Does this happen often on trains?

[Mongoose]

I don't do much travelling in my job, but yesterday I had to leave the office in Derby to go to Bristol and London.

The train down to Bristol was late - not a major problem and to be expected I guess, something to do with the reservation system going down. The train driver spent the next 10 minutes confusing everyone with his explanation of the fault, which consisted of saying the words 'system', 'download' and 'reboot' as many times as he could manage.

However, things went slightly worse on the return trip from London to Derby, when the bloody train caught fire. Now I'm no expert, but I don't think that's supposed to happen?

It was dealt with fairly efficiently, the train and station were evacuated and we packed onto the next train - so this isn't a rant (no scoring needed). Just wondered if this is a new and exciting money-saving procedure by the train company to merge journeys when the train reaches less than half occupancy?

Sorry for wasting your time, this isn't a particularly interesting post. Just interested to hear if things like this happen a lot - anyone have any better stories?

[soad]

Public transport is crap on most occassions, tend not to use it unless i really have to!

[RacerMDR]

it happened once last week on my line I believe........and i'm sure the week before on a different line (fires that is)

I had to get train recently due to car needing some work - observations are thus:

1. Door to Door in car (house to office) = approx 2 hours
2. Door to Door in train (house to office) = approx 2 hours (15 minute walk, 1 train, 2 tubes)
3. Cost in car = approx £10
4. Cost in train = £35 quid including Oyster spend (however as missus goes to = £70!!! per day)
5. IN my car - I can listen to the radio......and general be away from other humans bothering me
6. On the train - I can sleep
7. I can't read in either.......as I get ill on a train if I try to read and i'd crash the motor

Conclusion - trains might work for a specific journey........but the cost is OUTRAGEOUS - and you aren't guarenteed a seat.

As i like to be in control of my own destiny as far as possible, I'll never give up the car.....

[stroppyjohnny]

Drivers have to make an explanation of any delays to the passengers. Unfortunately being locked alone in a small cab all day can make one a bit, erm, not so eloquent shall we say. They don't catch fire on a daily basis but the motor controllers can overload in icy conditions and build up excess heat. Far from a money saving exercise, the train operating company will have been stumped for many thousands of pounds in fines for the delay.

[Bing o]

I've done 150,000 miles by train in the past 3 years, where would you like me to start....?

[Simon Brooks]

just accept that if you travel by train you are captive and have no choice other then to listen to a seemingly endless list of weak excuses, have come to the conclusion that train companies issue thier staff with an excuses tick list that they must complete each week in order to get paid. I now actively avoid train travel as much as possible.

[stroppyjohnny]

Simon Brooks said:

just accept that if you travel by train you are captive and have no choice other then to listen to a seemingly endless list of weak excuses, have come to the conclusion that train companies issue thier staff with an excuses tick list that they must complete each week in order to get paid. I now actively avoid train travel as much as possible.

Shhh don't tell everyone