FirstGroup has bought the open access operator which had applied to run a new service between Carmarthen and London Paddington.
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Heidi Alexander writes to rail regulator which is currently assessing a number of track access requests from open access operators
07/01/2025
Open access operator sold its rights from Paddington to South Wales after being told it couldn't use second-hand stock.
07/01/2025
Open access operator serving station for just over a week
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NickJ - 05/12/2024 11:48
Amazing how GWR, currently operated by First group, sees no merit in running any more than three direct Paignton to London trains (which are themselves pretty slow, stopping at virtually every station between Paignton and Newbury), but, as a potential open access operator, they're prepared to run five direct trains (presumably in addition to the three existing GWR services). What utter nonsense! As for the Carmarthen service, well GWR only stepped up its own Carmarthen operation as a result of the planned introduction of the Grand Union service. I understand these trains carry largely fresh air between Carmarthen and Swansea. The introduction of some genuinely fast, non-stop services between Bristol Parkway and Paddington is to be welcomed, but why can't this just be done by the incumbent operator when GWR is nationalised? Nationalisation was supppsed to simplify operations and the customer proposition, not open the door to all First Group's whims and fancies about trying to skim off money from the industry that should be reinvested into the industry, rather than disappear into shareholders' pockets. It's unteresting that GU had planned an onboard experience to be far superior to that on GWR, but it seems as if First"s race to the bottom will continue with their bargain basement Lumo brand being replicated here too.
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Alan C - 05/12/2024 18:08
Does this mean no competition on the line now - with it being First Group Vs FGW or am I missing something? Any expert opinion welcome!
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SimonAdams71 - 05/12/2024 20:56
Well, that's goodbye to a comfortable, high quality service home to Cardiff for me. Hobson's choice with GWR v Limo.
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