Does anyone commute using the high speed into St Pancras? I currently work 15 minute drive from home but have been offered a new job working in London. I haven't commuted now for 7 years but the salary increase on the new job is well worth the commute. I would be travelling from Strood, and when I have got the high speed for meetings in the past it always seems to run ok and mostly on time!
Do people think the high speed is worth the extra money per year?
Cheers
Don't personally, but my boss does. He goes from Ashford to Stratford International and says it's well worth the extra cost.
Does anyone commute using the high speed into St Pancras? I currently work 15 minute drive from home but have been offered a new job working in London. I haven't commuted now for 7 years but the salary increase on the new job is well worth the commute. I would be travelling from Strood, and when I have got the high speed for meetings in the past it always seems to run ok and mostly on time!
Do people think the high speed is worth the extra money per year?
Cheers
I'd stick with the regular Southeastern trains if I were you, you'll be fine.
Does anyone commute using the high speed into St Pancras? I currently work 15 minute drive from home but have been offered a new job working in London. I haven't commuted now for 7 years but the salary increase on the new job is well worth the commute. I would be travelling from Strood, and when I have got the high speed for meetings in the past it always seems to run ok and mostly on time!
Do people think the high speed is worth the extra money per year?
Cheers
If you actually work at St Pancras I'd be very tempted to use HS1 even though it costs more
If you use the normal trains, apart from the extra time, you'd have to pay extra to use the tube from London Bridge anyway
Thanks guys, the job is in ludgate hill, so my normal route when I go there is high speed - St Pancras, then jump on the thameslink 2 stops to city thameslink, which I believe you can do on a yearly return to London terminals for no extra.
Does anyone commute using the high speed into St Pancras? I currently work 15 minute drive from home but have been offered a new job working in London. I haven't commuted now for 7 years but the salary increase on the new job is well worth the commute. I would be travelling from Strood, and when I have got the high speed for meetings in the past it always seems to run ok and mostly on time!
Do people think the high speed is worth the extra money per year?
Cheers
I'd stick with the regular Southeastern trains if I were you, you'll be fine.
Yeah......... reading this thread, I am not convinced !
Does anyone commute using the high speed into St Pancras? I currently work 15 minute drive from home but have been offered a new job working in London. I haven't commuted now for 7 years but the salary increase on the new job is well worth the commute. I would be travelling from Strood, and when I have got the high speed for meetings in the past it always seems to run ok and mostly on time!
Do people think the high speed is worth the extra money per year?
Cheers
I commute in from Strood myself and have used the High Speed a few times...
Definitely worth using it if you can afford it - I'd use it more, the only reason I don't is because the train times from St. Pancras mean Id get home later using it than using the one from Cannon Street
Does anyone commute using the high speed into St Pancras? I currently work 15 minute drive from home but have been offered a new job working in London. I haven't commuted now for 7 years but the salary increase on the new job is well worth the commute. I would be travelling from Strood, and when I have got the high speed for meetings in the past it always seems to run ok and mostly on time!
Do people think the high speed is worth the extra money per year?
Cheers
Girlfriend (and her mum) use it from Chatham/Gillingham they say it's pretty good. Much nicer than normal South eastern trains and get given priority on lines when there is congestion. If you can pay the extra cost then do.
One point what time will you be getting the train. If you're before 7 there are usually enough seats. After 7 they say getting on at Gills there is very few seats left so doubt there will be any by the time it's also done Chatham & Rochester.
Maybe give it a trial run or 2 at the time you want to assess whether you are likely to get a seat.
By 9.30am I’d already covered the full spectrum of emotions since leaving the house this morning.
First of all, the usual combination of rage, disgust and loathing as I wedged myself onto the late-running 8.30 service from St Johns to Cannon Street. I don’t usually get this one, and was surprised to find that the stupid c*%ts at South Eastern would run an 8 carriage train at the height of the rush hour. It was dangerously overcrowded and, as we enjoyed the view of Millwall’s ground from our stationary train, I also got to witness one bloke trying to help his missus not faint while other passengers tried to comfort a woman who seemed to be on the verge of having a panic attack. Obviously it goes without saying that we received no apology or explanation for the delay or the overcrowding. By the time we made it to Cannon Street I was seething with fury. One of the South Eastern gimps was letting people through a gate next to the barriers, but checking tickets as they went through. So I walked through and made a point of not showing my ticket, and he shouted something at me as I disappeared into the distance. That is what I’m reduced to these days, token minor acts of defiance.
Anyway, from anger to ecstasy when I got to work. For the 12 years I’ve been with my current employer, there has been constant speculation regarding the fact that the lease on our Kingsway office is up in 2019, and we’re obliged to find new premises. Today we found out where our new home will be from Summer 2019 – Canary Wharf.
I have a number of options to cover the 3.6 mile journey from St Johns to CW.
1. I can stroll down to Deptford Bridge or Elverson Road, 12-14 minutes on the DLR. 2. I could cycle down to Greenwich and through the foot tunnel. 3. I could wander down to the river and jump on the Thames Clipper 4. If it’s a really nice day, I could just walk it in about 45 minutes.
I’m not sure which option I’ll go for, but what I won’t be doing is mortgaging my internal organs to pay for an extortionate season ticket on C%*tEastern Trains just for the right to use their shitehouse semi-mobile misery cages anymore.
Today is a day for triumph, a day for kissing and hugging people that you wouldn’t normally kiss and hug. Well that’s what I thought, but apparently that can actually be construed as indecent assault and under no circumstances am allowed to make physical contact with the attractive Lithuanian receptionist, no matter how “celebratory” I’m feeling.
By 9.30am I’d already covered the full spectrum of emotions since leaving the house this morning.
First of all, the usual combination of rage, disgust and loathing as I wedged myself onto the late-running 8.30 service from St Johns to Cannon Street. I don’t usually get this one, and was surprised to find that the stupid c*%ts at South Eastern would run an 8 carriage train at the height of the rush hour. It was dangerously overcrowded and, as we enjoyed the view of Millwall’s ground from our stationary train, I also got to witness one bloke trying to help his missus not faint while other passengers tried to comfort a woman who seemed to be on the verge of having a panic attack. Obviously it goes without saying that we received no apology or explanation for the delay or the overcrowding. By the time we made it to Cannon Street I was seething with fury. One of the South Eastern gimps was letting people through a gate next to the barriers, but checking tickets as they went through. So I walked through and made a point of not showing my ticket, and he shouted something at me as I disappeared into the distance. That is what I’m reduced to these days, token minor acts of defiance.
Anyway, from anger to ecstasy when I got to work. For the 12 years I’ve been with my current employer, there has been constant speculation regarding the fact that the lease on our Kingsway office is up in 2019, and we’re obliged to find new premises. Today we found out where our new home will be from Summer 2019 – Canary Wharf.
I have a number of options to cover the 3.6 mile journey from St Johns to CW.
1. I can stroll down to Deptford Bridge or Elverson Road, 12-14 minutes on the DLR. 2. I could cycle down to Greenwich and through the foot tunnel. 3. I could wander down to the river and jump on the Thames Clipper 4. If it’s a really nice day, I could just walk it in about 45 minutes.
I’m not sure which option I’ll go for, but what I won’t be doing is mortgaging my internal organs to pay for an extortionate season ticket on C%*tEastern Trains just for the right to use their shitehouse semi-mobile misery cages anymore.
Today is a day for triumph, a day for kissing and hugging people that you wouldn’t normally kiss and hug. Well that’s what I thought, but apparently that can actually be construed as indecent assault and under no circumstances am allowed to make physical contact with the attractive Lithuanian receptionist, no matter how “celebratory” I’m feeling.
Genuinely disappointed to read about your good news.
By 9.30am I’d already covered the full spectrum of emotions since leaving the house this morning.
First of all, the usual combination of rage, disgust and loathing as I wedged myself onto the late-running 8.30 service from St Johns to Cannon Street. I don’t usually get this one, and was surprised to find that the stupid c*%ts at South Eastern would run an 8 carriage train at the height of the rush hour. It was dangerously overcrowded and, as we enjoyed the view of Millwall’s ground from our stationary train, I also got to witness one bloke trying to help his missus not faint while other passengers tried to comfort a woman who seemed to be on the verge of having a panic attack. Obviously it goes without saying that we received no apology or explanation for the delay or the overcrowding. By the time we made it to Cannon Street I was seething with fury. One of the South Eastern gimps was letting people through a gate next to the barriers, but checking tickets as they went through. So I walked through and made a point of not showing my ticket, and he shouted something at me as I disappeared into the distance. That is what I’m reduced to these days, token minor acts of defiance.
Anyway, from anger to ecstasy when I got to work. For the 12 years I’ve been with my current employer, there has been constant speculation regarding the fact that the lease on our Kingsway office is up in 2019, and we’re obliged to find new premises. Today we found out where our new home will be from Summer 2019 – Canary Wharf.
I have a number of options to cover the 3.6 mile journey from St Johns to CW.
1. I can stroll down to Deptford Bridge or Elverson Road, 12-14 minutes on the DLR. 2. I could cycle down to Greenwich and through the foot tunnel. 3. I could wander down to the river and jump on the Thames Clipper 4. If it’s a really nice day, I could just walk it in about 45 minutes.
I’m not sure which option I’ll go for, but what I won’t be doing is mortgaging my internal organs to pay for an extortionate season ticket on C%*tEastern Trains just for the right to use their shitehouse semi-mobile misery cages anymore.
Today is a day for triumph, a day for kissing and hugging people that you wouldn’t normally kiss and hug. Well that’s what I thought, but apparently that can actually be construed as indecent assault and under no circumstances am allowed to make physical contact with the attractive Lithuanian receptionist, no matter how “celebratory” I’m feeling.
Genuinely disappointed to read about your good news.
Don't worry mate, I've still got a year and a half to get through. Every chance that I'll lose the plot at some point and get sectioned for aggravated assault of a 376 Electrostar. I'll lose my job, and with a criminal conviction and a history of anger management issues, the only job I'll be able to get will involve getting the train to East Minster every morning.
By 9.30am I’d already covered the full spectrum of emotions since leaving the house this morning.
First of all, the usual combination of rage, disgust and loathing as I wedged myself onto the late-running 8.30 service from St Johns to Cannon Street. I don’t usually get this one, and was surprised to find that the stupid c*%ts at South Eastern would run an 8 carriage train at the height of the rush hour. It was dangerously overcrowded and, as we enjoyed the view of Millwall’s ground from our stationary train, I also got to witness one bloke trying to help his missus not faint while other passengers tried to comfort a woman who seemed to be on the verge of having a panic attack. Obviously it goes without saying that we received no apology or explanation for the delay or the overcrowding. By the time we made it to Cannon Street I was seething with fury. One of the South Eastern gimps was letting people through a gate next to the barriers, but checking tickets as they went through. So I walked through and made a point of not showing my ticket, and he shouted something at me as I disappeared into the distance. That is what I’m reduced to these days, token minor acts of defiance.
Anyway, from anger to ecstasy when I got to work. For the 12 years I’ve been with my current employer, there has been constant speculation regarding the fact that the lease on our Kingsway office is up in 2019, and we’re obliged to find new premises. Today we found out where our new home will be from Summer 2019 – Canary Wharf.
I have a number of options to cover the 3.6 mile journey from St Johns to CW.
1. I can stroll down to Deptford Bridge or Elverson Road, 12-14 minutes on the DLR. 2. I could cycle down to Greenwich and through the foot tunnel. 3. I could wander down to the river and jump on the Thames Clipper 4. If it’s a really nice day, I could just walk it in about 45 minutes.
I’m not sure which option I’ll go for, but what I won’t be doing is mortgaging my internal organs to pay for an extortionate season ticket on C%*tEastern Trains just for the right to use their shitehouse semi-mobile misery cages anymore.
Today is a day for triumph, a day for kissing and hugging people that you wouldn’t normally kiss and hug. Well that’s what I thought, but apparently that can actually be construed as indecent assault and under no circumstances am allowed to make physical contact with the attractive Lithuanian receptionist, no matter how “celebratory” I’m feeling.
Genuinely disappointed to read about your good news.
Don't worry mate, I've still got a year and a half to get through. Every chance that I'll lose the plot at some point and get sectioned for aggravated assault of a 376 Electrostar. I'll lose my job, and with a criminal conviction and a history of anger management issues, the only job I'll be able to get will involve getting the train to East Minster every morning be driving trains
Trains cancelled into London this morning from Orpington. So far this week not one journey has been on time. And on the radio they are talking about the amount of hours lost in traffic jams in this country well they should take a look at the average hours lost on the poxy trains.
Don't worry mate, I've still got a year and a half to get through. Every chance that I'll lose the plot at some point and get sectioned for aggravated assault of a 376 Electrostar. I'll lose my job, and with a criminal conviction and a history of anger management issues, the only job I'll be able to get will involve getting the train to East Minster every morning.
Thanks guys, the job is in ludgate hill, so my normal route when I go there is high speed - St Pancras, then jump on the thameslink 2 stops to city thameslink, which I believe you can do on a yearly return to London terminals for no extra.
It's the way it choose to go, costs are extortionate but, and the big but. You will be on a nice train, it hardly ever gets delayed, seats are becoming more of a premium and getting on at Strood you will run the risk of not getting a seat as canters said, before 7 you are ok, but after it is pretty packed at Chatham so by the time the service is at Strood it can be standing room only. which would really piss me off if I'd paid over 5 grand for a season
Not strictly Southeastern but I'm still gonna moan about it on here.
The train I get home from Victoria goes every half an hour. At 57 and 27. I usually get to victoria 10+ mins before my trqin to ensure i get a seat. If I'm getting the 27 it's fine no problems. But the 57 every time it's on the boards but with no platform announced. Those of us who do it regularly know it's either 5 or 2. Usually the train is sitting there on the platform with its full allotment of carriages but they won't announce the platform. They finally announce it 3 or 4 mins before the train is due to leave which prompts a race through the barriers and along the platform to get a seat. Why can't they, when the train is sitting there, just announce the platform 10 mins before and let people file in nice and calmly as and when they arrive. Pisses me off every time.
Happened today so I decided I'd make a point as I'm in one of those moods. So I went to the 'customer (mis)information point' and asked that very question. The reply? "It's a very busy station you know? It takes them time to assign it a platform". I replied "but it has a platform! It's already here!" The reply. "This is London Victoria you know. Not some small station with only 2 platforms".
I warned you Canters. 6 months in and you're already a broken, bitter, angry shadow of your former self, just as I predicted.
You need to start fighting back:
-Leave bits of chewing gum on the handle to the drivers cabin. - Queue up at one of their meet the manager sessions just to call one of the managers a twat, then flick him in the bollocks and walk off. -Annoy ticket inspectors by presenting them with a huge wad of old tickets with your ticket for today hidden somewhere in the middle. - leave a bag of dog turds at the far end of the platform, then direct platform staff towards this "suspicious package".
Just a few examples. This is a war, do not let them beat you.
Reminds me of when my train came in on the wrong platform some years ago, on the way to London. As I was at the bottom of the stairs with about 10 people still trailing me, the guard or driver shouted at me to get a move on. I replied there are plenty of people behind me & why not try coming in on the right fookin platform. The train didn't move and the driver/guard found me and said the train wouldn't move until I got off. I said I'm going nowhere. We sat there for about 5 mins & everyone hid behind their newspapers. The train set off after about 10 mins. Aaagghhh.
My f**king train dont have the heating on when its freezing inside and out - What the hell?
Snap, 3 out of the 4 toilets are locked since SE haven't addressed the technical fault they developed 3 months ago. And to top it all I'm sitting next to a cretin who hasn't learned to blow his nose and is sniffing every 10 seconds - perfect start to the weekend.
Reminds me of when my train came in on the wrong platform some years ago, on the way to London. As I was at the bottom of the stairs with about 10 people still trailing me, the guard or driver shouted at me to get a move on. I replied there are plenty of people behind me & why not try coming in on the right fookin platform. The train didn't move and the driver/guard found me and said the train wouldn't move until I got off. I said I'm going nowhere. We sat there for about 5 mins & everyone hid behind their newspapers. The train set off after about 10 mins. Aaagghhh.
Aaah !
The same old Covered End that Kitty learnt to love !
I warned you Canters. 6 months in and you're already a broken, bitter, angry shadow of your former self, just as I predicted.
You need to start fighting back:
-Leave bits of chewing gum on the handle to the drivers cabin. - Queue up at one of their meet the manager sessions just to call one of the managers a twat, then flick him in the bollocks and walk off. -Annoy ticket inspectors by presenting them with a huge wad of old tickets with your ticket for today hidden somewhere in the middle. - leave a bag of dog turds at the far end of the platform, then direct platform staff towards this "suspicious package".
Just a few examples. This is a war, do not let them beat you.
Or vote differently in the next election and get the government to accept responsibility for making your life a misery.
Every franchise is the same. Doesn't matter who takes over. Increased demand on Victorian infrastructure will never work. People want more trains an hour and then wonder why the back log around hither green/Lewisham. More trains cannot be accommodated. They need a tube station somewhere like Lewisham which will take the demand off the trains. Crossrail won't make a difference to the packed cattle trains on the Sidcup, Bexleyheath and Hayes line. Will maybe only change the Woolwich line.
Unfortunately there is no short term fix at all. Just look at similar TOC's who have the same demands as SE. Southern, SW, Thameslink, c2c are all crap.
Pre-Brexit planning by the Germans has closed London city Airport. I look forward to reading the stories of how it’s had a knock on effect on southeastern railways.
Pre-Brexit planning by the Germans has closed London city Airport. I look forward to reading the stories of how it’s had a knock on effect on southeastern railways.
My local franchise SWT was recently replaced by SWR ("slightly worse railway"). Same trains, same pathetic web site, same disillusioned staff doing exactly what they are told by the regulator.
They've been forced to implement delay repay which means season ticket holders no longer get automatic refunds and you have to apply for each journey via a web system which might have been put together by a child. Delay repay doesn't even apply when there are no trains at all and you can't travel. No one seems to know what to do when that happens.
The main difference since the change is that the profits now go to different share holders. So part of my fare ends up in some other pension fund to what it did before - who cares!
What gets me is during half time daytrippers travel to London after 9.30 to get cheaper fares but can travel home on commuter trains. Should have to travel back before 4pm or after 7pm.
And dont get me started on rucksacks on the tube. You are meant to take them off but most are so inconsiderate and dont. And the size of them. Looks like they are doing a year round Oz.
Comments
If you use the normal trains, apart from the extra time, you'd have to pay extra to use the tube from London Bridge anyway
Definitely worth using it if you can afford it - I'd use it more, the only reason I don't is because the train times from St. Pancras mean Id get home later using it than using the one from Cannon Street
One point what time will you be getting the train. If you're before 7 there are usually enough seats. After 7 they say getting on at Gills there is very few seats left so doubt there will be any by the time it's also done Chatham & Rochester.
Maybe give it a trial run or 2 at the time you want to assess whether you are likely to get a seat.
What a line. Incredible.
I'm happy today, but it's a long walk to freedom.
I am concerned someone has hacked MrLargo's account so could it be checked please.
I suspect there is a problem because the person posing as him just wrote "I am happy today"
Don't worry mate, I've still got a year and a half to get through. Every chance that I'll lose the plot at some point and get sectioned for aggravated assault of a 376 Electrostar. I'll lose my job, and with a criminal conviction and a history of anger management issues, the only job I'll be able to get will involve getting the train to East Minster every morning.
Fingers crossed.
The train I get home from Victoria goes every half an hour. At 57 and 27. I usually get to victoria 10+ mins before my trqin to ensure i get a seat. If I'm getting the 27 it's fine no problems. But the 57 every time it's on the boards but with no platform announced. Those of us who do it regularly know it's either 5 or 2. Usually the train is sitting there on the platform with its full allotment of carriages but they won't announce the platform. They finally announce it 3 or 4 mins before the train is due to leave which prompts a race through the barriers and along the platform to get a seat. Why can't they, when the train is sitting there, just announce the platform 10 mins before and let people file in nice and calmly as and when they arrive. Pisses me off every time.
Happened today so I decided I'd make a point as I'm in one of those moods. So I went to the 'customer (mis)information point' and asked that very question. The reply? "It's a very busy station you know? It takes them time to assign it a platform".
I replied "but it has a platform! It's already here!" The reply.
"This is London Victoria you know. Not some small station with only 2 platforms".
Stupid fucking idiots
Ohh and the entrance at Victoria is still closed.
Wankers.
You need to start fighting back:
-Leave bits of chewing gum on the handle to the drivers cabin.
- Queue up at one of their meet the manager sessions just to call one of the managers a twat, then flick him in the bollocks and walk off.
-Annoy ticket inspectors by presenting them with a huge wad of old tickets with your ticket for today hidden somewhere in the middle.
- leave a bag of dog turds at the far end of the platform, then direct platform staff towards this "suspicious package".
Just a few examples. This is a war, do not let them beat you.
The same old Covered End that Kitty learnt to love !
Unfortunately there is no short term fix at all. Just look at similar TOC's who have the same demands as SE. Southern, SW, Thameslink, c2c are all crap.
They've been forced to implement delay repay which means season ticket holders no longer get automatic refunds and you have to apply for each journey via a web system which might have been put together by a child. Delay repay doesn't even apply when there are no trains at all and you can't travel. No one seems to know what to do when that happens.
The main difference since the change is that the profits now go to different share holders. So part of my fare ends up in some other pension fund to what it did before - who cares!
Should have to travel back before 4pm or after 7pm.
And dont get me started on rucksacks on the tube. You are meant to take them off but most are so inconsiderate and dont. And the size of them. Looks like they are doing a year round Oz.