Had the pleasure of travelling on +Chiltern Railways 12.55 Silver Set from Birmingham Moor Street today. One advantage of this service is the longish layover at Moor Street by the incoming service which means the train is available to board half-an-hour before departure.
Though a fairly leisurely 99 minutes in journey time, another advantage is the good value hot meals served on a plate with proper cutlery to those of us travelling in the Business Zone. Today I tried the vegetable chow mein. Of course in the BZ, one gets copious cups of tea included.
All in all, an ideal way of travelling over lunchtime.
Came back on the +London Midland 1650 service from London Euston as LM had made me an offer (25% discount on Advance First) that I coudn't refuse... The 12 car Desiro was standing in Platform 15 in good time BUT, as has happened before, no crew turned up until 5 mins before departure - meaning a scrum down around the doors as the flow of commuters built up.
First Class in the Birmingham portion was nicely but not completely filled, meaning that I got a table on which to work through the 131 minute journey. Actually had a ticket check after Northampton - no barrier checks at either end of the journey of course. Good job most rail travellers are honest fare-paying folk...
Was amused to see the Guardian trail a story about the Budget suggesting that TOCs would be 'bribed' to provide WiFi. One can only hope LM take the bait if it is offered. Also amused by Nigel Harris in Rail praising TOCs for cutting fare evasion. Suspect he has not travelled between Birmingham and London recently as I cannot see how certain TOCs know how much fare evasion is taking place!
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