I'm a student in London, (in particular at Imperial College although this doesn't mean I'm a freak)....
I'm a student in London, (in particular at Imperial College although this doesn't mean I'm a freak). So I probably won't be reviewing any tropical paradises for you! Originally from Sunderland so that makes me a mackem and a footie follower by birth. M...
Member since:22.01.2001
Reviews:9
Members who trust:7
Sorry to rant about trains but there are a few things that need putting right.
The standard of Northern Spirit trains is not very high but the service does have good points which I think need pointing out.
Over the two years I used the service on a daily basis I noticed the staff were very good with disabled travellers and most of them stop to ask the many mothers who use the service need a hand with pushchairs, etc. I mention it because this is a point that has been picked up in the criticisms of the national rail operators, maybe they should follow Northern Spirits example.
Granted, I am one of the lucky people who live next to the 'reasonable' part of the Northern Spirit route. I found the service reliable, frequent and with the use of the teen travel monthly ticket I used, relatively cheap. On the occasions when I am in the region I have no quarms about the service as it eases the parental taxi burden and is quicker than getting them to drive! It's still cheap for a day out.
I think for a regional rail service in an area where the Newcastle metro is being given high priority - mostly due to the extension to Sunderland - it is providing a reasonable service.
I would certainly never contemplate getting the bus as the journey was far too long, (unless you take the more speedy very early morning service) and it also 'moves around' a lot.
With a service every 15 to 20 minutes I believe Northern Spirit provides a valuable service to the residents of the area who don't have cars, and I know of a lot of drivers who travel by rail to avoid the morning rush. It also provides a valuable and quick through service to the Metro Centre allowing some of the local kids some freedom in a safe environment. As a young person my parents had no quarms about letting me go to the Metro Centre at night by rail.
I'd like to correct an error also, Northern Spirit does not run a service from Darlington to London - that is the GNER line (or at least for the present time).
And for any regular traveller you may have the joy of being serenaded by their singing conductor who likes to say hello and goodbye in a variety of languages. It was always the highlight of my journey.
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Good review - a couple of cheeky questions though if you don't mind...I'm off to uni at Durham this year and was wondering if you knew much about the state of transport (particularly late at night) between Durham and Newcastle? Are there any late train or bus services running at the moment targeting students?
Gardenex 30.01.2001 23:48
Hi Lucy
I think that this is a very fair opinion and not biased like so many rail ones are.
I see you are from Sunderland does that mean you worship Peter Reid !
He's done a great job .
I'm adding you to my trust circle .Please consider adding me if poss .
All the best Lee ( gardenex)
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DC-DanielColeflax 15.04.2007 (20.07.2007)
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