Voyager in Temple Meads Platform 1

[AndyK]

I travelled from Bristol to Glasgow today, beginning my journey on the 11.30 departure from Temple Meads to Aberdeen. As we were awaiting the train on platform 5, it was announced that the departure would be from Platform 1 (the Severn Beach bay) instead. It was a 4-car Voyager* that was apparently a last-minute substitute for a failed unit. I've never witnessed an inter-city train departing from this platform; does it happen at all regularly these days?

*Can you still call them Voyagers even though they're not operated by Virgin?

[g4mby]

I've never witnessed an inter-city train departing from this platform; does it happen at all regularly these days?

I wouldn't call it a regular occurrence but it's certainly not unusual. If a southbound Cross Country service terminates at Bristol and it's due to return north shortly after, platform 1 is often used if the booked platform is full and no other suitable platform is available. Of course they can only do this for a four car set.

[Stav]

Indeed, although I have never got on one from there that I can remember, I have got off at platform 1 about half a dozen times from Voyagers terminating in BTM

[stumpytrain]

As g4mby has said only the 4 car 220 sets can fit in platform 1 at Temple Meads. One of the later XC terminators is booked in 1 every evening, sorry I can't remember which one off the top of my head.

Sadly during the day we can't plan trains to use platform 1 at Bristol (which would keep a through platform free) because it can't be guaranteed to be a 4 car set every day.

Alex