First Great Western (First Great Western)

Member Name: Bristolboy

Product:	First Great Western
Date:	10/07/08 (65 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Relatively cheap form of travel, particularly off-peak.

Disadvantages: Slightly worn, older interiors.

First Great Western are a train company which runs on the GWR line between London and Swansea in Wales and Penzance in Cornwall. They also run several branch lines, such as the Maritime Line in Cornwall and the Severn Beach Line in Bristol.

Whilst not a frequent user of the railways, I still take part in at least 20 journeys a year from Falmouth to Bristol and this always requires a change of train at Truro, as well as sometimes other changes elsewhere.

Some of the trains are slightly older and in need of at least refurbishment, and I believe the entire stock will have been refurbished by the end of the year, and these improved trains are much better. The old nature of the train means that there are often less power points for laptops etc than on newer train such as Virgin trains, and unfortunately some of those which are provided often don't work.

The trains themselves are generally punctional, and whilst I have encountered issues with delayed trains the staff always seem to be courteous. Due to the change at Truro, any delays coming down on the mainline can often mean that I miss the connecting train. However, the company has always provided a taxi to travel the last few miles, and the cost of the taxi to them is often more than the total price I paid for the ticket from Bristol to Falmouth in the first place.

Whilst tickets can be expensive at peak times, off-peak they can be much cheaper for this journey at about £20 return if bought in advance, and this would be even cheaper with a railcard. Of course this is much cheaper than other form of transport, and it also probably has a lower carbon footprint.

Overall I have been very impressed with this company, and would definately recommend using it to others, at least on the journey I am familiar with.

Summary: Would definately recommend for journeys to the wetscountry.