Issues

Train Platform Interface

We are concerned about the mismatch between the level of train floor and that of the platform on the Western section of the Elizabth Line. This is particularly bad near the western end of Platform 3 at Maidenhead. This makes boarding and alighting fron a train hazardous even for passengers with good mobility.

Cycle hoops at Furze Platt

We’ve asked Network Rail to provide some cycle hoops in the area behind the shelter but in full view of the CCTV cameras. NR wrote back saying that they couldn't do it because there was no CCTV. We've pointed out their error and wait for a further reply.

Maidenhead Drop-off Point

We are disappointed that the remodelling of the Maidenhead forecourt by the Council included no space for a drop-off and pick-up point. The official drop-off point is over the road and down a footpath to the Stafferton Way retail park. The drop-off points are alongside Halford’s. Unsurprisingly it doesn’t get used.

GWR told us that they aren’t using ANPR to enforce parking restrictions and motorists collecting customers won’t be booked if they stay less than twenty minutes. We hope that common sense prevail when services are disrupted.

Electrification

We welcome electrification of the Thames Valley services between Paddington and Didcot Parkway / Newbury, and to Cardiff via Bristol Parkway (electrification from Appleford to Oxford has been shelved pending a decision on four-tracking the railway). We are disappointed that after the sensible decision had been taken to extend electrification to the Thams Valley branches, Basingstoke and Swansea, it was reversed by the government. Electrification to Bristol TM via Bath was also curtailed at Thingley Junction (before Chippenham).

Sunday Service at Taplow

We are pleased that TFL-Rail is now providing two trains per hour each way on Sundays.

Paddington Interchange with Hammersmith & City Line

A lot of complaints have been received about the new Circle/H & C station at Paddington. Whereas it used to be possible to cross between Platforms 12/14 (GWR suburban) and platforms 15/16 (Underground) in under a minute it now takes at least five minutes by a circuitous route passing through two gatelines to get from one side of a locked passage to the other side. This can result is missed connections at other main line stations because the extra time has not been allowed for. What is needed is a new transfer deck connecting all the platforms on the paid side, and complete removal of the redundant Victorian cab ramps.

The same applies to the Bakerloo Line entrance which has been permanently closed and the gateline has been removed. Passengers arriving on platfrom 14 now have to walk to the other side of the concourse to use the main entrance to the District and Circle Lines entrance, and then half way back to reach the escalators to the Bakerloo Line.

Western Rail Link to Heathrow

Network Rail had been considering a scheme to build a new line from Heathrow Terminal 5 passing over the GW Main Line on a flyover to join the Relief Lines between Iver and Langley. This now seems to have been shelved for the time being. Likewise, the Southern connection to Heathrow via Staines also seems to be making little progress.

The expansion of Heathrow Airport must be dependent on southern and western rail access.