At last there's a bit of good news for GNER employees. A report in 'This is York' claims GNEr is not expected to shed any jobs over the coming 12 months and if they are, the redundancies must be approved by the Railways ministers office beforehand. Click the link for the full report: -

http://www.thisisyork.co.uk/display.var.1085012.0..php

With regards to the commute into and out of London, last nights 17.20 was delayed due to problems with signal north of Stevenage. The train came to a complete stop at Stevenage staion for no more than a few minutes and arrived into Tinsel Town a full 7 minutes late.

This mornings journey was much better. Train arrived bang on 07.17 and left bang on 07.20. Passenger numbers were down by about 2 thirds though as they already have our money, that won't bother GNER one little bit. This made for one of the quickest RP checks I've ever seen. Good old cheery Michael reached coach D before we'd got to Huntingdon.

There was some problem with the buffet car this morning as they were unable to serve hot drinks. Perhaps the kettle was like most of the passengers at P'boro station - Frozen. Thankfully the trolly was fully operational so those who wanted a hot drink weren't disappointed.

I've been ever so pleased with the response to yesterdays post from GNER crew. They're obviously as disgusted with Robs behaviour as I am and quite right too. I'm sure our beloved Bernard (who gave one of his classic and eagerly anticipated announcements this morning) wouldn't be so obstinate.

This evenings trip home will be my last of 2006. I'm not expecting any trouble though with the airlines grounded across the UK, who knows?

Last night I witnessed a classic display of poor customer service from a member of GNER's train crew. Becasue of this I have decided to award Ester Ransens Jobs Worth award for the month of Decemebr to Rob, trolly dolly on last nights 17.20.

It happened like this. 2 very nice ladies I know had spent the day in London and purchased 2 half bottles of wine from Marks and Sparks to drink on the way home. Unfortunately they didn't have any glasses/cups etc so as the trolly passed their seats, one very nicely asked Rob for 2 plastic glasses. Rob point blank refused and whilst he wasn't exactly rude, he was certainly less than polite. Curt is probalably the correct description. What were his reasons I hear you say. Surely he had one? He did. The train goes to Hull and he has to make the cups on the trolly last until the train arrives there.

What bollocks is that all about? Your not telling me the trolly can't be restocked mid journey with cups from the buffet car. These 2 ladies spent £50 each for their tickets yet Jobs Worth Rob can't give them a 1p cup.

Unfortunately it gets a little worse. As Rob reached the vestibule it just so happened that he met the guard who was doing his usual RP ticket check. I watched as he told the guard the story, pointing at the 2 ladies (who couldn't see this as they were facing the direction of travel and Rob was therefore behind them). The guard didn't appear to be too bothered about Rob, the 2 ladies or the whole episode. In my view he should have put his customer service head on and told Rob to go back and give the ladies in question 2 glasses.

The 2 ladies then spent the rest of the journey commenting on how poorly treated they were after having just paid for the vast proportion of Robs daily wage. So Rob. You made a great impression on me, those 2 ladies and every passenger sat in ear shot of the whole episode. Wanker.

Finally I'll just mention the cancelation of this mornings 07.20 due to a line side fire in the Darlington area. I can't imagine how a fire gets going on frozen ground, on the coldest morning since last January and how it got so big that trains were cancelled also beggers belief.

After the unprecedented run of 19 consecutive good journeys on GNER I feared that it would take a long while to beat that record, well, I was right, just one good journey last night, then chaos on the normally reliable 06.15. It arrived into Peterborough 10 mins late due to "engineering works at Biggleswade" on the way up to collect us, and then lost another 10-20 minutes on the way back due to "lineside equipment problems" at Sandy. Neither of which are GNER fault!!!!. Still the good news is that if things carry on like this, not matter whose fault it is,we will soon get the 5% discount back on season tickets.

I've not mentioned this for a while so I thought I'd give everyone an update.

Whilst I've not used the service yet (despite having a number of opotunities to give it a go), the taxi bus service between Hampton and P'boro station is actually getting a few customers. I don't know if they're regular customers and I've never seen more than 3 people on any on minibus, ( a mini might have been a better vehicle) but they're customers all the same. Perhaps the service might be a success afterall, patricularly as the anger felt at the hike in parking fees becomes nothing more than a distant memory.

I think the bloke I sat next to yesterday may well have read this blog as he was there again this morning. This time his arse was safely placed in his side of the 2 seats and his work was on his side of the table. Because of this, the train running on time, this mornings stunning sunrise and a blanket of frost across the land I actually enjoyed my trip in this morning.

I'll also mention the new screens on the platform at P'boro station. I noticed them as I got off last nights 17.20 (which missed the delays caused by a fatality at Oakleigh Park. I don't know why I've mentioned them, as they're only screens that give the same information as the old ones but there ya go.

Finally, to all GNER staff (good and bad) that read this blog, I'd like you to know that you have my sympathies. It's unforgivable of GNER to let you find out about the news that they've lost the franchise through the press. They knew it was comming and there is simply no excuse for the way they are treating you, particularly at this time of year.

No its not England latest test score, its how many consecutive on time/"early" journeys I had with GNER until last night. That delay was not GNER fault, some poor sole had decided to end it all at Oakleigh Park. I was on the 18.03 we left a few minutes late but then spend 25 minutes getting to Alexandra palace, It was only then that the guard decided he would enlighten us as to the problem. He appologised for the slow running, explained about the fatality and said we would be proceeding via the Hartford loop. We then never heard another word until we arrived in Peterborough 55minutes late when he did appologies for the late arrival.
Now I have been doing this journey long enough to take a reasonable guess at how long the delay might be once I have the information, so I can tell her in door what time I will be in, and I also know what the Hartford loop is, but the average punter taking a day trip to Skipton probably does not. I know GNER is probably not that popular with its staff right now, but last night passenger could have been helped out with a few more update and prehaps some "estimated ETAs".

Somewhat surprisingly, this mornings 07.20 was quite busy. Consequently there were a number of people who didn't get a seat. Nothing unusual about that unless you compare it with the same time last year when those that travelled were vitually able to sit in any seat they chose.

Unfortunately, as I approached my reserved seat, I spied a well built businessman sat across both seats with his folders and papers spread all over the table. Needless to say he kept his head down and carried on working as passenger after passenger filed past and checked the reservation ticket on my seat. That was until I arrived where upon I took great pleasure in asking him to move onto one seat and shift his stuff to his side of the table.

Now I'm only a skinny fella and I can usually fit into the smallest of seats but not this morning. As I sat down I noticed this bloke obviously felt he was more deserving of space as he hadn't quite make it to his side of the 2 seats. Soon fix that thought I as I asked him to move up a little bit more so I could put the arm rest down. There followed a small indignant grunt as he moved.

As I got my paper out I realsied I had another problem - his lever arch file was still spread over 2/3's of the table and I barely had room to open my Current Bun. This was made worse when he decided he needed to write something on the right hand page and proceed to nudge me time and time again. By this time I'd had enough of his selfishness, thought bollocks to this, 2 can play at that game. I opened my paper as if he and his folder weren't there so that he no option but to move his stuff or ask me to move (if he dared). At long last he got the message, meekly appologised and moved his folder. But he didn't stay there. Oh no. I lost count of the times his folder and right arm kept pushing my left arm and current bun into the aisle. This went on until halfway between KX and Stevenage where upon he decided he'd had enough and put it all away. At long last I could sit back and read the paper in peace and comfort.

What is it with these people? I can understand that people have work to do as I often have to do the very same. However I'm always concious of my fellow passengers and make every attempt not to invade their space. So why can't they? If you read this entry mate, please be more considerate to others. Oh and go on a diet. Even I can tell your heading for a coronary.

De wife and I took the kids to see Lil Chris at Islington Acadamy last night. Apart from the fact that I can't remember the last time I was so bored at a Gig (The Kids Loved it thankfully) we had mixed service from GNER.

Firstly came the cost of the tickets. Obviously I have my season ticket so I only needed 1 adult and 3 childrens return including tube. Despite the fact we have a family railcard I was still expecting a bill in excess of £50, so I was pleasantly surprised when it came to a little over £31. This I thought was very good value.

I reserved 4 seats on the 16.46 which arrived into Tinsel Town only 2 mins late. I then took great please kicking the 2 dorks sat in our reserved seats out and sat on my own while De wife entertained the wee ones. We finally arrived into KX bang on time and even though it's only 1 stop to Angel, we decided to avoid the rush hour tube and walk up. Bad move as my daughter decided she was busting for a pee when we were half way they and proceeeded to remind us of the fact every 30 seconds.

After the monster show put on by Lil Chris, we walked back down to Kings Cross and then had to wait for an hour with 3 very tired children for the last train home. About half an hour before it was due to leave I decided to take a quick walk to see if I could determine which of the 3 GNER trains in the station would be the 23.30. Needless to say for a season commuter, it wasn't too hard. The only thng was De Wife didn't believe me. 'What if it's not our train and doesn't stop in P'boro' She says. 'Have a bit of confidence woman' was my reply. 'I do this journey every day so I know what i'm doing. Besides it's the last GNER train out of here and there's no lights on the other 2 so this has to be the 23.30.' After a 5 minute debate she finally decided to trust me and we boarded just as the tannoy confirmed my suspicions. One nil to me.

We sat down in coach F and waited for the final 20 mins to departure time. At 23.28 the kids and I started the countdown to take off. Big mistake as we were still counting at 23.30 + 6, +7 and +8. 'Sorry for the delay folks, said the guard, 'There seems to be a problem with the signals out of KX and engineers are working their bollocks off to fix it as I speak.' The kids got bored of the count down and settled down for a kip. We eventually left just under 10 minutes late which was less the ideal to say the least.

We got back into Tinsel Town about 8 mins late, De Wife carried the youngest to the car while I paid my rip off £10 parking fee (why the misses insists on parking in there is beyond me) and we got home at 12.45. God I was happy to be home.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Anyone?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6182027.stm

A recruitment freeze, I've learned today that GNER are planning to axe up to 155 jobs through natural wastage and voluntary redundancy. They blame a fall in tourist passengers post July 7th, a steep rise in electricity prices and a promise to pay UK Gov PLC 1.3billion over the 10 year franchise. As a commuter I only hope that front line staff remain largely unaffected.

Caught my usual 07.20 this morning and what an excellent service it was too. It arrived into Tinsel Town at 07.17, left spot on 07.20, seat reservations were all in place, there was a full buffet and trolly service, and it arrived into KX bang on 08.09. We would have been earlier had we not slowed to a crawl as we approached KX. How I wish every journey was like that.

One thing that did baffle me came from the trolley guy. He'd just served me with one of the best cuppas I'd ever bought on board when a fella who'd missed the trolley as it passed his seat asked if he could have a cup of coffee. 'Sorry Sir', was the reply, but I'm not allowed to serve you whilst your standing in the aisle. You'll have to go to the buffet car instead'. Now what's that all about? Why can't the trolly serve customers who are standing in the aisle? Does that mean customers standing in the vestibules have to go to the buffet car too? I suspect it's one of those arse wipe health and safety rules that's been taken a step too far.

After a fairly uneventful week on the trains last week (Yipee Ai Yey)and forced Christmas shopping trips, I've not had much time to log any entries for a few days. Hopefully this week and next will be much the same.

Unfortunately for GNER, they haven't managed to keep themselves out of the news. Firstly came the news that GNER have gone to the European Commision to challenge UK Gov's decision to allow Grand Central to run services on the ECML between Sunderland and Kings Cross. Sorry guys but unless you have rock solid proof that UK Gov promised GNER would be the sole opperator allowed on the ECML, I think your onto a looser with that one. From what I've seen Grand Central would have to be selling produce in Lb's and Oz's, Pama Ham made in Chester Le Street or Hedgehog flavour crisps, I don't think they'll want to know.

Next came the news that GNER have moaned to the Euro Commision that the charges they pay Network Rail are unfair. From what I've seen they may have a case and I'm a firm believer in equality for all but I doubt the EU will have much to say on the issue for the reasons stated above.

Then we heard about the first refurbished 125HST comming back into service. The 30 year old engines have been replaced and GNER hope to cut costs and improve reliability as a result. So do I. Thing is, when are they going to refurb the cariages?

Finally the news every P'boro commuter hasn't been waiting for - GNER can contin ue to milk commuters dry becasue in their infinate wisdon, the city council have decided they can continue to use land between Spital Bridge and Mayors walk as a car park. Personally given GNER's attitude towards parking I think this is an oppotunity missed. PCC should have taken the oppotunity to give GNER a good kick in the Ging Gang Goolies and taken over the car parks as their own.

Right on. Up the revolution.

So far so good this week, trains running and running on time. The 06.15 has been arriving up to 10mins "early". If tonights journey completes a "trouble free" week I think I will have an extra go on the lottery.....it must be my lucky week!!!
Its a shame because GNER are more than capable of providing a good service...so why do I now hate them? Oh yes, I remember its the 82% increase in parking charges and their attitude surrounding that, thats what I will NEVER forgive.

But when we do, I will tell you, a thing or too.

Yep, matey boy with the bad key attitude has yet to show his face in front of mine. Caught the 23.30 on Monday and Tuesday and never got a sniff of him. Incidentally, thanks must go to the guys who held the gate open for me. It was much appreciated (as I recall telling you at the time).

No trouble at all today. In and out. On time. Trolly service in full flow but no RP check again this morning.

Off to Colechester tomorrow so you probably won't get an entry from me tomorrow.

No news to post. Been too busy to search the web today and shopping with De wife tonight.

I've moaned about the season ticket benefits scheme on this site before because apart from the £20 worth of Go Eat Vouchers, they're really not worth having. I'll probably moan about them again unless they radically change the offer which brings me nicely to the point of this post.

I've recently had wi-fi enabled on my laptop and it struck me how useful it would be if GNER offered season ticket holders a set number of hours free access. Not only would it cost them not a jot, it would add a great deal of value to the poor bastards like me who regularly have to travel and work on the train. I thought an hour a week would be a fair an reasonable offer. I doubt it will ever happen though as I'm sure GNER would say they'd loose to much revenue which is tosh. In my experience, most people who could, don't use the service because it's so expensive. As things stand today, I could quite easily spend £25 per week. As it is, I wait until I'm in the office and don't spend anything. If I had an hours free access each week I'd most likely feel that GNER are trying to give me something I want, get into the habit of using it and end up paying the extra to get all the access I need.

Just a thought

Following on from an earlier post by platform6 re GNER winning the accolade of UK best of the worst TOC, here are a few comments I've found posted on't Tinternet as a result: -

Chris said - 'i dont think they are any better or worse than any of the other train companies ive travelled with.you have got to remember they had a head start from the other companies by taking over one of the most modernised sections of BR.'

Leo said - 'Unless there's been a very radical improvement in the last three years, then if GNER is the best rail operator, I truly dread to think what the worst must be like.

This next one is the one that really caught my eye and got me thinking: -

Viper said - 'Number one rail firm...not exactly much to write home about - have you seen the competition? I hope they arn't proud to be the best of the worst.
First and foremost standing on trains should be banned. If there isn't an avalaible seat then the train should't be allowed to depart with standing pasengers - it's just not safe, and I don't care to be treated worse than catle.
If they insist on allowing standing passengers - then those standing should be entitled to a 50%+ reduction in ticket cost.'

I beleive it's true that many of GNER's competitors are far worse but that doesn't necessarily make GNER's service good. I also beleive that standing on a train is far less dangerous than standing on a London bus for instance. Train crashes are thankfully so rare I see no reason ban it entirely but I strongly agree with the idea that standing passengers should be entitled to a 50% refund on the condition that all available seats are taken.

I caught the 20:00 train home last night as I'd had a quick date straight after work. I'm not sure if anyone else was on that service, but there was something clearly wrong with the heating. It must have been comfortably into the 20s. So warm in fact, it actually made me fall asleep. On the man sat next to me. He had to nudge me awake and off his shoulder. It's never happened to me before amd I was quite embarrassed. At least I didn't drool on him. Or talk in my sleep. I think.

Thanks to a morning appointment in Tinsel Town, I had a late start today and didn't make it to P'boro station until 10.35am. Oddly, as I pulled up I noticed a GNER train at platform 3 which shouldn't have been there. I guessed this was probably the 10.27, 10.17 or 09.48 running late but it mattered not because despite my best efforts, I didn't manage to lock the Scooter and stow my gear before the damn thing pulled out.

As I entered the station building, I looked at the departure board to see the 10.57 was running on time. However, in the time it took me to buy a cup 'o' tea (medium for £1.29) it seemed to loose 3 minutes yet by the time I'd strolled onto platform 2, it was on-time again. As I stood on the platform I asked the bloke next to me if he fancied a fiver on it being 5 or more minutes late but he wasn't a betting man and declined my most generous offer. It actually arrived a few seconds after 10.59 so I was quite pleased he had.

Strangley for P'boro a number of people got off before I could board. I could see through the window that the train was very busy but I hadn't realsied how busy. With such a large number getting off I thought there would be plenty of free seats. Wrong. There was bugger all. Just as I thought I'd have to stand, a young lady (fat, with a chest to rival Faith Browns) suddenly realsied she was travelling to P'boro and rolled to the door while I jumped in her amply warmed seat. I've never seen a mid morning service so busy.

Off to a gig tonight and tomorrow night so I'm hoping to catch the 23.30 home. I'm also hoping I bump into the bloke with the gate key.

I have been using the Queensgate car park instead of the vastly over priced GNER car park for 6 weeks now, and as well as saving £500 a year this car park has other benefits that I had not thought of when I switched over.
1) It is closer to the station that most of the GNER spaces

2) It is very well lit, which is a big bonus this time of year, and also, I hope, helps security.

3)The spaces are bigger.

4)The barriers always work, therefore getting out and away in the evening is a joy compared to the regular shambles at the far end of GNER's

5)Because it is under cover it is a joy to get back to a clear windscreen, no condensation problems, and when it gets colder no frost and ice.

I now see cars going into the GNER car park and wonder why anyone would renew their parking ticket with Greedy and Nasty.

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=845&ArticleID=1909654

Come on, own up, who voted for them??

Its a bit quiet at work this morning so I thought I would check out the Christmas train times. I hope no one wants to get to work in London between Christmas and new year because there is a very limited south bound early service. On Wednesday 27th, which is a full working day for many people the first GNER out of Peterborough LEAVES at 9.00am. Its a bit better on Thursday with the first service leaving at 07.40am and then on friday it leaves at 07.26am. Clearly once again GNER could not give a flying f-ck about the commuters. Time and time again the needs of the commuters are put to the back of the GNER agenda.

I normally try to catch the 18.03 Skipton train back to Peterborough, its a very old 125, but normally not that busy and I do find those old seats more comfortable. However over the last few weeks on many occasions this train has not been available, GNER cover well by merging it with the 17.50 Leeds train, but as I have said before that then does not go all the way to Skipton. Last night the 18.03 ran on time but it was a 225, so again it was a Skipton train only going as far as Leeds!!! Does anyone know whats happening with this 125 unit? I know its old, prehaps its gone "part time"