They're not getting there (Connex)

Member Name: timtm

Product:	Connex
Date:	09/05/01 (74 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheapish within travelcard zones, Less hassle than driving

Disadvantages: Dirty trains, Unreliable timetables

I catch a Connex SouthEast train every weekday to work, and another back home. Since I live at a terminating station, the trains are normally on time leaving there; it's only after I've left that it all goes wrong.

Note that I said normally above; there have been occasions when the 08:03 train's been cancelled at 08:15 or later, when they discover there isn't a train or driver available. Surely it would have been obvious before then ...

Anyway, my morning train generally fills up by the fourth stop, which means that those waiting at the fifth, sixth or seventh try and push on to a full train. The eight stop is London Bridge, when half the train empties - and the arrival time here varies considerably.

The train's normally filthy, with seats too narrow for anyone who's not Kate Moss to sit in. You're lucky if you get a seat, however, since as I said the train's out of even standing room by the fourth stop London-bound.

The train home isn't quite as bad, but I get the feeling I travel after the main rush. Trains are still full of rubbish and grime, though.

There's a long way to go yet, Connex. You can try updating the timetables in Charing Cross and Waterloo East for a start.

Summary: