First Great Western are shit

Went to the Cycle Campaign Network board meeting in Reading on Saturday. Got to Paddington after an unfeasibly early start from Sheffield, and the same thing had happened as the last time I had been there - the Cheltenham train had been cancelled. That means the (In this case) Paington train is full of rich tossers (in the supposedly quiet coach) bleating down the phone to their posh friends "oh gahd, they've thrown off off our train, we don't know when we'll get there" What must make it all the more galling for these appalling ageing sloanies is that they will have to change in Swindon, the armpit of the West Country.

On the way back, the train was running late because one of the power cars had broken down. Now I'm sorry, but millions of motor cars are running up and down the roads that girdle the globe, and generally they don't break down. The reason? Maintenance, pure and simple. Maintain the trains properly and they won't break down.

So, three messages for First Great Western - firstly, you are shit. Secondly, I notice that you have managed to put ticket barriers up at many of your stations. This is all well and good, but if you want us to pay for your services you will First have to provide them. Run them on time, don't cancel them, make sure everyone has a seat and all will be well. Thirdly, don't cancel the Cheltenham train - it just makes life completely appalling for the rest of us.

We are not impressed by your (First Mainline) bus fares policy in Sheffield either. Just because 36% of the population of the city doesn't own a car doesn't mean you are entitled to fleece them for all they are worth.

LO, and the First shall be last...