The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun, can you read my mind - the killers- . ...
The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun, can you read my mind - the killers- . hi all. im trying to read lots of reviews . and write good ones for you to read, this is my second stint at ciao..... . Been at uni, i got a 1st .. woohoo
Member since:21.06.2007
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Midland mainline is owed by the national rail express group, which was founded after British rail underwent privatisation back in 1996. The mainland mainline organisation is based in Derby and in 2006 midland mainline won the award for Passenger Operator of the Year at the national rail awards.
Routes
Midland main line takes the route as in its title, the midland main line. This runs from Sheffield to London. Although the highest point on the line is Leeds you generally have to travel to Sheffield after the morning rush hour to travel on these trains as only a hand full run out of Leeds in the early morning and thus returning later at night. The day time trains run from Sheffield calling at Chesterfield, Derby, Loughborough, Leicester,
Kettering, Wellingborough, Luton and terminating in the new St pancras station. Midland main line also runs a principal train service to Nottingham. Midland main line also operates fringe services to Scarborough, Burton on Trent and Barnsley. These are less frequent compared to the Sheffield and Nottingham trains and therefore if departing from these destinations to travel on this route planning is required. Journey times from Sheffield to London take about 3 hours depending on how many stops, and from Nottingham it only takes 2 hours.
Trains
Midland main line uses two types of automotive power, the new Meridian Trains and the old but refurbished high speed trains ( HSTs). Although the HSTs are a few decades older these are the more relaxing to ride on. The HSTs have been refurbished too a very high standard, ride comfort is still excellent, the seating arrangement to the windows is perfect and you still have leg room so you don’t feel crammed in. In complete contract the Meridians are unfortunately poor. They possess hard seats with legroom that could be compared to a package holiday aeroplane. The seating does not match up to the windows so you have to strain your neck to see any views ( exaggerated but hopefully you get my point of view) . All in all you feel like the trains have not been made for passenger comfort, as it seems more emphasis was made on getting them off the production line and into use as soon as possible.
On board facilities
Like most travel operators you again get the feeling that if you do need refreshments that you will “have to pay for it” and with Midland mainline this is no exception, apart from some services doing free tea and coffee service a sandwich will typically set you back ~£2.50 for the most basic. A hot drink and a pastry can cost £2 if you take advantage of the special offers currently available. Hot snacks range from £2.45 form soup to £3.50 for a bacon butty. All hot drinks are 99p.sprits and alcohol is again on the high side ranging from £3.25 for a spirit to £7 for a small bottle of wine.
Staff
Staff on board the midland mainline trains are generally friendly and pleasant to talk too, offering assistance where need be. Having said this being friendly and pleasant with them (as with most places) helps to achieve your desired goals.
Cost of Travel
Like any train company travel can be as cheap or expansive as YOU the customer want it to be. Booking a month in advance you can easily get tickets from Sheffield to London for about £7, but if bought on the day it can cost £53. So planning your journey (not just on the midland main line but anywhere) well in advance can save you lots of money.
Links
www.midlandmainline.com
Overall account.
Overall I find midland mainline to be a very reliable and pleasant experience, I however am not found of the new “production line esc” meridian trains and prefer the more relaxing and combatable HST’s. I would advise travellers to buy any food or drinkable good prior to departure as this will save you money if you were intending to eat or drink using the on board facilities. Although this route is not as fast as the east or west coast main lines it does offer excellant value for money and if your are ok for the train to take an extra hour to london compaired to the the other routes this line can and will save you money!!
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Jun 22nd, 2007
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