After a few beers last night, I arrived at KX just in time to catch the 20.30, tired and armed with a cheese and ham roll I decided to treat myself to a seat in 1st Class (thats 3 down 1 to go this year!!). I sat in the rear carriage (M) and was amazed to see how busy the guard was collection fares/upgrades. He did not manage to leave that coach until St Neots, and either side of my seat he took £110 and £90 in upgrades. I guess clipping my benefit card is quite boring when such large sums of money are changing hands.

Now there has long been a rumour amongst the chattering hoards in standard class that the guards are on commission when they take on-board fares, I have heard 5% and even 10%. Now if this is true 30 minutes in one coach last night was very profitable. No wonder "Diesel" drives a Bentley