Train operators accused of 'astronomical' fare rises

[Paddy]

What does "tolerant" mean? Never heard of it!!!

It's Chinese software used for downloads

[original PM]

Always amazes me when you go abroard how good the public transport system is - like get of the plane -- get on the train

always on time always clean (ok only really done Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam!) but maybe it is the same in other countries.

I think it is an attitude issue - as all on this board seem to look down there nose at public transport and it is seen as a neccesary evil

where as in europe it seems that public transport is the backbone of the infrastructure and car ownership (and 1 upmanship) is less prevelant.

[Spacecadet]

Always amazes me when you go abroard how good the public transport system is - like get of the plane -- get on the train

always on time always clean (ok only really done Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam!) but maybe it is the same in other countries.

I think it is an attitude issue - as all on this board seem to look down there nose at public transport and it is seen as a neccesary evil

where as in europe it seems that public transport is the backbone of the infrastructure and car ownership (and 1 upmanship) is less prevelant.

I've been on coach trips in 3 countries other than the UK, those being Dominican Republic, Brazil and Malaysia.
Get on a coach here and you'll spend 5 hours in a seat so cramped your knees are either side of your head.
Coaches else where, decent leg room - 2 coaches had fully reclining seats, drinks served during the trip and the other passengers didn't look like they were on the run.

Public transport here isn't even a second class option (second class is a slightly crapper car) its the last option.

[d000hg]

What's public transport like in the US? I get the impression it's worse than here but that might be totally untrue.

[stillooking]

The new booking & ticket engine that Virgin (and others) are now using on has subjected the average rail journey to massive hikes.

From a long term user of west coast lines etc, bring back nationalisation/BR.. whichever govt in power will just continue to allow these corporate pariahs to screw the paying customer.

If I could just make my train set a little bigger I'd put a bid in for the next franchise.

[lilelvis2000]

What's public transport like in the US? I get the impression it's worse than here but that might be totally untrue.

In the cities and surrounding areas the service is very good and a whole of a lot cheaper than here. Plus you don't have all the issues of private bus companies just cutting service and raising prices when they feel like.
If its all about demand, then how come football supports that come up here on the train - essentially packing them all out - arn't charged the 'peak time' fare. Naaah its all a rip off.

though I don't think the OFT can do anything as the government has allowed them to do it.

its all maggie thatcher's fault I tell ya.