Muppetry at Thatcham Level Crossing Today, What on earth was going on? Options

[Blake]

Had a **** of a delay at Thatcham level crossing today from about 9.20am and was very late for work. Three trains went and the barriers failed to open...at all! This is the second time in less than a year that this muppetry has happened and the rail company fails to tell drivers what on earth is going on, how long it will take to be fixed or if we need to do a U-turn and divert.

Instead, we are wholly dependent on the goodwill of fellow motorists who alert those further along what became a huge tail back that the barriers are broken.

Shameful performance. Time we had a bridge. It's the only rational solution.

[On the edge]

Don't hold your breath! Nice to see that MPs have caught up at last and can see the clapped out trains we have to put up with round here, even after a cheap paint job, are just rubbish.

The start of the thread was about delays at Thatcham crossing. Nothing here suggests there is any help on the way, at all.

One of the usual responses to the issue, from the rail community, is that the traffic speeds and levels on road over the crossing has changed dramatically since it was first crossed by the railway! Actually, so has the railway. Does that mean that one realistic answer would be to impose some strict speed limits on the trains using the tracks through here? What's sauce for the goose.....

[Biker1]

Does that mean that one realistic answer would be to impose some strict speed limits on the trains using the tracks through here? What's sauce for the goose.....

Then we could keep our "clapped out" trains eh OTE?
No need for speed as they will all have to slow down for level crossings!
(Which actually means they would be down for longer .)
Unfortunately OTE there are many trains in other parts of the country that are older (or more "clapped out") than the ones we have. But we have had that debate before.
Personally I think the turbos are very reliable. Rarely is there a cancellation or even delay due to a mechanical problem.
Still, you are entitled to your view, and anyway, they will be gone soon. (Unless you are travelling West beyond Newbury!)

[On the edge]

Then we could keep our "clapped out" trains eh OTE?
No need for speed as they will all have to slow down for level crossings!
(Which actually means they would be down for longer .)
Unfortunately OTE there are many trains in other parts of the country that are older (or more "clapped out") than the ones we have. But we have had that debate before.
Personally I think the turbos are very reliable. Rarely is there a cancellation or even delay due to a mechanical problem.
Still, you are entitled to your view, and anyway, they will be gone soon. (Unless you are travelling West beyond Newbury!)

I certainly agree that delays due to mechanical failure are very few and far between. However, they are dirty, uncomfortable and noisy. Frankly, all issues that have been around for years and could be solved with some effective management attention and very little investment. Then again, why should they; it's only passengers affected after all and we all know what they can do if they don't like it. Trebles and bonuses all round!

[motormad]

I certainly agree that delays due to mechanical failure are very few and far between. However, they are dirty, uncomfortable and noisy. Frankly, all issues that have been around for years and could be solved with some effective management attention and very little investment. Then again, why should they; it's only passengers affected after all and we all know what they can do if they don't like it. Trebles and bonuses all round!

They are also woefully under-carriaged for the given journey
Ever caught the 9:03 from Thatcham (starts at Bedwyn) going to London padding... you try getting a seat at Thatcham!!! always bloody full. 3 pathetic carriages in a tight train where i can't actually sit properly because the backs of the seats infront are bending my kneecaps back into my leg.

cheapskate pricks.