Lie back and enjoy the views (First Great Western)

Member Name: sappleyard

Product:	First Great Western
Date:	16/01/09 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fast and cheap

Disadvantages: slight delay

First Great Western

I am not a great traveller but do like visiting other places and experiences different cultures. Although South Wales is only over the river the culture different.

My partner and I decided to travel with First Great Western on a day trip to Cardiff, simple because of convience. We didn't want the hassle of driving ( because of raising fuel costs and we wanted to have a good pub lunch wiv beers, well I did)

My partner check out the times of departures, arrival and prices on the net and found nagivating their web-site easy. Sitting next to her while she found these details was far easier then her navigating from car positions. She will kill me for that one!! The web-site for Great Western was very easy to find the details we needed.

Travelling was pretty smooth. We arrived within minutes of our train leaving (someone had to go the building society first to get the fare out, so wasn't arriving early) However, the train was delayed by 20 minutes. I didn't think that too bad but then not really in any great hurry to go shopping. The train was actually only 15mins late. The tickets were £15.10 for a day return so definately cheaper than taking the car.

When we got on the train it was really comfortable, clean and well presented. There was a combination of seating (although some reserved- something to bear in mind if going on a long journey) of front facing/ rear facing and 4 seats with table. Good safety hints and advice about not putting your feet on the seats. There were areas at the entrance of the carriage for the disabled and pushchairs. I even witnessed staff helping mums with pushchairs on and off the train.

All seats had small pull down trays with a small swallow drinks holder. I wouldn't trust this on a bumpy journey with hot drink!
The whole journey from Bath Spa to Cardiff Central was meant to take 55 mins. However, we had to change at Bristol Temple Meads and the connecting train was 25mins delayed. This delays were given to us quickly and we were well informed while waiting on the platform.

The next Great Western Train that arrived to take us onto our final destination was just as clean and well presented as the first (excuse the pun)

I would recommend travelling with this company as they did had a great and eay to use website, good service on platforms to keep you informed to the trains operational services and good clean carriages.

thanks for reading.

also on ciao

Summary: great way to travel