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Eastbound trains other than First Great Western use the east section of platforms 3 to 7, whilst westbound trains use the west section.
The First Great Western trains have nine coaches and occupy the whole platform, normally eastbound platform 2, westbound platform 3.
The area at the west end of platform 1 is reserved for preparing trains which are subsequently moved towards the east end for boarding. We presume that this platform is normally used for trains starting from this station.
Platform 0 is mainly used for major events and Central Trains services towards Gloucester etc.
You can leave platforms 1 to 7 via steps, into the main corridor, or lift into the east corridor.
You can leave platform 0 via steps into the concourse, or step-free into the car park to the west of the station.
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From Platform 0 From Platforms 1 to 7 Via Steps into the Main Corridor From Platforms 1 to 7 Via Lift into the East Corridor |
Get off the train and turn right (east) continue to the downward slope, in front of you.
Note, it is wise to keep left as it is possible to miss the path and continue off the end of the platform onto the tracks, this would be down a slope, but not what you want. By keeping left, you avoid this possibility.
Continue, from the foot of the slope, past the recess to the car park entrance on your left and locate the entrance to the building on your left. Turn left (north), go down a flight of steps, turn right (180 degrees) then down another flight to concourse level. Turn left here and continue for a few metres into the concourse. Turn right and locate the entrance to the main corridor, between the ticket office and WH Smith.
As you go (south) along the corridor you pass steps up to platforms 1 - 2, 3 - 4 then 6 - 7. Go up two flights of steps onto the middle of the island platform. Please read the paragraphs at the top of this page for more details about the likely location of trains.
Note, if you require a step-free change from platform 0, you leave via the exit at the foot of the slope from the platform and make your way round to the main entrance. From here you move to the east corridor, between Spa and Upper Crust.
As you go along the corridor you pass lifts to platforms 1 - 2, 3 - 4 then 6 - 7 on your right. Go to platform level.
You're in the middle of the east section of the island platform, please read the paragraphs at the top of this page for more details about the likely location of trains.
There are two stairwells towards the middle of each island platform, assuming the anti-clockwise traffic flow through the station, we suggest you aim for the east steps.
For short, eastbound trains (on platforms 3 and 6) go towards the rear of the train and locate the steps down. For short, westbound trains (on platforms 4 and 7) go beyond the rear of the train and locate the steps going down in the direction of the train. If you locate the other ones, you may as well continue to the bottom then cross the corridor.
For longer trains on platforms 2 and 3, both sets of steps will be towards the middle. Ideally take the steps going down in the direction of the train (westbound) or the opposite direction (eastbound). If you get the wrong ones, you may as well continue to the bottom and cross the corridor.
You go down two flights of steps to the main corridor. Assuming you've come down the exit steps, the higher number platforms will be to your left, otherwise to your right.
When moving to platforms 1 to 7, find the steps you need and go up two flights onto the middle of the island platform. Please read the paragraphs at the top of this page for more details about the likely location of trains.
For platform 0, move into the concourse, via the ticket barrier and locate the short corridor which leaves from the left-hand side of the concourse. Turn right, up a flight of steps then turn left (180 degrees) and up another flight of steps to track level. Continue to the fence in front of you, turn right and continue up the slope onto the platform.
There are two lifts from the east sections of platforms 1 - 2 and 3 - 4, but only one from platforms 6 - 7, equivalent to the west lift. It wasn't clear which is preferred, but we suggest that the east lifts are exits, in keeping with the anti-clockwise traffic flow which was in force via the steps at the time of our survey.
The lifts are located east of the middle of the platforms, though it is difficult to predict in which direction you'd need to move from each train. The following is included for guidance:
Go down to the east corridor via the lift.
From platforms 6 and 7, turn left, otherwise, assuming you've used the exit lift, the higher number platforms will be to your left.
Note that there's only one lift to platforms 6 - 7, on the right-hand (west) side of the corridor.
On reaching platform level, you're in the middle of the island platform. Please read the paragraphs at the top of this page for more details about the likely location of trains.
If you need platform 0, go through the ticket barrier into the concourse, and leave via the main exit. Make your way round to your left (west) via the car park and locate the entrance to platform 0 at the foot of the slope to the platform.
© 2004, Terry Robinson