Comedian Dom Joly has launched a fiery critique of Great Western Railway (GWR), likening his train commute from Cheltenham to London to traveling from New York in terms of cost and inconvenience. Since moving with his family to the Gloucestershire Regency town in 2019, Joly has become a vocal member of the local community, and recently took to social media to express his frustration with the rail service.
Posting from Kingham Railway Station in Chipping Norton on December 5, Joly declared, “No more commuting to London from Cheltenham. Total rip-off and takes way too long. I might as well commute from New York. Sort it out GWR.”
In a humorous video, the award-winning comedian, broadcaster, and travel writer explained his decision: “It’s very early this morning, but I’m trying something new—not taking the train from Cheltenham to London, which costs more than a ticket to New York and involves ridiculous waiting times at Gloucester station for no reason.”
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Instead, Joly has been driving to Kingham, describing it as “half the price, half the distance, and a pleasant little drive.” He added, “I honestly can’t understand why anyone still chooses to travel the train route from Cheltenham to London as it currently stands. It needs to change.”
His candid rant sparked a lively discussion online, resonating with many fellow commuters. Katie Portbury shared similar frustrations, explaining that using a driver door-to-door had become more cost-effective and reliable for her business commitments. She noted frequent cancellations and delays, especially at Swindon, rendered public transport unreliable. “We’ve tried so hard to do the right thing and take public transport, but as Dom says, we can travel internationally for a fraction of the cost of a Cheltenham to London ticket. Champagne money, beer service.”
Paul McLaughlin recommended taking a taxi to Evesham and boarding the train there as a quicker and cheaper alternative to starting from Cheltenham. Likewise, local resident Thomas Howard confessed he drives to Evesham to catch the train to London, finding it less crowded, faster, and more economical.
Sarah Luddington reflected on the overall commuting logistics and expenses, saying, “The cost and effort of traveling to London blows my mind. For someone living further away like me, it’s a completely different world. I get in my car and I’m on the bypass, ready for work in 20 minutes, but people still think living here means a long commute.”
Dom Joly’s vocal frustration captures a growing sentiment among Cheltenham commuters facing unreliable, costly train services. For many, the convenience of alternative travel methods now outweighs the traditional train journey to the capital.