Virgin Employee Travel Perks

[ANorthernGuard]

I would certainly have no problem with that.

I am on the west side of Northern and the number people who choose not to purchase a ticket before boarding is gob-smacking.

Depends what Line u r on

Crewe is ok

Stokes similar

Merseyrail areas no probs

BUT

Hadfields, Sheffields (before New Mills Central)

Chesters

are all hard work as 75% of pax don't have tickets but in reality its impossible to inforce unless you want to spend most of your railway career in traction as we have very little security and we HAVE to rely on staff from other TOC's alot everything is not as clear cut as people would like to believe

 

[Darandio]

SO as we are all sticking by the rules

from tomorrow

EVERYONE WHO GETS ON MY TRAIN WITHOUT BUYING A TICKET FROM AN OPEN BOOKING OFFICE WILL BE SDS no arguments

Now would that keep everyone happy or is it ok bending rules for pax but not for train staff???

Apologies in advance, but..........

You are actually making a fool of yourself now, posting some quite ridiculous remarks to drive home your point.

Never was the remark made earlier in the thread of "All Railway employees are equal, and above mere "Passengers" more apt than when you post.

 

[Anvil1984]

Its no better on the east side even at stations like York, I sometimes enforce it (in bad mood days) but the arguments with senior railcard holders get to you and you just end up giving anything anytime and the posters on the train aren't exactly visible along with inconsitency amongst the guards

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Apologies in advance, but..........

You are actually making a fool of yourself now, posting some quite ridiculous remarks to drive home your point.

Never was the remark made earlier in the thread of "All Railway employees are equal, and above mere "Passengers" more apt than when you post.

I was merely stating rules are bent continuously from both sides to simply make the job go smoother, happier and in some cases safer, I have never once said I am better than a passenger, and while i'm at work I am very passenger orientated to get them from A-B as quick and as comfortably as possible

so please explain to me the difference from the post, if the rules are bent for staff AND passengers, people cannot nit pick about different things otherwise we would be here to the cows come home

Maybe just Maybe you should actually speak to the guards on the trains and ask them what the job is really like instead of seeing everything with rose tinted glasses

you may learn a valuable lesson


Also are you a railway employee? I would be surprised if you are

 

[Anvil1984]

To be honest gents I think we are probably going to have to agree to disagree hereI can see why some people will get narked at staff travelling free but on the other hand I can see why it happens and I'm fed up of the inconsistency of who get what (safeguarded, non safeguarded and management) but thats for us amongst ourselves.

I retain my position of not charging rail staff or police in case I need them, if they choose not to help when requested then they shall be charged. Also I will choose to ignore the rules where needs be when it comes to railcards and other passengers situations, (got the wrong train etc)

This is going round in circles and is going to descend into pettyness I reckon

 

[ANorthernGuard]

To be honest gents I think we are probably going to have to agree to disagree hereI can see why some people will get narked at staff travelling free but on the other hand I can see why it happens and I'm fed up of the inconsistency of who get what (safeguarded, non safeguarded and management) but thats for us amongst ourselves.

I retain my position of not charging rail staff or police in case I need them, if they choose not to help when requested then they shall be charged. Also I will choose to ignore the rules where needs be when it comes to railcards and other passengers situations, (got the wrong train etc)

This is going round in circles and is going to descend into pettyness I reckon

Yep I think we should all agree to disagree on this one

 

[313103]

I do not know why this argument is going on! The reason why i say this is that 'My Pals' (as alluded by one person) get free travel and 'SOMETIMES' bend the rules to allow more then what they get, yet i know of many train enthusiasts also know how to play the system, i think the term is 'Effing the fare' I am sure someone on here knows what it is. I have only heard the term though.

During my days of watching Arsenal away from home, if the train i was on had the scheduled electric loco taken off as the train was on diversion and say a 37, 47, 56 or even a 58, loads of spotters boarding the front coach and taking over a Footex and turning it into a bash instead, on one occasion i overheard a few discussing how they are going to get back without paying.

I think you will also find that some of 'my pals' that are also train enthusiasts would also bend the rules if they knew a fellow spotter. It would appear that an element of jealously is being applied here hence the use of sarcasm and the holier then though attitude that persists through this article.

As a former BR employee i get 16 boxes of travel, nowadays train travel has become very restrictive and the fact that there is nothing to travel on that is not a EMU or a DMU so therefore nothing interesting, and that watching Arsenal has become prohibitively expensive i very rarely use them, in the last ten years i have had at least 3 left over every year after they have expired. I also know staff who never use their passes. The last paragraph may have digressed from the OP original point for that i am sorry.

 

[Dreadnought]

Its certainly Morally RIGHT and 99% of Train Crew would agree

without going over the same old arguments its very clear cut

Railways agree

Non Railway Don't

Where do you draw the line on this? Is everybody who has a connection to the railways entitled to this "unwritten" benefit including dependents?

Also, I am confused as to why it is "morally right" for staff to be able to travel anywhere they want on the railway system for "free". If this is the case then surely a "go anywhere you want for free" pass would be issued to all staff rather than the current system that is in place.

I'm ex railway with railway ancestestry and I have never once heard from guards or ticket staff (or family members) that I could travel free because of my employment or family status.

 

[Striker]

Apologies in advance, but..........

You are actually making a fool of yourself now,

"Now"?

Also, is now a good time to mention his poor spelling and grammar?

To be honest gents I think we are probably going to have to agree to disagree hereI can see why some people will get narked at staff travelling free

Nobody has a problem if staff travel free if it's stated in their contracts. Any rail employee travelling for free just because they've been allowed by the guard is no different to a member of the public boarding a train without a ticket either or deciding to upgrade themselves to first class. It's completely wrong and the sheer hypocrisy from the guard in that situation would be hard to swallow. The guard has no right to do this and it's an abuse of his position.

I retain my position of not charging rail staff or police in case I need them, if they choose not to help when requested then they shall be charged. Also I will choose to ignore the rules where needs be when it comes to railcards and other passengers situations, (got the wrong train etc)

You justify not charging someone because they might be able to help you if you need them? :roll: How about a bodybuilder? Would you charge them because they might be able to help you? How about a nurse? They could help you. Would you charge them? But to then say you would charge them subsequently if they refused to help you? Utterly ridiculous. :roll:

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Where do you draw the line on this? Is everybody who has a connection to the railways entitled to this "unwritten" benefit including dependents?

Also, I am confused as to why it is "morally right" for staff to be able to travel anywhere they want on the railway system for "free". If this is the case then surely a "go anywhere you want for free" pass would be issued to all staff rather than the current system that is in place.

I'm ex railway with railway ancestestry and I have never once heard from guards or ticket staff (or family members) that I could travel free because of my employment or family status.

my point of view is this if you are staff/retired staff then you should get free travel, Anvil hit the nail on the head when he said there is so many different rules for safeguarded/non safeguarded yadda yadda, its ridiculous, I literally grew up on trains, I dont know what lines you were on but back in the 70s/80s it was almost expected, yes I know things have changed and been fragmented, however it does not change mine and many railway colleagues that there should be free travel for rail staff and their dependants, we all know not everyone agrees to this, however this is my belief and I stick by them

 

[Striker]

I do not know why this argument is going on! The reason why i say this is that 'My Pals' (as alluded by one person) get free travel and 'SOMETIMES' bend the rules to allow more then what they get, yet i know of many train enthusiasts also know how to play the system, i think the term is 'Effing the fare' I am sure someone on here knows what it is. I have only heard the term though.

Letting somebody on the train for free is breaking the rules not bending them. Exploiting a fare to it's max is most definitely NOT breaking the rules, so I don't know what you're talking about.

 

[Mr Spock]

I do not know why this argument is going on! The reason why i say this is that 'My Pals' (as alluded by one person) get free travel and 'SOMETIMES' bend the rules to allow more then what they get, yet i know of many train enthusiasts also know how to play the system, i think the term is 'Effing the fare' I am sure someone on here knows what it is. I have only heard the term though.

I think you will also find that some of 'my pals' that are also train enthusiasts would also bend the rules if they knew a fellow spotter. It would appear that an element of jealously is being applied here hence the use of sarcasm and the holier then though attitude that persists through this article.

I know what "effing it" is but these people if caught will have to pay a fare.

Jealousy works both ways and it appears to me that some people in the rail industry are not happy that they do not get the same free travel (all line) as safe guarded staff.

I am ex staff and get free travel and make the most of it within the rules that apply, I never asked for a free trip or upgrade in my 38 years career.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

"Now"?

Also, is now a good time to mention his poor spelling and grammar?




Nobody has a problem if staff travel free if it's stated in their contracts. Any rail employee travelling for free just because they've been allowed by the guard is no different to a member of the public boarding a train without a ticket either or deciding to upgrade themselves to first class. It's completely wrong and the sheer hypocrisy from the guard in that situation would be hard to swallow. The guard has no right to do this and it's an abuse of his position.





You justify not charging someone because they might be able to help you if you need them? :roll: How about a bodybuilder? Would you charge them because they might be able to help you? How about a nurse? They could help you. Would you charge them? But to then say you would charge them subsequently if they refused to help you? Utterly ridiculous. :roll:

I'm sorry Striker about my poor spelling and Grammer however as your goal in life seems to be lets try and wind people up i'm glad I have given you ammunition, BUT! your arguments will fall on the majority of train Crews deaf ears, you obviously have a blatent dislike of Train Crew, is it because we are doing something you would like to do but got turned down??? or is it because you probably have no life and seriously need to get laid, if you can't get it by normal means maybe you could find slack alice from the arches to cheer you up because m8 you really need to get out more!

 

[Striker]

my point of view is this if you are staff/retired staff then you should get free travel

And it's my point of view that I should get two weeks in a nice country retreat with a spa and paid for by the government, like they do in Germany, but it's not going to happen is it?

As much as you think it "should" happen, it's not your decision to make. :roll:
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

you obviously have a blatent dislike of Train Crew, is it because we are doing something you would like to do but got turned down??? or is it because you probably have no life and seriously need to get laid, if you can't get it by normal means maybe you could find slack alice from the arches to cheer you up because m8 you really need to get out more!

I have nothing against train crew. In fact, I'm not even a rail enthusiast. Was when I was a child but I grew out of it. I acheived my goal in life (air traffic controller). I just saw this argument and thought you were completely in the wrong, hence my presence here.

 

[tbtc]

you probably have no life and seriously need to get laid, if you can't get it by normal means maybe you could find slack alice from the arches to cheer you up because m8 you really need to get out more!

I love it when people resort to personal abuse because they know they're losing an argument :roll:

 

[ukrob]

I'm sorry Striker about my poor spelling and Grammer however as your goal in life seems to be lets try and wind people up i'm glad I have given you ammunition, BUT! your arguments will fall on the majority of train Crews deaf ears, you obviously have a blatent dislike of Train Crew, is it because we are doing something you would like to do but got turned down??? or is it because you probably have no life and seriously need to get laid, if you can't get it by normal means maybe you could find slack alice from the arches to cheer you up because m8 you really need to get out more!

You have mentioned this a few times. It is quite a strange statement as you don't know what people do, what they want to do, or how senior they are at what they do. Contrary to what you believe, being train crew is not the UK's ultimate job. You are obviously passionate about your job (which is great), but it is very childish to play the 'jealous card'.

 

[Dreadnought]

my point of view is this if you are staff/retired staff then you should get free travel, Anvil hit the nail on the head when he said there is so many different rules for safeguarded/non safeguarded yadda yadda, its ridiculous, I literally grew up on trains, I dont know what lines you were on but back in the 70s/80s it was almost expected, yes I know things have changed and been fragmented, however it does not change mine and many railway colleagues that there should be free travel for rail staff and their dependants, we all know not everyone agrees to this, however this is my belief and I stick by them

Can you stretch this to ex-railway staff like me! I would have loved to have continued my career on the railways but due to the hot-potch fragmentation that took place as result of privatisation this opportunity was denied to me.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

And it's my point of view that I should get two weeks in a nice country retreat with a spa and paid for by the government, like they do in Germany, but it's not going to happen is it?

As much as you think it "should" happen, it's not your decision to make. :roll:

And I'm pretty sure it would never be yours


Now this is getting petty

I have stated my beliefs and that will be the end of my contribution, I do not really care if people agree or disagree with me, that's Life! However I do take exception to either being called illiterate, OR unprofessional

when you are my passengers you WILL be treated with the utmost respect and I WILL endeavour to get you to your destination on time

If every rule on the railway was followed to the letter the railway would grind to a halt faster then someone pulling a passcom!

Treat me with respect you will get it back in spades, don't and you will be treated the way you deserve

 

[Striker]

It is quite a strange statement as you don't know what people do, what they want to do, or how senior they are at what they do.

I think a large amount of egg would be on his face if he knew my situation.

 

[tbtc]

my point of view is this if you are staff/retired staff then you should get free travel

there should be free travel for rail staff and their dependants

You're perfectly entitled to your opinion.

You're not entitled to break the rules to suit your agenda.

A simple distinction, which I'm sure most people can appreciate.

 

[Mr Spock]

my point of view is this if you are staff/retired staff then you should get free travel, Anvil hit the nail on the head when he said there is so many different rules for safeguarded/non safeguarded yadda yadda, its ridiculous, I literally grew up on trains, I dont know what lines you were on but back in the 70s/80s it was almost expected, yes I know things have changed and been fragmented, however it does not change mine and many railway colleagues that there should be free travel for rail staff and their dependants, we all know not everyone agrees to this, however this is my belief and I stick by them

The problem is that you do not make the rules and therefore the ones that are there should be adhered to, you should not pick and choose which ones you agree with.

I know that there have always been some who allowed extra travel but it was generally for people they knew whereas today (as I have said before) people like you expect it whenever and wherever. Some of your statements also make it clear that you would even put pressure on guards to allow you to travel for free if you ask.

Anyway although I think that you are completely in the wrong if that is how you want to carry on then that is up to you as nothing I or others say will, I am sure, ever change you.

 

[Striker]

And I'm pretty sure it would never be yours


either being called illiterate,

Nobody said you were illiterate. But the quality of the spelling and grammar in a post tells the reader an awful lot, and maybe you'd be taken a bit more seriously if you'd just take a bit more care.

 

[tbtc]

Next time the railway has a situation like this one:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...arrest-ticket-inspector-invalid-warrants.html

...where a Guard comes out with the old "I don't make the rules..." speech, don't forget that its completely up to them whether they bother checking tickets/ charging fares/ letting their mates ride around the country for nothing...

 

[ANorthernGuard]

The problem is that you do not make the rules and therefore the ones that are there should be adhered to, you should not pick and choose which ones you agree with.

I know that there have always been some who allowed extra travel but it was generally for people they knew whereas today (as I have said before) people like you expect it whenever and wherever. Some of your statements also make it clear that you would even put pressure on guards to allow you to travel for free if you ask.

Anyway although I think that you are completely in the wrong if that is how you want to carry on then that is up to you as nothing I or others say will, I am sure, ever change you.

95% of guards (a rough estimate admittedly) would agree with me, unless you are a Guard/TM/Conductor you couldn't understand (which is fair enough)
Just like you can't change my opinion, I'm pretty sure I can't change yours

 

[Striker]

95% of guards (a rough estimate admittedly) would agree with me,

I'm sure they do. It wouldn't make them right though would it?

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Next time the railway has a situation like this one:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...arrest-ticket-inspector-invalid-warrants.html

...where a Guard comes out with the old "I don't make the rules..." speech, don't forget that its completely up to them whether they bother checking tickets/ charging fares/ letting their mates ride around the country for nothing...

hmmm strange one to use I have on occasion let our brave lads/lasses travel, if they have had a problem with their warrant, I have the utmost respect for them and if I had it my way all armed services WOULD get free travel for what they risk, however i'm sure many people would take issue with that as well so i'm sure that will never happen

 

[Anvil1984]

I'm leaving this thread now as I stated its getting petty as predicted above like people asking would I charge bodybuilders as they could be useful, when I worked in on buffets if anyone helped out (nurse tending an injured passengers was a common one) then they would get a tea or coffee free, breaking the rules but a common occurance just like anytime the driver on the train gets a free coffee / bacon roll. When it comes to trsvelling a member of rail staff is more use than a passenger, can a member of the public tell passengers what details need to go on a here to help form, do they have controls phone number on them. Signallers / P Way don't get free travel through work even on duty but I won't charge them as they maybe needed when the points freeze over (which occured on my train last week and it definately get things moving a lot quicker). A bodybuilder can do none of this.

If I ask for assistance i.e looking after an ill passenger and they refuse they will be reminded of the favour, should they still refuse they will be charged / turfed off

If I can't break the rules to assist my colleagues past or present them why should I assist passengers, why should I give railcard discount to the old dears who don't go to the booking office at York, the rules say I shouldn't. Why should I carry 5 bikes on a quiet train when rules I can only carry 2. Why should I take passengers back to their original destination if they've made an honest mistake, I should charge them, its good customer services but against the rules. Why should I take a bag back to a passenger whos stood at Harrogate when I should dump it at the terminating service lagain against the rules.

Its my train and the rules get broken either way. Everyone passengers and staff are treated equal. Thats all folks

 

[Mr Spock]

95% of guards (a rough estimate admittedly) would agree with me, unless you are a Guard/TM/Conductor you couldn't understand (which is fair enough)
Just like you can't change my opinion, I'm pretty sure I can't change yours

Can you tell me when you carried out this survey?

 

[ANorthernGuard]

I'm sure they do. It wouldn't make them right though would it?

Striker to be honest, i'm not sure if anything is actually right in your world so I will not be taking the bait
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Can you tell me when you carried out this survey?

Working as a guard for over a decade and knowing practically hundreds of colleagues from quite afew different regions (hence the rough estimate)
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I'm leaving this thread now as I stated its getting petty as predicted above like people asking would I charge bodybuilders as they could be useful, when I worked in on buffets if anyone helped out (nurse tending an injured passengers was a common one) then they would get a tea or coffee free, breaking the rules but a common occurance just like anytime the driver on the train gets a free coffee / bacon roll. When it comes to trsvelling a member of rail staff is more use than a passenger, can a member of the public tell passengers what details need to go on a here to help form, do they have controls phone number on them. Signallers / P Way don't get free travel through work even on duty but I won't charge them as they maybe needed when the points freeze over (which occured on my train last week and it definately get things moving a lot quicker). A bodybuilder can do none of this.

If I ask for assistance i.e looking after an ill passenger and they refuse they will be reminded of the favour, should they still refuse they will be charged / turfed off

If I can't break the rules to assist my colleagues past or present them why should I assist passengers, why should I give railcard discount to the old dears who don't go to the booking office at York, the rules say I shouldn't. Why should I carry 5 bikes on a quiet train when rules I can only carry 2. Why should I take passengers back to their original destination if they've made an honest mistake, I should charge them, its good customer services but against the rules. Why should I take a bag back to a passenger whos stood at Harrogate when I should dump it at the terminating service lagain against the rules.

Its my train and the rules get broken either way. Everyone passengers and staff are treated equal. Thats all folks

Post of the Evening

Well Said

 

[Mr Spock]

hmmm strange one to use I have on occasion let our brave lads/lasses travel, if they have had a problem with their warrant, I have the utmost respect for them and if I had it my way all armed services WOULD get free travel for what they risk, however i'm sure many people would take issue with that as well so i'm sure that will never happen

Perhaps our forces do deserve free travel (when travelling to and from deployment) but we seem to be adding new groups all the time so perhaps we should just let anyone on a train who wants to travel and not charge them, would make your life a little easier.