dear santa

[whole diary]

[BerkshireBugsy]

For Christmas I would like a train which runs on time, where I can get a seat, the heating works and tickets get checked. You do do miracles, don't you?!

[grahame]

Dear Santa, I don't want as much.

Not too bothered about seating, heating or punctanctality - 5 or 10 minute delays not a problem.  I would just like a train when I need it.  And - yes - I would like tickets checked so that the bean counters know how well used it is.

When I need it?  Ten trains each way a day, serving our local station (town catchement aroung 24,000 within a couple of miles) would be adequate.   I know that's a lot less that many other towns of similar size get, but we're not wanting to be greedy.

[BerkshireBugsy]

For Christmas I would like a train which runs on time, where I can get a seat, the heating works and tickets get checked. You do do miracles, don't you?!

To misquote meatloaf (or probably more correctly Jim steinman) 1 out of 4 ain't bad (on this mornings journey)

[BerkshireBugsy]

Dear Santa, I don't want as much.

Not too bothered about seating, heating or punctanctality - 5 or 10 minute delays not a problem.  I would just like a train when I need it.  And - yes - I would like tickets checked so that the bean counters know how well used it is.

When I need it?  Ten trains each way a day, serving our local station (town catchement aroung 24,000 within a couple of miles) would be adequate.   I know that's a lot less that many other towns of similar size get, but we're not wanting to be greedy.

Sadly, for both of us , I think hell will freeze over first !

[grahame]

Sadly, for both of us , I think hell will freeze over first !

I wouldn't be so pessimistic. I look at so many examples of smaller towns with more services calling or even running to the town and terminating ... Clitheroe, Alloa, Ely, Barton-on-Humber, Sheringham, Llandudno, Matlock, Bradford-on-Avon, Pewsey, so it really shouldn't be such a big issue, and we've produced the research, reports and trial loading evidence that's been asked for 

[BerkshireBugsy]

Back to my original post I have decided to be more realstic and ask for something alot simpler - a FGW^▸ (First Great Western) jacket...I have two reasons for this..

1) I think they look smart and
2) It appears to allow the wearer to enjoy first class travel at a reduced cost.

[matt473]

Dear santa,

Please create a system where you can purchase plusbus to get to a station without needing to go to the station in the first place to buy the bus ticket required to get to the station.

Oh and a new 42" tv would be nice too   

[JayMac]

↑ +1.  (Although buying online in conjunction with your train ticket and ahead of time can get your PlusBus ticket delivered to your door, but I understand where you're coming from)

Not too fussed about the 42" TV^▸ (Thames Valley, or TeleVision, depending on context) though. 

[JayMac]

Back to my original post I have decided to be more realstic and ask for something alot simpler - a FGW^▸ (First Great Western) jacket...I have two reasons for this..

1) I think they look smart and
2) It appears to allow the wearer to enjoy first class travel at a reduced cost.

I'm sure you are jesting, but passing yourself off as a FGW employee could land you in a whole heap of trouble..... 

[JayMac]

As we are in the 'Lighter Side' my list to Santa this year comprises thus:

1) A First Class 'go anywhere' annual Season Ticket.
2) A Triumph Stag in British Racing Green (or a Jensen Interceptor.... not fussed)
3) A harbourside apartment in Bristol.
4) Vicki Butler Henderson (or Julia Bradbury.... again not fussed)

 

[johoare]

All I'd like (on the ex Thames train so local services) is.. some space to breath.. Not terribly worried about a seat but I think breathing is quite important :-)

[JayMac]

All I'd like (on the ex Thames train so local services) is.. some space to breath.. Not terribly worried about a seat but I think breathing is quite important :-)

Santa may just grant you that wish, Jo.

Although maybe not until Spring 2012....

[johoare]

Not just in time for the...erm.. Olympics then huh? ooh I am still too cynical... More seriously though I still don't quite know how FGW^▸ (First Great Western) get away with it all.. Having travelled with other train companies..

[bobm]

Back to my original post I have decided to be more realstic and ask for something alot simpler - a FGW^▸ (First Great Western) jacket...I have two reasons for this..

1) I think they look smart and
2) It appears to allow the wearer to enjoy first class travel at a reduced cost.

I'm sure you are jesting, but passing yourself off as a FGW employee could land you in a whole heap of trouble..... 

A few years back I was given a dark green jacket/overcoat type thing by a member of the family.  I was always being stopped on platforms and being asked when the next train to so and so was.  I therefore gave up wearing it and eventually it went to Oxfam.   I am fairly confident no one will get me a purple coloured one.....

[JayMac]

Wearing a hi-vis bib/jerkin whilst on a train station is almost guaranteed to see you being asked for train information by random members of the public. Whether you work for the railways or not.

Even just standing next to someone wearing hi-vis (*ahem* Chris from Nailsea) at Temple Meads can see you being approached and asked which platform the next train to Bath is departing from.

I was able to provide the info but had to make it clear that I was only a 'normal' and told the lass that she should double-check with real railway staff. I was only there to count passengers on Severn Beach line services!