Needing advice on private carriages

[deansgirl]

Apologies if this is the wrong place to post, but I'm desperately needing advice. To get straight to the point, I'm agoraphobic but have to make the journey from my home in Port Talbot to Birkenhead soon.

I know I wouldn't be able to use a coach or normal train so I'm wondering if there's any trains where I could have a private carriage to myself, like the old trains?

This is the only way I would feel somewhat calmer, with no one else around me. I've searched and searched the net but either come up ones where you need a lottery win or nothing suitable travels that route.

 

[Deepgreen]

I can't think of any that fit your bill - the days of individual compartments are long gone. The closest thing would be in a toilet for the whole journey but that won't be popular with other passengers or the staff! Depending on when you travel you may be able to find quieter trains (especially if first class is an option) but that certainly cannot be guaranteed.

 

[deansgirl]

The closest thing would be in a toilet for the whole journey but that won't be popular with other passengers or the staff!

I think I'll give that option a miss! You're right though, there doesn't seem to be anything else apart from first class, and you say, it's not guaranteed to be quiet. I think I'll have to find an excuse to cancel. Thanks for the quick reply though

 

[Harlesden]

How about a very early morning train?
04:12 from Port Talbot Parkway changing at Cardiff (05:01/05:08) and Chester (08:21/08:31) arriving Birkenhead 09:06.
Perhaps splitting the tickets might help. Standard Class as far as Cardiff and First Class Cardiff-Birkenhead.

 

[causton]

I think I'll have to find an excuse to cancel.

You don't need to tell any excuses, just tell the truth and if whoever it is doesn't like the reason that is their problem and surely you don't need those sort of people in your life

More on-topic, unless you got a Solo/1st Class sleeper berth (which would involve going to Plymouth or somewhere, into London for a day, the second night to Crewe, then from Crewe to Birkenhead by other transport to arrive there on a third day) I can't think of a way, I'm afraid

 

[mad_rich]

Have you spoken to any of the Operators?

Just a thought, but I wonder if the Disability Discrimination Act / Equality Act might be able to help you. I can't imagine they would give you a private carriage(!), but they should make reasonable adjustments. Maybe block off a quiet corner of first class for you.

Worth asking.

 

[Llanigraham]

Have you spoken to any of the Operators?

Just a thought, but I wonder if the Disability Discrimination Act / Equality Act might be able to help you. I can't imagine they would give you a private carriage(!), but they should make reasonable adjustments. Maybe block off a quiet corner of first class for you.

Worth asking.

Good idea, but......................
ATW only have 1st Class on one train to the North of Wales each day, and it wouldn't cover the whole of the OP's journey.

 

[deansgirl]

Wow, thanks for all your help guys

andymaynard, I don't have to be in Birkenhead until 8pm so I'd have nowhere to go. Thats a good suggestion though as I'm sure the train would be empty!

Thank you causton, people who have never suffered with anxiety just don't get it I'm afraid. I know how ridiculous it is myself. I mean, 4 and a half hours is nothing! I know this! But when you start to panic and have no way off, it seems a lifetime.

mad_rich no I haven't. I wouldn't have even given that a thought? I think I'll just do the Irish lottery tonight and if I win, hire the whole bloody train

 

[trainophile]

Headphones and an audio book would help to block out external activity, you could close your eyes and pretend you're not even on a train. Leave your ticket on the table in front of you for checking, then you won't need to be disturbed.

I must say it sounds more like social phobia than agoraphobia, as it doesn't seem to be leaving your home that is mostly troubling you. Good luck anyway, hope you can manage the trip as it will help build up your confidence for future occasions.

 

[route:oxford]

Apologies if this is the wrong place to post, but I'm desperately needing advice. To get straight to the point, I'm Agoraphobic but have to make the journey from my home in Port Talbot to Birkenhead soon. I know I wouldn't be able to use a coach or normal train so I'm wondering if there's any trains where I could have a private carriage to myself, like the old trains? This is the only way I would feel somewhat calmer, with no one else around me. I've searched and searched the net but either come up ones where you need a lottery win or nothing suitable travels that route.

Have you considered wearing a VR device?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Gear-Innovator-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B016FK9OVY/

Just slip your Samsung phone inside it and you enter a different world.

 

[Darandio]

Headphones and an audio book would help to block out external activity, you could close your eyes and pretend you're not even on a train. Leave your ticket on the table in front of you for checking, then you won't need to be disturbed.

I can just see it now...

OP closes eyes and leaves ticket on table. Person checking tickets needs to disturb the OP because there is no ticket, turns out it's been stolen. OP returns here in 4-5 weeks because of a strongly worded letter from the TOC.

 

[trainophile]

I can just see it now...

OP closes eyes and leaves ticket on table. Person checking tickets needs to disturb the OP because there is no ticket, turns out it's been stolen. OP returns here in 4-5 weeks because of a strongly worded letter from the TOC.

Lots of people put their tickets in front of them and then doze off, or pop to the buffet or toilet. I've done it myself, and my Railcard with it.

Maybe I'm too trusting, but so far so good.

Who would nick a ticket from in front of someone who may or may not be peeping at them through half closed eyes?

 

[Gathursty]

I was the only person on in the train from Llandrindod Wells to Llanwyrtyd Wells along the Heart of Wales line. Isn't there a direct Cardiff Central - Shrewsbury via Port Talbot etc... that OP could use?

 

[61653 HTAFC]

I was the only person on in the train from Llandrindod Wells to Llanwyrtyd Wells along the Heart of Wales line. Isn't there a direct Cardiff Central - Shrewsbury via Port Talbot etc... that OP could use?

Not a bad suggestion if speed isn't important, though when I've used the HOWL it's been standing room only!

 

[DarloRich]

is this a serious post? If it is i don't think it would be possible to facilitate such an option without a large sum of money to hand. It would be cheaper to pay a chauffeur to drive you around.

Have you spoken to any of the Operators?

Just a thought, but I wonder if the Disability Discrimination Act / Equality Act might be able to help you. I can't imagine they would give you a private carriage(!), but they should make reasonable adjustments. Maybe block off a quiet corner of first class for you.

Worth asking.

Is agoraphobia one of the protected characteristics under the equality act. In any event do reasonable adjustments have to be made? Would this be a reasonable adjustment? I doubt it.

 

[GlosRail]

Your best bet will be to hire a limo, or a London style taxi where the driver will be screened off at the front and you can sit in the back.

The only trains left you can still travel like that are the sleeper trains, but they don't go the way you want.

 

[Holly]

is this a serious post? If it is i don't think it would be possible to facilitate such an option without a large sum of money to hand. It would be cheaper to pay a chauffeur to drive you around. ...

Totally, but maybe the OP has a large sum of money to spend.
Even in the days of Mk.1 corridor rolling stock reserved compartments were not cheap (except for military officers on special duty).
Heck, in South America you can pay to have your rented private historic carriage attached to the rear of a freight train.

But a chauffeur driven limousine is the obvious solution.

 

[jopsuk]

the reality is that you'd be unlikely to complete your journey without encountering a reasonably or very busy train- and you're likely to have to change at a major station. I appreciate that anxiety can be serious and debilitating- but the reality is there are no provisions, and there could not be provisions, to accomodate

 

[Iskra]

A pre-negotiated taxi would seem the best option to me.

Whatever you do is going to be expensive though.

 

[trainophile]

Would it help if you took a companion with you? Someone you feel safe with? Probably cheaper to pay for their tickets and even a Premier Inn hotel room for them if necessary.

 

[broadgage]

Although I am pro-rail, in this case I feel that road transport would be more suitable.
If I have understood correctly, the O/P suffers from a fear of large open spaces and/or unfamiliar situations and probably from views of same. This would seem to include not just railway vehicles but also platforms and waiting areas etc.
In that case a road vehicle with curtains or blinds might suit ? Not certain that a London type taxi would help as they have large and not readily covered windows.
A motor caravan with a separate living area equipped with curtains or blinds might be suitable. Or a mini bus if fitted with curtains or blinds ? Such vehicles can be hired, with or without driver.

Ask your doctor if any mild sedative can be prescribed to ease the journey. Alternative the MODERATE use of alcohol can help.

 

[MP33]

Leaving very early is no guarantee.

I used to live in view of a Greater Anglia station. The first train was at 04.15 and there would be whenever I looked out the window around four or five people catching the train. To make a total of 15 or so passengers on the train. Closer to London I suspect that nearly all the seats would have been taken.

 

[jamesst]

How about a very early morning train?
04:12 from Port Talbot Parkway changing at Cardiff (05:01/05:08) and Chester (08:21/08:31) arriving Birkenhead 09:06.
Perhaps splitting the tickets might help. Standard Class as far as Cardiff and First Class Cardiff-Birkenhead.

Word of warning,the 0831 Chester to Birkenhead (Liverpool) is a very busy train

 

[bluenoxid]

Have you thought of Uber/car hire?

 

[yorkie]

How about a very early morning train?
04:12 from Port Talbot Parkway changing at Cardiff (05:01/05:08) and Chester (08:21/08:31) arriving Birkenhead 09:06.

I think the OP wanted quiet trains, not busy trains!

 

[Starmill]

I would echo the comments that the cheapest and surest way for the OP to try this would be by getting some quotes for hiring a chauffeur. Rail, excellent a mode of transport as it is, cannot really provide for this situation unfortunately.

 

[ComUtoR]

May I how your phobia manifests and what the triggers are ? Wouldn't the best advice be to deal with the symptoms and cause and apply that to train travel. Does medication help ?

Please excuse me if I naively thought that claustrophobia would be more of an issue due to the small, cramped environment, with limited emergency exit, and totally outside of personal control.

 

[bunnahabhain]

I was agoraphobic for the best part of four years as a teenager and it set me back many years. Hypnotherapy helped cure me, if you've not tried it give it a go. I now work with the public on the railways and whilst I still don't like some situations I'm no longer a prisoner in my own home. You absolutely must do something, please!

 

[kelv]

Have you considered wearing a VR device?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Gear-Innovator-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B016FK9OVY/

Just slip your Samsung phone inside it and you enter a different world.

was gonna say the same, my lad just got 1 for £6, not sure there's enough content available for the whole journey though ?

 

[DarloRich]

There are such a thing as private carriages - IF you have the funds to pay for one. Virgin, for instance, have rented carriages to celebs in the past. Here you go: https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/redcarpet