Finally...we are getting there! (London Midland Trains)

Member Name: excelsior81

Product:	London Midland Trains
Date:	18/08/09 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: New trains, more seats, happier travellers

Disadvantages: Still mega busy at peak times

As a regular commuter into London I spent years being frustrated by my train journey. With the advent of the congestion charge trains into London became busier and busier and essentially over crowded to the point where I discovered that I was travelling into work earlier and earlier in the mornings... along with more people who had the same idea!

Initially my service into London was provided by Silverlink trains. This changed almost overnight with the introduction of London Midland trains,. The next big change was the introduction of Oyster cards which enabled me to have a cheaper journey...so far so good!

London Midland may be the beneficiary of good timing, but there is no doubt that the train journey into London from Watford Junction has improved a great deal in the past year in particular.

The first big change was the introduction of new trains. the trains come with better seats, air-conditioning, more toilets and much bette rlighting. You immediately feel safe when you board them. The announcements are better and clear and there are up to the minute screens inside that tell you which stations are being approached.

The next big change was the introduction of longer platforms, so that bigger trains could arrive at our stations. Suddenly...we had space to sit! It is regular in the mornings and evenings now that each train has at least twelve carriages....they used to have four!

Next, the stations were all improved. We had better lighting and security guards late in the evenings which made everyone feel much happier. Better fencing was introduced and the areas directly outside of our stations were painted and new signage erected.

All in all it was a good deal for commuters north of London, particularly at weekends with more frequent Sunday services.

The staff remained the same and yes, it is fair to say that some leave a lot to be desired, but more staff are friendlier before, perhaps in part to happoer commuters on the journeys. I particularly like the extra guards in the mornings who ensure that everyone pays their fares, this of course, reduces the amount that we all play.

All in all the deal that we as commuters get into London is improving which is only good news. The advent of the Oyster and the acceptance of this on London Midland trains has also helped reduce the cost of fares into the centre of the city.

The service runs from London Euston and now goes as far as Liverpool, but primarily it is used as a cheaper, yet longer commuter option to Birmingham.

The website is excellent also and has a great range of special offers, live up to date timetable information and essentially, information regarding track closures and engineering works.

I am for the first time in a long time a happy commuter and even if rarely I am unable to get a seat now...at least I more often than not feel chilled by refreshing cold air!

Summary: Try it instead of driving into the centre of London