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Posted by: Carshot Jan 23 2018, 09:31 AM

There was a mention on BBC Breakfast TV this morning that there will be no trains between Newbury and Reading for three weeks beginning in March (busses instead). I can't find a link that tells when this starts and (plans) to end. Any one know? Thanks

Posted by: Turin Machine Jan 23 2018, 10:42 AM

All I can find is this:
" Network Rail and GWR have announced three closures of the line to the west of Theale.

These will be March 12 to 15, April 23 to 26 and June 4 to 7. Over these periods buses will take passengers between Theale and Pewsey and season ticket holders will be allowed to travel from Didcot or Whitchurch without the need for another ticket."

Posted by: Carshot Jan 23 2018, 02:18 PM

Thanks - I must have misheard

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 23 2018, 03:28 PM

https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/newbury2018

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Jan 23 2018, 08:26 PM

WFH for me.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 24 2018, 01:53 AM

How the heck can Didcot be considered an ‘option’ from Newbury to Reading!!!!

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 24 2018, 02:00 AM

“And that was a public disinformation film...”

What the fk does that all mean??? Can I get to work in Reading and back home again or not???

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Jan 24 2018, 03:14 AM

Depends if you want to spend 3 hours on a bus or not. Otherwise drive or WFH.

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 24 2018, 06:06 AM

Yes.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 24 2018, 09:02 AM

Well I wish that could be conveyed better on that link. Yet another example of poor pubic ‘information’.

Sorry Biker1, this isn’t aimed at you.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 24 2018, 09:11 AM

Hmm, I managed to get better information, the average journey time from NBY to RDG is scheduled to be ~ 70 minutes. What I am not sure about is whether a lack of trains has been factored in on that time.

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 24 2018, 05:20 PM

Well it quite clearly says "replacement buses".
I would imagine the detail will become clearer nearer the time?
That does not detract from the fact that getting weekday commuters etc. to9 Reading & London will be nothing sort of a nightmare.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Jan 24 2018, 05:48 PM

Make plans with your employer to work from home. Most will be sympathetic. If they really need you they can pay for a hotel locally.

Posted by: je suis Charlie Jan 24 2018, 07:32 PM

Just drive in, Oh wait! As you were.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 24 2018, 07:35 PM

That is pretty much all it says. I did not get a proper explanation untill I asked at Newbury station. I was provided with a provisional time table that gave a better idea than anything I read in that link.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 24 2018, 07:46 PM

I am not worried about getting to work and back, it is that the information is poor. It doesn’t explain how it will work: a bus from Newbury to Reading direct, or a bus from Newbury to Didcot then change to a train to Reading. That isn’t clear in the link.

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 24 2018, 08:52 PM

The answer is buses are going to run to either I believe.
There will also be a rail service from Theale with a bus to there.
Why the site says GrateleyI am not sure as I would have thought Whitchurch was nearer? Perhaps it is something to do with parking availability.
If I find out more I will let you know.

Posted by: TallDarkAndHandsome Jan 24 2018, 09:35 PM

If you don't know for sure I guess plans are still being drawn up. I'm unconvinced that these "days" won't turn into weeks. It is an infrastructure project so if its on time and on budget.....it will be amazing.😂

Posted by: Biker1 Jan 25 2018, 05:50 AM

Well the original plan was for electric trains to be running from Newbury from May last year so definitely not on time!!
I seem to remember the Great Western electrification budget was bust not far into the project!

Posted by: James_Trinder Jan 25 2018, 08:04 AM

If you live to the north of Newbury e.g. East Ilsley and usually commute from Newbury to Reading/London by train then it is a perfectly viable option. The same applies for Whitchurch if you live in any of the border villages in Hampshire e.g. Burghclere. Obviously if you live in Newbury/Thatcham then you are better off catching the rail replacement bus instead.

Posted by: Andy Capp Jan 26 2018, 02:07 PM

That's fine, but those options always exist. What is not explained properly is that not only will there be a direct bus to Reading Buses, effectively replacing the train service from Newbury train station, but there will be buses from Newbury to Theale and Didcot train stations from where you can catch a train to Reading as well.

Posted by: Biker1 Mar 10 2018, 03:07 PM

Angry local rail user, Mike Sarson has got it wrong.
There are direct fast buses to Reading from Hungerford, and Newbury.
The buses are not "untimed" but run to a timetable like most other bus services.
Commuters who have bought season tickets can travel to their jobs either on the bus or from Didcot or from any SWR station between Grateley and Basingstoke.

Posted by: Andy Capp Mar 10 2018, 07:55 PM

I think cheap rate should change from 9:00 to 8:30.