}, {{stnlnk|Cardiff Central}}, Swansea, {{stnlnk|Carmarthen}}, {{stnlnk|Cheltenham Spa}}, {{stnlnk|Oxford}}, {{stnlnk|Worcester Shrub Hill}} and {{stnlnk|Hereford}}, using these trains, which gradually replaced the older ]<nowiki/> sets between Autumn 2017 and Spring 2019. Class 800s may also be used for services to {{stnlnk|Paignton}} and {{stnlnk|Plymouth}}, although the majority of services to far southwestern destinations are operated using Class 802 trains which have higher engine power to cope with the steeper gradients in the south west of the country. | |||
| ====Class 802 Intercity Express Train==== | ====Class 802 Intercity Express Train==== | ||
| ] | |||
| GWR operates most long-distance services between London and destinations in the west of the network (such as {{stnlnk|Paignton}}, {{stnlnk|Newquay}}, Plymouth and {{Stnlnk|Penzance}}) using its fleet of thirty-six ] trains, the first of which was introduced on 20 August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/about-us/media-centre/news/2018/august/new-intercity-express-train-carries-passengers-for-the-first-time|title=New Intercity Express Train carries passengers for the first time|website=www.gwr.com|access-date=2019-06-09}}</ref> | |||
| Long-distance services between London and destinations in the west of the GWR network (such as {{stnlnk|Paignton}}, {{stnlnk|Newquay}}, Plymouth and {{Stnlnk|Penzance}}) are mostly operated using the fleet of 36 ] trains, the first of which was introduced on 20 August 2018.<ref>{{Cite press release |url= https://www.gwr.com/about-us/media-centre/news/2018/august/new-intercity-express-train-carries-passengers-for-the-first-time |title=New Intercity Express Train carries passengers for the first time |publisher=Great Western Railway |date=21 August 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190331231731/https://www.gwr.com/about-us/media-centre/news/2018/august/new-intercity-express-train-carries-passengers-for-the-first-time |archive-date=31 March 2019 |url-status=dead | |||
| |access-date=9 June 2019}}</ref> | |||
| These trains are almost identical to |
These trains are almost identical to the Class 800 trains, except they have a higher engine operating power—{{convert|700|kW|hp|abbr=on}} per engine as opposed to {{convert|560|kW|hp|abbr=on}}—and are fitted with larger fuel tanks to cope with the gradients and extended running in diesel mode on the long unelectrified stretches in Devon and Cornwall.<ref name=todaysrailways/> | ||
| Hitachi planned to test a tri-mode Class 802 in 2022 fitted with batteries in an attempt to reduce emissions when entering and leaving stations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 January 2021 |title=Hitachi targets next year for testing of tri-mode IET |url= https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/hitachi-targets-next-year-for-testing-of-tri-mode-iet |work=Rail Magazine|location= Peterborough}}</ref> | |||
| ====Class 57/6==== | |||
| ===Sleeper services=== | |||
| ====Class 57 + Mark 3==== | |||
| ]]] | ]]] | ||
| Four ] locomotives |
Four ] locomotives have hauled the '']'' sleeper services since 2004 when they replaced ].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=First FGW Class 57s named |magazine=Rail |issue=498 |date=13 October 2004 |page=65}}</ref> Due to poor availability of the 57/6s, ] (DRS) Class 57/3s have been hired from ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/rail-uk/20180228/281994672984001|title=Great Western Railway to replace 57/6s on sleepers....but not yet|work=Rail Magazine|date=28 February 2018|access-date=7 June 2023}}</ref> in 2023, former DRS 57312 was placed on permanent lease with GWR.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=DRS reshuffles ahead of Class 37 and 57 departures |magazine=] |issue=326 |date=July 2013 |page=16}}</ref> | ||
| ===Thames Valley and Bristol === | === Thames Valley and Bristol services === | ||
| ====Class 165/1 |
====Class 165/1 Networker Turbo==== | ||
| ] | |||
| The {{brc|165}} "Thames Turbo" is a two- or three-coach ] used on shorter-distance services in the Thames Valley area, with the majority based at ]. They are mainly used on branches such as the ], ], ] and ]. They are also used on services between Reading and Basingstoke, Didcot Parkway and Oxford or Banbury and sometimes services between London and Oxford. Some (eventually all) are based at ] in Bristol, where they work on the most of the lines in the area including the ], ], ] and ]. From summer 2018, they are due to run on Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour services too. | |||
| The {{BRC|165}} "Networker Turbo" is a two- or three-coach ] used on shorter-distance services in the Thames Valley area, with the majority based at ]. They are mainly used on branches such as the ], ], ] and ]. They are also used on services between Reading and Basingstoke, Didcot Parkway and Oxford or Banbury and sometimes services between London and Oxford. Some are (and eventually all will be) based at ] in Bristol, where they work on most of the lines in the area including the ], ], ] and ]. From summer 2018, they are due to run on Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour services too. | |||
| In response to its Remedial Plan Notice, First Great Western undertook a more thorough refurbishment of the Thames Turbo fleet than originally planned:<ref name="COO statement"/> the trains were to be fitted with improved lighting, carpets, toilets, and a revised seating layout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1984 |title=London & Thames Valley Refresh |publisher=First Great Western |year=2008 |access-date=24 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081114192850/http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1984 |archive-date=14 November 2008 }}</ref> This refurbishment started in September 2016. | |||
| ====Class 166 Networker Turbo==== | |||
| In response to its Remedial Plan Notice, First Great Western undertook a more thorough refurbishment of the Thames Turbo fleet than originally planned:<ref name="COO statement" /> the trains were to be fitted with improved lighting, carpets, toilets, and a revised seating layout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1984 |title=London & Thames Valley Refresh |publisher=First Great Western |year=2008 |accessdate=24 July 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081114192850/http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1984 |archivedate=14 November 2008 }}</ref> This refurbishment started in September 2016. | |||
| ] | |||
| The {{BRC|166}} "Networker Turbo" is a three-coach DMU, similar to the Class 165 units but with an internal layout more suitable for longer-distance services. They are now mostly based at ] in Bristol, where they currently work on most of the lines in the area including the ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
| ====Class 166 Thames Express Turbo==== | |||
| The {{brc|166}} "Thames Express Turbo" is a three-coach DMU, similar to the Class 165 units but with an internal layout more suitable for longer-distance services. They are now mostly based at ] in Bristol, where they currently work on the most of the lines in the area including the ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
| ====Class 387/1 Electrostar==== | ====Class 387/1 Electrostar==== | ||
| The {{brc|387}} "Electrostar" is a four-coach EMU built by Bombardier, with a 2+2 seating layout, tables, plug-sockets and free WiFi. It can be operated in four, eight and twelve-coach formations. The class began to enter service in September 2016 on weekday peak services between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington, using the overhead electrical equipment used by ]. Services using the class were extended to Maidenhead in May 2017<ref name="Maidenhead">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-39997138|title=Great Western electrification: London and Maidenhead link completed|date=22 May 2017|accessdate=22 May 2017|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> and later to Didcot Parkway<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/about-us/modernising-gwr/electrostar|title=New Electrostar Commuter Trains|last=|first=|date=|website=Great Western Railway|language=en|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref>, and from Reading to Newbury. | |||
| ] | |||
| Bombardier Transportation will modify twelve of these trains by December 2019 at ], providing new first class seating, wi-fi, luggage racks and on-board entertainment to operate Heathrow Express services, replacing the existing {{brc|332}}.<ref name="Express" />. Two have already been rebranded as "]" and are at GWR's Reading depot however they have been stripped to their bare bones inside with GWR moquette taken out of the seats along with the tables. | |||
| The {{BRC|387}} "Electrostar" is a four-coach EMU built by Bombardier, with a 2+2 seating layout, tables, power sockets and free Wi-Fi. It can be operated in four, eight- and twelve-coach formations. The class began to enter service in September 2016 on weekday peak services between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington, using the overhead electrical equipment used by ]. Services using the class were extended to Maidenhead in May 2017<ref name="Maidenhead">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-39997138|title=Great Western electrification: London and Maidenhead link completed|date=22 May 2017|access-date=22 May 2017|work=BBC News}}</ref> and later to Didcot Parkway,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gwr.com/about-us/modernising-gwr/electrostar|title=New Electrostar Commuter Trains|website=Great Western Railway|language=en|access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref> and from Reading to Newbury. | |||
| Bombardier Transportation at ] had modified twelve of these trains by December 2020, installing new first-class seating, Wi-Fi, luggage racks and on-board entertainment, to be used on Heathrow Express services. Rebranded as "]", and refurbished with Heathrow Express moquette, they replaced the existing {{BRC|332}},<ref name="Express">{{cite news|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/gwr-to-manage-heathrow-express-service.html|title=GWR to manage Heathrow Express service|date=28 March 2018|work=Railway Gazette|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=1 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401105313/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/gwr-to-manage-heathrow-express-service.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> entering service on 29 December 2020. | |||
| ===West of England=== | |||
| In 2023 3 units were cascaded to ].<ref name="TRUK256" /> | |||
| ====Class 43 High Speed Train==== | |||
| ] | |||
| Great Western Railway has retained 24 powercars and 48 carriages from its High Speed Train fleet to form 11 'Castle Class' 2+4 sets for use on local services between ] and ]. These are progressively being fitted with automatic doors and controlled emission toilets, to allow their operation beyond 2020, at ].<ref>"GWR to retain 11 HSTs for local services" '']'' issue 181 January 2017 page 67</ref> As of May 2019, while all full-length HSTs have been withdrawn from Intercity services, short HST sets are progressively being introduced on local services in the South West. This includes using unrefurbished slam-door sets due to a delay in the sliding-door sets. | |||
| ===West of England services=== | |||
| Until 2017, GWR operated the vast majority of their long-distance services with a fleet of 58 ] High Speed Train sets,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davy-Osborne |first1=Stephen |title=GWR celebrates 40 years of HST |url= http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/14781160.GWR_celebrates_40_years_of_Inter_City_125/ |accessdate=6 August 2017 |work=Swindon Advertiser |date=4 October 2016}}</ref> each consisting of eight ] sandwiched between two ] locomotives. GWR operated the largest InterCity 125 fleet, owning five sets outright; the rest were leased from ] and ]. From 2009 to 2012 (when Class 180s were reintroduced on the Cotswold line)<ref name="adelante">{{cite news|url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2012/07/24-adelantes-return-to-great-western.html|title=Adelantes return to Great Western|date=24 July 2012|work=Railnews|accessdate=24 July 2012}}</ref> all the company's intercity services were worked by HSTs except the Night Riviera sleeper service between London Paddington and Penzance. From late 2017, following the completion of ] from {{stnlink|Hayes & Harlington}} to the west of England,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/|title=Modernising the Great Western route|publisher=Network Rail|accessdate=14 November 2015}}</ref> intercity services gradually became operated by Class 800 IETs, although a few peak services remained operated by HSTs until early 2019. GWR continued to use HSTs on services to Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance until May 2019, when they were all withdrawn in favour of Class 802 units.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/fleet/great-western-railway-calls-time-on-long-distance-hsts|title=Great Western Railway calls time on long-distance HSTs|last=|first=|date=20 March 2019|website=Rail Magazine|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref> | |||
| ====Class 43 + Mark 3 HST / Class 255 Castle==== | |||
| The youngest Class 43 locomotive dated from 1982. After a successful trial by ] and FGW in 2004, two power cars received new ] engines while two received new ] VP185s, fitted by ] of ]. The MTU engine proved the better option, both for reliability and for emissions, resulting in FGW, Brush and Angel Trains starting the HST Modernisation programme. The last power cars to be re-engineered were released in April 2008, while several other companies' HSTs have now all undergone a similar programme.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.wnxx.com/focus/mtu.htm| title=MTU / HST Power Car Re-engineering Program| work=wnxx| accessdate=24 July 2008}}</ref> | |||
| ] powercars at {{rws|Stapleton Road}}]] | |||
| Great Western Railway retained 24 power cars and 48 carriages from its former High Speed Train fleet to form 12 'Castle' 2+4 sets. They are branded as ''Class 255'' sets and are for use on multiple services between Plymouth and Penzance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/7260/gwr-gives-castle-names-to-its-hst-power-cars-and-revives-class-255-designation/|title=GWR gives 'Castle' names to its HST power cars... and revives Class 255 designation| last1 = Hub| first1 = The Railway|date=3 September 2019|website=The Railway Hub|language=en-GB|access-date=19 November 2019}}</ref> There is a consensus that the sets shall be withdrawn at the end of 2024, ending their services with GWR in Devon and Cornwall and replaced with ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=4 September 2024 |title=Ex-Transport for Wales Class 175s heading to Great Western Railway? |magazine=RAIL |issue=1017 |pages=18}}</ref> All power cars being retained will have new nameplates, named after castles from across the area that GWR serve. The sets are progressively being fitted with automatic doors and controlled emission toilets, to allow their operation beyond 2020, at ].<ref name="todaysrailways">{{cite magazine |title=GWR to retain 11 HSTs for local services |magazine=] |issue=181 |date=January 2017 |page=67}}</ref> Due to a delay in refurbishing the Castle sets, slam door 2+4 sets known as 'Classic' sets were used until the end of 2019. | |||
| Until 2017, GWR operated the vast majority of its long-distance services with a fleet of 58 ] High Speed Train sets,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davy-Osborne |first1=Stephen |title=GWR celebrates 40 years of HST |url= http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/14781160.GWR_celebrates_40_years_of_Inter_City_125/ |access-date=6 August 2017 |work=Swindon Advertiser |date=4 October 2016}}</ref> each consisting of eight ] sandwiched between two ] locomotives. GWR operated the largest InterCity 125 fleet, owning five sets outright; the rest were leased from ] and ]. From 2009 to 2012 (when Class 180s were reintroduced on the Cotswold line)<ref name="adelante">{{cite news |url= http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2012/07/24-adelantes-return-to-great-western.html |title= Adelantes return to Great Western |date=24 July 2012 |work=Railnews |access-date=24 July 2012}}</ref> all the company's intercity services were worked by HSTs except the Night Riviera sleeper service between London Paddington and Penzance. From late 2017, following the completion of ] from {{stnlink|Hayes & Harlington}} to the west of England,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/ |title= Modernising the Great Western route |publisher= Network Rail |access-date= 14 November 2015 |archive-date= 9 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160109153332/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/ |url-status= dead }}</ref> intercity services gradually became operated by Class 800 IETs, although a few peak services remained operated by HSTs until early 2019. GWR continued to use HSTs on services to Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance until May 2019, when they were all withdrawn in favour of Class 802 units.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.railmagazine.com/news/fleet/great-western-railway-calls-time-on-long-distance-hsts |title=Great Western Railway calls time on long-distance HSTs |date=20 March 2019 |work=Rail |location=Peterborough |access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> | |||
| GWR's High Speed Train fleet were refurbished by ] in ] and ] between 2006 and 2008,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/bombardier-awarded-138-million/294760.article|title=Bombardier awarded £138 million|date=7 June 2006|newspaper=The Engineer|accessdate=18 September 2012}}</ref> with leather seats introduced in First Class, redesigned toilets, a redesigned buffet, and at-seat ]. The company opted for mainly ], giving more seats per train. | |||
| The youngest Class 43 locomotive dated from 1982. After a successful trial by ] and FGW in 2004, two power cars received new ] engines while two received new ]s, fitted by ] of ]. The MTU engine proved the better option, both for reliability and for emissions, resulting in FGW, Brush and Angel Trains starting the HST Modernisation programme. The last power cars to be re-engineered were released in April 2008, while several other companies' HSTs have now all undergone a similar programme.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.wnxx.com/focus/mtu.htm| title=MTU / HST Power Car Re-engineering Program| work=wnxx| access-date=24 July 2008}}</ref> | |||
| Following the ] and ]es, GWR requires its HSTs to have ] and ] safety systems in operation. If either is faulty, the train is not used. | |||
| GWR's High Speed Train fleet were refurbished by ] in ] and ] between 2006 and 2008,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/bombardier-awarded-138-million/294760.article|title=Bombardier awarded £138 million|date=7 June 2006|newspaper=The Engineer|access-date=18 September 2012|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229052148/http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/bombardier-awarded-138-million/294760.article|url-status=dead}}</ref> with leather seats introduced in first class, redesigned toilets, a redesigned buffet, and at-seat ]. The company opted for mainly ], giving more seats per train. | |||
| ====Class 143 Pacer==== | |||
| ] | |||
| First Great Western inherited the small fleet of seven two-coach {{brc|143}} Pacer ]es from ] following the franchise merger in April 2006.<ref name="cars200412">{{cite web |url= http://www.cardiffandavonside.org.uk/Magazines/2004/0412mag.htm |title=December 2004 magazine |publisher=Cardiff & Avonside Railway Society |date=December 2004 |accessdate=6 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cardiffandavonside.org.uk/Magazines/2006/0609mag.htm |title=September 2006 |publisher=Cardiff & Avonside Railway Society|date=September 2006|accessdate=6 November 2013}}</ref> They are currently used on suburban services in and around Exeter. The Class 143 fleet was fully refurbished during 2008 and 2009, and painted in the same livery as the rest of the West of England fleet.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Wabtec Rail delivers '143' |url=http://www.railmagazine.com/archive/#/2008/90/26 |magazine=Rail Magazine |date=31 December 2008 |accessdate=18 September 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904062844/http://www.railmagazine.com/archive/#/2008/90/26 |archivedate=4 September 2012 }}</ref> Since they are unable to meet an accessibility requirement, they will be withdrawn at the end of 2019 unless they receive an extensive refurbishment proposed by Porterbrook (who own the class 143s and class 144s).<ref>{{cite news|title=Porterbrook unveils Pacer DMU life-extension demonstrator|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/porterbrook-unveils-pacer-dmu-life-extension-demonstrator.html|accessdate=7 June 2017|work=Railway Gazette|date=29 June 2015}}</ref> The type is due to be replaced by Class 158 units, cascaded from the Bristol area.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kelly|first1=Jon|title=Pacers: The train that the UK has struggled to get rid of|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35725299|accessdate=7 June 2017|publisher=BBC News|date=7 March 2016}}</ref> | |||
| Following the ] and ]es, GWR requires its HSTs to have ] and ] safety systems in operation. If either is faulty, the train is not used. | |||
| Some units have been repainted in the green GWR livery, without any interior refurbishment. The first unit repainted was 143603 in July 2017. | |||
| ====Class 150/0 Sprinter==== | |||
| In late 2011 the two original three-car prototype {{brc|150}} ''Sprinter'' units (Nos. 150001 and 150002) were transferred from ] to work services on the ], allowing the release of Class 165 and 166 units to reinforce other Thames Valley services.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://railnews.co.uk/news/general/2011/11/23-return-of-adelantes-to-first.html |title= Return of Adelantes to First Great Western confirmed |work=RailNews |location =Stevenage |accessdate=23 November 2011 |date=23 November 2011}}</ref> They were transferred to West of England services in 2017. | |||
| ====Class 150/2 Sprinter==== | ====Class 150/2 Sprinter==== | ||
| ].]] | ] | ||
| The fleet of 17 two-coach {{ |
The fleet of 17 two-coach {{BRC|150}} Sprinter units was inherited from Wessex Trains as part of the Greater Western franchise shuffle. The fleet had been refurbished by Wessex Trains in 2003, with 2+2 seating arranged in a mixture of 'airline' (face to back) and table seating. The fleet is widespread throughout the former Wessex area, and carried a maroon livery with advertising vinyls for South West Tourism. Each unit was sponsored by a district, town or attraction and carried a unique livery. Most received names of attractions, places and branch lines. Two units were repainted into the new First 'Local' livery, but all units are now due to receive the new green GWR livery. As part of a national fleet shuffle, eight units went to ] on 10 December 2006, and were replaced with 8 Class 158 units. | ||
| First Great Western received five extra Class 150/2 units in May 2007 as part of its Remedial Plan Notice, to enable three-car Class 158 trains to operate on the Portsmouth-Cardiff services.<ref name="COO statement"/> Five Class 150 sets were hired from Arriva Trains Wales from March 2008 until they were returned in November 2010. | First Great Western received five extra Class 150/2 units in May 2007 as part of its Remedial Plan Notice, to enable three-car Class 158 trains to operate on the Portsmouth-Cardiff services.<ref name="COO statement"/> Five Class 150 sets were hired from Arriva Trains Wales from March 2008 until they were returned in November 2010. | ||
| All of Great Western Railway's Class 150/2s are now based at ].{{citation needed|date=December 2018}} | |||
| ====Class 158 Express Sprinter==== | ====Class 158 Express Sprinter==== | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| The {{ |
The {{BRC|158}} is a two- or three-coach DMU used on regional express services in the former Wessex Trains area. In February 2008, as part of its Remedial Plan Notice, First Great Western announced that it would form some hybrid three-car Class 158 units in March 2008, made possible by the transfer of five Class 150/2 units from Arriva Trains Wales.<ref name="COO statement">{{cite web |url= http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=95|title=Chief Operating Officer Statement |date=26 February 2008 |access-date= 26 March 2008 |publisher=First Great Western |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080301132805/http://firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=95 |archive-date=1 March 2008}}</ref> This allowed for ten hybrid units in operation and, combined with one non-hybrid three-car unit, provided eleven three-car units to operate services between Portsmouth and Cardiff and Great Malvern and Weymouth alongside the two-car units. After the introduction of Class 150/1 trains from ] and London Midland, three of the remaining five two-coach Class 158s were reformed to provide two further three-coach Class 158s.<ref name="Class 158 Reformations">{{cite web |url= http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Documents/Custom/Customer%20panel/2010/West%20Customer%20Panel%2019%20May%202010%20MINUTES%20for%20website.doc |title= Class 158 Reformations, Customer Panel Meeting Minutes |date= 19 May 2010 |access-date= 9 November 2010 |publisher= First Great Western |archive-date= 17 November 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101117101940/http://firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Documents/Custom/Customer%20panel/2010/West%20Customer%20Panel%2019%20May%202010%20MINUTES%20for%20website.doc |url-status= dead }}</ref> However, following their operations largely being taken over by ] and {{brc|166}} units in the Bristol area, most of these units were reformed to restore them to 2 coach formation.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} | ||
| The fleet was refurbished in a programme begun in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1692 |title=West Fleet Refurbishment |publisher=First Great Western |year=2007 | |
The fleet was refurbished in a programme begun in 2007,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1692 |title=West Fleet Refurbishment |publisher=First Great Western |year=2007 |access-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071017234910/http://firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1692 |archive-date=17 October 2007 }}</ref> which included fitting of reupholstered seats, new lighting and floor coverings, CCTV within the passenger saloons, and refurbished toilets. At the same time, the exteriors of the vehicles were repainted in the updated FGW livery, including artwork depicting various local places of interest. The refurbishment work took place at the ] plant in Doncaster.<ref name="158refurb">{{cite web |url= http://www.therailwaycentre.com/UK%20News%20Sept%202007/260907_FGW.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071016191028/http://therailwaycentre.com/UK%20News%20Sept%202007/260907_FGW.html |url-status= usurped |archive-date= 16 October 2007 |title=Preview of the first refurbished Class 158 |date=26 September 2007 |access-date=6 October 2007 |publisher= TheRailwayCentre.com}}</ref> | ||
| In 2018, the 158s began running alongside the first completed ] ''Castle'' set on services between {{rws|Bristol|Temple Meads}}, {{rws|Exeter|St Davids}}, {{rws|Plymouth}} and {{rws|Penzance}}. Since then, more of the 158 fleet have gradually started to move more west with more 158 sets working services between {{rws|Exmouth}} and {{rws|Paignton}} / {{rws|Barnstaple}}. The timetable change in December 2019 saw the start of the 158s taking over from the 143s primarily on the ] to Barnstaple, with some of the units also working on the {{rws|Cardiff|Central}} / Bristol to Penzance route alongside the ''Castle'' sets.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/news/tarka-line-new-trains-and-timetable-1-6427274 |title=New trains start work on the Barnstaple to Exeter Tarka Line |last1=Gussin |first1=Tony |work=North Devon Gazette |location=Barnstaple |date=16 December 2019 |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=3 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103042800/https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/news/tarka-line-new-trains-and-timetable-1-6427274 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
| In 2018 Class 158s will begin running alongside the first completed 'Short set HST' on services between ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Gradually as more 'Short set HSTs' enter service on the route, the Class 158s will move onto local and cross-county services in and around Exeter.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} | |||
| ===Current fleet=== | ===Current fleet=== | ||
| {| class="wikitable |
{| class="wikitable" | ||
| |- style="background:#f9f9f9;" | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Trainset | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Class | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Image | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Type | |||
| ! colspan="2" |Top speed | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Number | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Coaches | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Routes | |||
| |- style="background:#f9f9f;" | |||
| !mph | |||
| !km/h | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Family | |||
| ! colspan="9" |Commuter, regional and branch line | |||
| ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Class | |||
| ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Image | |||
| ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Type | |||
| ! scope="col" colspan="2" | Top speed | |||
| ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Qty. | |||
| ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Carriages | |||
| ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Routes | |||
| ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year Built | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="col" | mph | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ''']''' | |||
| ! scope="col" | km/h | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 75 | |||
| | 120 | |||
| | 8 | |||
| | 2 | |||
| | {{plainlist|* Exmouth{{snd}} Paignton or Barnstaple | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="col" colspan="10" |Commuter, regional and branch line | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | rowspan=" |
| rowspan="5" | ] | ||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | | rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | | rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | ] | | rowspan="10" | ] | ||
| | 75 | | rowspan="2" | 75 | ||
| | 120 | | rowspan="2" | 120 | ||
| | 20<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| | 2 | | 2 | ||
| | {{plainlist|* Exmouth – Paignton | |||
| | 3 | |||
| * Exeter Central – Okehampton | |||
| | {{plainlist|* Exmouth{{snd}} Paignton or Barnstaple | |||
| * Plymouth – Gunnislake | |||
| * Cardiff or Bristol {{snd}} Penzance}} | |||
| * Liskeard – Looe | |||
| * Par – Newquay | |||
| * Truro – Falmouth Docks | |||
| * St Erth – St Ives}} | |||
| | rowspan="1" | 1986{{ndash}}1987 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | colspan=" |
| colspan="4" |{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=300px|GWR Class 150-2.png}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | rowspan=" |
| rowspan="3" | ] | ||
| | rowspan=" |
| rowspan="3" | ] | ||
| | rowspan="8" | 90 | |||
| | ] | |||
| | rowspan="8" | 145 | |||
| | 75 | |||
| | 13<ref name="TRUK259">{{cite magazine |title= How GWR operates its varied fleet|magazine=] |issue=259|date= September 2023 |pages=24–31}}</ref> | |||
| | 120 | |||
| | 19 | |||
| | 2 | | 2 | ||
| | {{plainlist| |
| rowspan="2" | {{plainlist| | ||
| * Exmouth |
* Exmouth – Paignton | ||
| * Cardiff |
* Cardiff Central – Portsmouth Harbour | ||
| * Cardiff Central – Penzance | |||
| * Liskeard{{snd}} Looe | |||
| * Exeter Central - Barnstaple | |||
| * Par{{snd}} Newquay | |||
| * Bristol Temple Meads – Weymouth | |||
| * St Erth{{snd}} St Ives | |||
| * Truro{{snd}} Falmouth}} | |||
| |- | |||
| | colspan="6" | ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | rowspan="3" |''']''' | |||
| | rowspan="3" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="3" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 90 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 145 | |||
| | 2 | |||
| | 2 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | {{plainlist|* Cardiff{{snd}} Portsmouth | |||
| * Cardiff or Bristol{{snd}} Penzance | |||
| * Brighton{{snd}} Great Malvern | |||
| * Bristol{{snd}} Weymouth | |||
| * Newton Abbot{{snd}} Paignton | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| | rowspan="2" | 1989{{ndash}}1992 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 5<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Formations |magazine=The Railway Magazine |issue=1467 |date=June 2023 |page=93}}</ref> | |||
| | 13 | |||
| | 3 | | 3 | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | colspan=" |
| colspan="4" |{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=300px|Class158-0 GWR.png}}{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=450px|GWR Class 158 livery.png}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | rowspan=" |
| rowspan="5" | ] | ||
| | rowspan=" |
| rowspan="3" | ] | ||
| | rowspan=" |
| rowspan="3" | ] | ||
| | 20<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 90 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 145 | |||
| | 20 | |||
| | 2 | | 2 | ||
| | rowspan="2" |{{plainlist| | | rowspan="2" | {{plainlist|* Reading – Redhill or Gatwick Airport | ||
| * Reading – Basingstoke | |||
| * London Paddington{{snd}} Oxford, Bedwyn, Worcester and Hereford | |||
| * Reading |
* Reading or Didcot Parkway – Oxford or Banbury | ||
| * Twyford – Henley-on-Thames | |||
| * Reading{{snd}} Basingstoke | |||
| * Maidenhead – Marlow | |||
| * Reading or Didcot Parkway{{snd}} Oxford or Banbury | |||
| * Slough – Windsor & Eton Central | |||
| * Twyford{{snd}} Henley-on-Thames | |||
| * West Ealing – Greenford | |||
| * Maidenhead{{snd}} Marlow | |||
| * Bristol Temple Meads – Avonmouth or Severn Beach | |||
| * Slough{{snd}} Windsor | |||
| * Great Malvern – Bristol Temple Meads – Salisbury or Weymouth | |||
| * West Ealing{{snd}} Greenford | |||
| * Swindon – Gloucester or Weymouth | |||
| * Severn Beach Line | |||
| * Cardiff Central – Portsmouth Harbour<ref name="globalrailwayreview.com">{{Cite news |url= https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/34608/modern-trains-new-technology-bristol-rail-passengers/ |title= Modern trains and new technology for Bristol rail passengers |work=Global Railway Review |date=11 July 2017}}</ref> | |||
| * Great Malvern{{snd}} Bristol{{snd}} Southampton or Weymouth | |||
| * Exmouth - Paignton | |||
| * Swindon{{snd}} Gloucester or Weymouth | |||
| * Newbury - Bedwyn | |||
| * Cardiff{{snd}} Portsmouth <ref name="globalrailwayreview.com">https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/34608/modern-trains-new-technology-bristol-rail-passengers/</ref> | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| | rowspan="2" | 1992 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 16<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| | 16 | |||
| | 3 | | 3 | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |colspan=" |
| colspan="4" |{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=300px|GWR Class 165 1 2 Car.png}}{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=450px|GWR Class 165 1 3 Car.png}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | 21<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ford|first=Roger|title= New train procurements generates cost challenges |department=Informed sources| magazine= ] |issue=910|volume=81|date= July 2024|pages=36–42}}</ref> | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ''']''' | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 90 | |||
| | 145 | |||
| | 21 | |||
| | 3 | | 3 | ||
| | {{plainlist| | |||
| | {{plainlist|* Severn Beach Line<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ashcroft|first1=Esme|title=New 'turbo train' fleet arrives in Bristol|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/new-turbo-train-fleet-arrives-158195|accessdate=9 August 2017|work=Bristol Post|date=3 July 2017}}</ref> | |||
| * Bristol Temple Meads – Avonmouth or Severn Beach<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ashcroft |first1=Esme |title=New 'turbo train' fleet arrives in Bristol |url= http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/new-turbo-train-fleet-arrives-158195 |access-date=9 August 2017 |work=Bristol Post |date=3 July 2017}}</ref> | |||
| * Bristol Parkway{{snd}} Weston-super-Mare<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://16cbgt3sbwr8204sf92da3xxc5m-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Bristol-Temple-Meads-newsletter-September-2017.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004135719/https://16cbgt3sbwr8204sf92da3xxc5m-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Bristol-Temple-Meads-newsletter-September-2017.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2017 |dead-url=yes }}</ref> | |||
| * Bristol Parkway – Weston-super-Mare<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://16cbgt3sbwr8204sf92da3xxc5m-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Bristol-Temple-Meads-newsletter-September-2017.pdf |title=Bristol Temple Meads update |publisher= Network Rail |access-date=29 October 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171004135719/https://16cbgt3sbwr8204sf92da3xxc5m-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Bristol-Temple-Meads-newsletter-September-2017.pdf |date=September 2017 |archive-date=4 October 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
| * Cardiff Central{{snd}} Taunton | |||
| * Cardiff Central – Taunton | |||
| * Swindon{{snd}} Cheltenham Spa or Westbury | |||
| * Swindon – Westbury | |||
| * Great Malvern{{snd}} Bristol{{snd}} Southampton or Weymouth | |||
| * Great Malvern – Bristol Temple Meads – Southampton Central or Weymouth | |||
| * Cardiff{{snd}} Portsmouth <ref name="globalrailwayreview.com">https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/34608/modern-trains-new-technology-bristol-rail-passengers/</ref>}} | |||
| * Cardiff Central – Portsmouth Harbour<ref name="globalrailwayreview.com"/> | |||
| * Barnstaple – St James Park (Weekends only) | |||
| * Exmouth - Paignton | |||
| }} | |||
| | rowspan="1" | 1992{{ndash}}1993 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | colspan=" |
| colspan="4" |{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=450px|GWR Class 166 0.png}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | rowspan="2" | |
| rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | rowspan="2" | ] |
| rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | | rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | ] | | rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | 110 | | rowspan="2" | 110 | ||
| | 177 | | rowspan="2" | 177 | ||
| | 30<ref name="TRUK256" /> | |||
| | 45 | |||
| | 4<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Clinnick |first1=Richard |title=GWR shows off the first of its new Class 387 EMUs |url= http://www.railmagazine.com/news/fleet/2016/08/29/gwr-shows-off-the-first-of-its-new-class-387-emus | |
| 4<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Clinnick |first1=Richard |title=GWR shows off the first of its new Class 387 EMUs |url= http://www.railmagazine.com/news/fleet/2016/08/29/gwr-shows-off-the-first-of-its-new-class-387-emus |access-date=22 May 2017 |magazine=Rail |location= Peterborough |date=30 August 2016}}</ref> | ||
| | |
| London Paddington or Reading – Didcot Parkway, Newbury, Bristol Parkway or Swindon<br />London Paddington – Cardiff Central | ||
| | 2016{{ndash}}2017 | |||
| * Reading{{snd}} Newbury | |||
| * London Paddington{{snd}} Heathrow Terminal 5 (from August 2019)}} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | colspan=" |
| colspan="4" |{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=600px|GWR Class 387-1.png}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | rowspan="3" | ]<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/7260/gwr-gives-castle-names-to-its-hst-power-cars-and-revives-class-255-designation/ |title=GWR gives 'Castle' names to its HST power cars... and revives Class 255 designation |date=3 September 2019 |website=The Railway Hub |access-date=26 March 2020}}</ref> | |||
| ! | |||
| | ] | |||
| ! colspan="8" | Inter-City | |||
| | ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | rowspan="3" |''']''' | |||
| | ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | 125 | | rowspan="3" | 125 | ||
| | rowspan="3" | 201 | |||
| | 200 | |||
| | 11<ref name="RailExpress337">{{cite magazine|title=What Alternative Awaits GWR|department=Rolling Stock |magazine= ] |issue=337|date=June 2024|page=77}}</ref> | |||
| | 24 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 4 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 4<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.cornish-times.co.uk/article.cfm?id=115569&headline=Trains+being+modernised+to+add+to+Cornish+services§ionIs=news&searchyear=2018 |title=Trains being modernised to add to Cornish services |newspaper=Cornish Times |date=26 March 2018 |location= Liskeard}}</ref> | |||
| | rowspan="2" | Exeter St Davids – Plymouth – Penzance<ref name="MRI246">{{cite magazine |year=2020 |title=HSTs - The New Era |magazine=Modern Locomotives Illustrated |location=Stamford, Lincs |publisher=Key Publishing |issue=246 |pages=62–68 |author-last=Marsden |author-first=Colin J}}</ref> | |||
| | rowspan="2" | Penzance{{snd}} Exeter or Taunton{{snd}} Cardiff Central | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 1975{{ndash}}1982 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | | rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | | rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | |
| rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | 22<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| | 125 | |||
| | 200 | |||
| | 48 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |colspan=" |
| colspan="4" |{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=1050px|Class 255 Diagram.png}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! | |||
| | rowspan="8" | ''']''' | |||
| ! scope="col" colspan="8" | Inter-City | |||
| | rowspan="4" | ] | |||
| ! | |||
| |rowspan="4"| ] | |||
| |rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| |rowspan="2"| 140 | |||
| |rowspan="2"| 225 | |||
| | 36 | |||
| | 5<ref name=railwaymag>{{cite magazine |title=First Class 800 'Super Express Train' arrives in the UK |magazine=] |location=Horncastle, Lincs |date=1 April 2015 |pages=6–7|volume=161 |issue=1369 |issn=0033-8923}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2016/06/29/gwr-runs-first-bi-mode-iep-class-800-to-paddington |title=GWR runs first bi-mode IEP Class 800 to Paddington |magazine=Rail |location= Peterborough |date=29 June 2016}}</ref> | |||
| |rowspan="2"|London Paddington{{Unbulleted list|{{snd}} Oxford, Worcester, Great Malvern, Hereford|{{snd}} Cardiff,Swansea, Carmarthen|{{snd}} Bristol, Weston-super-Mare|{{snd}} Cheltenham Spa, Taunton, Paignton}}<ref name="Rail">{{cite magazine |url= http://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2016/06/29/gwr-runs-first-bi-mode-iep-class-800-to-paddington |title=GWR runs first bi-mode IEP Class 800 to Paddington |magazine=Rail |location= Peterborough |date=30 June 2016|accessdate=18 August 2016}}</ref> | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | rowspan="6" | ] | |||
| | 21 | |||
| | rowspan="3" | ] | |||
| | 9 | |||
| | rowspan="3" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="6" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="6" | 125 | |||
| | rowspan="6" | 201<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Speed limiters for Hitachi fleets |magazine=The Railway Magazine |issue=1457 |date=August 2022 |page=92 |volume=168 |department=Traction & Stock }}</ref> | |||
| | 36<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| | 5<ref name="railwaymag">{{cite magazine |title=First Class 800 'Super Express Train' arrives in the UK |magazine=] |location= Horncastle, Lincs |date=1 April 2015 |pages=6–7|volume=161 |issue=1369 |issn=0033-8923}}</ref><ref name="rail20160629">{{cite magazine |url= http://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2016/06/29/gwr-runs-first-bi-mode-iep-class-800-to-paddington |title=GWR runs first bi-mode IEP Class 800 to Paddington |magazine=Rail |location= Peterborough |date=29 June 2016}}</ref> | |||
| | rowspan="2" | London Paddington{{Unbulleted list| – Oxford, Bedwyn, Worcester Shrub Hill, Great Malvern, Hereford| – Cardiff Central, Swansea, Carmarthen| – Bristol Temple Meads, Weston-super-Mare| – Cheltenham Spa, Taunton, Paignton}}<ref name="rail20160629" /> | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 2014{{ndash}}2018 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 21<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| |colspan="6"| ] | |||
| | 9 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |colspan=" |
| colspan="4" |{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=750px|GWR Class 800-0.png}}{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=1350px|GWR Class 800 3.png}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |rowspan= |
| rowspan="3" | ] | ||
| |rowspan= |
| rowspan="3" | ] | ||
| | 22<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| |rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| |rowspan="2"| 140 | |||
| |rowspan="2"| 225 | |||
| | 22 | |||
| | 5 | | 5 | ||
| |rowspan="2"| London Paddington{{ |
| rowspan="2" | London Paddington{{Unbulleted list| – Exeter St Davids, Paignton, Plymouth, Penzance| – Oxford, Bedwyn, Worcester Shrub Hill, Great Malvern, Hereford||}}<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-fleet-of-trains-to-bring-better-journeys-to-the-south-west |title=New fleet of trains to bring better journeys to the south west |publisher =Department for Transport |date=30 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hitachirail-eu.com/at300-for-the-west-of-england_156.html |title= AT300 for the West of England |publisher= Hitachi Rail Europe |year= 2015 |access-date= 1 December 2015 |archive-date= 3 February 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170203114836/http://www.hitachirail-eu.com/at300-for-the-west-of-england_156.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> | ||
| | rowspan="2" |2017{{ndash}}2018 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 14<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| | 14 | |||
| | 9 | | 9 | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |colspan=" |
| colspan="4" |{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=750px|GWR Class 802 0.png}}{{scalable image|frame=no|5=left|2=1350px|GWR Class 802 1.png}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! scope="col" colspan="9" | Sleeper | |||
| |colspan="6"| ] | |||
| ! | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | rowspan="2" | |
| rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | |
|] | ||
| | |
|] | ||
| | |
|] | ||
| | 95 | | 95 | ||
| | 152 | | 152 | ||
| | 5<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| | 4 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | Varies |
| rowspan="2" | Varies{{efn|Locomotive-hauled Mark 3 coaches are generally formed of 7–9 coaches for the Night Riviera. They are hauled by a single Class 57.}} | ||
| | rowspan="2" |{{plainlist| | | rowspan="2" | {{plainlist|* 2 ] sets for London Paddington – Penzance sleeper service | ||
| }} | |||
| *] London{{snd}} Penzance sleeper service | |||
| | 1964–1967 (Rebuild: 1998{{ndash}}2004) | |||
| *Exeter St Davids{{snd}} Penzance daytime service}} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | 110 | | 110 | ||
| | 177 | | 177 | ||
| | 20<ref name="RailExpress337"/> | |||
| | 18 | |||
| | 1975{{ndash}}1988 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="9" | Shunting |
! scope="col" colspan="9" | Shunting locomotives | ||
| ! | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | <ref>{{cite book| editor-last = Marsden| editor-first = Colin J| title = Rolling Stock Review| publisher = Key Publishing| year = 2019| location = Stamford| isbn = 978-1-912205-98-1| pages=62–68}}</ref> | |||
| | | |||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | Shunting locomotive | | Shunting locomotive | ||
| | 15 | | 15 | ||
| Line 649: | Line 1,027: | ||
| | n/a | | n/a | ||
| | Stock movements in depots | | Stock movements in depots | ||
| | 1952{{ndash}}1962 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |} | |} | ||
| {{notelist}} | |||
| {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} | |||
| === |
=== Past fleet === | ||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| In April 2018, GWR announced that they were procuring nineteen bi-mode dual voltage {{brc|769}} units from Spring 2019 for use on Reading to Gatwick, Oxford and mainline suburban services to London Paddington to cover the loss of {{brc|387|1}} units which will operate the Heathrow Express service.<ref name=Rail20180419/> | |||
| {| class="wikitable" border="1" | |||
| |- style="background:#f9f9f9;" | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Class | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Image | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Type | |||
| ! colspan="2" |Top speed | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Number | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Cars per set | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Routes | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Built | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |In service | |||
| |- style="background:#f9f9f;" | |||
| !mph | |||
| !km/h | |||
| |- | |||
| |rowspan="2"| ] | |||
| |rowspan="2"| | |||
| |align="center"| ] | |||
| | colspan="2" align="center" | TBC | |||
| |align="center"| 19 | |||
| |align="center"| 4 | |||
| | {{Unbulleted list|Reading{{snd}} Redhill or Gatwick Airport|London Paddington{{snd}} Reading and Oxford}}<ref name=Rail20180419>{{cite news|title=Nineteen tri-mode Flex Class 769s for GWR|url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/nineteen-tri-mode-flex-class-769s-for-gwr|accessdate=19 April 2018|work=]|date=19 April 2018}}</ref> | |||
| |align="center"| 2019 | |||
| |align="center"| 2019 | |||
| |- | |||
| | colspan="8" | ] | |||
| |} | |||
| {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} | |||
| ===Past fleet=== | |||
| ] | |||
| {| class="wikitable" border="1" | |||
| |- style="background:#f9f9f9;" | |- style="background:#f9f9f9;" | ||
| ! rowspan="2" | |
! rowspan="2" |Family | ||
| ! rowspan="2" |Class | ! rowspan="2" |Class | ||
| ! rowspan="2" |Image | ! rowspan="2" |Image | ||
| ! rowspan="2" |Type | ! rowspan="2" |Type | ||
| ! colspan="2" |Top speed | ! colspan="2" |Top speed | ||
| ! rowspan="2" | |
! rowspan="2" |Total | ||
| ! rowspan="2" |Withdrawn | ! rowspan="2" |Withdrawn | ||
| ! rowspan="2" | |
! rowspan="2" |Notes | ||
| |- style="background:#f9f9f;" | |- style="background:#f9f9f;" | ||
| !mph | !mph | ||
| !km/h | !km/h | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan=" |
! colspan="10" |Commuter, regional and branch line | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| rowspan="2" | ] | ||
| | |
|] | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | ] | | rowspan="5" | ] | ||
| | 75 | | rowspan="5" | 75 | ||
| | 120 | | rowspan="5" | 120 | ||
| | 12 | | 12 | ||
| | 2011 | | 2011 | ||
| | rowspan="2" | Replaced by ] and ] | |||
| | {{plainlist|* Exmouth{{snd}} Paignton or Barnstaple}} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |] | |||
| | ''']''' | |||
| |] | |||
| | ] | |||
| |8 | |||
| | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" |2020 | |||
| | ] | |||
| | |
|- | ||
| | rowspan="3" |] | |||
| | 120 | |||
| |] | |||
| |] | |||
| |2 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | {{plainlist| | |||
| * Replaced by ] and ] | |||
| * Transferred to ] and ] | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |||
| |] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 17 | | 17 | ||
| | 2018 | | 2018 | ||
| | {{plainlist|* Exmouth{{snd}} Paignton or Barnstaple | |||
| * Cardiff or Bristol{{snd}} Penzance | |||
| * Plymouth{{snd}} Gunnislake | |||
| * Liskeard{{snd}} Looe | |||
| * Par{{snd}} Newquay | |||
| * Truro{{snd}} Falmouth | |||
| * St Erth{{snd}} St Ives | |||
| * Severn Beach Line | |||
| * Heart of Wessex Line}} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| ] | ||
| | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 75 | |||
| | 120 | |||
| | 14 | | 14 | ||
| | 2018 |
| 2018{{ndash}}2019 | ||
| | {{plainlist| |
| {{plainlist| | ||
| * Replaced by ] and ] | |||
| * Cardiff or Bristol{{snd}} Penzance | |||
| * Transferred to ] and ] | |||
| * Plymouth{{snd}} Gunnislake | |||
| }} | |||
| * Liskeard{{snd}} Looe | |||
| * Par{{snd}} Newquay | |||
| * Truro{{snd}} Falmouth | |||
| * St Erth{{snd}} St Ives | |||
| * Severn Beach Line | |||
| * Heart of Wessex Line}} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| rowspan="3" |] | ||
| |] | |||
| |] | |||
| | rowspan="3" |] | |||
| | rowspan="3" |110 | |||
| | rowspan="3" |177 | |||
| |15 | |||
| |2019{{ndash}}2020, 2023 | |||
| | {{plainlist| | |||
| * 12 units transferred to ] between 2019–2020 | |||
| * 3 units transferred to ] in 2023<ref name="TRUK256">{{cite magazine |title=Three ex-GWR 387s to GN |magazine=Today's Railways UK |issue=256 |date=June 2023 |page=60}}</ref> | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |] | |||
| ! | |||
| |] | |||
| !colspan=8 | Inter-City | |||
| |6 | |||
| | rowspan="2" |2021–22 | |||
| |{{plainlist| | |||
| * These trains were subleased from ] in 2021, to provide cover for ] and ] InterCity Express Train (IET) units, following cracks being found on the IETs | |||
| * After the issues surrounding the IET trains were resolved, these units were returned to Great Northern at the end of 2021 | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |] | |||
| | rowspan="3" | ''']''' | |||
| |] | |||
| | ] | |||
| |3 | |||
| | ] | |||
| |{{plainlist| | |||
| | ] | |||
| * These trains were transferred from ] to provide cover for ] and ] InterCity Express Train (IET) units, following cracks being found on the IETs | |||
| | 125 | |||
| * In June 2022 the units were withdrawn and transferred to ] in July 2022<ref>{{cite magazine|title=More '387s' for GTR|magazine=Modern Railways|issue=August 2022|page=101}}</ref> | |||
| | 200 | |||
| }} | |||
| | 49 | |||
| |rowspan="2"| 2019 | |||
| |rowspan="2"| London Paddington {{Unbulleted list|{{snd}} Hereford, Swansea, Carmarthen|{{snd}} Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Temple Meads|{{snd}} Taunton, Exeter, Paignton, Plymouth and Penzance}} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! colspan="10" | Inter-City | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| |- | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" | ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 125 | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 200 | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 464 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 125 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 200 | |||
| | 91 | |||
| | rowspan="2" | 2019 | |||
| | rowspan="2" |{{plainlist| | |||
| * Replaced by ] and ] | |||
| * Transfer of some power cars and coaches to ] | |||
| }} | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] | |||
| |colspan="6"| ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | 408 | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | |
| ] | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | 125 | | 125 | ||
| Line 784: | Line 1,145: | ||
| | 14 | | 14 | ||
| | 2017 | | 2017 | ||
| |{{plainlist| | |||
| | {{Unbulleted list|London{{snd}} Oxford, Worcester or Hereford|London{{snd}} Bristol, Cheltenham, Cardiff or Swansea}} | |||
| * Replaced by ] and ] | |||
| |- | |||
| * Transferred to ] | |||
| }} | |||
| |} | |} | ||
| {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} | {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} | ||
| ] | |||
| Locomotive-hauled trains were in use on services between Cardiff, Bristol, Taunton and Paignton from December 2008 until November 2010. These were {{brc|67}} and {{brc|57}} locomotives with ] coaching stock. They had one set of carriages initially, but a further set of carriages between December 2009 and October 2010. These services ran in the short term to cover for the unavailability of DMU trains. When sufficient DMUs were available following the transfer of 6 Class 150/1 sets from London Overground, the locomotives and coaching stock were withdrawn.<ref>{{cite web|title= Taunton Trains Loco-Hauled Info|url= http://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/LOCOHAULED.htm|date= 27 April 2011|publisher= Taunton Trains|access-date= 19 October 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121012074406/http://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/LOCOHAULED.htm|archive-date= 12 October 2012|dead-url= yes|df= dmy-all}}</ref> First Great Western issued a tender in May 2013 so that locomotive-hauled trains, or other train formations, can be operated on the Taunton-Cardiff route again, starting in December 2013. This would cover for its DMUs while they are off for refurbishment on Monday-Friday diagrams. If locomotive-hauled trains were to be used again, they would start four years after the final trains from the previous diagrams ran.<ref>{{cite news |title=FGW offers £7 million loco-hauled contract |url=http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/fgw-offers-7million-loco-hauled-contract |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617213814/http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/fgw-offers-7million-loco-hauled-contract |dead-url=yes |archive-date=17 June 2013 |date=28 May 2013 |accessdate=12 August 2013 |work=The Railway Magazine }}</ref> | |||
| Locomotive-hauled trains were in use on services between Cardiff, Bristol, Taunton and Paignton from December 2008 until November 2010 using ] {{BRC|57}} locomotives with ] coaching stock. A second set hauled by ] {{BRC|67}}s was used between December 2009 and October 2010. These were withdrawn when sufficient DMUs were available following the transfer of six Class 150/1 sets from London Overground.<ref>{{cite web|title= Taunton Trains Loco-Hauled Info|url= http://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/LOCOHAULED.htm|date= 27 April 2011|publisher= Taunton Trains|access-date= 19 October 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121012074406/http://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/LOCOHAULED.htm|archive-date= 12 October 2012|url-status= dead|df= dmy-all}}</ref> First Great Western issued a tender in May 2013 so that locomotive-hauled trains, or other train formations, could be operated on the Taunton-Cardiff route again, proposed to start in December 2013, to cover for DMUs out of service for refurbishment on Monday-to-Friday diagrams.<ref>{{cite news |title=FGW offers £7 million loco-hauled contract |url=http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/fgw-offers-7million-loco-hauled-contract |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617213814/http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/fgw-offers-7million-loco-hauled-contract |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 June 2013 |date=28 May 2013 |access-date=12 August 2013 |work=The Railway Magazine }}</ref> GWR also runs loco-hauled sets composed of seating coaches and a Class 57 locomotive from the ] service between Penzance and Exeter St Davids as part of the summer timetable to release a DMU for other services. | |||
| Twelve {{ |
Twelve {{BRC|142}} ''Pacer'' DMUs were received by First Great Western in 2007, starting operations that December. These were sub-leased from ] (where they had been stored), in part to cover for refurbishment of FGW's Sprinter fleets but also to allow the Class 158s to be re-formed as three-coach sets. They were based at ], working alongside the similar {{BRC|143|cs}} on services in ] and ], including the ], ] and ]. Five 142s were returned to Northern Rail in late 2008, following the completion of the refresh of Class 150 Sprinter units. The remaining seven units were returned to Northern Rail by November 2011 as they had been replaced by Class 150 units cascaded from London Overground and London Midland following the arrival of new {{BRC|172}} ''Turbostar'' units. | ||
| GWR's Night Riviera service also included the UK's last ] service, until that aspect was withdrawn at the end of the 2005 summer season due to low usage. | GWR's Night Riviera service also included the UK's last ] service, until that aspect was withdrawn at the end of the 2005 summer season due to low usage. | ||
| First Great Western previously leased 14 {{ |
First Great Western previously leased 14 {{BRC|180}} ''Adelante'' units, operating on the Great Western Main Line, but following technical issues they were transferred elsewhere.<ref>{{cite news|title=Adelantes return to Great Western|url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2012/07/24-adelantes-return-to-great-western.html|access-date=12 April 2016|work=Railnews|date=24 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wales loses new trains - again|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-loses-new-trains---2453827?pageNumber=3|access-date=12 April 2016|work=Wales Online|date=31 March 2013}}</ref> In 2012, five units were returned to First Great Western to operate weekday services on the ], allowing class 165 and 166 units to be reallocated to increase capacity on Thames Valley services.<ref name="adelante"/> The Class 180s left GWR in stages between June and December 2017 to join ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Grand Central 180 Fleet Update|url=http://www.necoastliners.co.uk/grand-central-180-fleet-update/|access-date=24 August 2017|publisher=North East Coastliners|date=10 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central to replace HSTs with cascaded Class 180s |magazine = Rail |issue = 842 |date = 20 December 2017 |page = 29}}</ref> | ||
| The 150/1s in the GWR fleet transferred to ] in stages, beginning with the first three in August 2017 when their leases expired,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/486668/red-fgw-franchise-agreement.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 March 2016 |archive-date=30 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130022422/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/486668/red-fgw-franchise-agreement.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> and ending in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=GWR Class 150/1's transfer to Northern Trains |url= http://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/news |website=Taunton Trains |access-date=17 January 2018 |date=12 January 2018 |quote=Great Western Railway Class 150/1s (which were originally inherited from Central Trains and Silverlink Trains) are now in the process of being transferred to Northern Trains.}}</ref> The 153s also transferred elsewhere in stages too, with the first four units going to ] and the next five units going to Arriva Rail North. This left just five 153 units with GWR, which eventually transferred to ] in April 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/very-old-trains-coming-back-16425765|title=The very old trains coming back to the Valleys Lines| last1 = Mosalski| first1 = Ruth|date=14 June 2019|website=walesonline|access-date=1 January 2020}}</ref> | |||
| ===Future fleet=== | |||
| In February 2023, GWR purchased a number of assets from the ] of battery train manufacturer ], including 67 former ] carriages and intellectual property rights to the {{BRC|230}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Preston |first1=Robert |date=17 February 2023 |title=Great Western Railway purchases Vivarail assets |url=https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/great-western-railway-purchases-vivarail-assets/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=International Railway Journal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=GWR takes ownership of former Vivarail D78 stock |magazine=The Railway Magazine |issue=1467 |date=June 2023 |page=90}}</ref> GWR have also employed nine Vivarail staff. It intends to trial the Class 230 units on the ] between West Ealing and Greenford. | |||
| In August 2024, ] reported that GWR were planning to lease the ] fleet.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Clinnick|first=Richard|title=Class 175s set for Great Western Railway|department=Headline News| magazine= ] |issue=340|date=September 2024|page=14}}</ref> In November 2024, it was announced that GWR had signed a lease for the Class 175 fleet; the fleet is planned to enter service in 2025.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/2024/10/30/great-western-railway-s-acquisition-of-175s-confirmed-with-2025-introduction-planned|title= Great Western Railway's acquisition of '175s' confirmed with 2025 introduction planned|department=News|magazine=]|date=4 November 2024|url-access= registration}}</ref> | |||
| {| class="wikitable" | |||
| |+ | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Family | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Class | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Image | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Type | |||
| ! colspan="2" |Top speed | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Quantity of units | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Carriages per unit | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Routes | |||
| ! rowspan="2" |Year built | |||
| |- | |||
| !mph | |||
| !km/h | |||
| |- | |||
| | rowspan="2" |] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| | rowspan="2" |] | |||
| | rowspan="2" |100 | |||
| | rowspan="2" |160 | |||
| |11 | |||
| |2 | |||
| | rowspan="2" |TBA | |||
| | rowspan="2" |1999-2001 | |||
| |- | |||
| | ] | |||
| | ] | |||
| |16 | |||
| |3 | |||
| |- | |||
| | rowspan="2" |] | |||
| | rowspan="2" |] | |||
| | rowspan="2" |] | |||
| | rowspan="2" |]<br />] | |||
| | rowspan="2" |60 | |||
| | rowspan="2" |97 | |||
| |1 | |||
| |3 | |||
| | rowspan="2" |West Ealing–Greenford | |||
| | rowspan="2" |1978-1981 (]) | |||
| 2015-2019 (]) | |||
| |- | |||
| |3 | |||
| |2 | |||
| |} | |||
| ===Rejected fleet=== | |||
| ] | |||
| It was planned for Great Western Railway to operate nineteen Class 769/9 units once they were fully rolled out. The operator intended to run the first services in spring 2019,<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Pritchard |first1=Robert |date=January 2019 |title=Porterbrook "FLEX" Class 769 launched |magazine=Today's Railways UK |location= Sheffield |issue=205 |pages=24–25 }}</ref> but this was delayed by issues faced by ] in converting the units. However, the first vehicle has been delivered and all were expected to be delivered by the end of 2021. | |||
| Although initially planned for use in London and the ], while 12 {{brc|387}} units were modified for ] services, the future plan for these units was to be operating on services between {{stnlink|Oxford}}, {{stnlink|Reading}} and {{stnlink|Gatwick Airport}}, which would have meant operating on non-electrified lines, {{nowrap|25 kV AC}} OHLE and {{nowrap|750 V DC}} third-rail routes. To enable this, GWR's allocation of ] units retained their dual-voltage capability in addition to being fitted with diesel power units. The units also received an internal refurbishment and be fitted with air cooling.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/gwr-to-lease-class-769-flex-trimode-trainsets.html |title=GWR to lease Class 769 Flex 'trimode' trainsets |date=20 April 2018 |work=Railway Gazette International |location=London |access-date=20 April 2018 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727201324/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/gwr-to-lease-class-769-flex-trimode-trainsets.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
| The first Class 769 to be delivered to GWR was unit 769943, which arrived at Reading TMD in August 2020. It was expected to enter service in early 2021.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.gwr.com/about-us/media-centre/news/2020/august/gwr-receives-the-uks-first-tri-mode-train |title=Great Western Railway receives the UK's first tri-mode train |publisher= Great Western Railway |date=26 August 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200922053146/https://www.gwr.com/about-us/media-centre/news/2020/august/gwr-receives-the-uks-first-tri-mode-train |archive-date=22 September 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Class 769 was expected to enter squadron service with GWR between June and December 2021,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=GWR aims for 2021 'Flex' introduction |magazine=Rail Express |date=May 2021 |page=26 }}</ref> but this was later delayed to 2022. | |||
| In December 2022, GWR announced that the introduction of the Class 769 fleet would be abandoned and the units handed back to Porterbrook in April 2023. This was to comply with DfT mandated cost-cutting and also as a result of dissatisfaction with the reliability of the units on test.<ref name=RG>{{Cite news |title=GWR fleet to shrink further as it abandons Class 769 introduction |url= https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/gwr-fleet-to-shrink-further-as-it-abandons-class-769-introduction/63230.article |date=23 December 2022 |work=Railway Gazette International |location= London }}</ref> | |||
| The 150/1s in the GWR fleet transferred to ] in stages, beginning with the first three in August 2017 when their leases expired,<ref>https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/486668/red-fgw-franchise-agreement.pdf</ref> and ending in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=GWR Class 150/1's transfer to Northern Trains |url= http://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/news |website=Taunton Trains |accessdate=17 January 2018 |date=12 January 2018 |quote=Great Western Railway Class 150/1s (which were originally inherited from Central Trains and Silverlink Trains) are now in the process of being transferred to Northern Trains.}}</ref> | |||
| ==Livery== | ==Livery== | ||
| Line 802: | Line 1,229: | ||
| | align = | | align = | ||
| | direction = vertical | | direction = vertical | ||
| | width = |
| width = | ||
| | image1 = 43005 Reading 2004.png | | image1 = 43005 Reading 2004.png | ||
| | caption1 = ] in modified Great Western Trains livery with First Group logo and fader vinyls at |
| caption1 = ] in modified Great Western Trains livery with First Group logo and fader vinyls at {{rws|Reading}} | ||
| | image2 = 150263 and 150 number 216 Cardiff Central to Taunton 2C79 by Train Photos.jpg | | image2 = 150263 and 150 number 216 Cardiff Central to Taunton 2C79 by Train Photos.jpg | ||
| | caption2 = A First Great Western Class 150 in the 'Local Lines' livery, worn by former Wessex Trains services | | caption2 = A First Great Western Class 150 in the 'Local Lines' livery, worn by former Wessex Trains services | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| Great Western Trains adopted a livery of dark |
Great Western Trains adopted a livery of dark-green upper body and ivory lower body, with a stylised 'Merlin' bird logo.<ref name="tauntontrains.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/oldsite/HST.htm|title= HST| website=Taunton Trains|access-date=3 June 2019}}</ref> Following the rebranding as First Great Western, fader vinyls were added to the lower body, with a gold bar containing the stylised FirstGroup ''F'' logo and separate Great Western logotype.<ref>{{cite magazine |title= First Great Western rebrands its HSTs |magazine= ] |issue=360 |date= 30 June 1999 |page=14 |location= Peterborough}}</ref> This livery was sometimes known as the 'fag packet' livery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.125group.org.uk/current-operators/first-great-western/|title=Great Western Railway|website=125 group|access-date=26 August 2018|archive-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826150204/http://www.125group.org.uk/current-operators/first-great-western/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
| When the Class 180 ''Adelante'' units were delivered, they were painted in the intercity version of FirstGroup's corporate bus livery. This consisted of a purple-blue base, with pink and gold bars and large pink ''F''s on the carriage sides and white highlights along the roof and around the driver's cab. The doors were painted white to comply with the ]. The HST fleet was repainted to match as they went through overhaul; however, the livery on the power cars was progressively altered to a plain blue base with pink and gold stripes, following problems with dirt build-up on the large white areas.<ref |
When the Class 180 ''Adelante'' units were delivered, they were painted in the intercity version of FirstGroup's corporate bus livery. This consisted of a purple-blue base, with pink and gold bars and large pink ''F''s on the carriage sides and white highlights along the roof and around the driver's cab. The doors were painted white to comply with the ]. The HST fleet was repainted to match as they went through overhaul; however, the livery on the power cars was progressively altered to a plain blue base with pink and gold stripes, following problems with dirt build-up on the large white areas.<ref name="tauntontrains.co.uk"/> | ||
| The new Greater Western franchise involved repainting the HST fleet into FirstGroup's 'Dynamic Lines' livery for intercity and commuter services in the former First Great Western and First Great Western Link areas. The livery was initially applied to the HST fleet as they went through refurbishment, although the Class 180 units did not receive the new livery due to the termination of their lease. The commuter units also received the new livery while receiving standard maintenance, as a refurbishment was not originally planned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tony4170.fotopic.net/p34792487.html|title=The first unit to be reliveried 166220|date=4 October 2006|access-date=10 October 2006}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
| The rolling stock used on the ] sleeper service retained the green and gold First Great Western livery until the stock forming these services was refurbished in 2007, when they were painted into 'dynamic lines' livery with vinyls advertising that the coaches operated the 'Night Riviera Sleeper'. | |||
| The rebranding of the company as Great Western Railway introduced a new GWR logo and a dark green livery with white stripes and grey doors in September 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34292550|title=First Great Western unveils rebranded Great Western Railway trains|date=21 September 2015|access-date=3 June 2019|website=BBC News}}</ref> | |||
| The new Greater Western franchise involved repainting the HST fleet into FirstGroup's 'Dynamic Lines' livery for intercity and commuter services in the former First Great Western and First Great Western Link areas. The livery was initially applied to the HST fleet as they went through refurbishment, although the Class 180 units did not receive the new livery due to the termination of their lease. The commuter units also received the new livery while receiving standard maintenance, as a refurbishment was not originally planned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tony4170.fotopic.net/p34792487.html|title=The first unit to be reliveried 166220|date=4 October 2006|accessdate=10 October 2006}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> A second livery known as 'Local Lines' was applied to the DMU fleet, replacing the 'Dynamic Lines' with the names of local attractions forming a similar outline.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jonathon|title=First Great Western 150249|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/jongraham890/16896929532|website=Flickr|accessdate=6 December 2015}}</ref> | |||
| The rebranding of the company as Great Western Railway introduced a new GWR logo and a dark green livery with white stripes and grey doors in September 2015, which will be rolled out across the fleet by 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34292550|title=First Great Western unveils rebranded Great Western Railway trains|date=21 September 2015|access-date=3 June 2019|website=BBC News}}</ref> | |||
| ==Depots== | ==Depots== | ||
| Great Western Railway trains are based at eight depots. Other depots at ] (Swansea) and ] (London) closed in 2018. | Great Western Railway trains are based at eight depots. Other depots at ] (Swansea) and ] (London) closed in 2018. | ||
| {| class="wikitable |
{| class="wikitable" | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| !Depot || Nearest station || Allocation || Picture || Notes | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| |] | |] | ||
| | |
|{{Stn|London Paddington}} | ||
| |] |
|{{cslist|]|]}} | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | Operated by Agility Trains | | Operated by Agility Trains | ||
| Line 832: | Line 1,256: | ||
| |] | |] | ||
| |{{stnlnk|Reading}} | |{{stnlnk|Reading}} | ||
| |{{cslist|{{Brc|165|n}}|{{Brc|166|n}}|{{Brc|230|n}}|{{Brc|387|n}} | |||
| |], ], ] coaches, <br>], ], ], ] | |||
| |]|]}} | |||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | Rebuilt to the North of its original location for the new flyover.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-23354169 |title = Reading station train maintenance depot opens - BBC News| work=BBC News | date=18 July 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/costain-chosen-for-reading-station-rebuild |title = Costain/Hochtief chosen for Reading station rebuild}}</ref> | |||
| | | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | {{stnlnk|Bristol Parkway}} | | {{stnlnk|Bristol Parkway}} | ||
| | ] | | ], ] | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | Operated by Agility Trains | | Operated by Agility Trains | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | {{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}} | | {{nowrap|{{stnlnk|Bristol Temple Meads}}}} | ||
| | ] |
| {{cslist|]|]|]|]|]|]}} | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | | | | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | {{stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}} | | {{stnlnk|Exeter St Davids}} | ||
| | ] |
| {{cslist|]|]}} | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | | |||
| | Depot is being enlarged | |||
| |- | |- | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | {{stnlnk|Plymouth}} | | {{stnlnk|Plymouth}} | ||
| | ] |
| {{cslist|]|]|]|]}} | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
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| | ] | | ] | ||
| | {{Stnlnk|Penzance}} | | {{Stnlnk|Penzance}} | ||
| | ] |
| {{cslist|]|]|]|]|]}} | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
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| ===Past Depots=== | ===Past Depots=== | ||
| {| class="wikitable |
{| class="wikitable" | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| ! Depot || Nearest station || Allocation || Picture|| Notes | ! Depot || Nearest station || Allocation || Picture|| Notes | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |] | |] | ||
| |] | |] | ||
| |] |
|{{cslist|]|]|]}} | ||
| | ] | | ] | ||
| | Closed 8 December 2018<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holden |first1=Michael |title=Farewell Old Oak Common TMD (1906–2018) |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2018/12/farewell-old-oak-common-tmd-1906-2018.html |website=RailAdvent | |
| Closed 8 December 2018<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holden |first1=Michael |title=Farewell Old Oak Common TMD (1906–2018) |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2018/12/farewell-old-oak-common-tmd-1906-2018.html |website=RailAdvent |access-date=4 February 2019 |date=9 December 2018}}</ref> | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| |] | |] | ||
| |{{stnlnk|Swansea}} | |{{stnlnk|Swansea}} | ||
| |] |
|{{cslist|]|]}} | ||
| |] | |] | ||
| |Closed in 2018 | |Closed for GWR in 2018 | ||
| |} | |} | ||
| ==TV documentary== | ==TV documentary== | ||
| ] broadcast two television series looking into day-to-day challenges of the Great Western mainline, including events at Dawlish (as well as the sea wall destruction), Cheltenham race day and rugby at Cardiff. It was broadcast as |
] broadcast two television series looking into day-to-day challenges of the Great Western mainline, including events at Dawlish (as well as the sea wall destruction), Cheltenham race day and rugby at Cardiff. It was broadcast as ''The Railway: First Great Western'' and the last series aired in 2015. A similar series based on London Paddington started in September 2017 and covered events such as the reaction to the ] and ] attacks, and several days of severe disruption.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} | ||
| ==Future of the franchise== |
==Future of the franchise== | ||
| The franchise |
The franchise was due to end on 31 March 2020. In November 2017, the DfT announced its intention to negotiate a further extension for the franchise until April 2022 with an option to extend for a further two years.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-future-of-the-great-western-franchise |title=The future of the Great Western franchise |publisher=Department for Transport |date=29 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.gwr.com/about-us/media-centre/news/2017/november/gwr-responds-to-dft-announcement-to-extend-gwr-franchise |title=GWR responds to DfT announcement to extend GWR franchise |publisher=Great Western Railway |date=29 November 2017}}</ref> A new contract was agreed on 30 March 2020, running for three years, extendable to four.<ref>{{cite web |title=Critical rail services protected in new deals for GWR and Southeastern |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/critical-rail-services-protected-in-new-deals-for-gwr-and-southeastern |website=gov.uk |access-date=30 March 2020 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| {{Portal|UK Railways}} | |||
| *], a railway company that existed from 1833 to 1948 | *], a railway company that existed from 1833 to 1948 | ||
| *] The nationalised division of British Rail from 1948 to 1992 | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 907: | Line 1,332: | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| {{commons}} | |||
| {{commons category-inline|Great Western Railway (First Group)}} | |||
| *{{ |
*{{Official website}} | ||
| {{s-start}} | {{s-start}} | ||
| {{s-bef|before=]<br |
{{s-bef|before=]<br />As part of ]}} | ||
| {{s-ttl|title=Operator of Great Western franchise|years= |
{{s-ttl|title=Operator of Great Western franchise|years=1996{{ndash}}2006}} | ||
| {{s-aft|after= |
{{s-aft|after=First Great Western<br />'''Greater Western franchise'''}} | ||
| {{s-bef|before=] |
{{s-bef|before=]<br />'''Great Western franchise'''}} | ||
| {{s-ttl|rows=3|title=Operator of ] | {{s-ttl|rows=3|title=Operator of ] | ||
| |years=2006 |
|years=2006{{ndash}}2028}} | ||
| {{s-inc|rows=3}} | {{s-inc|rows=3}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| {{s-bef|before=] |
{{s-bef|before=]<br />'''Thames franchise'''}} | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| {{s-bef|before=] |
{{s-bef|before=]<br />'''Wessex franchise'''}} | ||
| {{end}} | {{s-end}} | ||
| {{UK TOCs|current|state=collapsed}} | {{UK TOCs|current|state=collapsed}} | ||
| {{Transport in London}} | {{Transport in London}} | ||
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| {{FirstGroup}} | {{FirstGroup}} | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:19, 26 December 2024
Train operating company in Great Britain This article is about the 1996 company. For the 1833–1947 company, see Great Western Railway. For other uses, see Great Western Railway (disambiguation).
_logo.svg){kind=logo} | |||
 Class 802 IET and Class 43 Castle at Penzance | |||
| Overview | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise(s) |
| ||
| Main region(s) | |||
| Other region(s) | |||
| Fleet |
| ||
| Stations called at | over 270 | ||
| Stations operated | 199 | ||
| Parent company | FirstGroup | ||
| Reporting mark | GW | ||
| Predecessor | |||
| Technical | |||
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge | ||
| Electrification | |||
| Length | 1,323.0 mi (2,129.2 km) | ||
| Other | |||
| Website | www | ||
| |||
First Greater Western, trading as Great Western Railway (GWR), is a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that provides services in the Greater Western franchise area. It manages 197 stations and its trains call at over 270. GWR operates long-distance inter-city services along the Great Western Main Line to and from the West of England and South Wales, inter-city services from London to the West Country via the Reading–Taunton line, and the Night Riviera sleeper service between London and Penzance. It provides outer-suburban services in West London; commuter services from its London terminus at London Paddington to the Thames Valley region, including parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire; and regional services throughout the West of England and South Wales to the South coast of England. Great Western Railway also operates the Heathrow Express service.
The company began operating in February 1996 as Great Western Trains, as part of the privatisation of British Rail. In December 1998, it became First Great Western after FirstGroup bought out its partners' shares in Great Western Holdings. In April 2006, First Great Western, First Great Western Link and Wessex Trains were combined into the new Greater Western franchise and brought under the First Great Western brand. The company adopted its current name and a new livery in September 2015 to coincide with the start of a newly extended contract that was subsequently extended to run until June 2028.
History
As part of the privatisation of British Rail, the Great Western InterCity franchise was awarded by the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising to Great Western Holdings in December 1995, and it began operations on 4 February 1996. Great Western Holdings was owned by some former British Rail managers (51%), FirstBus (24.5%) and 3i (24.5%).
In March 1998, FirstGroup bought out its partners' stakes to give it 100% ownership. In December 1998, the franchise was rebranded First Great Western.
On 1 April 2004, First Great Western Link began operating the Thames Trains franchise. It ran local services from Paddington to Slough, Henley-on-Thames, Reading, Didcot Parkway, Oxford, Newbury, Bedwyn, Worcester Shrub Hill, Hereford, Banbury and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also operated services from Reading to Gatwick Airport (via Guildford and Dorking), and from Reading to Basingstoke.
On 1 April 2006, the Great Western, Great Western Link and Wessex Trains franchises were combined into a new Greater Western franchise. FirstGroup, National Express and Stagecoach were shortlisted to bid for it. On 13 December 2005, it was announced that FirstGroup had won the franchise. Originally, First planned to subdivide its services into three categories based on routes. Following feedback from staff and stakeholders, the decision was taken to re-brand and re-livery all services as 'First Great Western'.
In May 2011, FirstGroup announced that it had decided not to take up the option to extend its franchise beyond the end of March 2013. It stated that, in the light of the £1 billion plan to electrify the Great Western route from London via Bristol to Cardiff, it wished to try to negotiate a longer-term deal. CEO Tim O'Toole said: "We believe we are best placed to manage these projects and capture the benefits through a longer-term franchise."
By not taking up the option to extend its original franchise contract for a further three years, FirstGroup avoided having to pay £826.6 million to the government; it received extra subsidies totalling £133 million from the government in 2010.
In March 2012, Arriva, FirstGroup, National Express and Stagecoach were shortlisted to bid for the new franchise. The winner was expected to be announced in December 2012, with the new franchisee taking over in April 2013. But it was announced in July 2012 that the franchise would be extended, due to the late issue of the invitation to tender (ITT). The ITT ran from the end of July until October 2012. The winner would have been announced in March 2013, and taken on the franchise from 21 July 2013 until the end of July 2028. The new franchise would include the introduction of new Intercity Express Trains, capacity enhancements and smart ticketing. The award of the franchise was again delayed in October 2012, while the Department for Transport (DfT) reviewed the way rail franchises were awarded.
In January 2013, the government announced that the current competition for the franchise had been aborted, and that FirstGroup's contract had been extended until October 2013. A two-year franchise extension until September 2015 was agreed in October 2013, and subsequently extended until March 2019. A further extension to April 2019 was granted in March 2015.
The refurbishment of first-class carriages in 2014 included interiors that featured a new GWR logo, with no First branding. The whole company was rebranded Great Western Railway (GWR) on 20 September 2015, with the introduction of a green livery in recognition of the former Great Western Railway which existed between 1835 and 1947. The new livery was introduced when HST interiors were refurbished, and on sleeper carriages and Class 57/6 locomotives.
In May 2018, TfL Rail – which later became the Elizabeth line – took over services from Paddington to Hayes & Harlington, and then some stopping services to Reading in December 2019. becoming part of the Elizabeth line service.
In March 2020, the DfT awarded a further extension to 31 March 2023.
In June 2022, the DfT replaced the franchise agreement with a direct award contract that expires on 25 June 2028, with an option to extend for a further three years.
GWR is one of several train operators impacted by the 2022–2024 United Kingdom railway strikes, which are the first national rail strikes in the UK for three decades. Its workers are amongst those who are participating in industrial action due to a dispute over pay and working conditions.
Routes
Great Western Railway operates routes west of London including those towards south west England such as Wiltshire, Bristol, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, as well as Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hereford and South Wales.
The following is a simplified list of regular off-peak weekday service from the June 2024 timetables.
Intercity
| London to South Wales | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| London Paddington to Cardiff Central | 1 | |
| London Paddington to Swansea | 1 |
7 trains per day continue to Carmarthen mainly calling at Llanelli and Pembrey & Burry Port. |
| London to Bristol and Somerset | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads | 2 |
1 train every 2 hours continues towards Weston-super-Mare, calling at Nailsea and Backwell, Yatton and Worle. |
| London to Devon and Cornwall | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| London Paddington to Exeter St Davids | 1tp2h |
Some trains continue to Paignton or Plymouth, calling at various intermediate stations. |
| London Paddington to Plymouth | 1tp2h |
Alternates with services between London Paddington and Penzance to provide an hourly service on this route |
| London Paddington to Penzance | 1tp2h |
Alternates with services between London Paddington and Plymouth to provide an hourly service between those stations |
| London to Oxford and The Cotswolds | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| London Paddington to Oxford | 1 |
|
| London Paddington to Great Malvern | 1 |
Certain trains terminate at Worcester while others continue to Hereford calling at Colwall and Ledbury. |
| London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa | 1 |
One train per day continues to Worcester Shrub Hill calling at Ashchurch for Tewkesbury. |
Thames Valley
| Great Western Mainline | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| London Paddington to Didcot Parkway | 2 | |
| Reading–Taunton Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| London Paddington to Newbury | 1 | |
| Reading to Newbury | 1 |
|
| Newbury to Bedwyn | 1 |
|
| Greenford Branch | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| West Ealing to Greenford | 2 | |
| Windsor Branch | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Slough to Windsor & Eton Central | 3 | Shuttle service |
| Marlow Branch | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Maidenhead to Marlow | 1 | |
| Regatta Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Twyford to Henley-on-Thames | 2 | |
| North Downs Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Reading to Gatwick Airport | 2 |
|
| Reading–Basingstoke Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Reading to Basingstoke | 2 | |
| Oxford Canal Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Didcot Parkway to Oxford | 1tp2h | |
| Didcot Parkway to Banbury | 1tp2h | |
Bristol
West of England
| Cornish Mainline | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Plymouth to Penzance | 1tp2h |
|
| Avocet and Riviera Lines | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Exmouth to Paignton | 2 |
|
| Dartmoor and Tarka Lines | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Exeter Central to Okehampton | 1 |
|
| Exeter Central to Barnstaple | 1 |
|
| Tamar Valley Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Plymouth to Gunnislake | 1tp2h | |
| Looe Valley Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Liskeard to Looe | 1 |
|
| Atlantic Coast Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Par to Newquay | 1tp2h | |
| Maritime Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Truro to Falmouth Docks | 2 | |
| St Ives Bay Line | ||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| St Erth to St Ives | 2 |
|
Named trains
Further information: List of named passenger trains of the United KingdomGreat Western Railway's named passenger trains include:
Onboard services
Pullman Dining
GWR operates restaurant cars on certain West Country and Wales trains to or from London Paddington. They are available to first-class and standard-class passengers, though only first-class passengers may make advance reservations, and they have priority over seats in the restaurant. Meals in the restaurant car are not included in the price of rail tickets.
First class
GWR has first class on all its long-distance high-speed services. First class on the IETs includes fabric reclining seating with tables at every seat, as well as an at-seat service provided by a customer host on most journeys. Unlike the previous HSTs, the IETs do not have leather first-class seating due to fire regulations. Like the HSTs, there are power sockets and USB charging points at every seat. There is Wi-Fi throughout the first class-carriages, which GWR describes as 'upgraded'.
Standard class
Standard class is provided on all services. Many services on long-distance and regional routes have specific seat reservations.
Trolley service
An at-seat trolley service is scheduled to operate on most IET services, with a trolley in each portion of a ten-coach train. This is different from the HSTs, which had buffet counters branded as 'Express Cafes'.
Performance
Disabled passengers
In July 2018, a disabled woman was threatened by Great Western Railway staff with police action and removal from the train she was travelling in, for using a disabled space for her mobility scooter. Canadian-born comedian Tanyalee Davis, who has a form of dwarfism, said she was humiliated when a Great Western Railway conductor made an announcement that she was "causing problems" which had delayed the train. The incident occurred after a woman travelling with a young child demanded that Davis make way for her pram. GWR said the incident should not have happened and "No one travelling with us should be left feeling like this".
Strike action
In 2015, the imminent arrival of the new Class 800 trains provoked a series of strikes by the RMT union over who has the right to control the doors. First Great Western wanted to replace conductors with driver-only operation (DOO); however, following several discussions it was agreed to keep conductors on all IET services. Another strike took place in early December 2016 amidst a background of ongoing rail strikes on a national level. The RMT ballotted Servest UK workers employed on an outsourcing contract to GWR as cleaners; the ballot passed in favour of strike action by 98%. A disruptive transfer period in the outsourcing contract, from Mitie to Servest UK, had resulted in what the RMT referred to as the creation of a "two-tier workforce" amongst cleaners at GWR, with an inequality in pay and working conditions between cleaners employed directly by GWR and those outsourced to Servest UK. Two 24-hour strikes were held from 06:00 on 16 and 23 December, followed by a 48-hour strike from 06:00 on 19 January 2017. Further industrial action was suspended by the RMT following the January strike as a result of an improvement in ongoing negotiations between the RMT, GWR and Servest UK. The dispute was formally resolved in July 2017, as RMT members voted in favour of accepting a new pay deal.
IET issues
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In April 2021, cracks were discovered in the yaw damper brackets (part of the suspension system) of Class 800 and 802 InterCity Express Trains (IET). Eight trains were withdrawn from service and an investigation started into the cause. On 8 May, all these trains and similar ones operated by other companies were taken out of service. Cracks had now been found in the lifting pads (a component fixed near the bogie) and it was feared that if these were to fall off they may cause injury or derailment.
The only IET units that were permitted to operate were those which had been carefully inspected and found to have no significant cracks. This meant that most of GWR's 93 units were unavailable which led to significant disruption to long-distance services. Class 387 units operated additional services from London Paddington to Didcot Parkway which were later extended to Swindon and Bristol Parkway after approval was given for them to operate in service on this route. Three additional 387 units were loaned from c2c and were modified to work with GWR's fleet, mostly on services to Newbury. CrossCountry operated a service on behalf of GWR from Swindon to Bristol Temple Meads and the few available 800 and 802, were concentrated on services west of Swindon and to Plymouth. Plans were agreed on 13 May to increase inspections of the lifting pads and yaw dampers so that more trains could be returned to service. A further six Class 387 units were loaned from Govia Thameslink Railway in July 2021 and used in a common pool with GWR's existing 387/1 fleet, being surplus to requirements while the Gatwick Express service was suspended.
Rolling stock
Great Western Railway inherited a fleet of InterCity 125 sets (Class 43 power cars and Mark 3 Coaches) and Class 57 locomotives and Mark 3 sleeper coaches from BR. In 2006, it inherited a fleet of Class 165 and Class 166 units from First Great Western Link, and a fleet of Class 150, Class 153 and Class 158 units from Wessex Trains.
Inter-City services
Class 800 Intercity Express Train
The fleet of 57 Class 800 trains from the Hitachi A-train family is used to operate most of GWR's long-distance services between London and destinations such as Swindon, Chippenham, Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Newport, Cardiff Central, Swansea, Carmarthen, Cheltenham Spa, Oxford, Worcester Shrub Hill and Hereford. Introduced between autumn 2017 and spring 2019, these gradually replaced the older InterCity 125 sets.
On 28 April 2021, six Class 800s were withdrawn from service due to cracks being found during maintenance and were sent to Hitachi for inspection.
Class 802 Intercity Express Train
Long-distance services between London and destinations in the west of the GWR network (such as Paignton, Newquay, Plymouth and Penzance) are mostly operated using the fleet of 36 Class 802 trains, the first of which was introduced on 20 August 2018.
These trains are almost identical to the Class 800 trains, except they have a higher engine operating power—700 kW (940 hp) per engine as opposed to 560 kW (750 hp)—and are fitted with larger fuel tanks to cope with the gradients and extended running in diesel mode on the long unelectrified stretches in Devon and Cornwall.
Hitachi planned to test a tri-mode Class 802 in 2022 fitted with batteries in an attempt to reduce emissions when entering and leaving stations.
Sleeper services
Class 57 + Mark 3
Four Class 57/6 locomotives have hauled the Night Riviera sleeper services since 2004 when they replaced Class 47s. Due to poor availability of the 57/6s, Direct Rail Services (DRS) Class 57/3s have been hired from Direct Rail Services. in 2023, former DRS 57312 was placed on permanent lease with GWR.
Thames Valley and Bristol services
Class 165/1 Networker Turbo
The Class 165 "Networker Turbo" is a two- or three-coach DMU used on shorter-distance services in the Thames Valley area, with the majority based at Reading Traction Maintenance Depot. They are mainly used on branches such as the Greenford branch line, Slough–Windsor & Eton line, Marlow branch line and Henley branch line. They are also used on services between Reading and Basingstoke, Didcot Parkway and Oxford or Banbury and sometimes services between London and Oxford. Some are (and eventually all will be) based at St Philip's Marsh depot in Bristol, where they work on most of the lines in the area including the Severn Beach line, Heart of Wessex Line, Golden Valley line and Bristol to Exeter line. From summer 2018, they are due to run on Cardiff Central to Portsmouth Harbour services too. In response to its Remedial Plan Notice, First Great Western undertook a more thorough refurbishment of the Thames Turbo fleet than originally planned: the trains were to be fitted with improved lighting, carpets, toilets, and a revised seating layout. This refurbishment started in September 2016.
Class 166 Networker Turbo
The Class 166 "Networker Turbo" is a three-coach DMU, similar to the Class 165 units but with an internal layout more suitable for longer-distance services. They are now mostly based at St Philip's Marsh depot in Bristol, where they currently work on most of the lines in the area including the Wessex Main Line, Severn Beach line, Heart of Wessex Line, Golden Valley line and Bristol to Taunton line.
Class 387/1 Electrostar
The Class 387 "Electrostar" is a four-coach EMU built by Bombardier, with a 2+2 seating layout, tables, power sockets and free Wi-Fi. It can be operated in four, eight- and twelve-coach formations. The class began to enter service in September 2016 on weekday peak services between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington, using the overhead electrical equipment used by Heathrow Express. Services using the class were extended to Maidenhead in May 2017 and later to Didcot Parkway, and from Reading to Newbury.
Bombardier Transportation at Ilford Depot had modified twelve of these trains by December 2020, installing new first-class seating, Wi-Fi, luggage racks and on-board entertainment, to be used on Heathrow Express services. Rebranded as "Heathrow Express", and refurbished with Heathrow Express moquette, they replaced the existing Class 332, entering service on 29 December 2020.
In 2023 3 units were cascaded to Great Northern.
West of England services
Class 43 + Mark 3 HST / Class 255 Castle
Great Western Railway retained 24 power cars and 48 carriages from its former High Speed Train fleet to form 12 'Castle' 2+4 sets. They are branded as Class 255 sets and are for use on multiple services between Plymouth and Penzance. There is a consensus that the sets shall be withdrawn at the end of 2024, ending their services with GWR in Devon and Cornwall and replaced with Class 175s. All power cars being retained will have new nameplates, named after castles from across the area that GWR serve. The sets are progressively being fitted with automatic doors and controlled emission toilets, to allow their operation beyond 2020, at Doncaster Works. Due to a delay in refurbishing the Castle sets, slam door 2+4 sets known as 'Classic' sets were used until the end of 2019.
Until 2017, GWR operated the vast majority of its long-distance services with a fleet of 58 InterCity 125 High Speed Train sets, each consisting of eight Mark 3 coaches sandwiched between two Class 43 locomotives. GWR operated the largest InterCity 125 fleet, owning five sets outright; the rest were leased from Angel Trains and Porterbrook. From 2009 to 2012 (when Class 180s were reintroduced on the Cotswold line) all the company's intercity services were worked by HSTs except the Night Riviera sleeper service between London Paddington and Penzance. From late 2017, following the completion of electrification from Hayes & Harlington to the west of England, intercity services gradually became operated by Class 800 IETs, although a few peak services remained operated by HSTs until early 2019. GWR continued to use HSTs on services to Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance until May 2019, when they were all withdrawn in favour of Class 802 units.
The youngest Class 43 locomotive dated from 1982. After a successful trial by Angel Trains and FGW in 2004, two power cars received new MTU engines while two received new Paxman VP185s, fitted by Brush Traction of Loughborough. The MTU engine proved the better option, both for reliability and for emissions, resulting in FGW, Brush and Angel Trains starting the HST Modernisation programme. The last power cars to be re-engineered were released in April 2008, while several other companies' HSTs have now all undergone a similar programme.
GWR's High Speed Train fleet were refurbished by Bombardier in Derby and Ilford between 2006 and 2008, with leather seats introduced in first class, redesigned toilets, a redesigned buffet, and at-seat power points. The company opted for mainly airline seats, giving more seats per train.
Following the Southall and Ladbroke Grove rail crashes, GWR requires its HSTs to have automatic train protection and Automatic Warning System safety systems in operation. If either is faulty, the train is not used.
Class 150/2 Sprinter
The fleet of 17 two-coach Class 150 Sprinter units was inherited from Wessex Trains as part of the Greater Western franchise shuffle. The fleet had been refurbished by Wessex Trains in 2003, with 2+2 seating arranged in a mixture of 'airline' (face to back) and table seating. The fleet is widespread throughout the former Wessex area, and carried a maroon livery with advertising vinyls for South West Tourism. Each unit was sponsored by a district, town or attraction and carried a unique livery. Most received names of attractions, places and branch lines. Two units were repainted into the new First 'Local' livery, but all units are now due to receive the new green GWR livery. As part of a national fleet shuffle, eight units went to Arriva Trains Wales on 10 December 2006, and were replaced with 8 Class 158 units.
First Great Western received five extra Class 150/2 units in May 2007 as part of its Remedial Plan Notice, to enable three-car Class 158 trains to operate on the Portsmouth-Cardiff services. Five Class 150 sets were hired from Arriva Trains Wales from March 2008 until they were returned in November 2010.
Class 158 Express Sprinter
The Class 158 is a two- or three-coach DMU used on regional express services in the former Wessex Trains area. In February 2008, as part of its Remedial Plan Notice, First Great Western announced that it would form some hybrid three-car Class 158 units in March 2008, made possible by the transfer of five Class 150/2 units from Arriva Trains Wales. This allowed for ten hybrid units in operation and, combined with one non-hybrid three-car unit, provided eleven three-car units to operate services between Portsmouth and Cardiff and Great Malvern and Weymouth alongside the two-car units. After the introduction of Class 150/1 trains from London Overground and London Midland, three of the remaining five two-coach Class 158s were reformed to provide two further three-coach Class 158s. However, following their operations largely being taken over by Class 165 and Class 166 units in the Bristol area, most of these units were reformed to restore them to 2 coach formation.
The fleet was refurbished in a programme begun in 2007, which included fitting of reupholstered seats, new lighting and floor coverings, CCTV within the passenger saloons, and refurbished toilets. At the same time, the exteriors of the vehicles were repainted in the updated FGW livery, including artwork depicting various local places of interest. The refurbishment work took place at the Wabtec plant in Doncaster.
In 2018, the 158s began running alongside the first completed Class 255 Castle set on services between Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance. Since then, more of the 158 fleet have gradually started to move more west with more 158 sets working services between Exmouth and Paignton / Barnstaple. The timetable change in December 2019 saw the start of the 158s taking over from the 143s primarily on the Tarka Line to Barnstaple, with some of the units also working on the Cardiff / Bristol to Penzance route alongside the Castle sets.
Current fleet
| Family | Class | Image | Type | Top speed | Qty. | Carriages | Routes | Year Built | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mph | km/h | ||||||||
| Commuter, regional and branch line | |||||||||
| Sprinter | 150/2 | 
|
DMU | 75 | 120 | 20 | 2 |
|
1986–1987 |
| |||||||||
| 158 Express Sprinter | 
|
90 | 145 | 13 | 2 |
|
1989–1992 | ||
| 5 | 3 | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Networker | 165 Networker Turbo | 
|
20 | 2 |
|
1992 | |||
| 16 | 3 | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| 166 Networker Turbo | 
|
21 | 3 |
|
1992–1993 | ||||
| |||||||||
| Bombardier Electrostar | 387 | 
|
EMU | 110 | 177 | 30 | 4 | London Paddington or Reading – Didcot Parkway, Newbury, Bristol Parkway or Swindon London Paddington – Cardiff Central |
2016–2017 |
| |||||||||
| Class 255 Castle | 43 HST | 
|
Diesel locomotive | 125 | 201 | 11 | 4 | Exeter St Davids – Plymouth – Penzance | 1975–1982 |
| Mark 3 | 
|
Passenger coach | 22 | ||||||
| |||||||||
| Inter-City | |||||||||
| Hitachi AT300 | 800 IET | 
|
BMU | 125 | 201 | 36 | 5 | London Paddington
|
2014–2018 |
| 21 | 9 | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| 802 IET | _at_Par.jpg)
|
22 | 5 | London Paddington
|
2017–2018 | ||||
| 14 | 9 | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Sleeper | |||||||||
| Night Riviera | 57 |
|
Diesel locomotive | 95 | 152 | 5 | Varies |
|
1964–1967 (Rebuild: 1998–2004) |
| Mark 3 | 
|
Passenger coach | 110 | 177 | 20 | 1975–1988 | |||
| Shunting locomotives | |||||||||
| 08 | 
|
Shunting locomotive | 15 | 24 | 8 | n/a | Stock movements in depots | 1952–1962 | |
- Locomotive-hauled Mark 3 coaches are generally formed of 7–9 coaches for the Night Riviera. They are hauled by a single Class 57.
Past fleet
| Family | Class | Image | Type | Top speed | Total | Withdrawn | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mph | km/h | ||||||||
| Commuter, regional and branch line | |||||||||
| Pacer | 142 | 
|
DMU | 75 | 120 | 12 | 2011 | Replaced by Class 165 Networker Turbo and Class 166 Networker Turbo | |
| 143 | 
|
8 | 2020 | ||||||
| Sprinter | 150/0 | 
|
2 |
| |||||
| 150/1 | 
|
17 | 2018 | ||||||
| 153 Super Sprinter | 
|
14 | 2018–2019 |
| |||||
| Bombardier Electrostar | 387/1 |
|
EMU | 110 | 177 | 15 | 2019–2020, 2023 |
| |
| 387/2 | 
|
6 | 2021–22 |
| |||||
| 387/3 | 
|
3 |
| ||||||
| Inter-City | |||||||||
| InterCity 125 | 43 (HST) | 
|
Diesel locomotive | 125 | 200 | 91 | 2019 |
| |
| Mark 3 | 
|
Passenger coach | 408 | ||||||
| Alstom Coradia | 180 Adelante | 
|
DMU | 125 | 200 | 14 | 2017 |
| |
Locomotive-hauled trains were in use on services between Cardiff, Bristol, Taunton and Paignton from December 2008 until November 2010 using Virgin Trains Class 57 locomotives with Mark 2 coaching stock. A second set hauled by EWS Class 67s was used between December 2009 and October 2010. These were withdrawn when sufficient DMUs were available following the transfer of six Class 150/1 sets from London Overground. First Great Western issued a tender in May 2013 so that locomotive-hauled trains, or other train formations, could be operated on the Taunton-Cardiff route again, proposed to start in December 2013, to cover for DMUs out of service for refurbishment on Monday-to-Friday diagrams. GWR also runs loco-hauled sets composed of seating coaches and a Class 57 locomotive from the Night Riviera service between Penzance and Exeter St Davids as part of the summer timetable to release a DMU for other services.
Twelve Class 142 Pacer DMUs were received by First Great Western in 2007, starting operations that December. These were sub-leased from Northern Rail (where they had been stored), in part to cover for refurbishment of FGW's Sprinter fleets but also to allow the Class 158s to be re-formed as three-coach sets. They were based at Exeter TMD, working alongside the similar Class 143s on services in Devon and Cornwall, including the Avocet Line, Riviera Line and Tarka Line. Five 142s were returned to Northern Rail in late 2008, following the completion of the refresh of Class 150 Sprinter units. The remaining seven units were returned to Northern Rail by November 2011 as they had been replaced by Class 150 units cascaded from London Overground and London Midland following the arrival of new Class 172 Turbostar units.
GWR's Night Riviera service also included the UK's last Motorail service, until that aspect was withdrawn at the end of the 2005 summer season due to low usage.
First Great Western previously leased 14 Class 180 Adelante units, operating on the Great Western Main Line, but following technical issues they were transferred elsewhere. In 2012, five units were returned to First Great Western to operate weekday services on the Cotswold Line, allowing class 165 and 166 units to be reallocated to increase capacity on Thames Valley services. The Class 180s left GWR in stages between June and December 2017 to join Grand Central.
The 150/1s in the GWR fleet transferred to Arriva Rail North in stages, beginning with the first three in August 2017 when their leases expired, and ending in April 2018. The 153s also transferred elsewhere in stages too, with the first four units going to East Midlands Trains and the next five units going to Arriva Rail North. This left just five 153 units with GWR, which eventually transferred to Transport for Wales in April 2019.
Future fleet
In February 2023, GWR purchased a number of assets from the administrators of battery train manufacturer Vivarail, including 67 former London Underground D78 Stock carriages and intellectual property rights to the Class 230. GWR have also employed nine Vivarail staff. It intends to trial the Class 230 units on the Greenford branch line between West Ealing and Greenford.
In August 2024, Rail Express reported that GWR were planning to lease the Class 175 fleet. In November 2024, it was announced that GWR had signed a lease for the Class 175 fleet; the fleet is planned to enter service in 2025.
| Family | Class | Image | Type | Top speed | Quantity of units | Carriages per unit | Routes | Year built | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mph | km/h | ||||||||
| Alstom Coradia | 175/0 | 
|
DMU | 100 | 160 | 11 | 2 | TBA | 1999-2001 |
| 175/1 | .jpg){kind=spacer}
|
16 | 3 | ||||||
| Vivarail D-Train | 230 | .jpg)
|
BEMU DEMU |
60 | 97 | 1 | 3 | West Ealing–Greenford | 1978-1981 (LU)
2015-2019 (Vivarail) |
| 3 | 2 | ||||||||
Rejected fleet
It was planned for Great Western Railway to operate nineteen Class 769/9 units once they were fully rolled out. The operator intended to run the first services in spring 2019, but this was delayed by issues faced by Porterbrook in converting the units. However, the first vehicle has been delivered and all were expected to be delivered by the end of 2021.
Although initially planned for use in London and the Thames Valley, while 12 Class 387 units were modified for Heathrow Express services, the future plan for these units was to be operating on services between Oxford, Reading and Gatwick Airport, which would have meant operating on non-electrified lines, 25 kV AC OHLE and 750 V DC third-rail routes. To enable this, GWR's allocation of Class 769 units retained their dual-voltage capability in addition to being fitted with diesel power units. The units also received an internal refurbishment and be fitted with air cooling.
The first Class 769 to be delivered to GWR was unit 769943, which arrived at Reading TMD in August 2020. It was expected to enter service in early 2021. The Class 769 was expected to enter squadron service with GWR between June and December 2021, but this was later delayed to 2022.
In December 2022, GWR announced that the introduction of the Class 769 fleet would be abandoned and the units handed back to Porterbrook in April 2023. This was to comply with DfT mandated cost-cutting and also as a result of dissatisfaction with the reliability of the units on test.
Livery
HST in modified Great Western Trains livery with First Group logo and fader vinyls at Reading
A First Great Western Class 150 in the 'Local Lines' livery, worn by former Wessex Trains services
Great Western Trains adopted a livery of dark-green upper body and ivory lower body, with a stylised 'Merlin' bird logo. Following the rebranding as First Great Western, fader vinyls were added to the lower body, with a gold bar containing the stylised FirstGroup F logo and separate Great Western logotype. This livery was sometimes known as the 'fag packet' livery.
When the Class 180 Adelante units were delivered, they were painted in the intercity version of FirstGroup's corporate bus livery. This consisted of a purple-blue base, with pink and gold bars and large pink Fs on the carriage sides and white highlights along the roof and around the driver's cab. The doors were painted white to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The HST fleet was repainted to match as they went through overhaul; however, the livery on the power cars was progressively altered to a plain blue base with pink and gold stripes, following problems with dirt build-up on the large white areas.
The new Greater Western franchise involved repainting the HST fleet into FirstGroup's 'Dynamic Lines' livery for intercity and commuter services in the former First Great Western and First Great Western Link areas. The livery was initially applied to the HST fleet as they went through refurbishment, although the Class 180 units did not receive the new livery due to the termination of their lease. The commuter units also received the new livery while receiving standard maintenance, as a refurbishment was not originally planned. The rebranding of the company as Great Western Railway introduced a new GWR logo and a dark green livery with white stripes and grey doors in September 2015.
Depots
Great Western Railway trains are based at eight depots. Other depots at Landore (Swansea) and Old Oak Common (London) closed in 2018.
| Depot | Nearest station | Allocation | Picture | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Pole | London Paddington | 
|
Operated by Agility Trains | |
| Reading | Reading | 
|
Rebuilt to the North of its original location for the new flyover. | |
| Stoke Gifford | Bristol Parkway | 800, 802 | 
|
Operated by Agility Trains |
| St Phillip's Marsh | Bristol Temple Meads | 
|
||
| Exeter TMD | Exeter St Davids | _train_wash.JPG)
|
||
| Laira | Plymouth | 
|
||
| Long Rock | Penzance | .JPG)
|
||
| Swansea Maliphant | Swansea | 800 | 
|
Operated by Agility Trains |
Past Depots
| Depot | Nearest station | Allocation | Picture | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Oak Common | London Paddington | 
|
Closed 8 December 2018 | |
| Landore | Swansea | 
|
Closed for GWR in 2018 |
TV documentary
Channel 5 broadcast two television series looking into day-to-day challenges of the Great Western mainline, including events at Dawlish (as well as the sea wall destruction), Cheltenham race day and rugby at Cardiff. It was broadcast as The Railway: First Great Western and the last series aired in 2015. A similar series based on London Paddington started in September 2017 and covered events such as the reaction to the Manchester Arena and London Bridge attacks, and several days of severe disruption.
Future of the franchise
The franchise was due to end on 31 March 2020. In November 2017, the DfT announced its intention to negotiate a further extension for the franchise until April 2022 with an option to extend for a further two years. A new contract was agreed on 30 March 2020, running for three years, extendable to four.
See also
- Great Western Railway, a railway company that existed from 1833 to 1948
- Western Region of British Railways The nationalised division of British Rail from 1948 to 1992
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{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "GWR Class 150/1's transfer to Northern Trains". Taunton Trains. 12 January 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
Great Western Railway Class 150/1s (which were originally inherited from Central Trains and Silverlink Trains) are now in the process of being transferred to Northern Trains.
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External links
| Preceded byInterCity As part of British Rail |
Operator of Great Western franchise 1996–2006 |
Succeeded byFirst Great Western Greater Western franchise |
| Preceded byFirst Great Western Great Western franchise |
Operator of Greater Western franchise 2006–2028 |
Incumbent |
| Preceded byFirst Great Western Link Thames franchise | ||
| Preceded byWessex Trains Wessex franchise |
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| Proposed transport network |  South Wales Metro
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