According to the Medja as represented in these sticks by The Berwickshire, National Express is not only launching a new diesel 125-the fifth to come into service out of the 13 high speed trains in its stable but also refurbished carriages with complete 'makeovers'. Softer seats, improved back support , folding arm rests, more luggage racks, laminated glass,sparkling vanity units in upgraded toilets ( which you can use when the train 'is standing in the station' ?) and more 'customer friendly' vestibules to read NE's promotional literature in great comfort.

We had little of that on our recent journey south- except the free Internet access. But at a download speed of 18bps (except when going down hill so it took me 15 minutes to open the National Express 'Welcome to' Website)-but even this facility was restricted by the customer indifferent, by your seat, three pin plug sockets not working. I complained to the cheery ticket inspector, aka Deputy (acting) Train Crew Leader. ' Oh you can blame GNER for that' he said. Rather lost interest with the rest of their franchise, I imagine.

No doubt all will work well in the the refurbished rolling stock. Did I say
'No Doubt' ?

Someone told me that National Express have not changed their original slogan:

'ITS BETTER BY BUS'

(Thankyou Jenniferjlea of Flickr for the image: its title is apt:
'Overtaken by a National Express Bus)

Labels: East Coast line, GNER, National Express

  ¶ 10:15 AM