Solution to overcrowded trains found...
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www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/oxfordshire/news/TOPNEWS1.html
'Ludicrous' approach to overcrowding
by Andrew Ffrench
Passengers told to leave train early in 'ludicrous' approach to overcrowding A train company is dealing with overcrowding -- by telling passengers to get off 30 miles from their destination.
Three of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin CrossCountry trains from the south coast of England to the north of England and Scotland will continue to stop at Oxford. But Oxford-bound passengers will be told to leave the trains at Reading and catch either a Thames Trains or First Great Western service to complete their journey.
But anyone who insists on staying on a Virgin service to Oxford could be charged extra.
The new rule is designed to prevent overcrowding on trains between Reading and Oxford. The trains will pick up passengers at Oxford, but no-one will be expected to get off.
From May 18, the three daily trains affected will be the 14.38 from Bournemouth to Edinburgh, the 15.38 from Bournemouth to Glasgow, and the 16.38 from Bournemouth to Manchester. Nine other daily Virgin services on the route will not be affected.
Virgin spokesman David Ewart said: "We're trying to make our CrossCountry service more reliable and reduce overcrowding.
"It makes it uncomfortable for passengers if trains become overcrowded, and there are alternative local services between Reading and Oxford."
He said Virgin Trains did not want to inconvenience or penalise its customers.
He added: "We're not going to physically prevent people from getting off the trains.
"But if someone has overslept, or has decided to stay on the train after Reading, they will be reminded that their ticket is not valid and they could be liable to pay an excess fare."
David Robertson, executive member for transport on Oxfordshire County Council, said: "This is ludicrous.
"It's not the sort of policy which will help get drivers off the road.
"The strategy of encouraging people on to public transport relies on having a convenient and reliable service."
'Ludicrous' approach to overcrowding
by Andrew Ffrench
Passengers told to leave train early in 'ludicrous' approach to overcrowding A train company is dealing with overcrowding -- by telling passengers to get off 30 miles from their destination.
Three of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin CrossCountry trains from the south coast of England to the north of England and Scotland will continue to stop at Oxford. But Oxford-bound passengers will be told to leave the trains at Reading and catch either a Thames Trains or First Great Western service to complete their journey.
But anyone who insists on staying on a Virgin service to Oxford could be charged extra.
The new rule is designed to prevent overcrowding on trains between Reading and Oxford. The trains will pick up passengers at Oxford, but no-one will be expected to get off.
From May 18, the three daily trains affected will be the 14.38 from Bournemouth to Edinburgh, the 15.38 from Bournemouth to Glasgow, and the 16.38 from Bournemouth to Manchester. Nine other daily Virgin services on the route will not be affected.
Virgin spokesman David Ewart said: "We're trying to make our CrossCountry service more reliable and reduce overcrowding.
"It makes it uncomfortable for passengers if trains become overcrowded, and there are alternative local services between Reading and Oxford."
He said Virgin Trains did not want to inconvenience or penalise its customers.
He added: "We're not going to physically prevent people from getting off the trains.
"But if someone has overslept, or has decided to stay on the train after Reading, they will be reminded that their ticket is not valid and they could be liable to pay an excess fare."
David Robertson, executive member for transport on Oxfordshire County Council, said: "This is ludicrous.
"It's not the sort of policy which will help get drivers off the road.
"The strategy of encouraging people on to public transport relies on having a convenient and reliable service."
And how about the East Coast line who are cancelling trains to help with congestion problems?? These guys are worse than any government it seems. How the fcuk can they cancel trains to ease congestion????? Beats me..... I give up......... thank god the last bunch of Labour slimeballs got me out of the country.......
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