Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
I don't think there has been any suggestion of GWR having compulsory reservations. Standing for 22 minutes to Reading is no big deal. Back in the day, I used to try and get all the power cars every year so I'd do the first available winner out to Reading. I'd often stand if the train was busy. Since the 800s arrived it's rare to have to stand, unless a five car turns out vice nine or ten car. In which case reservations are irrelevant anway.
GWR is really four very different operations:
1. Thames Valley local services. No prospect of CR at all nor would it make any sense. This is a walk-up railway.
2. Cornwall, Devon and Bristol local DMU services. As (1) but fewer passengers
3. Bristol and Cardiff. Mostly a poshed-up, faster LNR-a-like or GA-a-like, not really a high speed, long-distance railway any more. CR might work but would have considerable disadvantages.
4. Paddington-Westcountry. A true long distance IC service as far as Taunton, and if CR was going to fit anywhere it would be here, though probably only as far as Taunton as after that these are also part of (2). Only 1tph, so keeping the Reading commuters off these would not be disastrous.