http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/An East Coast commuters blog of experiences on NXEC trains between Peterborough & London Kings Crossen-EUMokoFeed10http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/44/aeca3d961594bf5d3530d7ff782b17_160x200.jpghttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/07/01/my-turn-6430864/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-07-01:/2009/07/01/my-turn-6430864/Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:24:36 +0200 <p>...to be a few days into a new job, and my commute's been rubbish every morning so far.</p> <p>Monday, no seat to be had PBO->KGX, made the mistake of picking the H&C line, had a 13 min wait at Baker Street at 8:30.<br> Tuesday, apparently NetworkRail employed the crew of the 0640 to inspect the overhead wires North of Stevenage on their way down.<br> Today, stuck doors at Warren Street on the Victoria.</p> <p>In other news, I see NXEC are in trouble: <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8127851.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8127851.stm</a></p> <p>Interestingly, one of the reasons I've not blogged much (apart from the insanity that was changing jobs), is that I've actually found almost nothing to grumble about: NXEC have (at least the bits of it I've used) been pretty much cockup and delay free. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/07/01/my-turn-6430864/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxecfranchisedelayhttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/07/01/my-turn-6430864/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/05/11/first-a14-delay-and-nxec-whinging-6095769/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-05-11:/2009/05/11/first-a14-delay-and-nxec-whinging-6095769/Mon, 11 May 2009 11:07:20 +0200 <p>I'm 2 weeks in to my new job and experienced my first 'severe' delay on the A14 Westbound. I say severe but in my case it wasn't. I t was if you were in the he middle of the 7 mile tailback but thanks to my sat nav and the radio, I managed to avoid the tailbacks and cut the delay to 15/20 mins. Unlike the trains, a car has the capability of allowing the driver to choose the route and with modern eqipment and communication tools, it's not that hard to work out what is happening miles ahead of you which gives you the oppotunity to replan your route. Which is exactly what I did this morning.</p> <p>I'm back on the trains this Friday thanks to a couple of meetings in London. If the news in the press is anything to go by, like GNER before tham, NXEC could well be considering giving up the franchise. I see there are a few comments on here which mention the difficulties they're having and possible redundancies etc. Obviously it doesn't affect me as much as it did but something has to give. No TOC should be expected to run a service at a loss but my understanding is that the ECML is still very profitable but not quite as profitable as NX expected. I guess we're all just going to have to wait and see what happenes. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/05/11/first-a14-delay-and-nxec-whinging-6095769/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxechttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/05/11/first-a14-delay-and-nxec-whinging-6095769/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/24/wouldn-t-you-adam-it-6000836/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-04-24:/2009/04/24/wouldn-t-you-adam-it-6000836/Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:03:17 +0200 <p>It's my first day in my new Job Monday and gues how I've got to get to the office and guess which line I've got to travel on to get there? Yes, I'll be joining my old commuter mates on the 07.20 as I'm expected to be in Egham Surry for my first day. Bloody typical isn't it?</p> <p>I've got to say I'm extreemly pissed off with NXEC at the moment. I surrendered my season ticket the other day which had 5 months left to run. It cost £5560 so I was expecting 5/12ths back = £2316.67p. Unfortunately NXEC don't opperate a pro rata refund basis. Oh no. What they do is milk every last penny they can from you and charge you for 1 x 6 monthly ticket + 1 x monthly season ticket. So all in all I've just paid the bastards £500 more than I have budgeted for. Fuming I am. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/24/wouldn-t-you-adam-it-6000836/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>robbing-bastardsnxechttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/24/wouldn-t-you-adam-it-6000836/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/09/i-m-offski-5915317/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-04-09:/2009/04/09/i-m-offski-5915317/Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:34:37 +0200 <p>After 4 and a half long years, my days as a regular commuter are nearing an end. For now at least. Sadly I'll still be on the trains on a regular basis but I've accepted a job in Northampton and resigned from my current position. So, from Monday Apr 27th I'll be swopping the ECML for the A14 Westbound. My last day here is Thursday Apr 16th although I'll be heading into London the following day to meet my new boss and go over a few plans. I then plan to take a week off and start my new job the following Monday.</p> <p>Because I'll still be using the trains a lot, I've decided to keep the blog going although it would help if I had a few more people willing to join me as associate bloggers like Penfold etc. Drop me a PM if you interested. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/09/i-m-offski-5915317/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/09/i-m-offski-5915317/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/so-which-train-did-you-want-to-catch-again-5903870/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-04-07:/2009/04/07/so-which-train-did-you-want-to-catch-again-5903870/Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:47:46 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/nxec_display_screen/3387969" title="NXEC display screen"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/969/3387969_36f6162125_m.jpeg" alt="NXEC display screen" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>I see the new info board outside Peterborough station is already displaying incorrect information. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/so-which-train-did-you-want-to-catch-again-5903870/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxeclack-ofinformationhttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/so-which-train-did-you-want-to-catch-again-5903870/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/monday-blues-5903526/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-04-07:/2009/04/07/monday-blues-5903526/Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:42:27 +0200 <p>What a terrible day on the ECML line yesterday was with 2 fatalities. First there was a fatality Hatfield around about 10am which caused no end of disruption until lunchtime. This was followed at 5pm by another death, this time at Finsbury Park when some poor soul ended up infront of the 17:00 to Edinburgh. </p> <p>Unsurprisingly I was lucky enough to miss the mornings incident but as I was on the 17.03 (the next train out of KX after the 17.00) I was well and truely in it. The train pulled out of Kings Cross and had just cleared the tunnels whan it stopped just before the Emirates Stadium. For once, the crew and staff IMHO got customer communication spot on. We'd only been stopped for about 5 mins before the guard came on the line and announced the fatality. 15 mins later she came on again and told us they were going to back the train up, change the points and put it on the slow lane. 5 mins later the train backed up and five mins after that we moved forward again onto the slow lane. We then crept forward through Finsbury park and in the 4.5 years I've been commuting I've never seen anything like what I saw yesterday evening. Thanksfully it wasn't what I'd call gory but it was clear what had happened.</p> <p>The first thing I saw were all the passenegr being hearded away from the northern end of the platform. Next I saw two engineers putting sand and gravel on the track. No doubt covering the blood. Next I saw a bloke (a big bloke at that) at the northern edge of the station. This bloke was shaking like a leaf and I can honestly say I have never seen anyone shake like that. He was knelt down with his back to the track and was obviously a witness who was being comforted by a member of BTP. As we crawled through th sation I then saw a tarp on the track with trickles of blood eminating from the edges and a coupkle more BTP milling around it. About 100 yeards north of the platform stood the 17.00 to Edinburgh. The guards van doors were open and a memebr of staff was stood talking to two more BTP. Other than that it looked normal. There wasn't even a mark on the front of the train where the person hit it. </p> <p>In these situation I really feel for the driver, witnesses and whatever family the victim may have had. What I don't have any sympathy for is the person concerned. They got what they wanted and it's us that are left have to live with the bedlam they leave behind them. </p> <p>Personally, I got a right bollocking when I got home. De Wife had obviously had a bad day and was expecting me home on time. She hadn't cooked the kids tea becasue she was going to ask me to take them for a burger. Like a pudding, becasue I knew I was only going to be home half an hour later than I usually am,I didn't call and tell her I was going to be a bit late. Consequently she hit the roof when I walked in and she still hasn't let me explain what happened. Had this person not done what they did I would have been home half an hour earlier than normal and I would of had quite a plesant evening. Ah well. At least I'm in a better place than these two people were.</p> <p>Until later. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/monday-blues-5903526/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>suicidehatfieldfatalitydeathfinsbury-parknxechttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/07/monday-blues-5903526/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/03/nxec-peterborough-station-security-cctv-5882616/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-04-03:/2009/04/03/nxec-peterborough-station-security-cctv-5882616/Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:19:43 +0200 <p>This morning I picked up one of those crappy free 'City Lite' newspapers the P'boro ET produce each Friday. I got to page 4, looked at the bottom of the page and, thinking about this nutter, pissed myself laughing at the irony of the main headline: -<br> <strong>'Station is declared on of UK's safest'</strong>.<br> P'boro station is one of 12 on the ECML to be awarded secure status by BTP and the DOT. The award was acheived for the various SECURITY measures and improvements that have been installed at the station. There are 4 key security levels to be adhered to in order to qualify:-<br> 1. Design of the station has to conform with standards to prevent and reduce crime.<br> 2. Staff must respond to incidents and communicate with customers.<br> 3. Stats for the preceeding 12 months must demonstrate positive efforts to manage crime<br> 4. A survey of station-users must show they feel secure in the station. </p> <p>Apparently NXEC have a range of security measures such as CCTV (which are always pointing at the exits and not the car park) and security guards (who it now appears, hide in the office at the first sign of a major security threat) although the article only mentions the CCTV. Further improvments to the stations lighting and signage are also cited as examples of the improved security. I can't say I've noticed the improved lights and the new signs look liked they'd fit right in a few hundred yards up the track at Peterborough prison. And where's this survey? I certainly haven't heard of anyone being asked to fill one in or give their views. I'll lay odds they ran the survey between 11am and 3pm when most passengers are occasional rail users and wouldn't have a clue. </p> <p>Clearly NXEC are very proud of their secure station status but I can't for the life in me work out how they got it, why they'd want it or what they intend to do with it. IMHO opinion, by giving the place a lick of paint, they have improved the look of the place since they took over but I don't think NXEC have done didly to improve security and I don't think the place is very secure but I do and always have felt safe there. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/03/nxec-peterborough-station-security-cctv-5882616/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxecpeterboroughstationsecuritycctvhttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/03/nxec-peterborough-station-security-cctv-5882616/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/02/i-wondered-how-this-happened-5876546/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-04-02:/2009/04/02/i-wondered-how-this-happened-5876546/Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:54:15 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/th1_etp_0104_02_0104_090559/3373857" title="TH1_ETP-0104-02-0104_090559"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/857/3373857_c8c48b2f28_s.jpg" alt="TH1_ETP-0104-02-0104_090559" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>When we all turned up on Monday morning, this is how the main entrance/exit to the platform at P'boro station looked. Given that Peterborough played Leicester on Saturday and POSH won, I assumed the Leicester city fans had done it and then I saw this report in yesterdays P'boro ET - </p> <p>'A BOOZE-FUELLED man who smashed up Peterborough railway station's concourse with a breeze block after being told he had missed his last train has been jailed.<br> Security staff were so terrified by the unfolding events, they ran into their office and locked the door while watching Robert Clancy's rampage on CCTV.</p> <p>His wrecking spree caused £5,500 in damage to the concourse.</p> <p>The booking office remained closed for a day, and parts of the station are still not fully functional, causing disruption to commuters.</p> <p>Clancy (46) was jailed for 20 weeks after admitting criminal damage, and told to pay compensation of £5,000 by city magistrates.</p> <p>He has lodged an appeal against the sentence.</p> <p>After knocking back the equivalent of 17 pints of cider during the previous 24 hours, Clancy, from Bromley, in Kent, boarded a train from King's Cross in London to Peterborough at just after midnight, on Friday, March 27.</p> <p>When he got to the city's station, he was intending to catch another train back to London again.</p> <p>But when he was told by platform staff that he had missed the last train, it sparked a shocking chain of events.</p> <p>At about 2.20am he ran outside and picked up a breeze block before rushing inside the concourse, intending to "smash everything up", he told British Transport Police (BTP) officers in his interview.'</p> <p>Click the link below to read the full report.</p> <p><a href="http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Man-in-railway-station-wrecking.5128677.jp">http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Man-in-railway-station-wrecking.5128677.jp</a></p> <p>If you read the the full report you'll see that the security staff were so scared, they locked themselves in the office. I thought security staff were there to deal with any threats to security but obviously I was wrong. It now appears their job is to spot threats to security and call BTP to come and deal with it for them. You couldn;t make it up could you? Priceless. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/02/i-wondered-how-this-happened-5876546/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>peterboroughnxechttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/02/i-wondered-how-this-happened-5876546/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/02/forged-season-tickets-5876450/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-04-02:/2009/04/02/forged-season-tickets-5876450/Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:33:14 +0200 <p>When we boarded yesterday mornings 07:20, in addition to the usual crew. we found if staffed by a large number of 'Railway Enforcement Officers' dressed in florecent yellow jackets. Personally I'd never heard of or seen 'Railway Enforcement Officers' before so I was quite interested to find out what they were doing there.</p> <p>I watched as they went from passenger to passenger checking tickets. But this wasn't an ordinary ticket check. Oh no. Whenever they came across a passenger with a season ticket (which at that time of day was most of them) they asked the person to remove the ticket and photo ID card from whatever wallet or container it was held in. They then proceeded to check both the ticket and ID card to see if it was a fake. </p> <p>I've absolutely no problem with what they were doing. In fact I applaud it. What I thought was slightly out of order was the non existant explanation to us customers. All of us were perplexed as to what was going on and why. A few asked but none received and answer that I heard. I watched as one bloke was asked if he had any other forms of ID with him. His ID card was very old and not what I would call in a good state of repair. Luckily he had proof of ID and because his season ticket was valid and it matched his suspect ID card, they let him off. But let him off what exactly? Having a vaild ticket and matching but knackered ID card?</p> <p>I've since learned that 1 enterprising individual from Peterborough has been caught during peak times traveling with a fake season ticket and ID card. As a direct result, NXEC opted for what now seems a slightly heavy handed response to a problem NXEC believed could have been rife. Well now they know it isn't. As far as I know they havent caught anyone else with a fake ticket or id. They did manage to find one fella on the 07:20 who was trying to avoid paying by hiding in the toilets. That said, had it been a usual morning I'm sure the guards would have caught him. The bloke did pay up but they still had BTP greet him at KX because they couldn't understand why he was trying to avoid paying when he had shed loads of cash on him.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/02/forged-season-tickets-5876450/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxecfare-dodgersfake-ticketsseason-ticketshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/04/02/forged-season-tickets-5876450/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/26/fatality-at-knebworth-5835924/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-03-26:/2009/03/26/fatality-at-knebworth-5835924/Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:10:19 +0100 <p>Sadly it's true. Not sure what affect it's having on services yet but I'll update if I can later.</p> <p>All looks to have been resolved. Local news bulitins on the web state the track was closed at 8.15 and handed back to Natwork Rail at 9.35. I'll be traveling back to Tinsel Town at about 4pm today and if I get chance, I'll post an update while I'm on board. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/26/fatality-at-knebworth-5835924/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxecdelayshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/26/fatality-at-knebworth-5835924/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/19/another-tale-re-the-fcc-gestapo-5787963/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-03-19:/2009/03/19/another-tale-re-the-fcc-gestapo-5787963/Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:07:49 +0100 <p>A bloke pulls into the north car park to park up so he can collect the wife. He turns round so that he can exit the car park via the entrance rather than take the correct route to exit which takes him out of his way. He and others have been parking up like this for years without any problems or near accidents.</p> <p>While he waits a transvestite (his words not mine) dressed in FCC uniform knocks on his window and asks if he's aware he's facing the wrong way on a one way street. He replies that he is. He is then told to turn round. Not asked, told. He refuses. FCC trannie asks for his name and address which he refused when he was told he was under no obligation to do so. FCC trannie says 'Fine. I'll trace you from your number plate'. writes the number down and fucks off.</p> <p>Did FCC trannie speak to anybody else? Nope. Will a ticket be issued to this driver? Perhaps and I'd even go as far to say as probably. </p> <p>UPDATE.</p> <p>The He/She transvestite has made another appearance. This time they returned to take photo's of the same gentlemans car as he waited for his wife one night this week. No words were spoken, just pictures taken. A comlplaint was submitted to NXEC who have subsequently taken this very seriously. They rang the customer up and appologised profusely because it appears this person may not work for NXEC or FCC afterall and may be trying to impersonate a member of railway staff. BTP have been informed and are investigating.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/19/another-tale-re-the-fcc-gestapo-5787963/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxecfcccap-parksparking-ticketspenalty-fareshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/19/another-tale-re-the-fcc-gestapo-5787963/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/staff-and-custom-ers-read-it-and-weep-5784122/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-03-18:/2009/03/18/staff-and-custom-ers-read-it-and-weep-5784122/Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:55:13 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.transportxtra.com/magazines/transit/news/?ID=15290">http://www.transportxtra.com/magazines/transit/news/?ID=15290</a></p> <p>Pathetic. Here are a few quotes & comments: -</p> <p>'National Express Group has announced that it will be making further job cuts and cost reductions, paring back investment and cutting its dividend'. Really? Didn't see that coming.</p> <p>'Designed to free up at least £100m of additional cash next year, enabling the company to pay off debt, minimise the expected fall in profit and prevent it from breaching its banking covenants'. You don't say?</p> <p>'Although NEG made a pre-tax profit of £194m in 2008.' A very healthy profit in difficult times and no mistake?</p> <p>'Bowker acknowledged that the UK rail division which contributed £81m profit in 2008'. Ah, £81m of £194m. A healthy percentage for a very large group then. Very interesting.</p> <p>'Revenue growth at the flagship National Express East Coast franchise fell to 3-4%'. Revenue growth. Did he see that. Revenue growth. How many companies would settle for a flat year?</p> <p>'against a target of 10%.' Don't you think that was just a little optomistic?</p> <p>'"We have put together a series of cost reduction plans beyond those we announced before Christmas"'. Like I said. No surprise there.</p> <p>'"as of today we still expect the division to be profitable.”'. I thought so.</p> <p>'NEG is under pressure from its banking covenants. With net debt having reached nearly £1.2bn due to the £450m acquisition of Continental Auto in 2007 and a £240m hit from adverse currency swings'. Over stretched ourselves have we?</p> <p>Ladies and Gentlemen, here endeth your service.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/staff-and-custom-ers-read-it-and-weep-5784122/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxechttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/staff-and-custom-ers-read-it-and-weep-5784122/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/wtf-f-5783390/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-03-18:/2009/03/18/wtf-f-5783390/Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:03:44 +0100 <p>What a strange day it's been on the ECML between P'boro and Kings Cross.<br> First there was the bedlam outside KX presumably becasue they shut the tube station. Then, when we finally get back ti Tisel Town after a hard days graft, there are the FCC gestapo backed up by BTP harrassing commuters on their way home.</p> <p>I alighted this evening and made my usual walk up the ramp, over the bridge and down the opposite ramp towards to side gate near the north car park. I was just about to open the gate with the guards key I bought off Ebay when I noticed a freind and neighbour of mine being grilled by a couple of FCC staff on the other side of the gate. Quickly, I thought better of opening the gate and put the key back in my pocket and trudged off to the main building. </p> <p>As I walked down the platform I could see the whole area had been taped off and a bloody great BTP van and a car parked up. When I get to the building I find even more FCC staff on all the doors checking everyone had tickets. Nothing unusual about that except for the presence of the Britshit Transport Police and Snuffer the sniffer dog. Whilst I really felt like having a pop I decided to put up and shut up and showed my ticket and left without a fuss.</p> <p>When I got home I popped in to see the lady concerned and was horrified by what she told me. It transpires that she too has a guards key (which if anyone is interested can easily be bought on Ebay) and exited the station via the gate together with a friend of hers who happens to be a copper and west indian.Imediately she was pounced upon by the FCC Gestapo who were lurking out of sight. They asked her for her ticket which she duely produced. They asked her if she knew she wasn't supposed to exit via that gate to which she replied she didn't. They then cautioned her. Yep. Cautioned her. They asked for her name and address and date of birth. She asked if she was legally obliged to tell them and was told she was obliged to give them her name and address so she wrote it down for them. From the information on her ticket they then made a phone call to verify she was who she said she was. After that the beleived she was who she told them she was and she does live where she told them she lived. After a few more words she was finally advised that she may be summonds for breaking some railway byelaw or other. </p> <p>Somewhat surprisingly she's not very happy and I can't say I blame her. Remember the copper she was with? The Black One? Guess what the FCC Gestapo boys asked him? Do you think they took his detail down? Did they fuck. Yet he exited the same gate at the same time. The only difference was, he didn't open the gate. </p> <p>So what's the fucks going on here. Why are commuters being targeted in such a way? There must have been 10 or more FCC cunts there tonight ( and had they been manning the trains could have done the same job with half the number) and god knows how many Britshit Transport Police (I only saw 3) for what exactly? How many fare dodgers did they get then? How many bombs and how many kilos of drugs did that dog find? How much did that cost? How many commuters were inconvenienced? How many are going to be summonds? How happy do you think they feel? And what the fuck were FCC policing that gate for anyway? I thought NXEC ran the station or have I missed something?</p> <p>In summary. It's pathetic. It wasn't so long ago (I'm sorry to say in the what now seems sensible by comparison, the GNER days) that gate was opened every morning and evening for the convenience of us commuters. Every now and then they would do a ticket check but I don't think the ever caught any fare dodgers. Then some bright spark decided it was an RP and security risk (that still makes me lauch when you think how open P'boro station is) and they started to leave it closed. Us commuters continued to open it (did I mention that flip top car keys fit it too?) and they eventually pinned a very ambiguous notice on it. When you read said notice it leaves you wondering if you can use it or not. My take was that you could if you had a valid ticket and the ability to open it. Clearly I was wrong. My point is that the vast majority (and I mean 99.99999%) of people traveling to P'borough from London and arriving between 4.30 and 7 are honest, paid up customers who just want to get home as quickly as possible. But during exercises like this we are treated at best like suspects and at worst like animals and common crims to be manipulated and milked. Remember their little trick with the parking tickets issued to motorcyclist (including me) which they did while we were all at work? Same thing? Cunts.</p> <p>If the gate is not to be used fucking remove it or lock it tight you twats. And please don't tell me staff need it. No you fucking don't. There is a bloody great blue gate 100 yards further down the platform which is twice the size. If you haven't got a key, use the main fucking buiding just like your trying to force us victims. </p> <p>I've just realised I have put such a critical and vicious anti TOC post like this for a long time but it's about time I did. This has really got my goat up and only becasue it's totally unnecessary. From my point of view it could have been managed much more sympathically. For instance, why didn't they just leave staff platform side with instructions to tell people who tried to use the gate. Why didn't they leaflet everyone who left the station? Why didn't they put guards on the trains if they're that concerned abour fare dodgers? </p> <p>Rant overr.</p> <p>Night folks (except FCC who can go fuck themselves in purgatory. Cunts)</p> <p>Fentyke</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/wtf-f-5783390/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fcchttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/wtf-f-5783390/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/what-happened-this-morning-5782281/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-03-18:/2009/03/18/what-happened-this-morning-5782281/Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:30:06 +0100 <p>Bedlam at Kings cross this morning. I don't know what happened but from what I could see, they shut KX tube station. Overcrowding was probably the cause (it usually is) but does anybody have any firm details?</p> <p>On another note NXEC are continuing their downward trend with punctuality. Last nights 17.30 was delayed by about 15 mins as was the 07.20 and probably a whole raft of other services. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/what-happened-this-morning-5782281/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/what-happened-this-morning-5782281/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/17/get-off-my-bloody-platform-5772804/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-03-17:/2009/03/17/get-off-my-bloody-platform-5772804/Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:56:57 +0100 <p>Your a trainspotter and train spotters aren't welcome here.</p> <p>Yes, the latest clap trap to come from NXEC is that when they finally get round to installing these long awaited ticket automatic ticket barriers they also plan to ban trainspotters from their platforms. Why? Well according to NXEC they're a security risk. What or whose security they're risking I've yet to work out but if NXEC say they're a risk then they must be a risk and so must be banned.</p> <p>What a load of bollocks. If trainspotters are a security risk then by default, so is every passenger who boards a train. Anyone of uus could be carrying a bomb or threaten staff with a knife or sabotage the hardware or something equally daft. I've seen in this mornings 'Current Bun' that NXEC say platform tickets will be available for those wishing to wave people off. OK but what's the difference between somebody entering the platform to wave a passenger off and a person writing down the loco numbers? I guess you could say one has a sad hobby but I think there the differences end. </p> <p>On board has been laughable since I posted praising NXEC for the improvements they've made in reliability. It all seems to be going a bit Pete Tong again. Since I posted I don't think I've been on one service that has arrived at both P'boro and KX on time. Do you think it was something I said?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/17/get-off-my-bloody-platform-5772804/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxectrain-spottersticket-barriershttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/17/get-off-my-bloody-platform-5772804/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/10/are-nxec-running-the-service-down-5730994/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-03-10:/2009/03/10/are-nxec-running-the-service-down-5730994/Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:32:45 +0100 <p>I think so.</p> <p>All you have to do is look at what NXEC have done since they came in and look at what they are planning. From my perspective the good things they've done is given us all free WiFi, improved punctuality and eh, I can't think of anything else. On the down side they're allegedly planning to reduce platform staff, ticket staff and on board staff whilst reducing on board catering facilities. It's been mentioned on here that they've also cut maintainence and if the number of working toilets and the wram beer straight from the fridge is anything to go by, I'd say that's probably true. I could go on but I think you get the picture.</p> <p>Having said all that, as a commuter I'm most concerned with reliability and punctuality, both of which have so far improved under NXEC. But if they have cut back on maintainence, the question I'm asking is can this continue? I suspect not.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/10/are-nxec-running-the-service-down-5730994/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxechttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/10/are-nxec-running-the-service-down-5730994/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/10/cheaper-season-tickets-5730161/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-03-10:/2009/03/10/cheaper-season-tickets-5730161/Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:08:56 +0100 <p>But not until Jan 2010.<br> No doubt most season ticket holders will have seen the news that the credit crunch does have some benefits and one of them is that ticket prices will be lower in 2010 than they are at the moment. Personally, I'm pleased to hear it but it won;t help me today, or tomorrow. In fact, I, and no doubt thousands of others, won't see the benefit for another 18 months becaseu my annual season ticket is renewable in september. I suppose I could consider purchasing a six month ticket in Sept instead of my usual 12 but only if it is cost effective to do so.</p> <p>Anyway, the news is that ticket prices are falling, customers are rubbing their hands whilst NXEC and all the other TOC's ain't too happy and are trying to wriggle out of it. If ever there were an occasion when UK Gov PLC needs to show it's hand in favour of the consumer, in my view, this is one of them. So far that's exactly what they've done but we all know there is still 10 months to go until Jan 10 so there's plenty of time for the fat, Scotish worm to turn. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/10/cheaper-season-tickets-5730161/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>cheaperseason-ticketsnxechttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/10/cheaper-season-tickets-5730161/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/04/kings-cross-station-you-don-t-think-you-ll-miss-it-until-it-s-gone-5691515/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-03-04:/2009/03/04/kings-cross-station-you-don-t-think-you-ll-miss-it-until-it-s-gone-5691515/Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:57:04 +0100 <p>Refurbishment of Kings Cross is now well under way and I can't wait until it's finished. I don't think it will be as impressive as St Pancras when it's finished but I do think it will be a damn site better than it has been for some years. However whilst they work on the place, they're also shutting all the shops and stores which can be a bloody inconvenience if your hungry and/or thirsty and would like to avoid paying the extrotionate on board prices.</p> <p>I suppose there is an element of no pain, no gain to be had but I do miss those shops. If you'd asked me if I'd miss them before they were shut I would have answered in the negative. But now they're gone, I realsie I do value their presence even if I only use them intermitantly.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/04/kings-cross-station-you-don-t-think-you-ll-miss-it-until-it-s-gone-5691515/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/03/04/kings-cross-station-you-don-t-think-you-ll-miss-it-until-it-s-gone-5691515/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/24/penalty-fares-5640863/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-02-24:/2009/02/24/penalty-fares-5640863/Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:50:23 +0100 <p>How many of us have had to pay a penalty fare and felt agreived by it. There are many excuses - Ticket man told me it was fine, Army gave me the ticket and didn't mention anything about restrictions, Non comprende mon amee, etc etc. </p> <p>I'm sure most penalty fares are justified however there is no doubt that sometimes the customer is in the right. If this is you and you've lost the argument with the guard and paid up, visit these guys when you get home <a href="http://www.penaltyfareappeal.co.uk">http://www.penaltyfareappeal.co.uk</a> and see if they or any of the information on the site can help you in your fight for justice.<br> It also looks like a useful site for general information and the Rail, and regulation etc.<br> By the looks of the site it's only recently been launched so give them a bit of time to load more info etc or why not send them information you feel is relevant.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/24/penalty-fares-5640863/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxecpenalty-fareshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/24/penalty-fares-5640863/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/24/money-off-5639328/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-02-24:/2009/02/24/money-off-5639328/Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:18:52 +0100 <p><img src="http://dorian.altrion.org/twenty.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Well, the adverts showed up.</p> <p>On every seat on the 0610.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/24/money-off-5639328/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nxecpromotionoffers20-offfoodhttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/24/money-off-5639328/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/23/money-off-5632682/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-02-23:/2009/02/23/money-off-5632682/Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:00:00 +0100 <p>Up to and including March 1st, NXEC are giving us all 20% off all food and drink purchased on board, including the restruant. Shame they failed to provide a trolly service on this mornings 07.20 though. </p> <p>In all seriousness, why are they bothering? I can't see how a promotion that runs for a week will be of any use to either customers or NXEC. Odds on, most customers will be unaware of it and therefore won't be buying anymore than they would normally so NXEC won't see an uplift in sales but they will see a drop in revenue. Having working in a marketing enviormnment for the last 18 years, I'd say the Marketing Director or who ever signed this thing off, needs to go back to Uni and retake their Marketing degree. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/23/money-off-5632682/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>food20-offoffersnxecpromotionhttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/23/money-off-5632682/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/20/blouses-and-announcements-5613815/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-02-20:/2009/02/20/blouses-and-announcements-5613815/Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:54:14 +0100 <p>You know when you board a train you get the guards usual announcement to check that you ticket is valid and keep all luggage stored and safe etc? Well NXEC have come up with a new one on me - 'This train is non stop to London Kings Cross'. We should be so lucky. I've heard this announcment a number of time now and not once have we been 'Non stop' to London Kings Cross. OK we didn't stop at a station but we most definately stopped. </p> <p>Lately, I've also come across a new prerecorded announcment which I've not come across before. Is this being trialed ready for the day NXEC Axe crew or do NXEC think their guards can't manage a profesuional announcement and aren't therefore up to the job? Whatever the reason, I'd prefer to hear a live announcement from a live person because they're far more entertaining. </p> <p>Finally, what's all this fuss about the new blouses female staff we asked to wear? Were they really that transparent? Whilst I can think of a few female crew members who I wouldn't mind seeing, they're few and far between. Perhaps us passengers should be glad staff refused to wear them. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/20/blouses-and-announcements-5613815/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>uniformsnxecannouncementshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/20/blouses-and-announcements-5613815/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/treacherous-parking-5558067/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-02-12:/2009/02/12/treacherous-parking-5558067/Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:02:37 +0100 <p>This morning was the first day since the snow arrived that I've been able to get to the station on my Scooter. It's usual on a cold and frosty morning to have to take extra care when traveling on a 2 wheels but the most treacherous part of the journey this morning was the Car park. Why? Simple. The section of the car park allocated to Motorcycles is still thick with ICE. Not one grain of salt or grit has been applied to it. In fact, looking at the rest of the car park, I don't think they've applied any grit to any part of the car park. Indeed it looked to me like most of the parking bays are still covered in ice too although the road sections look to be clear. </p> <p>This is all well and good for car drivers, they're on 4 wheels and in no danger until they step out. The same can't be said for 2 wheel drivers though. If you've ever tried to ride a push on ice, you'll have some idea what it's like trying to controll a motorbike on the stuff. For the benefit of any NXEC falcilities manager who may read this, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PUSH OR RIDE A MOTORBIKE ON ICE. </p> <p>It is unacceptable for NXEC to provide unsafe parking. Twice I nearly fell over trying to park and twice I felt I was going to end up with the Scooter on top of me. What would NXEC have said if I had gone arse over and injured myself and/or damaged by bike. Would they pay for my Scoot to be reapired and would they pay my hospital bills? I doubt it. Could I have sued them? I don;t know but I would most certainly of tried. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/treacherous-parking-5558067/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>parkingicemotorbikesunsafenxechttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/treacherous-parking-5558067/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/10/where-is-this-thing-going-5545049/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-02-10:/2009/02/10/where-is-this-thing-going-5545049/Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:09:31 +0100 <p>I was chatting to a mate about this blog last night and we got talking about how it's developed and changed in content and direction since I first started it. What was meant to be a social record of commuting has turned into a whole lot more. My mate recons I should switch to a dedicated forum based website and sell advertising space on it but somehow, I can't see it taking off and if I'm honest can't really be bothered. </p> <p>On the trains front, I'm extreemly pleased to say that by luck or by judgement, I've yet to travel in those crappy unrefurbed old 125 coaches this year. Indeed until last night, I hadn't even seen one. This, I thought was a good sign that NXEC are cracking on and updating the shitty old rolling stock we've been festering in for years. But then I thought, is this a perception or a reality? On reflection I think it's nothing more than an informed guess but I hope I'm right.</p> <p>Once again I've not gone in today becasue of the weather. I heard about the flooding at Potters Bar, thought NXEC could do without me moaning about how poorly they keep us informed and went back to bed for an unexpected midweek lie in. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/10/where-is-this-thing-going-5545049/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/10/where-is-this-thing-going-5545049/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/04/petition-5506238/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-02-04:/2009/02/04/petition-5506238/Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:06:26 +0100 <p>Not mine I might add. The following comment was added today and I thought it warranted an appearance on the main pages of this blog. Oh, and for gods sake complete the petition if you think he's right. I do and I will, particularly after I saw last nights papers and the story/rumour that NXEC are struggling to meet their payments to UK Gov PLC and how Branson and his Virgin Trains are waiting in the wings to take over the UK's premier rail network. </p> <p>DavidH (Visitor)<br> <a href="http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NXECservice/">http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NXECservice/</a><br> 04/02/2009 @ 14:13:43<br> Off topic on this thread, but I thought you might be interested (please delete if you're not):<br> <a href="http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NXECservice/">http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NXECservice/</a></p> <p>I decided to create a petition aimed it the major decline in service standards on NXEC lately including the massive layoffs in staff and the associated decline in service. Add to this the massive increase in fares and parking we're not getting value for money.</p> <p>I've just put the petition up, so be one of the first to sign it, if we get at least 200 signatures the government will issue a reply.</p> <p>I don't think it'll make much difference but if this petition gains some popularity then hopefully we can get NXEC some bad press. If you agree with the petition then please promote it to your fellow NXEC travellers.</p> <p>I've tried to limit the petition to complaints specific to NXEC, some of GNER's mistakes still live on but I do think GNER was a vastly superior company overall.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/04/petition-5506238/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/04/petition-5506238/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/03/i-said-i-wouldn-t-but-i-did-5497495/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-02-03:/2009/02/03/i-said-i-wouldn-t-but-i-did-5497495/Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:53:36 +0100 <p>And I've made it. All credit to NXEC who for once, seem to be out performing FCC in the 'coping with the weather' stakes. I didn't see one FCC service this morning where as NXEC seemed to be opperating a full service with most trains running on time. I could be wrong mind but that's how it seemed to me.</p> <p>Hope the journey home is as easy. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/03/i-said-i-wouldn-t-but-i-did-5497495/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/03/i-said-i-wouldn-t-but-i-did-5497495/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/snow-5491484/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-02-02:/2009/02/02/snow-5491484/Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:20:17 +0100 <p>Well. I made it in. I may live to regret this.</p> <p>Delays into KGX due to points frozen, apparently, causing a shortage of ways into platforms.</p> <p>The departure board claims everything is leaving on time. Somehow? I doubt it.</p> <p>I shall find out around 1pm, I guess. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/snow-5491484/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>snowhttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/02/02/snow-5491484/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/01/27/lost-property-5456108/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-01-27:/2009/01/27/lost-property-5456108/Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:41:52 +0100 <p>Since I'm sure I'm not the only person whose done this, I figure it wouldn't hurt to document what I (as a customer) know of the National Express lost property process, courtesy of a useful handout from Peterborough station, several phone calls and a lot of answering machine messages. If any NXEC folks want to clarify this (publicly or privately) I'll be more than glad to publish corrections.</p> <p>Lost property stays on the train, once found, to the end of its journey. Of course, if the cleaners happen to miss it, this may not be the end of the journey you were on <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Lost property office numbers are:</p> <p><strong>Kings Cross</strong>: 020 7278 3310 (usually voice mail when I've called)<br> <strong>Newark North Gate</strong>: 01302 361175 (long and informative outgoing message)<br> <strong>Doncaster</strong>: 01302 362700<br> <strong>Leeds</strong>: 0113 243 8030 (usually answered, helpful)<br> <strong>Newcastle</strong>: 0191 221 3525 (usually answered, helpful)<br> <strong>Glasgow</strong>: 0141 221 8597 (answered, not the number on the list I got from Peterborough!)<br> <strong>Edinburgh</strong>: 0131 550 2333 (answered)</p> <p>As far as I can discern: if the property isn't found until the train gets to the maintenance depot, it only gets delivered to lost property offices once or twice a week - at Leeds, this is Tuesday or Friday, at Newcastle, it's Friday.</p> <p>Property from trains terminating at Skipton or Bradford wind up at Leeds.<br> Property at the Newcastle and Doncaster offices gets moved to Newark after seven days.</p> <p>If the item is found, it's your responsibility to arrange collection from wherever it ends up.</p> <p>As for me? Still no keys <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/01/27/lost-property-5456108/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lost-properypenfold-is-a-berkhttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/01/27/lost-property-5456108/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/01/24/what-s-happening-bobbers-5439516/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-01-24:/2009/01/24/what-s-happening-bobbers-5439516/Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:28:17 +0100 <p>I'm back from the dead but who knows for how long. The reason for my absence is simple - Redundancies. Not mine. Other peoples. Unfortunately there is still the same amount of work to do and more so as one who's still there, guess who has to take up all the extra work? And guess who has had little time to post?</p> <p>I'm please to say it looks like there's a light at the end of the tunnel It's amazing how powerful the word 'no' can be and how bosses only start to question resource when employes have to say things like 'I can do that but if I do, I won't be able to do this. Which one do you want me to do?Thankfuly I've no got sign off to recruit a replacement and should have more time to post.</p> <p>Nothing really to report on the train front that hasn't already been said. Business as usual. No seat reservations last Monday, above inflation price increases, car park uproar again thanks to a £2 increase, usual standard of delays. I have noticed a distinct lack of shitty old 125's lately. In fact since going back to work in Jan, I've only seen refurb 125's. Does this mean the crappy ones have finally been taken if for an upgrade? I bloody well hope so. </p> <p>More later.</p> <p>Cheers Boppers (Great Movie 'The Warriers'. Watch it if you haven't already. !1970's classiic) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/01/24/what-s-happening-bobbers-5439516/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/01/24/what-s-happening-bobbers-5439516/#commentshttp://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/01/23/hohum-5430186/tag:gnercommuter.blog.co.uk,2009-01-23:/2009/01/23/hohum-5430186/Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:25:46 +0100 <p>Yesterday, being a berk, I left my keys on the 0700 from PBO to KGX.</p> <p>So far, no joy. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/01/23/hohum-5430186/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://gnercommuter.blog.co.uk/2009/01/23/hohum-5430186/#comments