As a student i have the need to use a South West Trains service from Surbiton to Weybridge and also travel occasionaly into London Waterloo from Hampton Court.
When i travel from Surbiton the trains at peak time are frequent - every 5-10 minutes. The station staff do help but sometimes are busy dealing with other procedures. The fleet of trains used are very nice with new Class 455's (red blue metro style) and the long distance 450's and 444's.
The desiro trains are spacious and more comfortable than the older class 455's, which have all windows scratched, no CCTV and moderate risk of attack or muging on late night services. I'm not sure how bad they would be in summer but can immagine that air-con failures will get passengers into a terrible mood.
I am worried about the lack of Guards visible on-train and revenue protection staff which should be visible tackling fare evaders. No wonder revenue is cut short if staff are cut short! I also have never encountered the so-called "Travel Safe" officers on trains, only saw them at London Waterloo, do they think robotic CCTV will replace real security?
This also links onto their "Rip-Off" fares. Yes if you are within Zones 1-6 and you travel Off Peak you can get travelcards for as low as £4! But when you start talking about peak fares you will be shocked: From Esher to London Waterloo Travelcard costs £16!!! Also my single ticket from Surbiton to Weybridge is £3!!! Doesn't sound much but considering it is only 2 stations away it's quite a premium to pay.
Season tickets may be good value for £2000 a year but i think that Free car parking needs to be incorporated to encourage more season ticket purchases
As for the Unreliability, some trains are delayed by about 15 minutes and all just because it left late from London Waterloo or it's Terminus. South West Trains need to run more trains on time and consider what a difference the lateness makes to people's commutes
All in all travel standards are improving but you need to consider: is there a faster and more reliable way to complete my journey?
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I paid just under £3000 for my season from Woking to Waterloo and then an additional 700 for the car park! The car park is not even next to the station - it takes 10 minutes to walk to the station entrance!
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Mar 20th, 2007
very helpful by (17%):
helpful by (83%):
