Southeastern rail commuter 'would rather cycle through hurricane' than pay train fare hikes (From This Is Local London)

Everyone complains about substantial fare increases yet still pay because they feel they have no alternative. Well you could cycle to work and save pounds you could even dump your gym membership as you would be fitter or try working from home a couple of days if your job allows it or even a combination of both. Even getting off a stop or two early -say outside a zone 1 as an example and walking the rest could save you money too.

New Cross to London Bridge is a fair old trot, but I'm with ya...free Tibet and all that!

adx1220 wrote:
Everyone complains about substantial fare increases yet still pay because they feel they have no alternative. Well you could cycle to work and save pounds you could even dump your gym membership as you would be fitter or try working from home a couple of days if your job allows it or even a combination of both. Even getting off a stop or two early -say outside a zone 1 as an example and walking the rest could save you money too.

Nice idea - it's 16 miles from Dartford to my office in London, it would take around 2 hours on a bike.

So....bringing the conversation back to reality, I stopped getting angry and upset at the annual rise a long time ago, there's little point.

But nevertheless, it is a joke - my train is late into Waterloo East practically every day. There's no air conditioning on the trains during the summer and the drivers whack the thermostat up to "Inferno" as soon as it gets a little chilly.

And God forbid we have snow again, as it'll mean more cancellations and explaining to the boss why I'm the only one in the office who cannot get into work.

Southeastern = Perennial joke

Ho ho ho.

"Where is the ceiling? I just don’t think it’s going to stop. It just doesn’t feel right and I don’t think it’s fair at all.

Strange photo of Brian Milligan (commuter) commenting about his roofless, runaway train. He looks pretty happy to me!

As an alternative, and depending on where you live I would suggest getting a zones 1-2 travelcard, then getting a bus to North Greenwich or Lewisham and getting the tube/DLR instead.

This will save you a significant amount of money, and the sooner people stop using Southeastern, the sooner Southeastern will get the message.

Also if you can afford it, I would strongly recommend getting a yearly travelcard just before New Year. That way you'll travel virtually the whole of next year at this year's rate.

It's definitely worth checking the TFL or other travel sites and finding alternative and cheaper ways of getting around.

I hope this helps to some extent.

Has anyone look at how much other rail company that go into London cost?
I have travelled on many services out and in of London to Surrey and Essex. Both cost a lot and the trains and platforms were very dirty, old and very run down, to the point on one train i would not sit down. Also trains were late and cancelled a lot. Its annoying when the prices go up, trains run late and so on, but to me there no point getting up set over it because other things in life are more important.

This is legalised robbery. Every day there is a train failure and when you are on a train it ends up sitting outside London Bridge and the feeble excuse of congestion is given. We've been promised improvements every year, but they never crystalise. The seats on the trains from Bexleyheath are full by the time we reach Falconwood and people are often taken ill. Off peak is worse, only 2 trains per hour unlike South Western's 4 per hour. Animals get better treatment.

South Eastern are a complete shambles!!

For the last 3 weeks there have been problems in the morning and evenings. This morning 3 trains cancelled from Eltham station, and all the staff were hiding. Can't remember the last time SET apologised for their poor service, instead we get told that skateboarding or smoking on the platform is illegal.

SET are a joke.

What really annoys me is the media confusing inter city travel with commuting. Commuters have to stump up the full fare there and then and can't get discounts by booking in advance.
Where are the improvements? Every day there is a signal or points failure. Trains are always breaking down, leading to even more delays. They run with fewer carriages and that means you travel like a sardine. Too many managers on inflated wages and bad planning.


The on board announcements are an added pain in the neck.

ajppja wrote:
Has anyone look at how much other rail company that go into London cost? I have travelled on many services out and in of London to Surrey and Essex. Both cost a lot and the trains and platforms were very dirty, old and very run down, to the point on one train i would not sit down. Also trains were late and cancelled a lot. Its annoying when the prices go up, trains run late and so on, but to me there no point getting up set over it because other things in life are more important.

"Other things in life" is irrelevant; we are discussing paying more and more for a detiorating service. If we all just sit on our hands this exploitation will continue.

I asked Southeastern on Twitter (@SE_railway) why they were putting up prices by 5.9% on one line while C2C are actually cutting fares by 0.6% from Shenfield in Essex. SET replied saying that the Govt sets the policy.

I pointed out that the Govt only sets the maximum and that, as shown by C2C, SET didn't have to use it. I also asked if performance had improved by 5.9%, they told me that if I had any other issues I should contact their support centre.

As to cycling from Dartford taking 2 hours, get real. I used to cycle from Welling to Whitehall in 40 mins.

When all is said and done, companies such as South Eastern Trains, and the power companies, can charge what they like and the only way to stop them is to organise a boycott of the services. As that is not likely to happen because we live a country where gullibility and sheep mentality prevails, we have got to put up with them increasing prices as and when they like.

Lest not forget, that the London Bridge development starts in May next year. I have previously praised the South Eastern service, but I'm big enough to change my mind. Recently (last 2 months in particular), there seem to have been a lot of problems. Sitting outside London Bridge for 10 to 20 mins is a regular occurance. I hate to think what it's going to be like when the redevelopment starts! I believe there will be two platforms closed at any one time for the next 5 years! It's going to be a nightmare! May try DLR from Lewisham to Bank but have a feeling that lots of people will also be doing that.

More trouble last night and this morning.

PaulErith - I told you your opinion on SET was wrong months ago. I'm please you have come round.

:-)

Len Kivingstone wrote:
When all is said and done, companies such as South Eastern Trains, and the power companies, can charge what they like and the only way to stop them is to organise a boycott of the services. As that is not likely to happen because we live a country where gullibility and sheep mentality prevails, we have got to put up with them increasing prices as and when they like.

Although you may have a point about the sheep mentality, the main problem is the lack of other options. If there were two lines running into London and we could choose which operator to use, then things would certainly be different.

But for the vast majority of us, we have to use their trains, which makes it even more frustrating.

Dont like Sky? Switch to Virgin. Don't like Vodafone? Switch to O2. Don't like Southeastern? Tough.

Last week, my train into Waterloo East was late every morning. But when you phone up to complain, you get the same old message about them hitting their percentage target for the last 3 months (or whatever) - so as far as they'e concerned - and in the eyes of the government, they're doing a good job.

And with depressing predictability (read my earlier post) my train this morning was ridiculously hot, how nobody collapsed in the heat is beyond me.

Take your coat, hat, scarf and gloves off then.

Think the Editor might want to correct the mistake in that article. Dartford to London is cheaper than Bexley to London? Add another £1000 to the price in the article and it might be a bit more accurate.

@the wall

Do you know what, I didn't even think to do that. Silly old me. If only someone as clever as you had been on the train, you could have provided me with the intellectual guidance I so clearly needed.

the wall wrote:
More trouble last night and this morning. PaulErith - I told you your opinion on SET was wrong months ago. I'm please you have come round. :-)

Indeed you did! I honestly hadn't had many issues at that time, hence my opinion back then. However, really can't understand why it's been so bad recently. Every day there seems to be 'congestion at London Bridge' so the automated message tells me. Surely there's the same number of trains every day! Very frustrating.

Dartbored wrote:
@the wall

Do you know what, I didn't even think to do that. Silly old me. If only someone as clever as you had been on the train, you could have provided me with the intellectual guidance I so clearly needed.

No problem, this is free advice. If it doesn't work then it could be an age thing......ave you tried HRT?

But seriously I have seen many people still wrapped up like Scott of the Antarctic turning whiter and whiter as more people get on the train.

Not entirely sure HRT is advisable for men in their 30's, but I'll check with my doctor all the same.

Mind you, there could be some interesting side effects.....

Although I doubt I'd ever make it to work if I had my own set of "fun bags" to play with.

Vote with your feet - I had enough of the Crayford to Charing Cross, delays all the time, people moaning, obese people sitting on me - general lack of room!

Bought myself a 125cc Scooter, 30 mins quicker each way, doesnt get delayed, doesnt get cancelled & only costs £140 a month inc insurance and fuel so up yours South Eastern!

You all have a choice - there is more than 1 way to get to work.

adx1220 wrote:
Everyone complains about substantial fare increases yet still pay because they feel they have no alternative. Well you could cycle to work and save pounds you could even dump your gym membership as you would be fitter or try working from home a couple of days if your job allows it or even a combination of both. Even getting off a stop or two early -say outside a zone 1 as an example and walking the rest could save you money too.

Oh great idea! NOT!!! shame my hubby cant bring his construction site home with him, dont get time for a gym membership as up and at work before 7am (means leaving home at around 5.30am get home ( depending on train times) 9pm yeah he could get off at lewisham and walk to W1, Great Idea Adx1220. I dont think his usual train home has ever got in at the time its supposed to, the other week due to leaves on the line he got an earlier train and got home later, train took and extra 45 minutes longer due to having to go so slow!

SidcupResident wrote:
As an alternative, and depending on where you live I would suggest getting a zones 1-2 travelcard, then getting a bus to North Greenwich or Lewisham and getting the tube/DLR instead. This will save you a significant amount of money, and the sooner people stop using Southeastern, the sooner Southeastern will get the message. Also if you can afford it, I would strongly recommend getting a yearly travelcard just before New Year. That way you'll travel virtually the whole of next year at this year's rate. It's definitely worth checking the TFL or other travel sites and finding alternative and cheaper ways of getting around. I hope this helps to some extent.

I commute from Bexleyheath to West Kensington by train and tube but today I tried the 486 to North Greenwich then the Jubilee & District Line. Yep its cheaper, £8.10 vs £11.80 but it took 2 hours and was pretty uncomfortable! I'd rather spend the extra £3.70 and get to work 40 minutes quicker......

the wall wrote:

Dartbored wrote: @the wall Do you know what, I didn't even think to do that. Silly old me. If only someone as clever as you had been on the train, you could have provided me with the intellectual guidance I so clearly needed.

No problem, this is free advice. If it doesn't work then it could be an age thing......ave you tried HRT? But seriously I have seen many people still wrapped up like Scott of the Antarctic turning whiter and whiter as more people get on the train.

That annoys me when people insist on still wearing their scarves and hats, but then want the window open. Depending on where you're sitting, it can be pretty drafty and cold with the window open. Take off the layers first before opening a window! Rant over!! :)

PaulErith wrote:

the wall wrote:

Dartbored wrote: @the wall Do you know what, I didn't even think to do that. Silly old me. If only someone as clever as you had been on the train, you could have provided me with the intellectual guidance I so clearly needed.

No problem, this is free advice. If it doesn't work then it could be an age thing......ave you tried HRT? But seriously I have seen many people still wrapped up like Scott of the Antarctic turning whiter and whiter as more people get on the train.

That annoys me when people insist on still wearing their scarves and hats, but then want the window open. Depending on where you're sitting, it can be pretty drafty and cold with the window open. Take off the layers first before opening a window! Rant over!! :)

It is very rude when they open the window seconds after boarding the train without acclimatising to the temperature and without asking anyone else if it is ok to do so. Equally annoying are those people who get on board and sit on the outside seat when the one by the window is unoccupied. They usually are travelling all the way in to London so why? It is amazing the number of people who look at the empty seat and still stand. Third annoying thing is the overkill with announcements. Do we really need to be reminded about leaving luggage unattended every flipping day?

.

meatmadras wrote:

SidcupResident wrote:
As an alternative, and depending on where you live I would suggest getting a zones 1-2 travelcard, then getting a bus to North Greenwich or Lewisham and getting the tube/DLR instead. This will save you a significant amount of money, and the sooner people stop using Southeastern, the sooner Southeastern will get the message. Also if you can afford it, I would strongly recommend getting a yearly travelcard just before New Year. That way you'll travel virtually the whole of next year at this year's rate. It's definitely worth checking the TFL or other travel sites and finding alternative and cheaper ways of getting around. I hope this helps to some extent.

I commute from Bexleyheath to West Kensington by train and tube but today I tried the 486 to North Greenwich then the Jubilee & District Line. Yep its cheaper, £8.10 vs £11.80 but it took 2 hours and was pretty uncomfortable! I'd rather spend the extra £3.70 and get to work 40 minutes quicker......

I think you're in a no-win situation anyway. Sadly Bexleyheath - West Kensington is always going to be a lengthy and uncomfortable journey, no matter which mode of transport you use.

Also out of curiousity, why is your travel from Bexleyheath - Kensington costing £11:80? A zone 1-5 peak single is currently £15:80...
http://www.tfl.gov.u
k/tickets/fares-2012
/26103.aspx

That was the reason why I suggested the bus and tube method, which was half the price.

If we're having a Monday rant, I'll throw one in.

I'm a fairly tall bloke with broad shoulders so when I sit on an outside seat, I always sit a couple of inches "off centre". It just means I'm not cramped right up next to the person by the window and it makes it more comfortable for both of us.

However, if I'm sat by the window, no-one ever does the same when they sit down, they make sure they're right in the middle and are therefore squashed right up against me.

It's almost like they're trying to prove a point.

If you're reading this - a quick message: I CAN'T MAKE MY SHOULDERS SMALLER, NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TUT.

Thank you, rant over.

Bexleyheath station itself needs improving. The newspaper vendors need to be re-sited away from the ticket sellers and machines because it gets too overcrowded at peak times. Secondly, why is there only one train time indicator per platform? As there are no announcements anymore you only have this one source of information when the trains are delayed.The only announcements made are the pointless "the Station is a dangerous place" and the inevitable "unattended luggage" ones.

Eric501 wrote:

PaulErith wrote:

the wall wrote:

Dartbored wrote: @the wall Do you know what, I didn't even think to do that. Silly old me. If only someone as clever as you had been on the train, you could have provided me with the intellectual guidance I so clearly needed.

No problem, this is free advice. If it doesn't work then it could be an age thing......ave you tried HRT? But seriously I have seen many people still wrapped up like Scott of the Antarctic turning whiter and whiter as more people get on the train.

That annoys me when people insist on still wearing their scarves and hats, but then want the window open. Depending on where you're sitting, it can be pretty drafty and cold with the window open. Take off the layers first before opening a window! Rant over!! :)

It is very rude when they open the window seconds after boarding the train without acclimatising to the temperature and without asking anyone else if it is ok to do so. Equally annoying are those people who get on board and sit on the outside seat when the one by the window is unoccupied. They usually are travelling all the way in to London so why? It is amazing the number of people who look at the empty seat and still stand. Third annoying thing is the overkill with announcements. Do we really need to be reminded about leaving luggage unattended every flipping day? .

Agree about the announcements. Well over the top! Between every station being told that 'The next station is...', then 'We'll shortly be arriving at...', followed by 'This station is.....'. There's so little distance between most stations that these three messages arrive within seconds of each other.

It's good to have a rant sometimes! :)

So, I'll add another incredibly annoying thing. Mobile phones! People really need lessons on how to use them in public. Having audible key tones and then texting constantly is a pet hate. Even when just a small click, it grinds after a while. Turn it to silent when on a train! It's not difficult to have some respect for fellow passengers.

I sit on the outside seat because if I sit on the seat by the window my legs are jammed against the seat in front which is very uncomfortable. However if any short legged individuals want to sit in the window seat they only need to ask.

CityWorker1 wrote:
I sit on the outside seat because if I sit on the seat by the window my legs are jammed against the seat in front which is very uncomfortable. However if any short legged individuals want to sit in the window seat they only need to ask.

The distance between the seats is the same, though?

So, I'll add another incredibly annoying thing. Mobile phones! People really need lessons on how to use them in public. Having audible key tones and then texting constantly is a pet hate. Even when just a small click, it grinds after a while. Turn it to silent when on a train! It's not difficult to have some respect for fellow passengers.”

I agree, they are a real pain. I also hate the trivial and mundane conversations they have with their other halves, especially when they shout into the damned thing.

Eric501 wrote:

CityWorker1 wrote: I sit on the outside seat because if I sit on the seat by the window my legs are jammed against the seat in front which is very uncomfortable. However if any short legged individuals want to sit in the window seat they only need to ask.

The distance between the seats is the same, though?

Can spread into the aisle on the outside.