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".