Banter!

[RichmondCommu]

G'day everyone,

The other week after work I travelled up to Leighton Buzzard to visit an old school mate. On the approach to Leighton Buzzard the Train Manager advised passengers who were standing up to take care as we were about to cross from the down fast to the down slow. Very shortly after the driver made an announcement that he was always very careful (or words to that effect) and there was no need to worry. After we'd safely crossed from one line to the other there was a very quick "told ya!" from the driver.

Needless to say this little burst of banter produced many smiles from tired commuters and indeed one or two chuckles. I've chosen not to give out details of the train in case the two gentlemen get into trouble. However I would be interested to know whether London Midland or other TOC's consider banter between staff to be acceptable. It certainly made me smile!

Cheers,

Richmond Commuter.

 

[BestWestern]

A TM at our TOC once got a mention from the MD himself, in a company newsletter, after making an announcement welcoming passengers aboard the "Polar Express". He got a thanks for lightening the mood during some very nasty weather and generally grotty travelling conditions. On the other hand, a Guard who once worked for another TOC told me how he was mildly reprimanded for reminding alighting passengers to remember to take their "bits and bobs" with them, having suffered a slight mental block midway through his otherwise very professional announcement! Depends what you say and who you work for!

 

[222007]

I often have banter with my colleagues on board. I remember one occasion myself and the senior conductor were heading back towards the back cab and the trolley was in the way and between the 3 of us had the carriage in fits on laughter. One lady even commented on how she had never had such an enjoyable journey.

 

[RichmondCommu]

On the other hand, a Guard who once worked for another TOC told me how he was mildly reprimanded for reminding alighting passengers to remember to take their "bits and bobs" with them, having suffered a slight mental block midway through his otherwise very professional announcement! Depends what you say and who you work for!

I forgot to mention that on our approach to Leighton Buzzard passengers were reminded to ensure that no relatives were left behind! It was very apparent that these two gents clearly enjoyed their jobs and wanted to bring a smile to commuters faces. Well the plan worked! Note to TOC's: lets have more of this please!

 

[tom1649]

Northern don't seem to have a set script and is all the better for it. It was actually quite refreshing arriving into Sheffield on a terminating service without a reminder to take all our "personal belongings with us".

The Intercity TOCs seem to be much more rigid with their scripting which can start to grate after a while.

 

[Welshman]

Some while ago, I was on a XC service leaving Sheffield and the conductor announced "the next stop will be Leeds". While he was then checking tickets, someone asked what had happened to the Wakefield Westgate stop. He then rushed to the microphone and apologised, assuring us the next stop would indeed be Wakefield Westgate.

While we were coming in over the viaduct, another voice came on saying "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now approaching Wakefield Westgate" and then added, "and, unlike my colleague, I don't think it's an insignificant place at all!"

Certainly made me chuckle.

 

[34D]

There is or was a wimbleware driver who would virtually read a poem to everyone. Very amusing.

 

[wellhouse]

I've heard a driver on a 180 asking 'Where's my coffee?'

 

[stut]

This morning:

"...and I'm pleased to announce that we've arrived ahead of schedule. I'm also pleased to announce that it's Friday, so have a good weekend, folks!"

 

[D2022]

I've heard a driver on a 180 asking 'Where's my coffee?'

I've heard similiar, HST buffet crew gave out the usual hot teas and coffees blah blah, only for the guard to ask over the PA for a bacon butty. Amused a few people I must say

 

[eastwestdivide]

From way back when, somewhere in Staffordshire, heading for Euston, the guard came on with "sorry for the slight delay, but the driver says we've got a good engine on the front and we should make up some time". No verbal reply from the driver, but a high speed run into Euston was only spoilt by some signal problems.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Hes been mentioned before, but that guy for XC that always has extravegent announcements for stations. I like him.

 

[Nym]

I forgot to mention that on our approach to Leighton Buzzard passengers were reminded to ensure that no relatives were left behind! It was very apparent that these two gents clearly enjoyed their jobs and wanted to bring a smile to commuters faces. Well the plan worked! Note to TOC's: lets have more of this please!

Reminds me of my first experience on London Midland Express, think it was a service off NMP or MKC, was heading down to WFJ from MAN and jumped from one t'other at MKC. Probably the most pleasant conductor / guard I've ever had, although she did have a list of prompts, it was due to the Olympic changes and how they affected each station we called at on route.

 

[Anon Mouse]

There is a Northern Guard who makes pretty amusing bi-lingual announcements in the North East....I remember being on a train one time and after every station that the guard stated during his announcement the driver made a Yoda style noise which tickled me too

 

[60163]

Only yesterday, I filmed the EMT 153 that would take me back to Crewe arriving at Alsager. It ground to a halt several metres away from me, so I had to sprint like a silly to get to it. The guard then told me all about how they constantly lose time because the train has to stop at that part of the platform b/c of the signal; yet people always stand next to the station building. Nice guy

 

[BestWestern]

There was a story some months back of one TOC - I have a feeling it was Chiltern, but may be wrong - introducing scripted 'funny' announcements for their Guards. The general feeling was that it would go down like a lead balloon, since 'funny' announcements are only funny if they're off the cuff, rather than being repeated over and over every day! Anybody know how they got on?!

 

[Lrd]

There was a story some months back of one TOC - I have a feeling it was Chiltern, but may be wrong - introducing scripted 'funny' announcements for their Guards. The general feeling was that it would go down like a lead balloon, since 'funny' announcements are only funny if they're off the cuff, rather than being repeated over and over every day! Anybody know how they got on?!

Yes it was Chiltern and it was Tony Robinson doing the 'training'.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18050473

No idea how they got on though...

 

[Cherry_Picker]

It was a highly effective publicity stunt, wasnt it?