I understood that we operate a national rail network and I expect the signalling and train running information to be standard across the network. Apparently not so, according to FCC who tell me that data would need to be provided to them manually by Southeastern if it is to be included on their displays. I was particularly consoled by the closing line of FCC’s reply:

Unfortunately information systems are very complicated, we will continue to look at ways to improve our services but we have to be realistic about these goals.

GNER have changed all this. Today they launched (into some sort of beta test) their new online ticketing facility. I am pleased to report that in the final stages of booking you can now select ‘bicycle space’ and then make a bicycle reservation.

Magic.

And remind me again quite why this rail company (the only rail company with even an ounce of sense) just lost their franchise?

My photos are available. Some highlights include:

Scottish figs:

Award winning beaches:

Smoo Caves:

Generally incredible views:

See the whole lot..

**update** Sarah describes the trip in extensive detail here

This one happened on the corner of Gresham Road and Coldharbour Lane in South East London.

I particularly enjoyed the walking tube map of London (via some art students). It tells you how long it takes to walk between stations, instead of getting the tube.

“As our fares are so low, we have been instructed [by the Department for Transport] to introduce a large increase to bring our ticket prices in line with other Train Operating Companies.”

I have to say, that is the first time I’ve heard rail travel in the UK described as too cheap.

Naturally, one might expect an improvement (a 23% improvement?) in service to accompany such rises. Possibilities include operating longer trains (so that more customers can get on the train, rather than being left on the platform), changing carriages to provide handles so that passengers can safely stand on the train (at the moment, despite the fact that a large quantity of people stand, the carriages were not designed with this purpose in mind), or increasing frequency, punctuality and reliability.

This week, The Guardian reported that the only thing that FCC intend to do with their additional revenue is to increase the number of ticket collectors at stations. Not exactly in the interest of passengers. Indeed, prior to 2007 I had never had my ticket checked in either direction on my daily journey to work. Now, it is checked on virtually all journeys.

On a similar note, I was incredibly impressed by the efforts of a group of passengers, travelling with First Great Western, who successfully protested against fare rises and poor service with spoof rail tickets. Their campaign was widely reported in the press, and even made discussion in parliament.

that is the cost of just 3 first class stamps (nearly).

I phoned First to confirm the details of my journey as the information on their web site is ambiguous. I wanted to determine:

• the fare
• if it is possible to board the bus on the busiest street for buses in Edinburgh

It should come as no surprise that the customer service rep on the phone answered both (that’s 100% of the total asked) questions incorrectly.

when trying to find out the cost of my journey, it was no surprise to find a page like this on their web site:

For infrequent travellers, you may just wish to purchase a single travel ticket. Simply state your destination to the driver when you board and he will advise the appropriate price for the distance travelled.
…
For a speedier journey all our services operate on an exact fare (no change given) basis so please try to have the correct money ready.

it’s the old fare prediction game!