I have just had one of the worst journeys possible. This blog was started as a light hearted look at all things that make us huff and puff, but after what happened yesterday I need to write.My journey started early in Southampton, with delays and problems from the start, one train stuck on the platform waiting for points, carriages packed fully - if you think that sounds bad enough, wait and see what happens next.
The Train from Salisbury to Exeter St Davids (London Waterloo line) was due in at 14:47 - but had been delayed by 17 minutes due to what we had been told was a late running train in at its starting point.
Upon arriving the train had 6 coaches and the platform customer advisor had been asking if we could use all 6, because the amount of people on the platform wanting this train had become impossible to control, I would guess there was in the region of 300 people awaiting this one train.
Unfortunately at this point the train still split, leaving the front three coaches were now packed completely (some people on the train had told me they had been standing since Clapham Junction - for them already this was 90 minutes of standing)
One platform advisor began ushering people onto the train (including myself) leaving the whole of each carriage completely full with people pressed up against each other to the point where even breathing became a problem.
At this point a gentleman (Train advisor) made an announcement stating that "There is a train heading towards Tisbury and Gillingham leaving from platform 4 in 20 minutes from now" before asking anybody on the train to alight and head over there (if they need to head to these stations) but before enough of the people could get off, more were getting on leaving us all crushed up against the toilet door. A platform advisor then shouted at a number of people who were trying to get off and make space.
This is a video of the train completely packed after departing Salisbury;
The questions I have are;
1) Why did the operators decide that we could not use all six carriages and then decide to pack people on like Sardines in a tin?
2) Why over such a busy period do we have to put up with lack of space. We are paying in the region of £70 for tickets and yet the service was terrible, people did not pay money to be stood up and crushed for 3 hours. It is very dangerous.
3) The train still decided to send a person down with a trolley, even though this meant people had to somehow squeeze up against each other. (Although the gentleman with the trolley was actually very polite)
4) Why were we told the train was delayed due to a late running arrival and then told it was because of passengers and finally that it was because of the weather? I would more likely say that the lack of space in carriages was the cause - and considering it is the same every year, why are they happy to take our money and not give the service we need?
I am very unhappy with the way South West Trains. I am disappointed with the way we have been treated and how easily we were packed in when the problem could have been solved if the platform advisor had been given a yes about the extra carriages.
For the money we pay, the service is terrible. I am very unhappy and at this time do not know if I will ever travel by train again. I think for the sake of my health and comfort, I will be booking with National Express in the future.
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