When trying to offer a better passenger experience, the rail industry is programmed to focus on punctuality. But my family’s experiences over the summer show a poor correlation between trains on time and stress-free journeys.

This was quite a damning read, and not just for the sake of being damning. I can relate to a lot of it. I think the most common feeling I have on the trains is one of uncertainty: do I have the right ticket, am I on the right train, will i get a seat? It’s frustrating that the everyday experience is so poor - even if they’re running late, they don’t have to be so stressful.

  • fakeman_pretendname@feddit.ukEnglish
    3·
    8 天前

    That’s a great article and makes a very good point - I agree that the list of stressful factors doesn’t start and end with punctuality.

    I’d also add ones like:

    • Will they send a two, three or four carriage train for the hundreds of people on this platform?
    • Will we all fit on?
    • If we fit, will it be cramped, standing room only and dangerously overheated?
    • Will it have openable windows or air conditioning, both or neither?
    • Will the over-filled, 40°C interior train be stuck at a signal in the boiling sun for 40 minutes, whilst they let “more important” trains go past?
    • Will I dehydrate, suffocate, have a panic attack or die?