And Eh, the trains are where exactly?

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And Eh, the trains are where exactly?

by Fentyke @ 13/08/2008 – 08:51:32

My last meeting of the day over ran yesterday so I didn't get to Kings Cross until about 7ish. At least I got there, NXEC didn't. The departure board was showing all NXEC outbound services as delayed and there wasn't one NXEC train in the station. There were no announcments to explain what was going on, why there were no trains or when they expected any to arrive. There was also a distinct lack of staff to ask. No doubt they had no information and chose to keep their heads down in the staff room.

Thankfully there were a couple of FCC trains sitting at the platforms and I noticed one was going to Peterborough. As it was only stopping at St Neots and Huntingdon, I opted to jump on and I'm glad I did because FCC got me home without a hitch.
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8 Comments on And Eh, the trains are where exactly?

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- SeasideMan ^Pro
- 13/08/2008 @ 08:59:50
You'd think they could at least give you some information. What a terrible lack of customer service.

Tom.
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- Fentyke
- 13/08/2008 @ 10:32:46
You get used to it mate.
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- Joseph Valliancourt (Visitor)
- 13/08/2008 @ 11:36:33
If NXEC are so bad and FCC are so good, why don't you renew your next season ticket with FCC?, which to my knowledge is significantly cheaper.
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- Fentyke
- 13/08/2008 @ 12:20:37
One day I may do just that but for me, the real answer to your question is flexibility. Every now and again, I need to get back to Tinsel Town quickly. Outside of peak times FCC trains stop at most stations between London & Peterborough and the journey takes twice as long as a consequence. So for me at least, FCC are not ideal.
In addition there are a number of other reasons why NXEC is preferable to FCC. Firstly, FCC do not have air con which during the summer months can make the journey very uncomfortable. Second to that, FCC trains don't have nice big tables and plugs meaning it's very difficult to work on the train. Their services are also very very busy at peak times. This isn't an issue south bound as Peterborough is the starting point. North bound services leaving KX are rammed at peak times meaning you often have to stand. Rarely do you have to stand on NXEC. You can't reserve a seat with FCC either but you can with NXEC. Oh and lets not forget on board catering with FCC is non existant but NXEC offer a trolly, buffet and restraunt service. OK it's expensive, the buffet food ain't brilliant, the drinks are usually warm but at least you can get a drink and a bite if you want one.
Finally, as far as I'm aware,
So you see, there are many reasons to stay with NXEC and other than a £1000 cheaper and a better ability to get you home when the lines are down, there's little incentive to move to FCC really.
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- KevinFinnerty (Visitor)
- 13/08/2008 @ 14:08:20
Was this last night as in the 12th?
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- Fentyke
- 14/08/2008 @ 07:50:20
sure was kev. I think the problem had something to do with the overheads somewhere south of P'boro
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- Moaning Toff (Visitor)
- 14/08/2008 @ 16:49:29
My personal solution to the problem has been a simple one.

I arrive by car (bentley) at my office in London at noon on Monday after a relaxing weekend with the family.

I spend the next four nights at my London apartment and Friday afternoon I drive myself home.

Quite frankly the stress of commuting with the other oiks proved unbearable.

No longer do I suffer over crowded trains staffed by idiots. (I accept not all are idiots and are well intentioned) but the majority are buffoons.

Who but a buffoon would work for the pittance they get paid anyway?

So really I have no right to appear on this blog but I thought some of you other chaps might follow my example.

PS anyone want a lift down on Monday?
- - theticketcollector_co_uk
  - 15/08/2008 @ 17:09:40
  Finally he has actually gone and done it. He has quit the railways and its already been noticeably quieter.
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And Eh, the trains are where exactly?

8 Comments on And Eh, the trains are where exactly?

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