Trains – again

Let’s just recap. South Eastern Trains have just put up their fares by well in excess of inflation, and, as it happens, the season ticket prices have gone up more than daily tickets which makes no bloody sense whatsoever.

Some time ago, all the platforms on the Hayes line were elongated to take 12 coach trains, presumably because there are lots of passengers to transport.

I catch the 07:36 to Cannon Street, and regularly this is a 6 coach train.  On a bad day, it’s like a cattle truck, and no-on who gets on after New Beckenham has a chance in hell of getting a seat.

In the last week, this marvellous train company have put on two 4 coach trains, both in rush hour.  It makes perfect sense to use trains only a third of the full length.

And last night the perfect situation.  Train from Charing Cross cancelled, and the voice in the sky recommends going to London Bridge and changing.  It doesn’t take Einstein to figure out that more than the usual number of passengers, sorry, customers, will be waiting for this train.  Guess what?  It’s 4 coaches.  I gave up at this stage – there was no way I’d even get near the train, let alone board it.

I’m lucky – I can get a train on another line from London Bridge to quite close to home.  So I did.  Pity the poor buggers who had to use the Hayes train.

Thanks a million South Eastern – you’re doing a grand job.

I wish the ‘Not Terribly Good Club of Great Britain’ was still operational, because I’d recommend these jokers for membership.  They are putting some pathetic excuse of ‘stock issues”   Does this translate to ‘we can’t be bothered to repair the broken ones because we’re trying to save money’? And by the way, we’re getting rid of 300 staff, which will make a real improvement to the service, but that’s ok, ‘cos we can put the prices for the poor schmucks who keep us.

I am going to stop now because I could go around for ever.