Starting a new thread as this recent one is now locked -- http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=132505
This morning I alighted at platform 1 of Preston. Ticket in hand ready for the check on the footbridge, as per. At the top of the stairs, however, no hi-viz revenue inspection. I was momentarily stun-locked, the routine of footbridge ticket checks no longer a part of my Monday travels.
But then, the new reality hit me. At the bottom of the footbridge stairs, a welcoming committee. The existing Virgin staff ticket checkers halfway down the ramp have been joined by two hi-viz women, a Virgin uniformed woman, and a series of taped off funnels. It has the look of the entrance to a gig, with VIP sections taped off and guarded by bouncers.
I showed my ticket to the hi-viz women. They had no time at all to look because Virgin woman stepped over, wagged a finger in my direction, and declared "Yes, good morning, thank you". No eye contact. Efficient to the end, she moved on to the next passenger behind me.
I know this is a Charleston we have danced before. I thought that the combination of ramp checks and footbridge revenue inspection was clumsy enough at a station without ticket barriers. Now it's moved on to something resembling the Manchester Apollo when a band are playing.
Could this be the only solution to ticket checks at Preston? Or is there any chance of something less convoluted than half dozen staff from two different employers waiting at the stairs?
This morning I alighted at platform 1 of Preston. Ticket in hand ready for the check on the footbridge, as per. At the top of the stairs, however, no hi-viz revenue inspection. I was momentarily stun-locked, the routine of footbridge ticket checks no longer a part of my Monday travels.
But then, the new reality hit me. At the bottom of the footbridge stairs, a welcoming committee. The existing Virgin staff ticket checkers halfway down the ramp have been joined by two hi-viz women, a Virgin uniformed woman, and a series of taped off funnels. It has the look of the entrance to a gig, with VIP sections taped off and guarded by bouncers.
I showed my ticket to the hi-viz women. They had no time at all to look because Virgin woman stepped over, wagged a finger in my direction, and declared "Yes, good morning, thank you". No eye contact. Efficient to the end, she moved on to the next passenger behind me.
I know this is a Charleston we have danced before. I thought that the combination of ramp checks and footbridge revenue inspection was clumsy enough at a station without ticket barriers. Now it's moved on to something resembling the Manchester Apollo when a band are playing.
Could this be the only solution to ticket checks at Preston? Or is there any chance of something less convoluted than half dozen staff from two different employers waiting at the stairs?
