Maidenhead Station

[whole diary]

[Electric train]

I am curious with the new platform 1 extension as it would appear that to have an exit ramp off of the western end as there seems to be a fence being erected, I do hope this not going to be the only exit as that will be a real pain getting to platform 5

[gpn01]

Looks like someone is playing the "should we open the Shoppenhangars entrance today or not?".... game AGAIN!  Really annoying when it's closed during the busy period (i.e. any time after 06:030 in the morning).

[gpn01]

Why can't this be left open when the tunnel isn't being worked on ?  A real pain in the evening when alighting from Platform 1 and then having to traipse all the way through the station, down the car park and all the way back up the hill.  Ditto in the morning after parking to have to take the long way round to Platform 2. Grrrr!

[jane s]

The majority of the time, the ticket inspector doesn't even look at tickets of people entering the station, so why not just have the other entrance open?

Really?

A while back, I was on the train travelling towards Reading, & a ticket inspector was calling a guy a liar because he was claiming to have got on at Maidenhead without a ticket; the inspector was saying that it would have been "impossible" to get through the barrier and he should stop lying & tell him where he really got on.

He soon backed off when I said "Excuse me, he did get on at Maidenhead"! I had seen the guy waiting on the platform with two other people (who also got into the same carriage).

I had never understood how this incident could have happened before....

[johoare]

The majority of the time, the ticket inspector doesn't even look at tickets of people entering the station, so why not just have the other entrance open?

Really?

A while back, I was on the train travelling towards Reading, & a ticket inspector was calling a guy a liar because he was claiming to have got on at Maidenhead without a ticket; the inspector was saying that it would have been "impossible" to get through the barrier and he should stop lying & tell him where he really got on.

He soon backed off when I said "Excuse me, he did get on at Maidenhead"! I had seen the guy waiting on the platform with two other people (who also got into the same carriage).

I had never understood how this incident could have happened before....

Yep. Same here.. They don't seem at all bothered about checking tickets of people entering the station, although I show mine anyway (not that they look at it even).. They do seem more bothered about checking tickets of people exiting the station though..

[johoare]

OK, I tested it out this morning.. There were four members of staff to "check tickets" at Maidenhead.. I was the only passenger in the immediate vicinity..They were having a good joke about something or other. I showed my ticket.. Not sure they even saw me, let alone my ticket.. So what are they doing there?

[swlines]

Try showing a banana or driving licence - normally works at Waterloo.

[Ollie]

To be honest from experience at Waterloo you sometimes don't need to show anything.

[12hoursunday]

To be honest from experience at Waterloo you sometimes don't need to show anything.

Or Bristol come to that. All the guys seem to be doing on the gateline there is talking about last night's conquests

[johoare]

Try showing a banana or driving licence - normally works at Waterloo.

I'll try a banana in the morning then... ha ha.. If it's a first class banana can I travel first class?

[WDcommuter]

Seem to be a few teething problems with the new gates at the Shoppenhangers entrance if the harrassed-looking members of staff manning them are anything to go by...

[gpn01]

Seem to be a few teething problems with the new gates at the Shoppenhangers entrance if the harrassed-looking members of staff manning them are anything to go by...

Probably doesn't help that there's only a single entry and a single exit gate.  During the evening rush hour the queue is going to be right back up the stairs (and in fact was last night).  Do wonder if a process analyst has actually done anything like done any sort of flow/performance analysis.  Suspect the thinking was more along the "we need an entrance and an exit.  There's enough space for one of each, so that'll do".

[BBM]

Slight change of topic - This morning I managed to get a good look at the newly extended Platform 1 at Maidenhead from Platform 2 opposite while waiting for the 07:19 fast to Paddington (I missed the 07:03 fast from Twyford this morning so I used my backup move which is to take the 07:08 stopper and change at Maidenhead). All temporary fencing appears to have been removed so I assume the whole platform is now available for use? There are few things I noticed:

1. Although there are stopping signs for HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) and Turbos there are no DOO^▸ (Driver-Only Operation (that is, trains which operate without carrying a guard)) mirrors or monitors. Presumably a member of station staff will go across to the platform to assist Turbo drivers with departures?

2. The Shoppenhangers car park path is complete and signposted for general use as a step-free walkway. I'd guess that this path has been provided to allow level access for disabled people as well as to make life easier for car park users?

3. The existing exit with the metal steps remains in use and is signposted as a way out to Platforms 2 to 5. However the sign is very small (as is the one for the car park exit) and I'd imagine that someone using the platform for the first time might be unsure as to the best way to exit. Indeed if they're at the front of the train they might not see the exit via the steps and head for the car park which is bad news if they want the town centre or the Marlow train!

[Electric train]

Slight change of topic - This morning I managed to get a good look at the newly extended Platform 1 at Maidenhead from Platform 2 opposite while waiting for the 07:19 fast to Paddington (I missed the 07:03 fast from Twyford this morning so I used my backup move which is to take the 07:08 stopper and change at Maidenhead). All temporary fencing appears to have been removed so I assume the whole platform is now available for use? There are few things I noticed:

1. Although there are stopping signs for HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) and Turbos there are no DOO^▸ (Driver-Only Operation (that is, trains which operate without carrying a guard)) mirrors or monitors. Presumably a member of station staff will go across to the platform to assist Turbo drivers with departures?

2. The Shoppenhangers car park path is complete and signposted for general use as a step-free walkway. I'd guess that this path has been provided to allow level access for disabled people as well as to make life easier for car park users?

3. The existing exit with the metal steps remains in use and is signposted as a way out to Platforms 2 to 5. However the sign is very small (as is the one for the car park exit) and I'd imagine that someone using the platform for the first time might be unsure as to the best way to exit. Indeed if they're at the front of the train they might not see the exit via the steps and head for the car park which is bad news if they want the town centre or the Marlow train!

I agree the signage is poor regards the exits.  It will be a shame if the refurb team does not at least paint the woodwork on platform 1 and get rid of the dangling cable that has been dangling since the canopy was removed by BR^▸ (British Rail(ways)) I will be surprised if the ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) inspector doesn't make a comment about that and even the signage as the current signs can not comply with Disability Discrimination Act

But we must not knock it too much Maidenhead has a long last regained a full(ish) length platform on the Down Main

[IndustryInsider]

Slight change of topic - This morning I managed to get a good look at the newly extended Platform 1 at Maidenhead from Platform 2 opposite while waiting for the 07:19 fast to Paddington (I missed the 07:03 fast from Twyford this morning so I used my backup move which is to take the 07:08 stopper and change at Maidenhead). All temporary fencing appears to have been removed so I assume the whole platform is now available for use? There are few things I noticed:

1. Although there are stopping signs for HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) and Turbos there are no DOO^▸ (Driver-Only Operation (that is, trains which operate without carrying a guard)) mirrors or monitors. Presumably a member of station staff will go across to the platform to assist Turbo drivers with departures?

As before with turbos on this platform it will be self-dispatch using the 'look-back' method - used when there is good visibility and the platform does not curve away out of sight of the driver.