I have been an occasional user of First Great Western for more than ten years. I recently became a daily user (a couple of months ago),
Trains to London are usually reasonably punctual (but less so at rush hours). Trains from London seem to often be very crowded (at least to Reading, often further), and often seem to be delayed by the usual excuses - signal failure and following slower trains. Mechanical malfunctions are also common.
The rush hour return to Paddington is very expensive, the weekly costs less than two dailys. The monthly saves a little bit more but the real saving is in not having to queue at the station for a ticket.
Season tickets are also subject to savings because FGW are nowhere near their punctuality target, and are unlikely to reach it for quite a while.
The further away from the Paddington ticket barriers you go to the better chance you have of getting a seat, but during the rush hours you need to be at least 5 minutes before departure or you will stand at least to Reading.
Where do I commute to/from - Chippenham to Paddington
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Advantages: Fast & Efficient, Plenty of Seats, Buffet's Good, Children's Activities Disadvantages: Maybe a tad expensive - though deals can be found (but not on my route!)
evesham1988la 23.08.2005 (24.08.2005)
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Review of First Great Western
Advantages: Pleasent Staff, always there to help! Disadvantages: No leg room, very dated, uncomfortable seating, and not enough space to put your luggage.
Copie1990 23.11.2009 ·
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