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Title: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: vacman on March 10, 2008, 22:54:36 On the FGW website they are advertising for a rail operator at Nailsea/Weston, a job for you Chris?? ;)
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 10, 2008, 23:26:33 Thanks very much for spotting, this, vacman! ;D
It^s all a bit intriguing, actually. Nailsea hasn^t been manned regularly since our old friend Dave the Station Manager ^retired^, quite some time ago (we believe ^ he was off sick for a long time with an eye injury). This role is advertised as a six month fixed term appointment as a general purpose relief ^ suggesting that it^s not to cover for Dave^s old role, and it^s not a return to Nailsea being a truly ^manned^ station? Perhaps someone at FGW has read my posts on this forum, constantly mentioning the ^good old days^ when Nailsea had real staff selling tickets, and has decided to get someone in to do the job, just to stop me moaning? :o Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Lee on March 10, 2008, 23:41:22 Well, you have until 1700 tomorrow to apply....
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Job.aspx?id=624 I also came across this (link below.) http://www.rewardingjourney.co.uk/ Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Lee on April 12, 2008, 09:17:35 FOSBR has been informed that a member of FGW staff will be present at Filton Abbey Wood station occasionally over the next few weeks dealing with the ticket office and providing customer assistance. Any chance of them also turning up 'occasionally' at Nailsea and Backwell, to provide similar services??? ;D FGW - No plans to staff Nailsea and Backwell on a permanent basis. Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: John R on April 12, 2008, 09:51:19 So no plans to fulfil what is shown on the NationalRail website as the standard facilities then (ie staffed 0630 - 0930 weekdays)?
When I wrote to them a year or so ago they said that the station should be staffed and they were recruiting. Appears to be destaffing by stealth. Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: John R on June 30, 2008, 16:36:08 Great news, we now have the station staffed from 6.30 to 9.30 each morning. I understand it's a 6 month trial.
The very cheery chap was there this morning with his broom sweeping away, and he told me that his other duties include helping passengers, checking that the screens are working correctly, and phoning through to FGW control during periods of perturbation to keep passengers informed. Spot the omission? Apparently he's had a lot of feedback that what passengers would really like him to do is sell tickets, but apparently he's not been given the facilities to do that...... In the immortal words of Homer, Dohhhh! Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: swlines on June 30, 2008, 18:43:18 I suspect he hasn't been trained how to use a TIS ... an Avantix wouldn't be too hard to learn though. I figured it out in about 10 minutes (and that includes XS fares, vacman ;)).
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: willc on October 22, 2008, 21:45:59 Did Avantix man make his much-heralded debut this morning?
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: John R on October 22, 2008, 22:55:27 'Er indoors says she had a chat with cheery chap this morning (at the station before you say anything ;)), so he was there for some of the time around 9ish.
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 27, 2008, 22:30:26 Thanks, John, for that useful information! :)
Indeed - well done to FGW for acting so promptly on that one - but what about the (rather more useful?) machine on platform 2 - which would potentially be used by many more people (that is, all the Bristol-bound commuters in the mornings)? And where is our local cheery chap? He wasn't there this morning, either? ??? Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 16, 2008, 22:15:06 At Nailsea & Backwell, we still have the ticket machine on the footpath below platform 1. However, that machine is not covered by the CCTV camera, so I suspect it's only a matter of time before that machine too suffers the fate of the nearby telephone kiosk - which gets vandalised every other Friday night, as far as I can make out ... ::) Perhaps the answer is to follow the example set by Chiltern: Quote Machines along our route that have not been broken into will now only be accepting cards. ... and, sure enough, after the subsequent attack on that ticket machine on the footpath under platform 1 at Nailsea, FGW have listened to me: that repaired ticket machine is now 'debit/credit card only - no cash'. The notice on the machine 'apologises for the inconvenience': well, to be honest, it's no particular inconvenience to me - I just want to buy a ticket, whether that transaction is made on the station or on board the train. In future, I may just make a point of only having the right change in cash to buy my ticket, on board: our local chap with an Avantix machine is not present nearly as often as we were led to believe he would be? Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: John R on November 16, 2008, 23:39:46 And when he's there he seems to spend most of his time in the ticket office on the phone or otherwise ignoring those who wish to purchase a ticket, so I'm told by a very reliable source.
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 17, 2008, 01:54:19 Hmmm. I have to say, John, that your 'very reliable source' is absolutely right: the 'service' provided at Nailsea now isn't a patch on that offered by Dave, in the good old days. ::)
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 18, 2008, 23:34:13 Passing the station this lunchtime it appeared as though repairs/replacement of the ticket machine was underway. :o ::) :o ::) Certainly not before time, John! This morning, for example, there was a group of passengers, chatting on platform 2 about the ticket office being locked and shuttered, yet again. "He's obviously been sent to work Weston again this morning," someone suggested, referring to this latest absence of our local Avantix-trained operative. However, when our train to Bristol was announced, our local chap nipped out of the cabin, locked it behind him and scuttled off, rather furtively, over the footbridge - watched with wry amusement by that group of passengers: he'd been in there all along!? Frankly, if he's that unwilling to sell tickets, the long-awaited repair of the machine on platform 2 will be most timely. ??? Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: John R on November 20, 2008, 21:04:41 Sorry, hadn't seen this post before. Don't know why. Of course, I was wrong, the hive of activity was to remove the old machine, now replaced by a rather curious looking wooden box.
Mr Avantix man was pleased with himself yesterday, celebrating the renewal of his contract. I believe he even sold a few tickets in a rush of blood. Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: vacman on November 21, 2008, 14:43:08 And when he's there he seems to spend most of his time in the ticket office on the phone or otherwise ignoring those who wish to purchase a ticket, so I'm told by a very reliable source. put in a complaint!Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: John R on January 19, 2009, 22:08:22 So now both machines can be axed to get the cash. They won't even be under the watchful eye of Jason for the few hours he's there (though granted such attacks are unlikely in the morning rush-hour.)
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on January 19, 2009, 22:14:39 Erm ... Jacob ... but you're quite right, John: it all seems to be a bit of a bodge job, to be brutally honest. ::)
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on January 24, 2009, 17:59:28 Another quick update from me:
Well, actually, all was well, last week ... until Friday morning, at about 08:55. It had rained overnight, so both ticket machines were having a hissy fit, refusing to sell tickets, as they'd been stood out in the rain overnight. "No problem!" I thought, as I bounded cheerfully up the steps to platform 2, "there's always our cheerful chap with his Avantix!" But no: as a fellow passenger informed me, our local Avantix wielder was actually over on platform 1, picking up litter. While that's commendable, it did seem to me that he'd have been rather better employed using those particular few minutes to sell a few tickets, to those (like me) wanting to catch the 08:59 NLS to BTM ??? Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on February 13, 2009, 20:44:40 as long as they don't encounter a ticket examiner or station with an open booking office on their travels. ... or vacman, with a gleam in his eye and an Avantix machine at the ready! ;D Actually, I've never had a problem buying my ticket on board (or even, if necessary, at the gateline at BTM), whenever the vending machines and / or our local chap are not selling tickets at Nailsea - for whatever reason. ;) Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: ReWind on October 14, 2009, 16:43:48 I will not mention a name as I am not sure if I can or not.
The Station Staff/Ticket Clerk at Nailsea & Backwell station has been put forward in the "Do you know a Star" competition run by FGW. Customers have voted for him as an excellent and very helpful member of staff. Congratulations. Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Ollie on October 14, 2009, 16:50:44 Yeah have heard good things about him, and I'm there are members on this board who can vouch for him deserving the award.
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: John R on October 15, 2009, 16:55:31 Hmmmmm.
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 15, 2009, 22:27:57 ... and a rather diplomatic "Hmm" from me, too. :-X
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 16, 2009, 15:27:35 Having been asked to expand on my previous post, may I just point out that the results of 'Do you know a Star?' have not yet been announced, so I feel it is inappropriate to speculate about who may have been nominated - or who may win - at this time.
From the FGW website (http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=4062): Quote Vote for a Star has now ended and the details of winners will be announced shortly. Thank you for making your nominations. Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Ollie on October 16, 2009, 21:10:28 Colleagues have been told who the 5 people with the most votes were.
The Nailsea guy was one of those 5. Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 16, 2009, 22:22:49 In that case, Ollie, as it's now in the public domain, I'm happy to wish Jacob (yes, that's him - his name has appeared here on the forum before) all the best.
Chris :) Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: gaf71 on October 17, 2009, 18:22:37 In that case, Ollie, as it's now in the public domain, I'm happy to wish Jacob (yes, that's him - his name has appeared here on the forum before) all the best. The guy in my staff magazine is called Alan???Chris :) Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 17, 2009, 18:45:08 Has Alan replaced Jacob, fairly recently, then?
That could explain some of the confusion. :-X Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: TheLastMinute on August 02, 2010, 00:42:08 Sorry to drag up this old thread but I think I may be able to help with Chris's question!
Week before last our regular ticket guy at Nailsea had a day off and FGW had actually managed to find a relief for him - a first in itself as far as I'm aware. Chatting to this guy, it turns out our man that we all call Jacob (for that's what is on his name badge) isn't actually called Jacob. I would say what it is but I don't think I should on a public forum. Is it common for FGW staff to use a false name on their name badge? Cheers, TLM Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 02, 2010, 00:45:51 Yes: I subsequently found out that FGW staff have some choice over what name appears on their badge - it doesn't have to be their true name. :-X
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Super Guard on August 03, 2010, 19:29:48 Back in the day of surnames on badges, we were allowed a sensible replacement, and obviously things like Jason could be changed to Jay etc, however I wasn't aware we were allowed random first names now... I don't really see the point ???
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Ollie on August 03, 2010, 20:58:50 Back in the day of surnames on badges, we were allowed a sensible replacement, and obviously things like Jason could be changed to Jay etc, however I wasn't aware we were allowed random first names now... I don't really see the point ??? Yeah seems a bit pointless.Although on my badge says Ollie, wasn't asked, was just given to me that way :P Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Mookiemoo on August 03, 2010, 22:32:33 Where do you see these people at Nailsea - have gotten the 0644 four times and many during the day
Not seen a soul Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: inspector_blakey on August 03, 2010, 22:57:45 According to the NRES stations dossier, NLS is staffed Mo-Fr from 0630 to 0930. I assume the staff member on duty operates a booking office using an Avantix machine in a hut on the station somewhere (up platform?) a la Keynsham.
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 03, 2010, 23:33:42 Hmmmmmm.
The franchise requirement is that Nailsea & Backwell Station is staffed between 06:30 and 09:30 Monday to Friday. If that is not happening, you need to tell Tracy McCarthy, the FGW station manager responsible for our station. :-X (and, if it is still not happening ... you will perhaps now understand the reservations, which some of us expressed here, in previous posts on this topic ... ::) ) Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Mookiemoo on August 03, 2010, 23:51:20 Well I've only been using it for a month and have only gotten the 0644 - and I just checked - 6 times not four (checked my tickets)
Knowing there was meant to be a man with an avantix (ahem) I did look to try to buy before I go but I seriously did not see anyone I thought the man in the hut may be petrol station side (which not make sense at all) and did check one day - but nope If there is more to this, PM before I drop anyone into it Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 04, 2010, 00:05:05 The fact of the matter is, there should be someone from FGW in the cabin on platform 2 at Nailsea & Backwell Station, selling tickets from his Avantix machine, as he has been trained to do, between 06:30 and 09:30 Monday to Friday.
CfN. :-X Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Mookiemoo on August 31, 2010, 09:13:46 Can confirm the guy was setting up at 06:25 this morning.
First time i've noticed that Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on September 10, 2010, 01:18:18 Hmm.
On the one hand, we're told this: (http://a.imageshack.us/img801/7071/039gc.jpg) (http://img801.imageshack.us/i/039gc.jpg/) On the other hand ... we are given these: (http://a.imageshack.us/img441/8342/photo0003o.jpg) (http://img441.imageshack.us/i/photo0003o.jpg/) (http://a.imageshack.us/img825/9729/002jg.jpg) (http://img825.imageshack.us/i/002jg.jpg/) As I said: Hmm. :-X Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Mookiemoo on September 10, 2010, 01:23:54 ok - havent been noticing enough but is the *normal service* poster in an easily accessible place
Going into devils advocate mode If its not easy to change then what they've done is the best they can do - especially since the TVMs dont take cash so if you want to use that its on train or at BRI only Now .... if a poster went up to advertise when he was there as opposed supposed to be Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on September 10, 2010, 01:57:01 Hmm, again. ::)
The fact of the matter is: it is a requirement of their franchise that FGW provide someone to staff the ticket office at Nailsea & Backwell each weekday morning. So, it really doesn't matter whether the poster is prominent, or not. (However: actually, it is - it's in the top right hand corner of the western-most of the huge posters facing the car park on Station Close. That is where I took the first of those pictures.) No, the TVMs do not accept cash: that is precisely why we want FGW to honour their commitment to provide someone with an Avantix machine at NLS in the morning peak, to sell tickets for cash to commuters who don't want to use a credit card for a ^3.60 transaction, for example. ::) Sorry to go on. :-[ :P ::) Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: JayMac on September 10, 2010, 02:36:41 "For all information and details of you most convenient alternative....."
::) Oh, and why no mention that tickets can be bought on the train? Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: inspector_blakey on September 10, 2010, 02:40:54 Hmm from me too. Those dates look like they have rather little to do with "sickness" and rather a lot to do with annual leave and no-one available (or willing, or asked...?) to cover.
And while I'm at it, why is it that these notices are always written in some sort of quasi-management speak by someone whose grasp of literacy might be sympathetically described as tenuous? It's inconvenience which may be caused, not maybe caused. I've no idea how maybe would cause inconvenience in the first place. Anyway, the whole "May be caused" bit is garbage anyway, since it's patently obvious that inconvenience will be caused. Why say "Temporary ticket office closure" when "Temporary interruption to ticket services" sounds much more lumpy and "official" to whichever functionary writes this crud? Why would you ever say "lack" when "non-availability" just sounds sooo much better?! ::) So how about this...? Quote from: inspector_blakey, language snob Temporary ticket office closure We regret that due to lack of staff, this ticket office will be closed from dd-mmm-yy to dd-mmm-yy, and apologize for the inconvenience this will cause. For information about train services please call 08457 484950. To purchase tickets by telephone using a credit or debit card, please call 08457 000 125 or visit our website at www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk. Tickets for immediate travel may be purchased from the ticket machines near the car park, by the steps to platform two. These machines will only accept credit or debit card payments. If you wish to pay using cash, then you may purchase your tickets from the conductor on board the train at no additional charge. Penalty fares will not apply to travel from Nailsea and Backwell station for the duration of the ticket office closure After all, surely we need something to stop aunty Gladys being frightened by those nasty yellow posters threatening penalty fares if you haven't got a ticket! Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: JayMac on September 10, 2010, 03:01:36 After all, surely we need something to stop aunty Gladys being frightened by those nasty yellow posters threatening penalty fares if you haven't got a ticket! Is that Gladys Scrubbins from Scabies Crescent? (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=7304.msg72766#msg72766) Only I thought she lived in Weston-super-Mare. ;) :P ;D Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: inspector_blakey on September 10, 2010, 03:10:07 Yes. For unaccountable reasons she's driven to Nailsea to begin her day out!
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 13, 2010, 14:46:50 From the FGW website (http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?id=685):
Quote First Great Western^s Allan on track for an awards hat-trick First Great Western^s (FGW^s) Allan Lloyd has been nominated as a finalist in the Outstanding Customer Service category at this year^s Rail Staff Awards. If he is named the winner it will be the third time that Allan, who works as a Service and Delivery Assistant at Nailsea and Backwell station, has received an award for his consistently high levels of customer service over the past year. Receiving more customer nominations than any other FGW colleague, he was named as a winner in the train operator^s annual Do You Know a Star? awards in autumn last year. Allan also beat off stiff competition from other FirstGroup train operators to receive UK Rail Outstanding Employee Achievement award at FirstGroup's annual dinner at the end of last year. The awards, hosted by Rail Staff magazine, will be held in Birmingham on October 23. Allan^s manager, Tracy McCarthy, said: ^Allan is so passionate about his job. He^s made Nailsea and Backwell station his own and customers ask where he is when he^s not working. He really is an outstanding colleague who thoroughly deserves this award.^ Allan added: ^I would like to thank all the customers who keep nominating me for these awards. I love my job and I really look forward to going into work. It makes my day when customers are satisfied with the service they receive and it^s no trouble for me because I enjoy what I do so much.^ Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: JayMac on October 14, 2010, 00:09:03 Top work fella!
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 14, 2010, 21:27:39 Several previous posts here, on the merits of UK English compared with US English, have now been split off into a new topic, in The Lighter Side', at http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=7787.0
CfN. :) Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on January 21, 2011, 23:30:03 Hmm. ::)
Most people had to rely on the card only TVMs at Nailsea (or cash to on-train staff) to buy tickets over the Christmas and New Year, due to 'staff sickness and annual leave' meaning that our station was effectively unmanned again for three weeks. >:( Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 17, 2011, 20:49:05 This afternoon, arriving at Nailsea & Backwell Station for my outward journey, I noted that both TVMs were 'out of service'. I went up the stairs to platform 2, and noted this, on the front of the ticket office:
(http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/1440/001ioq.jpg) (http://img839.imageshack.us/i/001ioq.jpg/) ::) Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: JayMac on March 17, 2011, 21:27:26 So, FGW are directing customers to National Rail Enquiries in the first instance. Why can't they themselves provide details of alternative 'retail points'?
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 17, 2011, 21:31:17 0845 numbers. ;)
Title: Re: Nailsea Station Assistant Post by: grahame on March 17, 2011, 21:56:02 So, FGW are directing customers to National Rail Enquiries in the first instance. Why can't they themselves provide details of alternative 'retail points'? First level customer support is provided under contract by National Rail Enquiries, and FGW make a contribution in payment for that service. If first level support was redirected in signifcant quantities to FGW's customer services section, which probably has a smaller staff than National Rail Enquires, the FGW service which is intended to be second level / handle the more complex stuff would get overrun. I also suspect that National Rail has a lower cost base per enquiry, so it's cheaper to do it that way. This page is printed from the "Coffee Shop" forum at http://gwr.passenger.chat which is provided by a customer of Great Western Railway. Views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that content provided contravenes our posting rules ( see http://railcustomer.info/1761 ). The forum is hosted by Well House Consultants - http://www.wellho.net |