Why should I trust rail travel?

[styles]

It's very frustrating, isn't it?

I advocate for public transport a lot.

But then I get friends and family coming back to me with bad news about their journeys. Sometimes it's a significant delay. Sometimes it's a wheelchair user being left on the train. Sometimes it's finding out their ticket isn't valid for their journey because the fares system is a bit ridiculous.

And I still try and say well that's unfortunate but it's not the usual operation. The fact is though, it's also not uncommon. And if it's not uncommon, people's confidence in rail travel will continue to reduce.

 

[yorksrob]

It's very frustrating, isn't it?

I advocate for public transport a lot.

But then I get friends and family coming back to me with bad news about their journeys.

It's true. I do sometimes get caught up in problems, but given the amount of time I spend on trains it's to be expected.

Friends and family who are occasional travellers seem to get it worse.

 

[Shrop]

This is an inaccurate representation of what actually happened. In particular, by focusing on Virgin West Coast, you miss the fact that the key decisions were taken by DfT who used their authority to block WSMR. The possible exception (I've heard various views) is the Virgin extension to Wrexham.

I reiterate, its the TOCs AND the system that need to change.

 

[35B]

I reiterate, its the TOCs AND the system that need to change.

Given my experiences of TOCs, I'd suggest that nothing will change while DfT remain in their position