Just watched a Dispatches episode on the general crapness of train travel in England - the delays, the expense, the inpenetrable ticketing system.
Richard Wilson joined the commuter throngs at Reading station, for the early morning slog into London. I did that, for about 6 months. Leaving at 6:30 to catch the 7:00 train, waiting around for half an hour because train after train was crowded or delayed. Half an hour into Paddington, frequently standing all the way. The half an hour became 45 minutes, then the race across the platform to try and get the tube. More standing, from Paddington to Baker's Street, from Baker's Street to Canary Wharf. Standing all the way, with your nose in someone's armpit, trying to read or, more often, snooze on your feet.
And then working late, and reversing the process. But at least if I worked late I got to sit on the train home. It made arriving home at 22:00 much easier.
All for the low, low price of £300 a month. Never again.
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