Recent content by grumblingalong

Having once had a complaint submitted about me by a BTP officer that I had effectively asked to be threatened with violence for "asking someone for a ticket too many times" I'm afraid you could double their number and still be nowhere near an effective force. I don't have a good word to say for...

Sounds like you have been lucky to get away with a verbal warning this time, if no details were taken you won't be being pursued for it, if you were you would have been given a copy of the report/penalty fare.

Imagine the look on my face and those of my fellow travellers when, earlier this year, two ladies sat down in the rear first class of a London bound early morning Thameslink and proceeded to tuck into two freshly boiled eggs each, with toast. Didn't know whether to feel sick or admire them really.

Yep, second the comment about control. As an industry insider, it's clear to see when decisions are being made for the convenience of the railway rather than with thought to the passengers. Huge service gaps left with all the services running each side is a frequent example, no juggling of the...

9JXX service group commuter here, Thameslink really do blow hot and cold on the north of London section. I've gone months earlier in the year without so much as a 20 minute delay. Just recently though (since the bad feeling and strikes started up) crewing has obviously become an even more acute...

This is not just for yourself but for anyone applying for railway jobs - never rely on overtime. I've seen far too many people get caught out by industrial disputes or lack of overtime for other reasons. Overtime is overtime, it is bonus money and you shouldn't count it in your sums!

Yes they do get through and are most welcome, I've been lucky enough to have had a few lovely letters sent through. In one case where there was a complaint (completely unfairly, although I would say that) made against me, the complaint letter was outnumbered 3 to 1 with letters commending me on...

Got mine linked to an AMEX so they'll take just about everything

It's not so much the bureaucracy, more the lack of any protective equipment (cuffs, stab vest, baton etc.) should said person decide not to take being spoken to well.

Did the job listing specify a requirement to speak Welsh? If not, you have nothing to worry about.

Ditto, bar incidents and the very annoying shortages of drivers especially on weekends it's an incredibly reliable service. I'm in London three days a week at the moment and haven't claimed a delay repay for 3 months.

As others have said, 700 if it's running through St Pancras. On the King's Cross starters/terminators you'll find 387's during the week and a mix of 387s and 700s on Sundays.

Must be those bed like seats on the 700s! I'd be very sceptical about this one too, it doesn't all add up to me so can see why the inspector took the action stated.

You don't travel by train much do you

Not really following your point here, seems LNWR had a slightly poor afternoon, one cancellation and two 15 minutes late is a fairly good response to any incident or congestion etc. Not exactly what I would describe as "ABYSMAL", not great no, but far from abysmal.