Monday, November 29, 2004

SQUEEZE

Stuff getting in the way of a peaceful journey...

Yes, it's cold and the time of year for colds and flu. But, please Mr Passenger blow your nose if you've got the snuffles.

There's some event going on in Victoria Embankment Gardens which blocked access this morning to my usual route to work. Missed, then, a few tranquil moments before phone, fax and e-mail deluge.

Thanks to Southern Railways, I had the pleasure of sniffing fellow travellers sweating bodies on the way home tonight. Four rather than eight coaches on the late running 1837 Victoria-West Croydon.

posted by pete at 10:01 PM

Thursday, November 25, 2004

Commuter Jetting

For the last couple of weeks it seems like I've been commuting to Brussels rather than W.C.2.

I'm getting used to the 4:30am starts, minicab rides, Magic radio, security checks, the bitter coffee in the business lounge, the scalding hot omelette paninis, the Brussels Metro and the excellent tram system, return journeys on the Heathrow Express, 20 minute waits for the Circle Line at Paddington.

I don't like the yawning and desire to crawl into bed at 8:00pm.

posted by pete at 9:31 PM

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Freedom Pass

Sydney-siders get a free ride

"I think the rail service has been bloody atrocious. It has got to be fixed up. It is the biggest problem we face"

- Bob Carr, New South Wales Premier

Somehow I doubt Southern Trains will go for this.

Currently there's a mini-mild spell. Southern's lovely rolling stock are acting as roasting ovens. Helpful drivers like to switch on the heat in case we might feel the cold. My smelly armpits thank them.

posted by pete at 9:19 PM

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

Service Update

"There are delays on the Northern Line. A good service is operating on all other London Underground lines."

What does London Underground mean by "Good Service"?

This evening there was a good service on the District Line. Yet, at Embankment there was barely room to get any more people on the westbound platform. The indicator board showed one train - a Circle Line train in 2 minutes. Two minutes later a second Circle Line train in 2 minutes came up on the board. No District Line to be seen. Fortunately I only needed to get to Victoria.

On arrival there:

"There are delays on the Jubilee and Victoria Lines. A good service is operating on all other London Underground lines..."

Quite.

posted by pete at 9:33 PM