I'd like you all to see the following comment left on this site by Bill re the on-going saga of GNER's increase to parking fees: -

Comment from: Bill [Visitor]
GNER Car Parking charges:

In August I wrote to Rail Passenger Focus about the ridiculously high parking charges at GNER stations.

Today I received this reply:

'I fully understand your concerns about the proposed increase to car parking prices in your area. We agree that the increase is totally out of proportion and we strongly oppose this move.

GNER argues that the level of investment put into their car parks in recent years justifies this hike and brings their prices into line with car parks elsewhere in the towns where they operate the station. We believe the increases are likely to discourage some passengers from travelling by train at all and those who have no choice are paying almost twice as much for exactly the same product.

Unfortunately we cannot force GNER to withdraw the increased charges but we will continue to make strong representations about what we believe to be unjustified price increases. Passenger Focus have now referred GNER to the Department for Transport and asked them to consider whether these price increases are in the best interests of passengers. We are now awaiting the Departments decision in this matter. We are also gathering passenger comments to provide evidence for the department so thank you very much for this feedback.

Thank you for contacting Passenger Focus.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Lee

Passenger Advisor
Passenger Focus
9th Floor, Rail House
Store street,
Manchester M1 2RP'

email catherine.lee@passengerfocus.org.uk

To add more strength to the argument I suggest that everybody contacts Passenger Focus as soon as possible!

Regards,

Bill

Twice I heard the request not to walk through from Std Class to 1st class  last week but I thought this was because we had a guard I'd never seen before. Apparently not. Even Mr nice guy and regular guard on the 07.20 Sean did it this morning and I'd really like to know why and if they can stop us. As I have 1 of my free upgrades left from my 05/06 season ticket, if all goes well I'm going to sit in 1st class tomorrow morning and find out.

Shahmacher is on holiday for a shotrt while so it's just Platform6 and I for the next few days. Personally I haven't had any cause for concern this week although I did catch the 14.30 home yesterday which departed 4 minutes late but still got to Tinsel Town on time. I even managed to renew my ticket with absolutely no problem what so ever.

I have to say I didn't realise Platform6 has been making this journey for half a lifetime. My old man did it for about 15 years but retired about 6 years ago. Until I read Platform6's post he was the longest serving commuter I knew. Not anymore though. Fella you have some stamina and my utmost respect.

It's now time to go on the GNER website and claim my free benefits. For those that don't know these so called benefits are as follows: -
4 free 1st class upgrades (1 way only)
£20 worth of go eat vouchers. (£20 doesn't go far with GNER) 
These are the ones which are worth having. The following are pretty much a waste of time for me: -
Unlimited Season Duo tickets (formerly 2 for 1 Leisure First tickets) (what the fuck are these? I don't know).
Unlimited 34% discount off Standard Advance 4, Single tickets (for you plus one other accompanying person). (Try booking them. I've been refused every time I've truied and each time I didn't qualify for a differant reason))
Automatic news updates. (I never get any).
GNER365 ticket wallet (It falls apart after 6 months)

After my first day back at work it was really good that GNER did not let me down last night. The 18.03 took 1 hour and 17mins to get home instead of the scheduled 50mins due to a point failure at Potters Bar, of all the places I have been stuck over the years I have to say that last nights view "New Barnet" has to be one of the worst.
Then this morning the 06.15 left 7 minutes late, no reason was given and no appology was made. But I know why.This train is not scheduled to arrive until 07.10 (55 minutes for a 45 minute journey) so even when it leaves 7 minutes late it still arrives "on time". No wonder we are about to loose our 5% discount!!