I knew the 17.20 would be delayed today before I even arrived at the station. I only knew this becasue I checked the unofficial http://www.scrg.co.uk/testtiger2.asp?ID=3006bd KX departure board about a half hour before I was due to leave.
Strangely it said at the time that it would arrive 10 mins late but leave on time. I thought this unlikely so stayed an extra 5 mins or so at my desk. (What commitment eh?). I arrived at KX at 20 past and guess what? The 17.20 was delayed for at leat 10 mins. It was decision time. Do I hop on the 17.20 in the hope that it gets out before the 17.30 or do I hop on the 17.30. I opted for the 17.30 as with only 10 mins to go and no passengers on board, I didn't think they'd be able to turn the 17.20 around before the 17.30 was due to depart. And they wouldn't want to risk another late departure would they?
Turns out I was right by a good few minutes too because it takes me a good 5 mins to walk from the train to my bike, get mi gear on and set off home. By the time I'd done this tonight, the 17.20 was still no where in sight and neither was it as I passed over the town bridge.
This mornings train on the other hand arrived seconds passed 07.17, left bang on time and arrived in't t'smoke 5 mins early. The only thing of note was a new guard doing the announcements. It's classic how they all have their own style and some, finesse. Shaun has his standard we'll wake you up if we have to Joke whilst Michael is known to ad lib it. There's another guy, sorry can't remember his name, but he sounds like he should be making call centre announcements. There's also a Chinese fella who does the trolly and catering announcements some times and whilst is english is brilliant, his pronunciation is appauling over a tanoy. Appauling but very fucking funny and steriotypical.