Great Western Railway (GWR) has quietly cut its timetable starting Monday 7 September 2026. The reductions remove several services primarily between Penzance and Plymouth/Exeter, including six cancellations on weekdays and fewer on Saturdays, aiming to reduce cancellations caused by ongoing unreliability of its second-hand Class 175 train fleet.
Class 175 Fleet Delivery and Technical Challenges
GWR ordered 26 Class 175 trains built between 1999 and 2001 to replace older models on regional stopping services in Devon and Cornwall. As of early September 2026, 15 of these trains have arrived, but only one or two operate satisfactorily on any given day. GWR stated the trains “have required a
higher level of recommissioning work than expected following a prolonged period in storage and out of service.” New and previously unidentified faults emerged when the trains entered passenger service, causing operational disruptions.
Joint Investigation and Efforts to Improve Reliability
A joint technical investigation team including GWR, Angel Trains (co-owner of the Class 175 fleet), and the original manufacturer Alstom has been established. The team will review all defects and data comprehensively to understand fault causes and improve maintenance and repair regimes. Performance and punctuality on Devon and Cornwall routes have been poor recently, with many cancellations and delays. GWR is working closely with colleagues and trade unions
to drive improvements.
Passenger Impact and Delay Repay Policy
The timetable cuts cause reduced service options for passengers, who will not be eligible for delay repay compensation on withdrawn services. The reductions aim to provide greater certainty and protect capacity on remaining services amid frequent short-notice disruptions. Since 1 September 2026, 94% of branch line services have run, with nearly 85% arriving within three minutes of schedule. GWR has committed to restoring cut services as soon as possible.
Context of New Train Introductions Across UK Operators
GWR is not alone in facing reliability issues after new train introductions. East Midlands Railway experienced similar disruptions following the deployment of Hitachi express trains on routes from
London St Pancras to Nottingham and Sheffield. GWR’s Class 175 trains were introduced in 2025 to increase resilience, strengthen local services, and retire older rolling stock. In August 2026, GWR reported teething problems causing reduced service on the Dartmoor Line on three occasions between 19 and 25 August.
